Is it possible for a single, disturbing scene in a manga to spawn an internet phenomenon? The "Rape Horse" from the Berserk manga, a scene depicting a possessed equine's attempted assault, has not only become a notorious point of discussion but also a key element within the series' dedicated fandom, transforming into a meme that continues to circulate.
The "Rape Horse" meme, born from a specific sequence in Kentaro Miura's dark fantasy epic Berserk, centers around a deeply unsettling encounter. This scene, which occurs in chapter 124 of the manga, involves the character Farnese and a horse possessed by an evil spirit. The creature's actions are explicitly violent, and the graphic nature of the scene has made it a topic of considerable controversy and discussion.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Manga Series: Berserk by Kentaro Miura |
| Focal Point | A horse possessed by an evil spirit attempts to rape Farnese. |
| Chapter | Chapter 124 of the manga. |
| Context | Part of the Conviction Arc. |
| Impact | Became a widely recognized meme within the Berserk fandom. |
| Adaptations | Included in the 2016 anime adaptation. |
| Typical Usage | Referenced in memes, often in conjunction with other elements of the series. Used as a reaction, often paired with the song "Smoke" by Cowbell Cult. |
| Community Engagement | Present on platforms like r/berserklejerk, a subreddit dedicated to memes and inside jokes related to Berserk. |
| Notable Memes | "Farnussy", "Does it taste just like raisins?", "It's not rape horse if it's not hung." |
| Example of reaction Format | On march 24th, 2024, x user @thefinalsage used it to react to a berserk horse meme, with their quote post garnering over 8,300 reposts and 114,000 likes in one month |
| Controversy | The scene is widely recognized, and often discussed by 499k subscribers in the berserk community. |
| Related Meme | Berserk long sword, also known as guts long sword, refers to a series of memes using video and photo edits that make the iconic sword of gatsu (guts), the protagonist of anime and manga berserk, appear comically oversized with an absurdly long length. |
| Reference | Dark Horse Comics - Berserk |
The scene's infamy has extended beyond the manga itself, finding new life in the 2016 anime adaptation. This replication ensured that the disturbing imagery would continue to circulate, further cementing its place in the collective consciousness of the Berserk community.
The meme's prevalence is undeniable. The possessed horse, often referred to by the colloquial term "Rape Horse," has become a symbol, sparking a complex range of reactions. Some fans are horrified, while others find a strange, dark humor in the scene. The meme is frequently referenced in online discussions, shared as reaction images and GIFs, and integrated into the lexicon of the series' enthusiasts.
The reasons behind the meme's popularity are complex. The "Rape Horse" combines several taboo elements: sexual violence, bestiality, and a grotesque visual presentation. The scene itself is shocking and difficult to witness. Some within the fanbase acknowledge that there's a certain level of fascination with the disturbing, even in the face of its grim nature.
The meme's staying power stems in part from the nature of the internet. Memes, by their very nature, are subject to mutation. They evolve, adapt, and are repurposed over time. The "Rape Horse" has been subjected to this process. It is a meme with layers, its meaning and use changing depending on who shares it and how. The memes also often utilize phrases like, "Wasn't farnussy supposed to be underneath that horse?", "Does it taste just like raisins?", and the provocative, "Its not rape horse if its not hung." These phrases contribute to the meme's enduring presence and its ability to spark conversation.
The rise of the "Rape Horse" meme can also be viewed through the lens of the online Berserk community itself. The series' fans have cultivated a robust culture of discussion, humor, and shared experiences. Subreddits such as r/berserk and specifically r/berserklejerk serves as a playground for these interactions, where inside jokes, satirical content, and fan creations thrive. Within this context, the "Rape Horse" scene, for better or worse, has become an integral element of the community's shared experience.
In addition to its use as a reaction to disliked or disturbing content, the "Rape Horse" has also become a symbol of the series' edginess. Berserk is known for its intense graphic violence, and the meme allows fans to engage with that aspect of the series in a self-aware manner. It's a shorthand that acknowledges the darkness and depravity that permeates Berserk's world.
The "Rape Horse" meme is not the only element of Berserk to be recontextualized as a meme. Others have been created, such as the "Guts Long Sword" meme, which comically exaggerates the protagonist's already imposing weapon. These memes help demonstrate how a series' core elements can be twisted and adapted for humor, discussion, and community-building.
The impact of the "Rape Horse" meme on the perception of Berserk is a complex one. The meme itself has both its defenders and detractors. Some see it as a way to engage with difficult subject matter. Others, however, criticize its trivialization of violence and the potential to desensitize viewers to the horrific events in the manga.
The legacy of the "Rape Horse" meme will likely continue to evolve. It is an established part of Berserk's online footprint, and its significance is not likely to diminish. The meme serves as a testament to the power of both the internet and the dark themes explored within Berserk, demonstrating the complex relationships between art, fans, and the digital space.
The evolution and continued use of the meme will depend on how fans engage with the series and the evolving norms of online culture. Whether one views the meme with amusement, disgust, or both, the "Rape Horse" is a strong indicator of how a single moment in a manga can take on a life of its own.
