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Mysterious, grotesque, and powerful—the Behelit is the key to fate in Berserk. Learn how this crimson object triggers transformation, sacrifice, and destiny.
Introduction:
At the heart of Berserk’s darkest moments lies a strange, silent object: the Behelit. With its twisted, human-like face and blood-red color, the Behelit is more than a cursed artifact—it is the key to destiny, a tool that decides who will rise, who will fall, and who must be sacrificed.
But what is it, really? Who controls it? And why is it so feared?
Let’s explore the Behelit’s terrifying role in the Berserk universe.
What Is a Behelit?
A Behelit is a supernatural object that appears as a small egg-shaped pendant, usually crimson, with randomly placed facial features—eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
When activated, the Behelit’s face shifts and aligns into a screaming expression, opening a gateway to the God Hand.
Behelits are not activated by choice. They respond only when fate deems it necessary—specifically, during a moment of extreme despair or emotional collapse.
Types of Behelits
There are two main types:
- Crimson Behelit – Used by ordinary humans to become Apostles by sacrificing a loved one. These are rare but not unique.
- The Egg of the King (Blue/Crimson Hybrid) – A special Behelit destined for someone who will become a member of the God Hand. Griffith possessed this one, leading to his transformation into Femto.
The Egg of the King is the most powerful Behelit, tied directly to the Idea of Evil and cosmic causality.
How It Works: The Process of Activation
- The user reaches their lowest point – physically, emotionally, and spiritually broken.
- The Behelit activates on its own – face reconfigures, often accompanied by disturbing sounds or blood.
- The God Hand appears – reality distorts as they enter the Interstice.
- A sacrificial choice is offered – to gain power, the user must offer a loved one(s).
- The sacrifice is branded – and the user is reborn as an Apostle or God Hand.
The Behelit doesn’t grant a wish. It delivers fate.
Griffith’s Behelit: The Egg of the King
Griffith’s Behelit is a unique item given to him early in the story by an old fortune-teller, who tells him that it will activate when his ambition and suffering align perfectly.
It ultimately does—during the Eclipse—after his dream is shattered, his body broken, and his will twisted. The Behelit opens the door for him to become Femto, the fifth member of the God Hand.
This moment cements the Behelit as not just a plot device—but the very engine of transformation in the Berserk world.
Symbolism of the Behelit
The Behelit represents:
- Inevitable fate – you don’t use it; it uses you.
- The price of ambition – you must lose something human to gain something divine.
- Twisted rebirth – it offers a second chance, but only after blood has been spilled.
Its grotesque human face is a reflection of the soul inside it—twisted, screaming, bound to the void.
Are Behelits Evil?
Not exactly.
They don’t force people to act. They present a choice—however cruel. The Behelit is neutral, but the context it creates often leads to horror.
In this way, Berserk critiques ambition and desire. How far are you willing to go to achieve your dream? Would you kill for it? Would you sacrifice love?
That’s the real horror of the Behelit.
Conclusion
The Behelit is more than a cursed object—it’s a symbol of Berserk‘s core themes: ambition, sacrifice, destiny, and despair. It doesn’t just change lives—it ends them.