Does Griggs Go Hollow? Unraveling the Fate of the Sorcerer
Yes, Griggs of Vinheim does go hollow in Dark Souls, but his fate is conditional on the player’s actions. This isn’t a straightforward event; rather, it’s a consequence of a specific series of interactions and purchases. Griggs’ descent into hollowing is a poignant example of the game’s bleak world and the grim realities of its inhabitants.
The Path to Hollowing
Griggs’ story begins in the depths of the Lower Undead Burg, trapped in a locked residence. Once the player rescues him using the Residence Key (purchased from the Undead Merchant Male), he relocates to Firelink Shrine. Here, he serves as a valuable merchant, selling a wide range of sorceries and essential rings for mages.
However, this reprieve is not permanent. Griggs’ ambition drives him to continue searching for his mentor, Big Hat Logan. The crucial turning point arrives when players purchase all of Griggs’ spells and rings. Once this threshold is crossed, Griggs’ departure from Firelink Shrine is imminent. He sets off on his ill-fated quest, driven by a desperate desire to find Logan.
His journey leads him to Sen’s Fortress. He can be found in the room where the player acquires the Black Sorcerer Set, now a hollowed shell of his former self. This encounter isn’t a boss fight, rather, it is a somber testament to the dangerous path he chose and the futility of his endeavors.
The Significance of Griggs’ Hollowing
Griggs’ hollowing is not merely a random event; it highlights several key themes within Dark Souls:
- The Cycle of Despair: The relentless pursuit of knowledge and power often leads to downfall, as represented by Griggs’ quest for Logan.
- The Plight of the Undead: Even those with strong wills are not immune to the curse of hollowing. It serves as a constant reminder of the bleak nature of the world and the fragility of humanity.
- Consequences of Action: The game punishes the player with the loss of Griggs, a useful merchant, based on their completionist tendencies. This further reinforces the idea that even seemingly harmless actions can have repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Griggs and Hollowing
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide more clarity about Griggs, hollowing, and related aspects of Dark Souls:
1. Where do you first find Griggs?
Griggs is initially found trapped in a locked building in the Lower Undead Burg. You must purchase the Residence Key from the Undead Merchant Male to free him.
2. What key do you need to rescue Griggs?
You need the Residence Key, which is sold by the Undead Merchant Male in the Undead Burg, near the beginning of the game.
3. Where does Griggs go after being rescued?
After you free him, Griggs relocates to Firelink Shrine, where he sets up shop under a ledge near the well.
4. What happens if you buy all of Griggs’ spells and rings?
If you purchase all items from Griggs, he will leave Firelink Shrine in search of his master, Big Hat Logan, which ultimately leads to him becoming hollow in Sen’s Fortress.
5. Where does Griggs go hollow?
Griggs goes hollow in Sen’s Fortress. You can find him in the room where the Black Sorcerer Set is located.
6. What are the effects of being hollow in Dark Souls?
Being hollow in Dark Souls doesn’t have any direct negative effects on gameplay. It does, however, affect your appearance and makes you unable to summon other players for cooperation, or kindle bonfires. It also can give a boost to luck stat when using hollow weapons.
7. How can you reverse hollowing in Dark Souls?
You can reverse hollowing by using Humanity at a bonfire or paying to Statue of Velka. This allows you to kindle bonfires, summon other players for cooperation and even open the path to NPC questlines.
8. Is there a benefit to being hollow?
Yes, there is a minor benefit to being hollow. Hollow weapons deal more damage the higher your hollowing level is, provided that the level is at least 15.
9. Does hollowing affect the story of the game?
Yes, hollowing affects some NPC questlines and some endings. However, hollowing in and of itself is part of the lore of the game.
10. What happens if you kill Griggs?
If you kill Griggs before he goes hollow, you will lose access to his sorceries. If you kill him after he is hollow, he will simply die, yielding no further benefits.
11. Is Griggs of Vinheim an important character?
Griggs is important primarily for players who are building a sorcerer character due to the fact that he sells powerful spells and equipment early game. If you are not playing as a sorcerer, his absence is not as significant.
12. Is Griggs a spy?
There is speculation that Griggs is a spy for the Dragon School due to his knowledge of sound-insulating magic. While this theory is popular, it is not explicitly confirmed in the game.
13. Can Griggs be saved from hollowing?
No, it is impossible to prevent Griggs from hollowing, once you buy all his items, he is fated to set off in search of his mentor and eventually go hollow in Sen’s Fortress.
14. Who sells sorceries in Dark Souls besides Griggs?
Other merchants sell sorceries, including Rickert of Vinheim (in New Londo Ruins) and Big Hat Logan (later in the game). There are also sorceries that are found throughout the game in different locations.
15. Is it worth reversing hollowing?
Yes, reversing hollowing is essential to be able to use co-op features, summon NPCs, and to kindle bonfires, increasing the amount of Estus Flask that you gain from that bonfire. It is important to stay human throughout the game.
Conclusion
The question “Does Griggs go hollow?” has a definitive and tragic answer: Yes, under specific conditions, Griggs of Vinheim succumbs to hollowing. His journey serves as a microcosm of the larger struggles within Dark Souls, where ambition and the pursuit of knowledge can lead to ruin. By understanding the circumstances surrounding his hollowing, players gain a deeper appreciation for the game’s rich lore and the brutal realities faced by its characters.