Rickert
The sole survivor of the Band of the Hawk who guarded Casca through the darkness.
Rickert is the only member of the Band of the Hawk to survive the Eclipse untouched by its horrors. Initially a young apprentice within the mercenary group, he witnessed the brutal slaughter of his comrades and the fall of Griffith before Guts entrusted him with the care of the mentally broken Casca. While Guts waged a vengeful war against Apostles armed only with the Dragonslayer and a prosthetic arm, Rickert remained at Godo's side alongside the blacksmith and his adopted daughter Erica, guarding their charge. His survival made him a crucial link to the past, eventually rejoining Guts years later as the Black Swordsman traveled toward Elfhelm.
- Role
- Survivor / Company Member
- Affiliation
- Band of the Hawk (formerly), Kushan Resistance
- Status
- Alive
- Weapon
- Not specified in source
Lore & Background
Rickert's journey is defined by his role as a witness and guardian following the catastrophic Eclipse. After Guts was branded and lost an eye and an arm while protecting Casca from Femto, he entrusted Rickert to watch over Casca at Godo's forge. This period separated Rickert from the main conflict, allowing him to maintain a thread of humanity amidst the chaos. When Guts returned after years of wandering as the Black Swordsman, he found Casca missing, prompting a reunion with Rickert who had remained steadfast in his duty. Later, during the Kushan invasion and the subsequent war against Falconia, Rickert played an active role. He led a group of Kushan warriors, including Silat and Daiba, to board Guts' ship after the destruction of Elfhelm. In this capacity, he was drafted into the resistance against Griffith's forces, helping to rally defenses when the Apostle Rakshas unleashed trolls upon a city during a royal gathering.
In Their Own Story
The source details Rickert's transition from a helpless survivor to an active combatant in the war against Falconia. Following the destruction of Elfhelm and the scattering of its inhabitants into the astral realm, Guts collapsed in despair before being boarded by Kushan warriors led by Silat, Daiba, and Rickert himself. Imprisoned by the Kushan, Guts learned from Daiba that Falconia's forces were advancing. During a royal gathering, the Apostle Rakshas attacked, and it was Silat who rallied the defense while Farnese drove Rakshas into retreat. The assassin then fled to Guts' cell, where a despairing Guts welcomed death until Silat intervened. Rickert is specifically noted as one of the leaders of the Kushan warriors who boarded the Seahorse after Elfhelm's fall, marking his return to the front lines alongside former enemies turned allies in the fight against Griffith.
Reader's Guide
Rickert serves as a vital historical anchor for Guts' company, being the only Hawk untouched by the Eclipse. His primary narrative function shifts from a protected ward at Godo's forge to a leader within the Kushan resistance. He is instrumental in reuniting with Guts after Casca goes missing and later coordinates military efforts against Griffith's new empire, Falconia. Key actions include leading the boarding party of the Seahorse alongside Silat and Daiba, participating in the defense of a city under attack by Rakshas, and aiding in the preparation for war against Falconia while Guts confronts his inner darkness within an ancient tomb.
Did You Know?
- Rickert is the only member of the Band of the Hawk who remained untouched by the Eclipse.
- Guts entrusted Casca to Rickert's care at Godo's forge after the Eclipse, alongside blacksmith Godo and his adopted daughter Erica.
- Years later, Rickert led a group of Kushan warriors including Silat and Daiba to board Guts' ship after Elfhelm was destroyed by Griffith.
- Rickert participated in the defense of a city when the Apostle Rakshas unleashed trolls during a royal gathering.
- He was part of the resistance drafted to prepare for war against Falconia while Guts was sealed in an ancient tomb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rickert?
Rickert was a young apprentice in the Band of the Hawk and serves as the sole member of that group to survive the Eclipse without being corrupted. He later dedicates his life to protecting Casca after Guts leaves her in the care of Godo's household.
What role does Rickert play in the story?
His primary function is acting as a guardian for the mentally regressed Casca while Guts fights alone against the Apostles. He also serves as a vital living link to the past, eventually reuniting with Guts years later to help him understand his current situation.
Does Rickert have any special powers?
Rickert possesses no supernatural abilities or magical weapons like other characters in the series. His strength lies entirely in his unwavering loyalty and resilience as a human survivor who endured the trauma of the Eclipse.
How does Rickert's story end?
As of the current canon, Rickert remains alive and continues to support Guts' quest alongside Casca after rejoining them years later. He has transitioned from a passive observer in Godo's village back into an active companion for the Black Swordsman.
Why is Rickert important to fans?
He represents the only pure memory of Griffith's original Band of the Hawk, contrasting sharply with the darkness that consumed everyone else during the Eclipse. His survival highlights the tragedy of the event while offering a glimmer of hope through his dedication to healing Casca.
Related in Berserk
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Elsewhere in the Berserk universe
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