How Did Solaire Become the Worm? A Dark Souls Lore Dive
The theory that Solaire of Astora transformed into the Carthus Sandworm found in the Smouldering Lake of Dark Souls 3 is a fascinating, albeit highly speculative, piece of lore speculation. The core idea rests on the assumption that Solaire, after being infected by the Sunlight Maggot in Lost Izalith, did not die. Instead, the maggot, a parasitic creature attracted to powerful beings and sunlight, fundamentally altered his body over an immense span of time. The maggot, envisioned as a larval stage capable of immense growth, consumed and reshaped Solaire, ultimately resulting in the massive sandworm we encounter beneath Carthus.
The purported evidence hinges primarily on the worm’s loot. Upon defeating the Carthus Sandworm, players are rewarded with the Lightning Spear miracle and an Undead Bone Shard. The Lightning Spear directly connects to Solaire, as he is known for his faith and his own unique Sunlight Spear miracle. The Undead Bone Shard simply points to the worm’s origins as an Undead.
This theory suggests the Sunlight Maggot acted as a catalyst, accelerating the transformation of a powerful undead warrior, like Solaire, into a grotesque, corrupted form over countless years. The Smouldering Lake, with its chaotic mix of fire and decay, provided the perfect environment for such a transformation.
Is the theory airtight? No. It relies heavily on assumptions and extrapolations. However, the interconnectedness of Dark Souls lore, the game’s penchant for tragic and ironic fates, and the suggestive item drops make it a compelling thought experiment for fans delving into the mysteries of Lordran and beyond. Now let’s delve into the more popular questions around Solaire’s lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solaire and Related Lore
Where does Solaire go crazy?
Solaire’s descent into madness occurs in Lost Izalith. Specifically, if the player proceeds into the area without first eliminating the Sunlight Maggot, Solaire will be found wearing the maggot, believing it to be his “sun,” and will attack the player.
What is the canon ending for Solaire?
The “canon” ending for Solaire remains ambiguous within the game itself. However, many players believe the best possible, and therefore arguably most canonical, outcome is that Solaire survives the events of Lost Izalith and continues his quest, potentially linking the flame in his own world. The Sunlight Spear miracle in Dark Souls 2 makes indirect reference to Solaire, lending credence to this idea.
Why does Solaire want the sunlight maggot?
Solaire doesn’t want the Sunlight Maggot initially. The maggot represents a twisted fulfillment of his desperate desire to find his own “sun.” In his increasingly desperate state, he mistakes the parasitic creature for the radiant object he has been searching for throughout his journey, symbolizing the destructive nature of blind faith and misplaced hope.
Is Solaire the Nameless King?
No. The Nameless King is definitively identified as Gwyn’s firstborn son, whose name was erased from history for siding with the dragons. While fans once theorized Solaire might be the Nameless King, this has largely been disproven by lore established in Dark Souls 3.
What happened to Solaire of Astora?
Depending on the player’s actions, Solaire can either survive his encounter in Lost Izalith or succumb to the influence of the Sunlight Maggot. If saved, he can be summoned to fight alongside the player in the final boss battle against Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. If not saved, he is found driven mad and hostile, and the player must kill him.
Why is Solaire so strong?
Solaire’s strength stems from his unwavering faith, determination, and his potential to be the Chosen Undead of his own world. His will prevents him from going Hollow, and he perseveres against incredible odds, embodying the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie.
Can I save Solaire after he goes insane?
No. Once Solaire dons the Sunlight Maggot and becomes hostile, there is no way to revert him to his sane state. The key is to prevent him from being infected in the first place by eliminating the maggot-infested enemies behind the illusory wall before encountering him in Lost Izalith.
Does Solaire become hollow?
If the player fails to save Solaire from the Sunlight Maggot, he does become Hollow. The maggot drives him insane, and he loses his sense of self and purpose, succumbing to the curse of undeath.
Why did Ornstein look for the Nameless King?
Ornstein, one of Gwyn’s Four Knights, remained loyal to Gwyn’s firstborn son, the Nameless King, even after his exile. The Nameless King was exiled for his alliance with the dragons. Ornstein, driven by loyalty and respect, sought to find and perhaps rejoin his former leader.
Does Solaire have a face?
While Solaire’s helmet obscures his face, his armor provides a subtle hint. Some players have observed that the sun-shaped emblem on his chest armor appears to depict a stylized face, suggesting that his identity is intrinsically tied to his image as a beacon of sunlight.
Is Solaire a Gwyn?
No. There is no concrete evidence to suggest Solaire is related to Gwyn. While Solaire possesses considerable strength and dedication to the ideals of sunlight, he lacks the divine heritage and specific attributes associated with Gwyn and his lineage.
Can you save Solaire from the sunlight maggot?
Yes! To save Solaire from the Sunlight Maggot, you must open the shortcut leading to the room containing the maggot-infested enemies before encountering Solaire in Lost Izalith. Killing the maggot ensures Solaire remains sane and can be summoned for the final boss fight.
What happens if Solaire dies in a boss fight?
If you summon Solaire as a phantom and he dies during a boss fight, it only means the phantom version of him has died. His actual fate in his own world remains unchanged, allowing him to potentially still exist and pursue his own quest.
What happens if you don’t summon Solaire?
Not summoning Solaire during boss fights will not affect his questline, as long as you saved him from the sunlight maggot. You can still meet him at the Altar of Sunlight.
Is Karla a fragment of Manus?
The provided text and Dark Souls Lore indicate that Karla is indeed considered a child of the Abyss, potentially a shard or descendant of Manus, the Father of the Abyss. Her origins link her to the dark and chaotic forces of the Abyss, making her a complex and enigmatic figure. The Games Learning Society is an organization that delves into the educational aspects of gaming, but it is worth noting they may not necessarily have a take on Karla’s backstory.
While the transformation theory regarding Solaire and the Carthus Sandworm remains speculative, it highlights the enduring appeal and complexity of Dark Souls lore. It encourages players to contemplate the tragic fates that can befall even the most noble of characters in a world steeped in darkness and decay. Such intricate storytelling and engaging lore have become a hallmark of the Dark Souls franchise and inspire continuous investigation and interpretation from players and fans alike. This is just one more example of how video games can promote and encourage learning through complex narratives, which is something that can be further explored at the GamesLearningSociety.org.