How Many Times Has the First Flame Been Linked? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls Lore
Figuring out precisely how many times the First Flame has been linked in the Dark Souls universe is a bit like trying to count grains of sand on a beach – you can get a rough idea, but nailing down an exact number is incredibly difficult. What we can say with certainty, based on the games themselves and the surrounding lore, is that it has been linked at least five times, and possibly more. The known linkers are: Gwyn, Lord of Sunlight; the Abyss Watchers; Yhorm the Giant; Ludleth of Courland; and Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. The Chosen Undead (Dark Souls 1 protagonist) and Solaire of Astora (if he succeeds in becoming the Chosen Undead in your playthrough) could potentially add two more to the count, bringing the potential total to seven. The cyclical nature of the Dark Souls world and the hazy recollections within its lore, make a definitive number elusive.
Understanding the Linking of the Fire
The Linking of the Fire isn’t simply lighting a match. It’s a complex ritual involving the sacrifice of powerful souls to fuel the First Flame, delaying the inevitable Age of Dark. The fading of the flame brings about the Undead Curse, turning humans into Hollows, and threatening the established order of the world dominated by Gods. This creates a compelling narrative where the act of linking the fire, while seemingly preserving the world, is ultimately a temporary fix, perpetuating a cycle of sacrifice and decay. It’s a Faustian bargain, and the ethical implications are central to the series’ philosophical core.
Why Link the Flame? The Motivations Behind the Sacrifice
The primary motivation behind linking the flame stems from a fear of the Dark. Gwyn, Lord of Sunlight, was the first to link the fire, terrified of the coming Age of Dark and the potential loss of his power and the dominance of the Gods. Subsequent linkers, whether by choice or coercion, were driven by a combination of duty, fear, and a desire to prevent the descent of the world into chaos and oblivion. The propaganda spread by the Way of White also played a key role, convincing many to sacrifice themselves for the “greater good,” often masking the true, bleak reality of the cycle.
The Consequences of Linking and Not Linking
Choosing to link the fire extends the Age of Fire, preserving the status quo but perpetuating the cycle of sacrifice and the Undead Curse. The world continues, albeit in a state of gradual decline. Choosing not to link the fire, and instead ushering in the Age of Dark, is presented as a path towards letting the flame die out and potentially creating a new order, one where humanity might be free from the cycle. However, the games also portray the Age of Dark as a potentially dangerous and uncertain future, filled with unknown horrors and the risk of the world simply fading into nothingness. There’s no easy answer, and the “best” choice is left to the player’s interpretation.
FAQ: Unraveling the Mysteries of the First Flame
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the complexities surrounding the First Flame and its linking:
1. What is the First Flame?
The First Flame is the source of all souls and life in the Dark Souls universe. Its existence dictates the era, with a strong flame representing the Age of Fire and a dwindling flame heralding the Age of Dark. It is considered by many to be a divine entity, and its maintenance is of utmost importance to the citizens of Lordran and beyond.
2. Why did Gwyn link the First Flame?
Gwyn linked the flame out of fear. He feared the coming Age of Dark and the potential loss of power for himself and the Gods. He saw the linking as a way to maintain the Age of Fire and preserve the world as he knew it, even though it meant sacrificing himself and others.
3. What happens when the First Flame fades?
When the First Flame fades, the Undead Curse intensifies. Humans begin to hollow, losing their minds and becoming mindless husks. The world starts to decay and the established order crumbles. It’s a time of great suffering and chaos.
4. What does “linking the fire” actually entail?
Linking the fire is a ritualistic sacrifice where a powerful being, typically the player character in the Dark Souls games, offers their soul and being to fuel the flame. This act prolongs the Age of Fire, but it’s only a temporary solution.
5. Is linking the fire a good thing?
Whether linking the fire is “good” is a matter of perspective and player choice. It preserves the world as it is, but it also perpetuates the cycle of sacrifice and suffering. The alternative, ushering in the Age of Dark, is presented as potentially dangerous and uncertain. There is no definitive “good” ending.
6. Who were the known individuals who linked the First Flame?
Confirmed linkers include Gwyn, Lord of Sunlight; the Abyss Watchers; Yhorm the Giant; Ludleth of Courland; and Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. The Chosen Undead and potentially Solaire are possible additions depending on player choices.
7. What is the Age of Dark?
The Age of Dark is the era that follows the fading of the First Flame. It is a time of uncertainty and potential chaos, where humanity is said to be free from the cycle of the fire. However, the games also suggest it could be a dangerous and desolate period.
8. What is the Undead Curse?
The Undead Curse is a phenomenon that occurs when the First Flame fades. Humans are afflicted with immortality, but they slowly lose their minds and become Hollows. The curse is linked to the cycles of fire and dark, and it drives much of the conflict in the Dark Souls universe.
9. What are the possible endings in Dark Souls 3?
Dark Souls 3 has four main endings: Linking the Fire, The End of Fire (Usurpation of Fire), The End of Fire (leaving the flame), and the Betrayal Ending (killing the Fire Keeper). Each ending has different implications for the future of the world.
10. What is Gwyn’s “First Sin”?
Gwyn’s “First Sin” is considered to be his linking of the First Flame in the first place. By doing so, he prolonged the Age of Fire and trapped humanity in a cycle of sacrifice and suffering.
11. Are there real-world inspirations for the First Flame?
While fictional, the First Flame and the themes of cyclical renewal and sacrifice resonate with many real-world mythologies and philosophical concepts. The idea of an eternal flame is present in various cultures, symbolizing hope, memory, and the enduring spirit.
12. What is the Dark Soul?
The Dark Soul is a fragment of the original soul found by the Furtive Pygmy at the dawn of the Age of Fire. It is the source of humanity and represents the potential for a different kind of power and existence, one outside the cycle of the fire.
13. Why is Gwyn weak to fire?
The lore suggests that Gwyn’s weakness to fire could stem from his over-reliance on the Light Soul, and his attempt to artificially prolong the Age of Fire, making him especially susceptible to its power. Ironically, the very element he championed became his vulnerability.
14. Is Dark Souls 3 the end of the Dark Souls story?
Dark Souls 3 is considered the final main installment in the Dark Souls series, and it provides a sense of closure to many of the overarching themes and plotlines. However, the cyclical nature of the story leaves room for interpretation and speculation about the future of the world. It’s been discussed that the Games Learning Society would be a great way to teach narrative concepts using Dark Souls!
15. What does it mean to “usurp the flame”?
To usurp the flame, as seen in one of the Dark Souls 3 endings, means to seize the power of the First Flame for oneself, becoming the Lord of Hollows and ushering in a new era where humanity is dominant. This ending is often considered a radical departure from the traditional choices of linking or letting the flame fade. You can discover more at GamesLearningSociety.org!
Conclusion: The Enduring Flame
The exact number of times the First Flame has been linked remains shrouded in mystery, a testament to the intricate and often ambiguous lore of the Dark Souls series. What is clear is that the act of linking is a recurring theme, a cycle of sacrifice and renewal that drives the narrative and challenges players to confront difficult choices about the nature of power, duty, and the future of humanity. It’s these challenging choices, and the ability of games to create compelling narratives, that makes the study of games so interesting to organizations like the Games Learning Society. The number of links may be finite, but the questions and discussions sparked by the First Flame are truly eternal.