Like everyone who has seen at least single page showing the Skull Knight, I was wondering what his story was. While reading the manga, I was hyper focused on everything related to him in pursuit of putting the puzzle together. Although it is impossible to complete the puzzle without having all the pieces, I wanted to share my "image" of a SK. Actually, not only share my thoughts, but also engage discussion on this topic and challenge my "image". Since there is a lot of text, I've decided to arrange it in specific way:
- Quotes from manga are written in italic - "Example quote",
- When quoting, or mentioning fact, I use reference to specific chapter where something was said, or happened (e.g. [ch. 300] means chapter 300),
- My opinions, and speculations are written with underline - Example opinion,
- Rest (usually common knowledge) is written "normally".
1. WHAT is SK
Current "body" of SK seems to work like Wicker Man. Wicker Man were defined as "fetish that uses the life force of sacrifices" [ch. 343]. We know that current armor of SK was made by Hanarr [ch. 361]. We know that Volvaba is "master of curses and manipulation of departed souls" [ch. 361]. Summoning of Wicker Man by Molda was recognized as forbidden/taboo, so soul manipulation is likely too [ch. 343]. Flora played the role of Schierke in SK journey (helping to resist his inner demon during usage of Berserker Armor), and was accused of breaking the Taboo. SK, previous owner of Berserker Armor bled out. So all the tools are there, that's certain. My approach is that SK "ego" was transferred into new armor making him effectively Wicker Man. Well, it's commonly accepted thesis, nothing new.
2. WHO is SK
Well, that's way more tricky than the first point. So I will divide it into subsections.
2.1 Is he apostle?
No. He swore to slay godhand/apostles. Brand does not react with him. He is friends with inhabitants of Elfheim. Also, we see the moment of his death, and this usually was the moment sacrifices were made. All of it points to a fact that he did not make a sacrifice.
2.2 Is he branded?
In his current state, no. While Guts was fighting with dead spirits seemed to ignore SK [ch. 91]. Also, in the same chapter, after Guts "win" his fight, the spirits have found "another torch" which was Casca and not SK. Nothing suggests that he is branded in his current form.
2.3 Was he branded?
It's way more tricky question. However I believe he was not. In conversation with Guts, he compares them to shadows on the water, but when confronted with Guts determination, he admits that some unpredictable things may happen, suggest that brand may be unanticipated aid and wonders if that makes Guts different from him (fish vs shadow on the water) [ch. 142]. Also, effect of possible lack of brand is mentioned in 2.6. Cant really find anything more for or against this thesis, however I stand by it.
2.4 Who was his beloved one?
Well, the answer is simple: Lady Priestess of the Cherry Blossoms. Lets go to the next one... right? Not really. We can not ignore the fact that Flower Storm Monarch exists. Both Guts and Schierke are shocked by their resemblance [ch. 363]. Flower Storm Monarch ("monarch" meaning both king/queen, and butterfly) wields a staff with cherry blossoms. Also, her elven form has both wings and antennae just like Lady Priestess necklace [ch. 362]. So visual depictions of both Lady Priestess and Flower Storm imply strong connection between the two. We know from retrospection that both SK and Lady Priestess died [ch. 362]. We also assume, that SK was revived by Flora (reasoning explained in point 1. of this post). Gedfring explains that Flora "was very fond of the BOTH OF THEM", but "her feelings were too strong" and "Flora violated a taboo" [ch. 363].
That's what makes me think that Flora actually revived both of them in a way - putting SK's soul into the armor, and Lady Priestess spirit into the tree in Elfheim. After all, the tree itself is called "Spirit Tree" [ch. 363]. Another Spirit Tree we've encountered was the Flora mansion [ch. 200]. It is explained by Schierke that surroundings of Spirit Tree are in "a slightly deeper astral domain" so it can help sustaining constant presence of astral entities [ch. 203]. Also, she mentions that "In the physical world this tree rotted about two hundred years ago" and "the stronger the power of existence is in physical world, the longer and more splendid its shape will be fixed in the astral world" [ch. 203]. This would explain why Flora says that her time will be over soon, she also mentioned that "we magi have learned and inherited the practice of releasing our ethereal bodies" and she expects to do soon [ch. 201]. As further explained by Flora "in the relatively shallow layer of the astral world [...] various ethereal beings exist as living legends" including elves, unicorns, etc. [ch. 201]. Those "living legends" were omnipresent in entire Elfheim due to the Spirit Tree (e.g. throne hall during welcoming of Guts party) [ch. 346].
