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In Berserk, Apostles are terrifying demonic beings—but they were once human. Learn how Apostles are created, what they sacrifice, and why they are central to the story’s darkness.
Introduction:
The Apostles in Berserk are grotesque monsters with terrifying powers and a single horrifying truth—they were once human. Twisted by pain, desperation, and the dark bargains offered by the God Hand, these beings traded their humanity for strength.
But what do they really gain? And what do they lose?
This article explores the origins, nature, and role of Apostles in the nightmarish world of Berserk.
What Is an Apostle?
An Apostle is a former human who sacrificed someone—or something—they loved most in exchange for inhuman power. This transformation is offered by the God Hand, typically during a moment of extreme despair or emotional collapse.
The ritual involves the Behelit, a mysterious egg-shaped object that activates when the conditions of fate align.
Once the sacrifice is made, the person is reborn as a demonic monster, often with hideous, symbolic forms that reflect their sins or desires.
How Apostles Are Created
- A human falls into absolute despair – betrayal, death, humiliation, or loss.
- They possess a Behelit – usually unknowingly.
- The Behelit activates – summoning the God Hand.
- They’re offered a choice – sacrifice someone they love in exchange for power.
- The sacrifice is made – and they are branded.
- They transform into an Apostle – forever losing their humanity.
It’s a deal with the devil—except in Berserk, the devil wears a god’s face.
Why Do People Accept?
Desperation. Rage. Helplessness.
People become Apostles because they feel trapped by fate. The offer of power and purpose is irresistible when everything else has failed. It’s an escape—but it comes at a devastating cost: the death of loved ones and the destruction of the soul.
It’s not evil for the sake of evil. It’s evil born from human emotion—which is what makes it so terrifying.
Notable Apostles
- The Count – A once noble ruler, now a bloated demon obsessed with control and revenge.
- Rosine – A young girl who becomes a moth-like Apostle to escape childhood abuse.
- Wyald – A brutal, sadistic Apostle who serves as a symbol of unchecked violence.
- Zodd – One of the oldest and strongest Apostles. Unlike many, Zodd respects strength and fate.
Each Apostle is different, shaped by their trauma, ambition, or madness. Their forms reflect their innermost desires—or their deepest regrets.
Powers and Abilities
Apostles gain:
- Enhanced strength and speed
- Near-immortality
- Shapeshifting abilities
- Control over minor demons or beasts
But they also become physically monstrous and spiritually disconnected. They can no longer return to the human world—not as they once were.
Apostles vs. Guts
Guts, branded by the Eclipse, becomes a target for Apostles. He doesn’t fear them—he hunts them. His sword, the Dragonslayer, is soaked with their blood. Guts becomes a nightmare for the very monsters who prey on others.