Did Ornstein and Smough Survive? Unraveling the Mysteries of Anor Londo’s Guardians
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The question of whether Ornstein and Smough survived their encounter with the Chosen Undead in Dark Souls is complex and doesn’t lend itself to a simple yes or no answer. The lore surrounding these iconic bosses is deliberately ambiguous, rife with conflicting information and open to interpretation. Ultimately, the fate of Ornstein and Smough is intertwined with the cyclical nature of the Dark Souls universe and the player’s actions. Let’s dive into the evidence and unravel the mysteries surrounding their survival.
Ornstein’s Journey: Illusion, Betrayal, and the Dragon’s Path
The Illusion of Ornstein in Anor Londo
The first major question mark hangs over the Ornstein we face in Anor Londo. The game heavily implies that at least one of the duo we battle is an illusion created by Gwyndolin, Gwyn’s last remaining child and the Dark Sun of Anor Londo. This theory gains traction from the way the dispatched Sentinel of Anor Londo disappears, evaporating just like Gwynevere’s illusion. If you defeat Smough first, Ornstein absorbs his power, growing in size and strength, suggesting that at least he has some tangible existence beyond illusion. However, the game’s deliberate obfuscation makes it difficult to ascertain which knight is the real one. The possibility remains that both knights may be mere projections, or perhaps only one is, with the other a loyal knight given power by Gwyndolin to strengthen the illusion.
Ornstein in Dark Souls II: The Old Dragonslayer
The presence of a boss strikingly similar to Ornstein in Dark Souls II, the Old Dragonslayer, further muddies the waters. This boss appears in a cathedral in Drangleic, bearing Ornstein’s signature golden armor and wielding his Dragonslayer Spear. The existence of this boss leads some to believe that the original Ornstein may have been in search of his former master, the Nameless King, or perhaps was drawn to the powerful fragments of Manus, the Father of the Abyss. He may have been corrupted, in some way, by this power. The key here is the term “Old Dragonslayer.” It suggests that this is a different entity but draws heavily on the original Ornstein’s legacy, possibly a knight who inherited Ornstein’s armor or perhaps even a powerful illusion created to honor his memory.
Ornstein’s Armor in Dark Souls III: A Testament to the Nameless King
The most compelling piece of evidence suggesting Ornstein’s eventual fate lies in Dark Souls III. After defeating the Nameless King, players can find Ornstein’s armor. This implies that Ornstein eventually sought out his former master, perhaps after realizing the futility of serving the fading gods. The presence of the armor does confirm that Ornstein sought the Nameless King and probably died following this search. It’s never confirmed how the armor got there or how Ornstein died, but it offers the strongest indication of Ornstein’s ultimate goal and demise. This implies that the Ornstein we fought in Anor Londo may have been real, at least initially, before embarking on his quest to find the Nameless King.
Smough’s Fate: Devoured by Aldrich
Smough‘s story is far less ambiguous. He appears to have remained in Anor Londo, loyally guarding the cathedral. His eventual fate is heavily implied to be consumption by Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. Aldrich is known for consuming powerful beings to gain their strength and knowledge. Given Smough’s position as the last knight remaining in Anor Londo and his proximity to the gods Aldrich craves, it’s highly probable that Aldrich devoured him. This aligns with the grim and cyclical nature of the Dark Souls universe, where even the most formidable warriors ultimately succumb to the inevitable decay. The article you provided earlier, Dark Souls 3 Lore | Ornstein and the Path of the Dragon, further supports this theory.
Smough: Ironically Devoured
That article says: He eventually died at the hands of Aldrich, the Devourer of Gods in an act that was likely more coincidence than anything as Smough was the last remaining figure closest to a knight of Gwyn left in Anor Londo.
