Griffith was a mercenary leader with the dream of building his own kingdom, no matter what. He was willing to do whatever it took to accomplish his ambition. One of the soldiers, Guts' brute strength, proved to be very vital for Griffith. However, after winning a war, Guts planned to leave the Falcons. Desperate, Griffith challenged Guts to a fight for Guts' freedom, only to lose in one clean swoop. Mad that Guts left so easily, Griffith slept with the princess of Midland, Charlotte, to feel in control again, only to realize what he had done. He was captured by the king, who sentenced him to be tortured. One year later, Guts and what remained of the Falcons rescued Griffith, but it was already too late; Griffith's body was rendered almost down to nothing. Unable to contain it, Griffith made a deal with the God Hand, becoming the fifth member, by sacrificing the Band of the Falcon. Reborn as Femto, Griffith made Guts watch as he raped his lover, Casca, earning Guts' overwhelming hatred. Before they could be killed, Guts and Casca were rescued at the last minute by the Skull Knight, who carried them to safety.