The Empathy of Guts - A Black Swordsman Arc Analysis || Berserk

Guts is a kind empathetic man, and I will die on that hill!
I hope you all liked this video, it's easily the biggest project I've worked on since starting my channel and it was honestly a bit tough to finish it in time. But I did it and here it is and I'm happy I did! ^-^
Have a great day, and follow me on twitter :D
EvynneX

[@justserhii8339]

Hey there, haven't been here in a while, like 2,5/3 months or so? God, sounds like such a long time when you say it out loud, doesn't seem like it in reality. Glad to see you keeping at it, and even doing such a grand undertaking as Berserk, great video, this manga had a great influence on my life, as far as I'm concerned it could have been the very thing that allowed me to survive until now and guide me albeit indirectly. I read it when I was 14 and so it's easy to imagine why my critically undeveloped mind simply couldn't comprehend the complexity of things I saw, but nonetheless I couldn't stop devouring the story like there is no tomorrow, really good stories have that trait when you know that you "need to know" it even if you don't understand why. The Black Swordsman Arc is such a great piece of story and it's incredible how much it opens up to you the more you read of the story after it. Like here you have Guts who is trying to suppress his emotions and hide behind a facade out of necessity as you put it, to me he seems just like a normal human being looking for en excuse not to do anything, he learned the lesson hard way, about commitment to a relationship and was scarred by it, so now he just wants to run and hide from it like so many people do. And so who does he meet on his journey, the very first person we as readers ever experience as his "comrade"? His very opposite in the moment, Puck, who can be described with one word - "pure", he embraces himself and the world to the extent that he feels pain of others not unlike his own. And they befriend each other, because they are the same, only that one of them is lost his footing for a moment, where Guts laughs and covers it up, Puck cries tears and it gets through to Guts, because deep down he knows that what he really wanted to do is cry himself. And then later when we catch on to them he goes to look for Casca and chooses his destiny , to fight for his connection as you put it, and just to think that... he could have been Griffith, sacrificing everything and anything for his ambition(warped as it is at the moment) but he chose the path of being true to himself, not to achieve some elusive ideal but to simply strive for good to the best of his ability right here in the moment, and it was all possible because of his encounter with one little annoying ball of pure goodness, that didn't let him go astray of his own self. To pack such a thing into a first arc before any of "the real story" actually starts, it just shows such a vision, and it also gives great hope as you read through all the terrible tragedies that will unfold, and also great strength and courage. Like, bad things will happen to you, they happen to everyone all the time, but you have strength inside you to weather them, to properly shoulder and navigate them.(Also not trying to push them onto others on the example of an old man) Such a strong message, and it's just layers upon layers upon layers. And then I have people tell me they don't like Black Swordsman Arc, because it's boring, there is no context and why is it even in the beginning and I'm perplexed as what to answer, because it doesn't seem like we read the same story. Anyways, sorry as always to make you read a wall of text if you ever bother to, great to see you doing well and eagerly await any and all Berserk content. I cannot promise to watch it "ongoing" as I am "clawing my way out of hell" at the moment so to speak, but I will do my best to remember and set aside some time, because I really enjoy your videos, they are all great fun, you even got me to rewatch and finish HxH, which I wasn't the biggest fan of to begin with, but Berserk? Now you've grabbed my attention by the throat. Have a nice day.

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Wow thank you for your words!! Lots of really great points, it’s interesting how similar and different Puck and Guts are to each other ^-^ and I agree, the Black Swordsman arc is an incredible start to the story I hope you find your way out of the rough time you’re havin’, struggle and survive through all of it and you’ll make it to better days ^-^

[@Viper-py4pg]

I’m glad Berserk gave you strength to face your personal battles even when they’re out of your control 😇 TBH I think Black Swordsman came first not only because of Miura wanted to redo his initial prototype submission to that magazine (Young Animal?) but it came out 1989 right? It’s jarring, stands out, you see a stoic, dark swordsman on the cover then *BAM* page one this mans is doing a demon “woman” taking place at any given time in his solo journey post Eclipse. You’re presented with an adult manga, a dope looking protagonist who’s been *hurt* inside and out. He destroys a demon and encounters the God Hand. There’s a lot more at work behind the scenes then we know and we NEED to know more. You’re hooked and 9/10 are ready for the next chapter and to learn the story of this Black Swordsman. Basically it sells the manga in a time where emotions are less important than Hollywood action, yet the entire series has aged better than fine wine and is genuinely deep, crafted with more of the author’s attention to detail uncovered each time you revisit any given volume. It’s a masterpiece written by a genius who leaves little up to chance/coincidence. The Black Swordsman Arc was a smart business decision that sets up your heart to be broken, uplifted, rebuilt and scarred whether you became a fan in 1989 or 2019. We’ve been privileged to experience Berserk for 30 years and I hope millions more are touched by concept, think critically about it and share it with others. Guts is #1 Gaifu and I’ll root for him forever! 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheYired]

Underrated video. Black Swordsman arc has amazing reread value, while also introducing us to the world of Berserk.

