The second arc of Berserk, often referred to as the Golden Age Arc Part 2: The Battle for Doldrey, continues the story of Guts' time with the Band of the Hawk. Here's a breakdown of the plot:
Following their continued success and Griffith's rising influence within the Kingdom of Midland, the Band of the Hawk is tasked with capturing the seemingly impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the rival Chuder Empire. This fortress is strategically vital and its capture would effectively end the Hundred-Year War.
Key plot points of this arc include:
* The Battle of Doldrey: The majority of the arc focuses on the intense and brutal siege of Doldrey. The Band of the Hawk, with Guts' exceptional combat prowess at the forefront, faces overwhelming odds and gruesome battles against the massive Chuder forces and their formidable Holy Purple Rhino Knights.
* Guts' Growth and Recognition: Guts continues to prove his worth and skill, earning the respect of his fellow Hawks and solidifying his position as a crucial asset to the band. He famously takes down a hundred enemy soldiers single-handedly during one of the battles.
* Deepening Character Dynamics: The arc further explores the relationships between the characters. We see more of Casca's devotion to Griffith and her complicated feelings towards Guts. Guts begins to question his purpose in simply following Griffith's dream and starts to yearn for his own. Griffith's ambition and charisma are further highlighted, along with glimpses of the ruthlessness he is capable of to achieve his goals.
* Griffith's Ambition and Moral Compromises: Driven by his unwavering ambition to achieve his own kingdom, Griffith makes a morally compromising decision by sleeping with an aging, pedophilic lord to secure crucial funding for the Band of the Hawk. This act reveals the darker side of his pursuit of power.
* The Aftermath of the Battle: The Band of the Hawk successfully captures Doldrey, bringing the Hundred-Year War to a close and elevating their status even further. However, this victory sets the stage for future conflicts and internal tensions.
* Guts' Departure: Having realized that he wants to be Griffith's equal and forge his own path, Guts makes the difficult decision to leave the Band of the Hawk after the battle. This departure is a pivotal moment that sets up the tragic events of the subsequent arc.
* Griffith's Downfall: In the aftermath of Guts' departure, a significant event occurs: Griffith sleeps with Princess Charlotte of Midland. This act of treason against the King leads to his imprisonment and brutal torture, and the Band of the Hawk being branded as traitors.
In essence, the second arc of Berserk showcases the Band of the Hawk at the height of their success, highlighting Guts' exceptional abilities and the deepening bonds within the group. However, it also foreshadows the tragedy to come through Griffith's increasingly questionable actions and Guts' growing desire for independence, ultimately leading to the band's devastating downfall.