Berserk: What Does Zodd Want?

Berserk: What Does Zodd Want?

Key Takeaways

  • The story of Berserk revolves around the battle between humanity and the demonic forces of the God Hand.
  • Nosferatu Zodd is one of the most powerful Apostles, known for his devotion to combat and mastery of various fighting styles and weapons.
  • Zodd’s ambition is to find the strongest warrior to battle them, making him a formidable rival to Guts.

As a long-time fan of Berserk, I can confidently say that one of my favorite characters is none other than the enigmatic and powerful Nosferatu Zodd. With his 300-year lifespan, he’s been a constant presence in the series, leaving destruction and chaos in his wake.


In simpler terms, the narrative of Berserk boils down to a continuous struggle between mankind and malevolent supernatural entities, led by an enigmatic collection of omnipotent demons known as the God Hand – a quintet of deity-like beings causing devastation and turmoil wherever they go. The most fearsome members of their following are called Apostles, each possessing unique abilities that make them extremely hazardous.

Out of all the Apostles, none is more formidable than the cherished Nosferatu Zodd. Despite being one of Guts’ most powerful and ancient adversaries, Zodd has endeared himself to fans and has occasionally aided the main characters, demonstrating that for all his demonic nature, he still clings to his individuality and dignity. Now, let’s delve into Zodd’s motives and objectives in Berserk.

Who Is Nosferatu Zodd?

One of the First Apostles in the Story

First AppearanceBerserk, Volume 5, Chapter 2, “Nosferatu Zodd (1)”
Debut Date23 October, 1992
Story ArcGolden Age Arc

In the narrative, Zodd debuts as an early Apostle, having been a demon for approximately 300 years. Known as one of the most formidable characters in the entire ‘Berserk’ universe, he has devoted his existence to mastering and perfecting combat. Consequently, he has spent the majority of his life engaged in battle, leading him to acquire the title ‘Nosferatu’, a reference to a battle deity, due to his apparent immortality, symbolized by his frequent disappearances from battles for years at a time, only to reappear later.

He even offers his services to various kingdoms and parties as a mercenary just so he can eventually continue his slaughter. This is integral to his character arc, as it eventually allows him to come into the employ of Griffith after the latter is reborn as the Falcon of Light. This leads to Zodd becoming Griffith’s most trusted Apostle follower and his chief combatant, with Griffith even giving him leave to command Falconia’s armies in his absence.

Zodd’s Ambitions

What Does Zodd Want?

Since day one, Zodd’s existence has been entirely consumed by warfare. His sole purpose, the driving force behind his actions, is to seek out and engage in mortal combat with the mightiest warrior. Essentially, finding and defeating the strongest fighter provides the only significance in his life. This relentless pursuit has resulted in a lifelong campaign of violence, where countless lives have been lost as Zodd pursues his ambition of confronting this powerful adversary in a final, fateful battle.

In about 300 years, he has come the closest to achieving this objective in a confrontation with Skull Knight, an otherworldly entity whose purpose is annihilating the God Hand. Zodd and Skull Knight have fought numerous times, yet there’s never been a decisive victor because they are equally matched.

On numerous occasions, I’ve faced the Apostles too, yet there’s something lacking…they fail to fulfill my needs…

Zodd exhibits a remarkable aptitude for mastering various combat techniques and is proficient in using virtually any weapon he encounters during battle. He particularly enjoys wielding two swords or axes, but can effectively use other weapons as well. Notably, he is the only known Apostle to have repeatedly faced off against the Skull Knight, which underscores his exceptional power, expertise, and resilience.

Guts’ relentless pursuit of strength in combat has earned him a deep admiration from Zodd, the Immortal. Impressed by Guts’ raw power and expertise with the sword, Zodd views him as one of his worthy opponents – a rival he wishes to face off against to determine superiority. Despite their ideological differences and opposing factions in the conflict, Zodd holds Guts in high regard and considers him an equal contender.

As I’ve found myself time and again locked in combat with Zodd, no victor has ever emerged clearly dominant. The looming showdown between us promises to be the decisive moment, the final act that seals this ongoing saga. In our clash with Emperor Ganishka, an unlikely partnership was forged between Zodd and myself, a fragile alliance born out of necessity against the mad monarch. Together, we dealt him a blow, though not a fatal one.

Among the outstanding characters in the epic saga of Berserk, Zodd stands out as a formidable Apostle, known for his brutal actions that have claimed countless lives and his allegiance with Griffith. Yet, this monstrous figure has managed to win over many series fans with his complex character. As the story continues to unfold with its enigmatic twists, fans eagerly anticipate a climactic showdown between Zodd and Guts, two powerful figures, to determine once and for all who is truly stronger in their epic struggle.

Berserk can be streamed on Amazon Prime and Crunchyroll.

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2024-11-28 19:03