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you, I really appreciate it ^-^ and seriously!! I see somethin’ new every time I come back to it~

[@magnawaves]

Very good work dude. Black Swordsman is often slept on when it's absolutely crucial setup for the rest of the story and Guts as a character

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you!! ^-^ I agree, it really sets up the rest of the story perfectly (plus it gets better and better on re-reads)

[@izukumidoriyaisssss3049]

@@EvynnexEvynne I literally just finished catching up with the manga today. And while I understood from the beginning that Guts is just hiding away from his pain and sorrow through a facade of "survival of the fittest." Due to Miuras incredible use of facial Guts' expressions. Because he realizes that this is a visual medium. And wants to rely on his artwork to tell his story, rather than having a ton of dialogue, unless it's necessary. But I couldn't quite understand all the empathetic moments he showed, until I watched this. So thank you for it. I'm glad you could help explain how I felt about his quest for vengeance. Rather than demonising it, like so many other people do. However, after reading the whole thing over the last 2 months. I'd like say something else about why he was fighting this war on his own, rather than letting people help him. I personally think it's because the trauma of the eclipse, also completely parallels the trauma of what happened to Guts when he was with Gambino's mercenary band. Let me explain. After Guts was sold out to Donovan by Gambino. He completely denied that Gambino could do such a thing to him. Because he looked up to him, and loved him like a father. But just a while later, he learns the harsh truth when Gambino tries to kill him, and tells him that "You killed Shisu" with his dying breath. Blaming him for his mother's death, as well as obviously being responsible for his father's. Then for the next three years, he isolates himself from people, unable to trust anyone, and not even letting anyone else touch him, due to being betrayed by the person he loved the most. Until he meets Griffith and finds a new place to belong, and new people to call family. As well as looking up to Griffith and loving him like a brother. Just like he looked up to, and loved Gambino. Then of course he leaves, causing Griffith to act rashly, and screw everything up. Then of course, the eclipse happens. And Guts is once again betrayed, by the one he looked up to, and loved almost more than anyone, (the one he loves the most being Casca of course.) But then, Griffith, just has to take his betrayal one step further. And rape the person Guts loves the most, right in front of him. Fully circling back to the way Guts was betrayed by Gambino. So, just like last time he was betrayed. He decides to isolate himself from others. Not just out of empathy for their safety, or fear that he'll lose them. But also fear that he'll get betrayed again. My biggest piece of evidence for this, is the whole "not letting people touch him" thing. Because, as we see in the golden age arc. The trauma of his past betrayal fades away. As he grows close to the band, and feels true comradery and friendship for the first time. But then, after he's betrayed again, in a similar way to how Gambino betrayed him. Then the whole, "not letting people touch him" comes back in the black Swordsman arc. Until he meets puck, showing him true compassion and empathy, for the first time since he left Godo's mountains. By healing his physical wounds, he also starts to heal the mental wounds Griffith's betrayal inflicted on him. So, yeah. That's my opinion on why he decided to fight alone instead of accepting help in the beginning.

[@Viper-py4pg]

TBH I think _Black Swordsman_ came first not only because of Miura wanted to redo his initial prototype submission to that magazine (Young Animal?) but it came out 1989 right? It’s jarring, stands out, you see a stoic, dark swordsman on the cover then *BAM* page one this mans is doing a demon “woman” taking place at any given time in his solo journey post Eclipse. You’re presented with an adult manga, a dope looking protagonist who’s been *hurt* inside and out. He destroys a demon and encounters the God Hand. There’s a lot more at work behind the scenes then we know and we NEED to know more. You’re hooked and 9/10 are ready for the next chapter and to learn the story of this Black Swordsman. Basically it sells the manga in a time where emotions are less important than Hollywood action, yet the entire series has aged better than fine wine and is genuinely deep, crafted with more of the author’s attention to detail uncovered each time you revisit any given volume. It’s a masterpiece written by a genius who leaves little up to chance/coincidence. The Black Swordsman Arc was a smart business decision that sets up your heart to be broken, uplifted, rebuilt and scarred whether you became a fan in 1989 or 2019. We’ve been privileged to experience Berserk for 30 years and I hope millions more are touched by concept, think critically about it and share it with others. Guts is #1 Gaifu and I’ll root for him forever! 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheMrstevewalker]

I'm a simple man.. I see a Berserk notification, I drop my phone and joint out of excitement trying to click

[@srslydoatm9251]

You just made me realize how much more amazing The Blackswordsman Arc is. Thank you

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Yay it warms my heart that it resonated with ya ^-^ Berserk is such a masterpiece~

[@Mahawww]

Great interpretation and analysis of the arc! I would like to add that part of the reason Guts pushed all those ghosts that tried to possess him back is because he believes everyone should fight their own battles- struggle if you will- and not rely on others to fight them for them, which is a running theme throughout the entirety of Berserk. I really like the Black Swordsman arc, it's just ingenious set up for everything that happens in the golden age, relating to guts of course, without being explicit with any of it and I think you showcased pretty well some of that hidden depth in this video! Tl;dr: Good shit. Good. Shit.

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you!! ^-^ And yea, I definitely agree! There’s SO much to unpack, the theme of fighting your own battles/dreams is explored from so many angles... gah what a masterpiece of a series! It’s a great opening to the series and makes re-reads all the more enjoyable!

