TV-Series
Description
Bruford, also known as Blueford, is a character from the Phantom Blood arc of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. He is introduced as an undead servant of the vampire Dio Brando. Living during the 16th century, Bruford was once a noble and powerful knight who served as a retainer to Mary Stuart, also known as Mary, Queen of Scots. Alongside his partner in arms, Tarkus, Bruford remained fiercely loyal to Mary during her political conflicts with Queen Elizabeth I. In a notable feat of strength and endurance, Bruford successfully completed the legendary Challenge of the 77 Rings, a grueling trial that involved climbing a ten-kilometer mountain in heavy armor while defeating 77 knights, a feat achieved by only five individuals in history. Ultimately, Bruford and Tarkus were tricked into surrendering by Elizabeth, who had promised to release Mary in exchange. Upon their execution, they were shown Mary's head, revealing she had already been killed, leading Bruford to die cursing the queen and the world with his dying breath.
Centuries later, their corpses were discovered and resurrected as zombies by Dio Brando at Windknight's Lot. In this reanimated state, Bruford's hatred from his past life was amplified, making him a violent and ruthless servant who pledged to aid Dio in destroying humanity. Despite this corruption, Bruford retains the core of his knightly pride and sense of honor. This is demonstrated when he becomes intrigued by the courage of Jonathan Joestar and asks Dio for permission to fight the young hero one-on-one, refusing to allow Tarkus to interfere.
In the story, Bruford serves as a major obstacle for Jonathan Joestar, Will A. Zeppeli, and Robert E. O. Speedwagon at Windknight's Lot. His primary motivation in this battle is to quench his undying hatred, but he also seeks a worthy opponent to test his skills against. Bruford's most notable ability is his control over his own hair, which he can extend, harden, and manipulate as if it were an extra limb. He calls this technique Dance Macabre Hair, using it to ensnare opponents, drain their blood, or wield his sword from unexpected angles. His physical capabilities are superhuman, as he is able to move with great speed and strength even while wearing heavy armor and fighting underwater. His chosen weapon is a sword gifted to him by his queen, inscribed with the word Luck.
His key relationship is with his comrade, Tarkus, with whom he shares a history of battle and a common fate of betrayal and resurrection. While Tarkus seems to lose himself entirely to rage, Bruford maintains a glimmer of the knight he once was. His encounter with Jonathan becomes the central relationship of his undeath. During their fight, Jonathan's use of the Ripple, or Hamon, does more than just damage Bruford's undead body; it reawakens his lost human senses, including the ability to feel pain and, through it, joy. As Bruford is disintegrating from Jonathan's final attack, flowers bloom at his feet, symbolizing the restoration of his soul. His hatred dissipates, and he expresses gratitude to Jonathan for returning his humanity. In his final moments, he gifts Jonathan his sword, using his own blood to alter the inscription from Luck to Pluck, thus creating the Luck and Pluck sword that symbolizes the bravery Jonathan displayed. Bruford then departs peacefully, stating his intention to rejoin his queen in the afterlife, leaving behind a profound impact on Jonathan, who honors the noble knight he was forced to destroy.
Centuries later, their corpses were discovered and resurrected as zombies by Dio Brando at Windknight's Lot. In this reanimated state, Bruford's hatred from his past life was amplified, making him a violent and ruthless servant who pledged to aid Dio in destroying humanity. Despite this corruption, Bruford retains the core of his knightly pride and sense of honor. This is demonstrated when he becomes intrigued by the courage of Jonathan Joestar and asks Dio for permission to fight the young hero one-on-one, refusing to allow Tarkus to interfere.
In the story, Bruford serves as a major obstacle for Jonathan Joestar, Will A. Zeppeli, and Robert E. O. Speedwagon at Windknight's Lot. His primary motivation in this battle is to quench his undying hatred, but he also seeks a worthy opponent to test his skills against. Bruford's most notable ability is his control over his own hair, which he can extend, harden, and manipulate as if it were an extra limb. He calls this technique Dance Macabre Hair, using it to ensnare opponents, drain their blood, or wield his sword from unexpected angles. His physical capabilities are superhuman, as he is able to move with great speed and strength even while wearing heavy armor and fighting underwater. His chosen weapon is a sword gifted to him by his queen, inscribed with the word Luck.
His key relationship is with his comrade, Tarkus, with whom he shares a history of battle and a common fate of betrayal and resurrection. While Tarkus seems to lose himself entirely to rage, Bruford maintains a glimmer of the knight he once was. His encounter with Jonathan becomes the central relationship of his undeath. During their fight, Jonathan's use of the Ripple, or Hamon, does more than just damage Bruford's undead body; it reawakens his lost human senses, including the ability to feel pain and, through it, joy. As Bruford is disintegrating from Jonathan's final attack, flowers bloom at his feet, symbolizing the restoration of his soul. His hatred dissipates, and he expresses gratitude to Jonathan for returning his humanity. In his final moments, he gifts Jonathan his sword, using his own blood to alter the inscription from Luck to Pluck, thus creating the Luck and Pluck sword that symbolizes the bravery Jonathan displayed. Bruford then departs peacefully, stating his intention to rejoin his queen in the afterlife, leaving behind a profound impact on Jonathan, who honors the noble knight he was forced to destroy.