Gedfring explains to Schierke nature of "Daimons" - they are "beyond the spirits native to natural world" (so they live deeper in astral world than elves) [ch. 360]. He also mentions that "Daimons [...] in life they were human... heroes and sorcerers among them." [ch. 360]. So we know for a fact that potent magi's can transcend. Although based only on single case (Floras) we can assume, that transcendental form of such magi could be related to their life. Flora died in flames [ch. 224] and then reincarnated as fire Daimon [ch. 353]. Also, we witness that Spirit Tree can "uphold" presence of Floras Daimon (even that the tree power was weak) [ch. 229].
After bringing all those facts, I can finally start assembling them, so bear with me. I believe the Lady Priestess was a human magi. Flora brought both SK and Lady Priestess bodies to Elfheim. Transferred SK soul into the armor, and buried Lady Priestess remnants under the Spirit Tree. Maybe specific place of burial was enough, or some additional magic was involved, but it was enough to establish constant presence of Lady Priestess Daimon. Her Daimon took the form of the elf (we know that she had at least strong connection to the elves - hence the necklace from [ch. 362]). I assume that Spirit Tree of Elfheim is far more stronger than the one from Flora's mansion, so her presence can be sustained (Spirit Tree from mansion was cut down long ago, yet proved to be functional). In my opinion Flower Storm Monarch is Lady Priestess of the Cherry Blossoms in form of Daimon.
While I'm not sure if Flora took any part in Lady Priestess revival, breaking the taboo with SK spirit transfer was more than enough to exile Flora from Elfheim (it could even be the first decree of Flower Storm Monarch). We also know, that Flora regrets what she did, since she told Schierke "You, as a sorceress, should know how sinful it is to live beyond the extend of your allowed time" [ch. 224]. Flora was so fond of SK and Lady Priestess love, that she broke that taboo. Even if my point is that Lady Priestess/Flower Storm Monarch are the same "person", I will still use both names to distinguish time before and after her "death". First of all, Flower Storm Monarch can shape-shift swiftly between elven and human form which was presented on many occasions [ch. 363]. I assume that one, who is originally elf, could (by use of magic) conceal her elven visual traits (especially when she was among humans). I also assume that elf who earlier concealed her looks, would return back to "normal" in moment of death, and we do not witness it [ch. 362]. So in my opinion, Lady Priestess is NOT Flower Storm Monarch. Lady Priestess Daimon is manifested as Flower Storm Monarch. Just as SK is not his former self (hence he goes by other name).
If I am not mistaken, or lost in translations, Flower Storm Monarch is king/queen of elves, but it is not specified that she is actually an elf. I think she is not an elf, but Daimon, heavily influenced by her relation with elves. Why would she be so "large" and human-sized compared to all the other elves we've seen? Also, she can shape-shift between her human form, and Daimon form, just like Flora (she was first the "old lady" then she swiftly swapped to "fire lady") [ch. 353]. For the last, not least, lets embrace SK and Flower Storm Monarch reunion [ch. 363]. Flower Storm Monarch greets SK with words "Do you come calling to visit the grave of the Lady Priestess [...]? Sir Knight." [ch. 363]. It perfectly pictures the separation between both of them. Flower Storm Monarch distances herself from Lady Priestess, since they are not longer the same thing. Also, she distances herself from SK since she know how hollow he is, so she calls him "sir knight". We can see that Daimon is capable of feelings, since Flora's Daimon manifest emotions by how she speaks to Schierke [ch. 353]. However, SK told Guts truth about Berserker Armor which is "each time you wear that armor and fight as the Berserker... light... voice... warmth... you will come to lose many things" [ch. 237]. So we can surely say that "losing" yourself to Berserker Armor means losing humanity (which is mentioned later in the same chapter). After losing life to Berserker Armor, all SK has is single purpose - grudge against inhumans [ch. 363]. Meeting of the lovers in chapter 363 is one-sided since only Flower Storm Monarch can feel anything. However SK clearly understands his (previous) relationship since he mention that "I have not the heart to bathe in the lambency of my mortal days" [ch. 363]. But if his lover was TRULY dead, shouldn't he feel grief or anger standing in front of her grave? Yet he mentions "lambency" of his mortal days, which could mean that he, in his current state can not enjoy his reunion with Flower Storm Monarch (which would explain why Flora regret her decision after all). Guts and rest quickly leave the place of lovers reunion since "it appears we are not invited" [ch. 363]. Their relationship is clearly significant. So yeah, lots of words, but SK beloved one is very crucial to decipher him.
