Kentaro Miura’s “Berserk” is a manga that weaves a rich tapestry of dark fantasy, filled with supernatural entities, demonic forces, and otherworldly beings. While the manga’s world may appear entirely fictional, it draws upon various mythological and historical sources to create a mythos that adds depth and complexity to its narrative. In this article, we will delve into the mythology behind “Berserk’s” supernatural entities, exploring the inspirations and influences that shape the series’ supernatural world.
The God Hand: A Dark Pantheon
At the center of “Berserk’s” supernatural realm stands the God Hand, a group of five god-like beings who serve as the primary antagonists in the series. These enigmatic entities possess immense power and manipulate the destinies of mortals, often pushing them toward tragedy and despair.
The concept of god-like beings or deities manipulating the fate of mortals has roots in various mythological traditions. In “Berserk,” the God Hand embodies the idea of malevolent deities akin to the capricious gods of ancient Greek mythology. The God Hand’s manipulation of events and their cruel designs parallel the whims of gods like Zeus or the Fates, who toyed with the lives of humans in Greek mythology.
The Idea of Evil: A Profound Entity
The Idea of Evil is a pivotal and mysterious entity in “Berserk,” residing in the Abyss and orchestrating the actions of the God Hand. This metaphysical being is the embodiment of mankind’s collective subconscious desires for causality and purpose in a chaotic world.
The concept of a cosmic entity representing the collective desires of humanity draws inspiration from philosophical and religious themes. It touches upon the idea of a universal consciousness or a higher power that influences the course of events. In this sense, the Idea of Evil reflects elements of existential philosophy and the human quest for meaning in an indifferent universe.
Apostles: The Forsaken Souls
Apostles in “Berserk” are humans who have sacrificed their humanity to gain demonic powers, often serving the God Hand in exchange for their desires. These monstrous beings play a significant role in the manga’s narrative, acting as both antagonists and tragic figures.
The concept of individuals making pacts with dark forces or sacrificing their humanity for power is a recurring theme in folklore and mythology. The Faustian bargain, popularized by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s “Faust,” is a notable example. Faust, a scholar, makes a pact with the devil in exchange for knowledge and worldly pleasures, a narrative archetype that echoes in the stories of “Berserk’s” Apostles.
Behelits: The Keys to Transformation
Behelits are mystical artifacts in “Berserk” that serve as conduits for the God Hand to initiate the transformation of individuals into Apostles. These enigmatic items are characterized by their eye-like design and play a crucial role in the manga’s plot.
The eye-like symbolism of Behelits draws parallels to the “evil eye” motif found in various cultures. The concept of an evil eye, often associated with envy or malevolence, is believed to bring misfortune or harm to those it gazes upon. In “Berserk,” Behelits are not only catalysts for transformation but also symbols of impending doom and supernatural influence, echoing the mythology of the evil eye.
The Skull Knight: A Mysterious Figure
The Skull Knight is a recurring enigma in “Berserk,” a mysterious warrior who opposes the God Hand and offers cryptic guidance to the protagonist, Guts. His skeletal appearance and spectral steed add an air of mysticism to the character.
The Skull Knight’s character design and role in the narrative draw from various mythological and literary sources. The motif of a spectral figure guiding a hero is a common archetype in mythology and folklore. Similar characters, such as the spectral guide in Dante’s “Divine Comedy” or the Wild Hunt in European mythology, serve as mysterious and otherworldly entities guiding mortals through perilous journeys.
The Astral World: A Realm Beyond Reality
In “Berserk,” the Astral World is a parallel dimension inhabited by supernatural beings and demons. It coexists with the mortal realm and often intersects with it, allowing creatures from the Astral World to influence and invade the material plane.
The concept of parallel realms or otherworldly dimensions is a recurring theme in mythology and folklore. In various cultures, there are beliefs in realms inhabited by spirits, gods, or supernatural creatures that interact with the mortal world. The Astral World in “Berserk” reflects these cross-cultural ideas and adds a layer of complexity to the manga’s supernatural elements.
Causality: The Inescapable Web
Causality is a fundamental concept in “Berserk” that underscores the idea that events are interconnected and predetermined by supernatural forces. The notion of causality is deeply rooted in philosophical and theological discussions about fate and determinism.
The idea that events are influenced by unseen forces and that fate is inescapable is a recurring theme in religious and philosophical traditions. Concepts like predestination in Christianity or karma in Hinduism explore the idea that actions have consequences dictated by a higher order. In “Berserk,” the concept of causality adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the characters’ struggles against an inexorable fate.
Conclusion
“Berserk” masterfully weaves together elements of mythology, folklore, philosophy, and existentialism to create a rich and immersive supernatural world. Kentaro Miura’s deep appreciation for these themes enriches the narrative, providing readers with a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition within a dark and fantastical realm.
The manga’s supernatural entities, from the malevolent God Hand to the tragic Apostles, draw from various mythological and literary sources, adding depth and complexity to their characters and motivations. As “Berserk” continues to captivate and challenge readers, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of mythology and folklore in shaping contemporary storytelling and our understanding of the supernatural.
