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People adore Berserk (the manga, not any of the other material), and for good reason. It’s become so bad with players trying to compare every aspect of Elden Ring to Berserk that finding a genuine influence or reference is now difficult to even talk about. That said, let’s mention some of the ones in Elden Ring that a lot of players are finding and pointing out and talk about whether they’re direct references or (more likely) just small bits of influence here and there.
8 The Erdtree: Berserk’s World Spiral Tree
First off, the Erdtree in Elden Ring has to be mentioned. So many people are comparing the Erdtree to Berserk’s World Spiral Tree which first appeared in Volume 37. Let’s just get this out of the way and say that there are a ton of different “world trees” in many different cultures and religions. For one, Yggdrasil, the Norse Mythology iteration of the World Tree, is by far the most well known. But, there are plenty of other examples in other cultures ranging from Hungarian to Chinese.
That said, the way that the branches of Elden Ring’s Erdtree seem to stretch along the entire sky and how the top branches look more like they’re made of light than anything else do seem incredibly similar to the World Spiral Tree.
Additionally, the World Spiral Tree in Berserk is what links the Physical and Astral Plains together, for better or for worse, and the Erdtree in Elden Ring is the main way that the “Great Will”, an Outer God, is able to interfere in the Lands Between.
7 The Greatsword: Guts’ Dragonslayer & Golden Age Swords
Next up, let’s talk about another commonly recurring Berserk reference in FromSoft games, the Greatsword design. It’s no stretch of the imagination to say that Guts’ Dragonslayer Sword from Berserk is one of the most iconic swords in media. This sword, usually described as a literal slab of iron that no human should be able to wield, is so incredibly iconic.
And, the same sword (as well as Guts armor, etc.) has been reimagined in the Greatsword designs of multiple Dark Souls games as well as Elden Ring. That said, the Greatsword in Elden Ring, in particular, its hilt and grip, share a lot more visually with Guts Golden Age Arc Greatsword than his Black Swordsman Dragonslayer (except for the size of the blade, of course).
6 The Sword Graveyards: The Band Of The Hawk’s “Hill Of Swords”
Going from the most commonly talked about reference to the least talked about, next up are the Sword Graveyards in Elden Ring. There are a good ten or so of these spread throughout the Lands between and they’re usually outside or nearby one of the games Castles or Legacy Dungeons. Each one of them includes a bunch of swords with their blades stuck into the ground almost like tombstones, with one large Greatsword at the center with carvings made into the blade.
These carvings usually give a bit more lore to specific important characters in Elden Ring, but the Graveyard itself is obviously inspired by The Hill of Swords, a memorial to the Band of the Hawk after the Eclipse in Berserk.
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Yes, other stories and media have used the concept of a graveyard of swords previously, but Guts is one of the most well-known sources and the Greatsword at the center once again points to Guts. And, considering the relatively recent death of manga author, Kentaro Miura, a Hill of Swords reference does feel more appropriate now than ever.
5 The Arsenal Charm Talisman: Guts As A Character
While the Arsenal charm has the least direct evidence linking it to Berserk so far, it’s one of the references that players are most confident in. For one, Guts past the Black Swordsman arc of the manga is known to carry a literal “Arsenal” of weapons with him beside the Dragonslayer such as bombs, throwing knives, and even cannonballs for his metal arm.
Two, the sword seen on the Arsenal charm is a gigantic sword, again hinting towards the Dragonslayer. And finally, the item description of the Arsenal Charm talks about it being made from a Greatsword long ago wielded by a hero who hungered for vengeance, which was Guts’ main goal in the Berserk storyline.
4 Crystal Tears Of The Wonderous Physick: The Crystal Tears Of An Apostle
This next reference was found a bit more recently, and if it is a direct reference to Berserk, it shows that director Hidetaka Miyazaki is even more of a Berserk fanboy than previously led on. As it turns out, the different “Crystal Tears” that players can obtain from defeating Erdtree Avatars look almost identical to the Crystal Tear seen in chapter 83 of Berserk (known as the “lost” chapter).
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In this “technically” non-canon Chapter, Griffith literally meets with God during his transformation into Femto and sheds his final tear as a human before losing all emotion, known as a Crystal Tear. If one were to connect the lore of the Crystal Tears in Berserk back to Elden Ring, it does give some implications that the Erdtree Avatars might have once been something more human before becoming these “Apostles” of the Erdtree.
3 Malenia’s Unalloyed Gold Helm: Farnese’s Holy Iron Chain Knights Helmet
Now, these references are starting to get a bit less ironclad and are more debatable as “influenced” by Berserk or media like Berserk rather than just direct references. First up on the list of these influenced designs, let’s talk about the similarities between Melania’s Helmet and Farnese’s Holy Iron Chain Knights Helmet. Whether it’s the wings on the side of the helmet, the faceplate similarities, or the “angelic” iconography of the helmet itself.
That said, it’s more likely that Malenia’s designs take more inspiration from Valkyries from Norse mythos than strictly Farnese in Berserk, but who’s to say that both didn’t play into the final design?
2 Miquella’s Transformative Cocoon: Femto’s Wing Egg-Shaped Transformation Pod
While players have been searching every nook and cranny of Elden Ring for Berserk nods, there has been a constant theory that’s been popping up, and that’s the comparison between Griffith of Berserk and Miquella of Elden Ring, who fans think will have a similar “Hero turned Villain” moment.
Miquella is barely seen at all in Elden Ring, and most of what the player knows about him is his cursed childlike appearance, his magical charm, and fervent dedication to improving the lives of everyone around him. But there are slight hints in some Item Descriptions throughout the game that point toward Miquella having some darker aspirations or motives. This is where people like to think that he’ll be Miyazaki’s version of Griffith becoming Femto. And, there’s no better moment of this comparison than Miquella’s arm coming out of the cocoon in Mohg’s arena.
Not only does this “transformation” Cocoon bear some tonal similarities with Griffith’s self-made egg shape after turning into Femto, but the arm outstretched also looks a lot like the classic cover art for Berserk of an arm reaching for a Behelit.
1 Blaidd’s Promotional Pose & General Design: The Iconic Berserk Armor Pose & Guts Influences
Berserk fans might be wondering why this is last on the list, given how immediately people drew up this comparison between Blaidd and Guts. Well, frankly, it’s just because there’s not much else about Blaidd other than his dog-like loyalty to Ranni and large sword that make him anything like Guts.
Yes, the post he makes in some promo art for Elden Ring does look very similar to Guts’ iconic pose in the Berserker Armor, but Miyazaki has referenced this pose many times before. In fact, Artorias of the Abyss, as a character, is a giant Guts reference.
In any case, Blaidd and Guts do have some similarities, and the comparisons of his relationship with Ranni and Guts’ relationship with Schierke aren’t unfounded either.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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