Berserk: The Golden Age Arc follows Guts, a lone mercenary who joins Griffith’s Band of the Hawk, rising from brutal battles to fleeting camaraderie. Key themes include ambition’s cost, fragile dreams, loyalty’s betrayal, and humanity’s darkness.
This curated collection highlights 25 canonical quotes from manga and anime, balancing triumphs, bonds, and tragedy.
I told you long ago that you belong to me Guts
Episode 22 (1997 anime: Wakare)
Griffith
Claims dominion over Guts post-victory, revealing possessive ambition that foreshadows their rift.
In this world, nothing is more changeable than a man’s heart
Chapter 10 (Vol. 3, manga)
Griffith
Exposes dreamer’s vulnerability during fireside talk, underscoring betrayal’s inevitability.
Dreams breathe life into men and can cage them in suffering
Chapter ~40 (Vol. 6, Golden Age)
Griffith
Articulates ambition’s dual edge to Charlotte, tying personal drive to collective sacrifice.
I won you that day by my sword. Your life, your death they are both mine
Episode 22 (1997 anime: Wakare)
Griffith
Challenges Guts to duel for freedom, marking peak of their brotherly yet unequal bond.
Among thousands of comrades… only you made me forget my dream
Chapter 78 (Vol. 14, post-torture)
Griffith
Confesses Guts’ irreplaceable impact, humanizing his obsession before Eclipse doom.
This sword is the proof that I have lived
Chapter 18 (Vol. 5, after duel)
Guts
Affirms independence by leaving Hawks, embracing self-forged path over servitude.
I will never draw my sword for another man again, or be dangled by another man’s dream
Episode 22 (1997 anime)
Guts
Rejects Griffith’s kingdom, sparking character growth toward autonomous struggler.
Perhaps this is what I was looking for my whole life… Why don’t I ever realize what I have until it’s lost
Chapter 85 (Vol. 14, pre-Eclipse)
Guts
Reflects on belonging amid Hawks’ campfire, evoking regret’s sting before betrayal.
Struggle, endure, contend. For that alone is the sword of one who defies death
Eclipse (Chapter 73-86, Vol. 13)
Skull Knight
Urges Guts’ survival in blood-rain hell, embodying relentless human defiance theme.
When you confront those who lurk in the darkness, you also envelop yourself in it
Chapter 36 (Vol. 7, Hill of Swords)
Guts
Warns of moral corrosion in battle, highlighting Golden Age’s encroaching shadows.
Do I need a reason each time I put myself in harm’s way for your sake?
Chapter 42 (Vol. 8, Judeau talk)
Casca
Admits loyalty to Guts during hilltop gaze, showing her evolution from soldier to lover.
If he’s going to sacrifice everything for his dream… I want to be his sword
Chapter 11 (Vol. 3, Casca backstory)
Casca
Vows devotion to Griffith, revealing agency reclaimed from trauma via combat role.
Death on the battlefield comes regardless of class, royal or common. The loser must die!
Early Golden Age (Vol. 4 battle)
Griffith
Declares war’s equality in slaughter, fueling Hawks’ rise through meritless meritocracy.
Whether it’s good or bad, it’s so unfortunate to wake up during a dream
Chapter 32 (Vol. 6, camp reflection)
Judeau
Laments illusion’s shatter post-victory, contrasting dream-chasing with harsh reality.
You’ve stepped over thousands of dead… behold the gifts at the summit of your bloody quest
Eclipse (Chapter 74, God Hand)
Void
Mocks Griffith’s ascent via sacrifice, climaxing ambition’s theme in demonic ritual.
The Band of the Hawk ain’t gone yet… Take care of Casca
Chapter 68 (Vol. 12, Gaston dying)
Gaston
Rallies amid Doldrey fall’s aftermath, underscoring unbreakable mercenary brotherhood.
Look around… This is where you’ll go! This is your Eden!
Chapter 85 (pre-Eclipse echo, Vol. 14)
Griffith
Lures Hawks to doom-border, perverting dream into battlefield of regret.
It’s all your fault! Griffith wanted you!
Episode 24 (1997 anime)
Casca
Blames Guts in rage post-rescue, exposing jealousy and Hawks’ fracture.
When a man aspires to greatness, he must also bear a great burden
Mid Golden Age (camp speech, anime)
Casca
Acknowledges leadership’s toll, deepening her from fighter to wise commander.
If you follow me… the entire world is a battlefield
Chapter 85 (Vol. 14, persuasion)
Griffith
Promises conquest’s chaos, seducing followers with twisted vision of paradise.
You are the only one!
Eclipse buildup (Chapter 82, Vol. 14)
Casca
Screams Guts’ primacy to Griffith, fracturing loyalty in emotional climax.
From now on, my battles are my own
Post-duel (Chapter 18, Vol. 5)
Guts
Severs Hawk ties peacefully, forging identity amid serene farewell.
We can get there… keep fighting
Chapter 50s (Vol. 10, pre-fall)
Corcas
Encourages persistence in war council, highlighting comradely hope before despair.
Martyrdom for a merciless God
Eclipse (Chapter 73, Vol. 13)
God Hand
Condemns Hawks’ sacrifice, amplifying fate’s cruelty in ritual’s horror.
Hate is a place… where a man who can’t make his own dream waits for someone to blame
Chapter 36 echo (Vol. 7 reflection)
Griffith
Warns dreamlessness breeds resentment, tying to Guts’ rage post-Eclipse.