Conclusion
So, to summarize: Ornstein and Smough’s survival after the events of Dark Souls is complicated. The Ornstein encountered in Dark Souls 1 may have been an illusion, but the subsequent discovery of his armor in Dark Souls 3 suggests that at least part of his journey involved seeking out the Nameless King. His ultimate fate remains ambiguous, but his armor’s presence implies his eventual demise. Smough, on the other hand, likely met his end at the hands (or rather, maw) of Aldrich, the Devourer of Gods. Their stories are testaments to the complex and lore-rich world of Dark Souls, where even the most powerful warriors are not immune to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Exploring the intricate lore and narratives within video games contributes to a broader understanding of their cultural impact and the ways in which players engage with complex storytelling. The Games Learning Society provides valuable resources and research on the intersection of gaming, learning, and culture. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Ornstein we fight in Dark Souls 1 an illusion?
It’s heavily implied, especially if you defeat Smough first. The evidence lies in the way he dissipates when defeated, similar to Gwynevere’s illusion, and item descriptions suggest Gwyndolin’s ability to create powerful illusions. However, the discovery of Ornstein’s armor in Dark Souls III complicates this theory, suggesting he may have been real initially before seeking the Nameless King.
2. Why is there an Ornstein-like boss in Dark Souls II (Old Dragonslayer)?
The Old Dragonslayer is likely a separate entity who inherited or replicated Ornstein’s armor and fighting style, potentially drawing power from the Abyss or the legacy of Ornstein himself. The “Old” in his name suggests a connection to the original, but not necessarily the same individual.
3. What happened to Smough after Dark Souls 1?
The most likely scenario is that Smough remained in Anor Londo and was eventually devoured by Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, who sought to consume powerful beings.
4. Why did Ornstein look for the Nameless King?
Ornstein was deeply loyal to Gwyn’s firstborn, the Nameless King, who was exiled for siding with the dragons. He likely sought to reconnect with his former master and perhaps understand the reasons for his betrayal of Gwyn.
5. Is the Nameless King a “good guy”?
The Nameless King’s morality is complex. He sided with the dragons against Gwyn, but his motivations were likely based on a different understanding of the world and a rejection of the gods’ agenda. He isn’t necessarily “good” or “evil”, but rather follows his own path.
6. What is Ornstein’s weakness in the Dark Souls 1 boss fight?
Ornstein is vulnerable to fire damage, although he has higher resistance compared to Smough. He also has moderate resistance to bleed. Lightning attacks are generally ineffective against him.
7. Was Ornstein a dragon himself?
No, there is no indication that Ornstein was a dragon. He was a knight renowned for slaying dragons, hence the name Dragonslayer Ornstein. He was also the first knight the Nameless King trained.
8. Why is Ornstein’s armor found near the Nameless King in Dark Souls III?
This strongly suggests that Ornstein sought out the Nameless King, and possibly died in his service or in battle alongside him. It confirms that the Ornstein we encountered earlier wasn’t just an illusion and embarked on a journey after the events of Dark Souls 1.
9. Is Solaire of Astora the Nameless King?
No, this theory has been debunked. The Nameless King is a separate character, identified as Gwyn’s firstborn son. Solaire, while a significant figure in the lore, is not related to Gwyn’s lineage in the same way.
10. What is Smough’s weakness in the Dark Souls 1 boss fight?
Smough is highly vulnerable to fire damage. He is also susceptible to certain types of magic, but fire-based attacks are particularly effective.
11. Who trained Ornstein?
The in-game item description mentions that the Nameless King trained Ornstein.
12. Is Gwynevere a boy or a girl?
Gwynevere is a female, the second-born child of Lord Gwyn.
13. Why did the Nameless King betray Gwyn?
The exact reasons are not fully explained, but it is implied that he sided with the dragons due to a different understanding of the world and a rejection of the gods’ agenda.
14. Who is the true final boss in Dark Souls 3?
The Soul of Cinder is the mandatory final boss in Dark Souls 3. Gael, from the Ringed City DLC, is widely considered the final boss of the entire Dark Souls series due to the narrative closure he provides.
15. Is Ornstein immune to bleed?
No, but Ornstein has higher bleed resistance than Smough. Both are not immune to bleed damage.