Did the Nameless King Train Ornstein? Unraveling a Dark Souls Lore Mystery
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
While there is no definitive confirmation within the Dark Souls lore that the Nameless King directly trained Ornstein, strong circumstantial evidence and prevalent theories suggest a close relationship and potentially a mentor-mentee dynamic. Ornstein’s skill, his dedication to the old gods, and certain item descriptions hint at a connection to Gwyn’s firstborn, lending credence to this compelling, though unconfirmed, theory.
Delving Deep into the Lore
The Dark Souls series is renowned for its cryptic storytelling, where details are often veiled within item descriptions, character dialogue, and environmental design. This ambiguity invites speculation and allows players to piece together fragmented narratives. The relationship between the Nameless King and Ornstein is a prime example.
The Nameless King: A Fallen God of War
The Nameless King, once a revered god of war and Gwyn’s firstborn son, betrayed his father by siding with the Everlasting Dragons. This act of defiance led to his banishment from Anor Londo and the erasure of his name from the annals of history. He now resides on Archdragon Peak, a sanctuary for dragon worshipers, alongside his stormdrake mount, the King of the Storm.
Ornstein: The Dragon Slayer
Ornstein, one of Gwyn’s Four Knights, is celebrated for his exceptional skill in dragon slaying. Wielding the legendary Dragonslayer Spear, he served as the captain of the knights and stood guard in Anor Londo. He is known for his speed, precision, and unwavering loyalty to Gwyn and the old gods.
Connecting the Dots
Several factors contribute to the theory that the Nameless King trained Ornstein:
- The Dragonslayer Spear: The Dragonslayer Spear is described as a weapon imbued with the power of lightning, designed specifically for hunting dragons. Some believe it was gifted to Ornstein by a high-ranking figure with knowledge of dragon slaying, potentially the Nameless King, who, before his betrayal, would have possessed considerable knowledge about dragons. The text says the spear came from the god of war, and we all know that the Nameless King was the God of War before his banishment.
- Ornstein’s Fighting Style: Ornstein’s fighting style is characterized by its speed, agility, and use of lightning. These traits could have been honed under the tutelage of the Nameless King, who himself is a formidable warrior known for his lightning-based attacks and mastery of combat.
- Ornstein’s Location: In Dark Souls III, Ornstein’s armor is found at Archdragon Peak, the very location where the Nameless King resides. This suggests that Ornstein may have sought out the Nameless King, either to learn from him, challenge him, or perhaps even rejoin him. There is speculation that it is not the real Ornstein, but rather an illusion similar to the Gwyndolin version in the first Dark Souls game.
- Shared Values: Both the Nameless King and Ornstein value strength and combat prowess. The Nameless King’s decision to side with the dragons suggests a belief in the power of ancient beings, while Ornstein’s dedication to dragon slaying implies a respect for the challenge they pose. This shared appreciation for strength could have formed the basis of their relationship.
Conclusion
While the Dark Souls lore never explicitly states that the Nameless King trained Ornstein, the evidence presented suggests a strong connection and the possibility of a mentor-mentee relationship. The Dragonslayer Spear, Ornstein’s fighting style, his presence at Archdragon Peak, and shared values all contribute to this compelling theory. It is important to remember that the beauty of Dark Souls lies in its ambiguity, allowing players to interpret the lore and form their own conclusions. Delving into these mysteries is what makes the series so enduring. To engage with other fans and learn more about the lore, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Nameless King Gwyn’s firstborn son?
Yes, the Nameless King is widely accepted as Lord Gwyn’s firstborn son. He was stripped of his name and title after betraying his father by siding with the Everlasting Dragons.
2. Why did Gwyn disown the Nameless King?
Gwyn disowned the Nameless King because he betrayed the gods by siding with the Everlasting Dragons. This act of treason was seen as a direct challenge to Gwyn’s authority and the Age of Fire he sought to maintain.
3. Is the Nameless King stronger than Gwyn?
Lore-wise, the Nameless King is considered one of the most powerful beings in the Dark Souls universe, potentially surpassing Gwyn in terms of raw strength. His mastery of lightning, combat prowess, and connection to the dragons make him a formidable opponent.
4. Why is the Nameless King an optional boss?
The Nameless King is an optional boss because his story is not essential to the main narrative of Dark Souls III. He represents a side path, a deeper exploration of the lore surrounding Gwyn’s family and the ancient conflict between gods and dragons.
5. Is the King of the Storm, the Nameless King’s dragon, Ornstein?
This is a popular fan theory, but there is no concrete evidence to support it. The theory suggests that Ornstein transformed into the King of the Storm, either willingly or unwillingly. However, this remains speculation.
6. What is the Nameless King’s weakness?
The Nameless King is generally considered weak to fire damage. He is also susceptible to dark damage and bleed effects.
7. Where is the Nameless King located?
The Nameless King is located at Archdragon Peak, a hidden area accessible after performing a specific gesture near the Irithyll Dungeon.
8. What are the phases of the Nameless King fight?
The Nameless King fight consists of two phases. In the first phase, he rides the King of the Storm. In the second phase, he fights on foot, wielding his Storm Curved Sword.
9. What are Ornstein’s weaknesses?
Ornstein is weak to fire damage and strong to lightning damage.
10. Where is Ornstein in Dark Souls 3?
The Dragonslayer Armour is found at Archdragon Peak. The location of this armour in the third game is why so many believe that this is where Ornstein went.
11. Is Solaire the Nameless King’s son?
This is a popular fan theory, but there is no definitive evidence to support it. The theory stems from similarities between Solaire’s obsession with the sun and the Nameless King’s connection to lightning.
12. What did Gwyn do to the dragons?
Gwyn did not destroy all the dragons, but he led a war against them, culminating in their near extinction. He then usurped their power and established the Age of Fire.
13. Why did Gwyn fear humans?
Gwyn feared humans because they possessed the Dark Soul, a power that threatened the Age of Fire he sought to maintain. He feared the rise of the Dark Lord, a figure who would usher in an age of darkness.
14. What is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3?
The Nameless King is widely considered one of the hardest bosses in Dark Souls 3, due to his high damage output, unpredictable attack patterns, and two-phase fight.
15. What is Dark Souls’ style of storytelling?
The Dark Souls series is known for its cryptic and fragmented storytelling. Lore is often revealed through item descriptions, character dialogue, and environmental details, requiring players to piece together the narrative themselves. This style of storytelling is part of what makes the Dark Souls games so engaging. To continue learning about the series, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.