2.5 What about thorns and rose?
Lets go with something easier now. SK shield insignia depicts rose entangled in thorns [ch. 88]. His armor and sword also share thorn motive, but lets focus on shield insignia. What is commonly associated with rose? Love, beloved ones, feelings of HEART. I guess it's pretty straightforward. One could argue it's other flower like... cherry blossom. But it wouldn't change anything in SK's case. We can see that in dreamworld, Cascas heart is entangled with thorns [ch. 354]. Since Guts and SK story is parallel, it simply means anguish of strugglers beloved, including pain caused by struggler itself. What about the thorns on the swords handle? Well, it sounds very inconvenient. Even Guts is amazed with this idea after he wields it and bleeds: "WHAT'S WITH THIS SWORD...?" [ch. 91]. I believe it is a reminder to keep struggling, and to keep fighting. Also, a reminder to THINK TWICE BEFORE STARTING A FIGHT (about that in 2.6). I have not found any additional meaning behind thorns on his armor, besides helmet. Such helmet with thorns resembles a CROWN (about that in 2.8).
2.6 How did his beloved died?
We are back to the speculation realm. But bear with me. In SK death retrospection we can see his beloved ones dies while entire surroundings are burned in the shape of the brand [ch. 362]. Just like during the incarnation ceremony which Guts witnessed. In chat between SK and Guts, the former one wonders if Guts is any different from him, yet he warns him that he has to "fight... or rescue..." since "it won't be as simple as catching two birds" [ch. 142]. Lets remember that SK lost his beloved one during such an event. When the dead spirits began to merge into shape of godhand during incarnation ceremony, Guts realizes "shadow...?! then these... ain't the real thing?!" [ch. 164]. Split seconds later, Guts realizes "I'm this close, but that sharp pain in the brand's not there...?!", and then he concludes "They're not real." [ch. 164]. The only reason that Guts comes to this conclusion is fact that he is branded. This is what SK meant by saying that Guts brand could be "unanticipated aid" and made them both different [ch. 142].
Lack of sharp pain in his brand stopped Guts from going frenzy on "shadow" of godhand, and he reminded words of SK "fight, or rescue [...] it wont't be as simple as catching two birds" [ch. 164]. SK beloved died, because he believed that godhand he met during incarnation process were "true" one. He was deceived by "shadow on the water" and went on his frenzy. Absence of brand did not allow him to distinguish true godhand from imitation, so he went on frenzy instead of saving her. This is why I think that SK has thorns on blade to remind him to THINK TWICE BEFORE STARTING A FIGHT. His beloved one died (already branded) in his hands during incarnation ceremony (based on the background), however incarnation ceremony did not engrave brands on victims [ch. 362]. So she was sacrificed before, but died as a collateral damage during incarnation ceremony. We have little no none hints about how could this happen, but SK conversation with Luca shed some light on the matter. SK was during the hunt for Egg of the Perfect World, yet when he saw, that Luca willingly sacrificed her life, he delayed his hunt for the sake of saving her [ch. 156]. Before her heroic sacrifice, he couldn't care less (since tons of people were dying all around). Her motive and action instantly caught his attention - he wanted to know "Why did you chose to die?" [ch. 156]. After they escape together from the den, he advises her to escape, yet she denies [ch. 165]. He wonders about how she can "with that much horror before her eyes, to cast herself back into middle of it... and without even hint of wishing to rely on my power" [ch. 165]. At first he judges it as "Ignorant fool-hardiness", but then reconsiders it as something different and we see quick flashback - fire which occurred during incarnation ceremony [ch. 165]. He notices the similarity between actual and previous incarnation ceremony, and acknowledges that "if my assistance was solicited now, I would be unable to comply" [ch. 165]. The very same moment, Zodd appears in front of him, and as SK says, "All moves as if parallel to that time..." [ch. 165]. So the current course of action reminds him previous incarnation: a woman who sacrificed her life heroically, and him being unable to help, because of fight with Zodd. One could say that going frenzy with Berserker Armor and fighting Zodd is not the same thing, however bear with me - I will explain it later in 2.9.
2.7 Who sacrificed his beloved?
I believe it was Void. Obviously, the Void was entity the human sacrificer had just become, but it makes the most sense to me. When SK appears on the Femtos Eclipse, he goes straight to attack Void (even if Void is most far away, standing on thumb of the hand sculpture) [ch. 87]. They also share a stare down [ch. 88]. It was personal. SK even quoted Void sardonically during Femtos Eclipse [ch. 80]. Also when we look at retrospection from Berserk Armor, we can see that Void is present there [ch. 362]. Rest of figures during this retrospection seem to be depicted as of lesser importance (and none of them are confirmed to be godhands). Also, Void seem to be only one branding people. Who is Void? I don't really have strong opinion for now. Yet I have to admit that he is articulate, and he seems to lead godhand, at least as the master of the eclipse ceremony. Also his appearance resembles torture victim - cut off nose, sewn-in eyes, face skin stretched [ch. 88]. Just like a prisoner convicted of treason or heresy. Well, during meeting between Mozgus and Farnese it is said "that a sage once imprisoned in this tower by supreme king Gaiseric continued to proclaim the sins of the king to god, in midst of every possible torture, until in time an angel was made to descend" [ch. 138]. Well, sage makes a good candidate considering Void's enormous brain (and I assume that demonic form caricaturizes traits from before transformation). Sage had his skirmishes with Gaiseric, not Skull Knight, right? Lets then talk about Gaiseric now.
