In the Berserk franchise, "Episode 22" refers to two distinct but equally pivotal moments in the 1997 and 2016 anime adaptations. Both episodes serve as critical turning points where the protagonist, Guts, reaches a new level of power or despair as the story transitions into darker territory. Berserk (1997): "Infiltration"
: While the rescue team is in the dungeon, the Band of the Falcon's camp is attacked by grotesque monsters, including a slug-like creature and a green fairy. This serves as the "calm before the storm," setting the stage for the catastrophic Eclipse event in the following episodes. Berserk (2016/2017): "A Journey Begins in Flames" Berserk Episode 22
: After a year of searching, Guts, Casca, and a small elite group infiltrate the Tower of Rebirth to rescue Griffith from the king's dungeon. In the Berserk franchise, "Episode 22" refers to
: The episode features Guts's intense battle against the Apostle Grunbeld . Having just received the Berserker Armor , Guts fights with inhuman strength, effortlessly wielding his massive sword to crack Grunbeld's near-impenetrable corundum skin. This serves as the "calm before the storm,"
: The mission is a success, but the victory is hollow. They find Griffith horribly disfigured, mute, and crippled from a year of unrelenting torture .