Guts is an immensely strong sword-for-hire who has little direction in his life. He becomes a member of the Band of Hawks after being defeated by its leader Griffith twice. The band is recruited by Midland to fight against the rival kingdom. In one siege, Guts and Griffith confront the demon Nosferatu Zodd who realizes a Behelit in Griffith and warns Guts that Griffith will be his doom.