How is Gwyndolin Still Alive in Dark Souls 3? The Lore Explained
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Gwyndolin isn’t exactly “alive” in Dark Souls 3 in the traditional sense. He is absorbed and controlled by Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. Aldrich consumed Gwyndolin, and Gwyndolin’s body becomes a vessel through which Aldrich manifests his power. Aldrich retains Gwyndolin’s magical abilities and even projects a twisted image of him during the boss fight. This allows Aldrich to use Gwyndolin’s abilities against the player. Gwyndolin’s will is largely suppressed, making him a puppet within Aldrich’s form.
The Fate of the Dark Sun: Unpacking Gwyndolin’s Story
To truly understand Gwyndolin’s peculiar state in Dark Souls 3, we must delve deep into the lore established in the original Dark Souls. Gwyndolin, the last born of Lord Gwyn, was raised as a daughter due to his affinity for the moon. This led him to possess potent illusion magic, with which he maintained the illusion of Gwynevere in Anor Londo after the gods departed. This facade kept the flame alive, so to speak, giving the illusion of a thriving city and encouraging undead to link the fire.
In Dark Souls 3, the world is nearing its end. The cycle of fire and dark is breaking down. Aldrich, a cleric turned flesh-hungry beast, is resurrected as a Lord of Cinder. Driven by prophetic dreams and an insatiable hunger for divinity, he sets his sights on Anor Londo. With the help of Pontiff Sulyvahn, Aldrich infiltrates the city and confronts the last remaining god residing there, Gwyndolin.
Rather than a straight up fight, Gwyndolin willingly allows Aldrich to consume him, possibly to protect Yorshka, another child of Gwyn. Gwyndolin’s powers, particularly his control over Anor Londo and his potent magic, make him an ideal meal for Aldrich. By consuming Gwyndolin, Aldrich gains access to these abilities, becoming an even more formidable foe.
Aldrich, the Devourer: A Twisted Transformation
Aldrich’s consumption of Gwyndolin isn’t a clean process. It’s a grotesque assimilation. Aldrich’s body morphs to accommodate Gwyndolin, resulting in the monstrous form we see in Dark Souls 3. The boss fight against Aldrich is, in essence, a fight against both Aldrich and the remnants of Gwyndolin.
The snakes surrounding Aldrich are a visual nod to Gwyndolin’s earlier appearance. Aldrich even uses Gwyndolin’s Darkmoon magic during the fight, firing volleys of soul arrows and summoning a magical bow. However, Gwyndolin’s agency is lost. He’s a prisoner within Aldrich, his powers twisted and used for the Devourer’s malicious purposes.
The giant corpse in the Cathedral of the Deep is theorized to be that of the Giant Blacksmith, slain by Aldrich and his followers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gwyndolin and Aldrich
1. Where is Gwyndolin in Dark Souls 3?
Gwyndolin is found within Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, in the Cathedral of the Deep in Anor Londo. He is not a separate entity but rather an integral part of Aldrich’s boss form.
2. Why did Aldrich eat Gwyndolin?
Aldrich devoured Gwyndolin to gain access to his power. Gwyndolin was the last remaining god in Anor Londo and possessed significant magical abilities, including control over the illusion of the city.
3. What gender is Gwyndolin?
Gwyndolin’s gender is a complex topic. While raised as a daughter by Gwyn and often referred to with feminine pronouns, his biological sex is implied to be male. Interpretations vary among players, and the series creators haven’t offered a definitive answer. Many consider Gwyndolin to be a trans woman.
4. What does killing Aldrich do to Gwyndolin?
Killing Aldrich effectively destroys Gwyndolin as well. While tragic, it ends his suffering and releases his soul.
5. Is Gwynevere in Dark Souls 3?
The original Gwynevere is not directly present in Dark Souls 3. She left Anor Londo long ago and married Flamelord Izalith. There are hints that she may have returned at some point, but her whereabouts remain unknown. The illusion of Gwynevere from Dark Souls is gone.
6. Did Aldrich eat Gwyn?
No, Aldrich did not eat Gwyn. Gwyn sacrificed himself to link the First Flame long before Aldrich’s rise to power.
7. Is Aldrich the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3?
While Aldrich is a challenging boss, he isn’t universally considered the hardest. Difficulty is subjective, but many players find bosses like the Nameless King and Slave Knight Gael more difficult.
8. What are Aldrich’s weaknesses?
Aldrich is particularly weak to lightning damage. Weapons infused with lightning or spells that deal lightning damage are highly effective against him.
9. Why is Aldrich a slug?
Aldrich’s transformation into a slug-like creature is a result of his cannibalistic tendencies and his consumption of human flesh and, ultimately, Gwyndolin. This transformed him into a malleable and sludge-like form.
10. What abilities did Aldrich gain from eating Gwyndolin?
Aldrich gained access to Gwyndolin’s powerful Darkmoon magic. This includes the ability to fire volleys of soul arrows, summon a magical bow, and teleport around the arena.
11. Why is Gwyndolin associated with snakes?
The snakes surrounding Aldrich in Dark Souls 3 are a visual reference to Gwyndolin’s earlier appearance in Dark Souls. Gwyndolin was often depicted with snakes or snake-like features, possibly symbolizing his connection to the moon and the illusionary nature of his power.
12. What happens if you kneel before Gwyndolin in Dark Souls?
Kneeling before Gwyndolin in Dark Souls allows you to join the Blade of the Darkmoon covenant. This covenant focuses on punishing those who have sinned against the gods.
13. Who is Yorshka?
Yorshka is another child of Gwyn, found in Anor Londo. She is a member of the Blade of the Darkmoon and is protected by the player in Dark Souls 3.
14. How did Aldrich become a Lord of Cinder?
Aldrich became a Lord of Cinder due to his immense power and the prophecy surrounding his role in linking the First Flame. He was resurrected for this purpose, despite his monstrous nature.
15. Are Aldrich and Gwyndolin the same person?
No, Aldrich and Gwyndolin are not the same person. Aldrich is a distinct entity who consumed Gwyndolin. While Gwyndolin’s essence is integrated into Aldrich, he remains a separate being with his own will, albeit suppressed. You can learn more about gaming and its intersection with education at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.