2.8 Did Gaiseric become Skull Knight?
Well, I bet on it. Older residents of Elfheim call him "Majesty" and "King" so they know him and his status [ch. 361]. We also know that Elfheim "was attacked by a great kingdom on the continent, long ago" which could be the one Gaiseric ruled [ch. 361]. SK also comments that, what Guts have seen in Berserker Armor retrospection was "the end of a foolish king" [ch. 362]. Someone can say, that he could be some other king but... Well, its too much of coincidence. First of all - visuals. Skull helmet on both of them, both heavy armored horse riders with shield [ch. 53]. Gaiseric was called "Demon King", "Skull King", "King of Galloping Death" since "he would don a dreadful helmet shaped after a skull" [ch. 53]. Well, sounds familiar. Also, the timeline works. Gaiseric ruled "about a thousand years ago", and we know that SK is alive for at least thousand years (since he witnessed both incarnation ceremonies, and each occur every 1000 year) [ch. 142]. For me it's more than enough. During lifetime he was Gaiseric, after "death" he became Skull Knight. He don't use his old name, since he is not the same person anymore.
2.9 What about the Zodd?
That's way more tricky. SK is very old. However Zodd has to be very old too since he recognized Berserk Armor, and asks SK "you would have him follow you... down that same path into hell?" [ch. 226]. Some may argue that he is way younger, since legends of "Nosferatu Zodd" last for only 300 years. However it is important to see the monologue of Zodd from battlefield. He thought "wandering for three hundred years. I guess seeking among man really is useless. I've stood before the apostles so many times... but somehow they're no good" [ch. 128]. It explains why the legend among humans is only 300 years old, while Zodd being much older. It's also interesting that he fought against apostles probably longer than against humans.
So Zodd and SK have a long story together, at least 1000 years old. They respect each other, and fight on numerous occasions. Strong bond between two can be noticed, and it's manifested in their everlasting fight. Zodd went as far as to say "I'm the only one who can hold you off" [ch. 224]. He did not say "kill" or "defeat". He said "hold you off". It's important, because as mentioned in 2.6, SK's beloved one died because he was "hold off" with fight. Also, during Femtos Incarnation, Zodd showed up and hold SK off so if Luca asked for his help, he wouldn't be able to do so. Also, during Femtos Eclipse, Zodd hold off SK for some time - the whole story might have been different had it not been for this delay.
Rickert, judges that SK has advantage over Zodd in fight, which would fit since SK managed to enter eclipse after all [ch. 88]. SK attacks seem to be nonlethal for Zodd - even when he was dismembered, he "reassembled" himself (same thing happen when Guts and Griffith faced Zodd for the first time) [ch. 88]. So their battle cant really conclude, which is why it's "everlasting".
Zodd proved to be different from other apostles we meet in many ways. He says "I have no interest in their indulgent spree. What I seek are the strong." when he meets SK during Femtos eclipse [ch. 80]. So Zodd has goal which is independent from godhands plan. He is interested only in one thing, which is fighting, yet he is honorable with it. He allow to delay battle with SK after eclipse [ch. 88]. He also allows guts to walk away, even defends him from being killed by other apostles [ch. 278]. He agreed to cooperate and fight side by side with Guts, allowing their fight to be postponed [ch. 277]. He seems to care about only one thing: fighting the strong.