[@andymares3594]

great video! I’m just confused to why people are saying Godo is right and for guts to just stop his mission. I’m like isn’t he BRANDED?! He literally cannot run from the evil that is chasing him.

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you!! ^-^ To be fair, Godo didn’t really know the full extent of what Guts was dealing with. Whether he was right or not about Guts abandoning his war is a question that’s posed time and time again throughout the series. Should he live to avenge, or to protect? I’m not so sure there’s a correct answer. Even though he’ll be attacked either way, no matter what he does people will get hurt. Those’re just my two cents anyway, I’d be curious to hear more of your thoughts on it 🤗

[@TheMrstevewalker]

Another great video. It just proved a tiny bit more why Guts is one of the best written characters in fiction. After I'm done my 2nd read thru of Kingdom. It's time for my 3rd read thru of Berserk. It's just too good

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you so much!! I gotta get on that third Berserk reread myself ^-^ Guts is SO good

[@zerot480]

I really apreciate that you made this video. I was tired of all those pvs5ys that cry about this first arc of Berserk, saying it is "EdGy" and that they h4t3d Guts. First of all, edgy is a word mostly used by crybabies who don't understand characters like Guts. For me, edgy applies only to br4ts who make though jokes to offend rather than to make someone laugh. That's it about that word and it fits them perfectly. Second of all, you explained perfectly the reason of Guts being that way. I understood it too when I first read the manga and I felt sad for Guts because he doesn't seem like an ¡d¡0t who bullies everyone, he is a broken man that tries to hide his pain to avenge his friends, to avenge all of what he has lost. The people that really believe that a person can act like that just because "He'S eDgY, bRo, fr fr" is stvp¡d or just can't empathize with someone else or simply ask themselves "Why does he act like that?"

[@digitalcthulhu143]

Lmao when I saw the berserk anime from 1997 I fell in love with the first episode my mans had jo mercy for the snake baron. The "edginess" is what brought me into this series and I am glad it started out the way it did.

[@zerot480]

@@digitalcthulhu143 Indeed, man. That first chapter is pure gold and it works like a way to keep you interested in Guts and to find out why he's like he is

[@Viper-py4pg]

Hey dude I subscribed! I really *genuinely* enjoyed your analysis/interpretation, editing/style and your voice was just so freaking pleasant! Please do more Berserk! I’ve probably watched _every_ discussion/breakdown video on the site and now yours. I would love to see more and I’ll check out your other videos. Building a channel is quite a journey, but I look forward to being a part of yours :3 😇🥰☺️👌

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Wow, thank you so much!! ^-^ it warms my heart that what I have to say resonates with you, I’ll 100% be doin’ more Berserk content! I look forward to makin’ more content for you to enjoy ❤️

[@jj-km3ez]

This is really great! I would love to see you do a video on lost children. Subscribed

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you so much!! I’ll definitely have to think about a lost children analysis, it’s a truly fantastic arc 🤗

[@eldevenirdelostiempos9764]

I agree 100 %, but what's the name of the song?

[@thebiggestofmen]

Fantastic analysis 👏

[@EvynnexEvynne]

thank you!! ^-^

[@legendary3952]

This was great. Thank you very much 🙏 ☺️

[@EvynnexEvynne]

I’m so happy you enjoyed!! ^-^

[@legendary3952]

Evynne x Evynne I subscribed ☺️

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Ay I’m honored!! I’ll do my best to put out more content you enjoy ❤️

[@ciro7765]

Excelent analysis

[@ToneSherpa]

that was great man. do more!!!!!

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you so much!! I’ll do my best 😁

[@RandomPerson28337]

Guts at his worst

[@CyphersBasement]

Great. The title of this video has me asking about seeing a video from you called "The Sympathy of Griffith". Great.

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Ooh, I may have to do something like that in the future :o thank you for the suggestion~

[@robbiebay8868]

I hear that Hunter x Hunter song in the background. You are a man of culture as well.

[@EvynnexEvynne]

HxH’s another favorite of mine for sure :D gotta love the culture 😤

[@mariamchannel123]

Fantastic vidéo congratulation

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you so much ^-^

[@FrffyVsBoredom]

Awesome video!

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you!! ^-^

[@SuhbeTV]

Great video

[@EvynnexEvynne]

Thank you 😁

[@TheAngelmisa]

I saw the new recent chapter of berserk of this year....Its amazing how berserk too long to get to where it is now.....Berserk began in............... ...................1989.......................I think berserk will end before I turn 35 years old........

[@EvynnexEvynne]

It’s pretty wild to think about how long of a journey it’s been! Especially since it seems like we’re getting close (relatively speaking) to the endtimes

[@TheAngelmisa]

Evynne x Evynne Agreed I have been a berserk fan since 2015. Endtimes?

[@EvynnexEvynne]

I just mean that it seems like we might be approaching a big climax of the story 🤗 I could be wrong tho~

[@8bitmagic]

Do I hear like super slow paced HxH music?

[@EvynnexEvynne]

You do :D I made this video before I gave every vid its own background aha~

[@kuronosaiko]

bruh...