The Black Swordsman of the Erdtree: A Berserk Easter Egg Unearthed

alexambertl

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FromSoftware's love for Kentaro Miura's Berserk is no secret. Elden Ring, especially its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, is brimming with references to the legendary manga. But a recent discovery by YouTuber Zullie the Witch takes the cake – a hidden homage to Guts, the series' iconic protagonist.

Berserk, a seminal dark fantasy tale, has influenced countless video games, anime, and films since its 1989 debut. Guts' massive Dragon Slayer sword has served as inspiration for countless colossal blades, so finding a potential Guts cameo in Elden Ring feels almost natural.

Zullie the Witch, using modding tools, peeled back the layers of the Knight of the Solitary Gaol, one of Shadow of the Erdtree's first optional bosses. The results are striking. Beneath the imposing helmet lies a face remarkably similar to Guts.

Short, cropped hair, piercing eyes, and even the ever-present scar (albeit much larger) – the resemblance is uncanny, especially considering most players will never see the Knight without his helmet.




But the homage goes beyond facial features. The Knight's black armor, cloak, sword, and belt evoke a strong Berserk aesthetic. While not a perfect replica of Guts' attire, the connections are undeniable.

Of course, Guts isn't the only Berserk reference in Elden Ring. Blaidd, the NPC who mirrors Guts' iconic pose and resembles his wolf-like armor, is another prominent example. Malenia's helmet, with its visor and angelic wings, seems to pay tribute to Farnese's Holy Iron Chain Knights helmet.

The most touching tribute, however, lies outside Castle Morne – a melancholic nod to Miura himself.

Elden Ring's vast world is a treasure trove of secrets, and the dedication FromSoftware pours into hiding them is commendable. The Knight of the Solitary Gaol, a brutal warrior mirroring Guts' ferocity, is a fitting homage considering Berserk's themes. With this discovery, one can only imagine more Easter eggs waiting to be unearthed in the Lands Between.
 
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