He can be only hurt within his "dozing. The dusk between dream and consciousness" as white hawk did [ch. 128]. Lets stop there for a moment. SK fights inhumans for 1000 years and godhand members are exceptionally strong, even among apostles. We know that SK tried to strike Void with his sword (not enchanted by behelits at this moment) [ch. 88]. SK came to the eclipse to fight godhand, not to save anyone (he said to Guts "Don't thank me. It was incidental") [ch. 92]. So it's safe to assume that his sword was capable of killing godhand members (even the oldest one we know, Void). Yet Zodd, slashed to pieces by SK sword did not suffer any permanent damage. Either SK could not kill him, or didn't want to. During entire story, we witness Zodd getting permament damage on single occasion - by white hawk. Zodd screams that he seeks "only the ABSOLUTE strongest" and he meets one, seconds later which made him bow to Griffith [ch. 128]. Word "absolute" have many meanings. Absolute both as "strongest among strong" and "complete". I don't think it was about raw power. I think it's related to Griffith being present on all realms at once, hence he is "complete". Griffith was born in Physical World, transcended into Astral World as Femto, and due to masses of people who believe in/follow him, he also came to life in Ideal World as White Hawk. Only White Hawk could actually permanently damage Zodd, which makes me think that Zodd is also bound to Ideal World (about that later).
That makes me think that Zodd has not made a (behelit related) sacrifice. He seems to be recognized as "enigmatic" even among apostle commanders [ch. 277]. What would he sacrifice to gain such power? I can't see anything, since he only cares about fighting strongest, and it was not taken from him. Sadly, we do not have a single encounter which show how Guts brand reacts to Zodd (he was always accompanied by other apostle). However there was no indication that Guts were suffering during flight directly on the back of Zodd [ch. 277].
I think that Zodd is embodiment of SK's "dark side" (as "demon hound" was Guts "dark side"). Zodd resonates the same kind of aura as SK, Guts mistook SK for Zodd during their first meeting and even SK's shadow cast shape of Zodd human form [ch. 37]. As explained in 2.8, SK was Gaiseric. Zodd silhouette and hairstyle seems to fit Gaiserics depictions [ch. 53]. Also, Gaiserics helmet combines skull and a shape resembling a likeness of Zodd "demonic" form [ch. 53]. As we know, Beast of Darkness (Guts Hound) existence is not caused by Berserker Armor. We can see it in action before Guts wears Berserker Armor for the first time [ch. 190]. Obviously, using Berserker Armor empowers Beast of Darkness, yet it is not it's source. Guts Hound, even when it was relatively weak, was able to entirely take control over Guts body [ch. 190]. Both Zodd and Guts Hound share straightforward and direct motivation (however slightly different). Those facts make me think, that Zodd is Gaiserics Beast of Darkness. In addition, I believe that Beasts of Darkness reside in Ideal World (since they are born of humans thought and emotions). This is what makes Zodd invincible to SK attacks.
There is NO grave of Gaiseric in Elfheim (at least it's not shown). We know that Lady Priestess (so probably also Gaiserics) remains were brought to Elfheim. Why not bury him there? Why not the same place as his beloved one? Also, Flora engraved protective rune onto Berserker Armor [ch. 222]. Why so late? Well, with Gaiseric, things went out of control too quickly. When talking about usage of Berserker Armor, Flora says "People may appear to repeat the same mistakes... but karma is by no means a circle. Indeed, it is a spiral. Those children... are not bound to chose the same paths you and I did." to which SK agrees [ch. 222]. So both Flora and SK agreed on the fact that Berserker Armor is extremely dangerous to it's user, so they felt obliged to carve this protective rune which protects "ego" of the wielder.
Zodd (Gaiseric Beast of Darkness) held him off during various moments, especially during incarnation ceremony where SK beloved one lost her life. He submitted to his Beast, and during this event, from among "fight" and "rescue" he have chosen "fight". We can not see Lady Priestess mortal wound, yet she was not burned at stake, and most probably not ripped apart (which would be two of most possible deaths at that moment) [ch. 362]. I believe, that Gaiseric went on frenzy, and accidentally killed her. After he realized what he'd done, he regained his "senses" (hence his face is full of terror, and his helmet in "basic" form, not Beast of Darkness form) [ch. 362]. Lady Priestess forgives him, which is suggested by her hand gesture, and then they both pass away [ch. 362]. Flora (or someone else) bring both remains to Elfheim, and proceed with her ritual, breaking the taboo (at least on SK). I believe that during that ritual, Gaiseric was divided into SK and Zodd. How? I believe that, Beasts of Darkness reside in Ideal World, since the Gaiseric was dead at that moment, the Beast itself was also dead/dormant. However, SK "ego" was transferred to different vessel, effectively leaving his body with Beast of Darkness inside. Moment the SK "ego" awakened inside new body, his thoughts (Beasts of Darkness cause of existence) were back again. Zodd (Beast of Darkness) was truly born then, by possessing "ego-less" body of Gaiseric, yes still fueled by his thoughts (that would also explain lack of grave).
Such course of events explains a lot, and I've struggled to find it contradicting with the manga. However I'm far from being omniscient, so I encourage you (readers) to undermine my "image" of SK. After all, I'm interested in knowing the real story :)
