Saving Solaire: The Humanity Cost and Everything You Need to Know
The key to preventing Solaire from going insane and meeting a tragic end in Dark Souls hinges on a single number: 30 Humanity. Offering 30 Humanity to the Fair Lady (the Daughter of Chaos) in the Chaos Servant Covenant unlocks a crucial shortcut that allows you to eliminate the Sunlight Maggot plaguing Solaire before he succumbs to its influence. This act of devotion ensures the jolly sunbro remains sane and continues his quest to find his own sun.
The Path to Preservation: Unlocking the Shortcut
The Chaos Servant Covenant is found by returning to the room beneath the bell tower after defeating Quelaag. You’ll find the Daughter of Chaos, a half-spider woman. Joining the covenant is easy, but ranking up requires offering Humanity. This isn’t just a simple exchange; it’s a significant investment in Solaire’s well-being.
Why 30 Humanity?
This number isn’t arbitrary. It represents a considerable commitment to the covenant. The game designers deliberately made saving Solaire require effort, reinforcing the idea that preserving hope and friendship in a dark world demands sacrifice. By offering 30 Humanity, you increase your covenant rank, opening the shortcut and gaining access to the area where the Sunlight Maggot resides before Solaire arrives.
The Shortcut’s Location
The shortcut is located within the Demon Ruins, near the Chaos Eater enemies. Look for a door covered in eggs; this is your path to salvation. Once the shortcut is open, proceed through it, and you’ll encounter a series of Chaos Bug enemies, one of which is the Sunlight Maggot.
The Importance of Preemptive Action
The timing of this action is critical. You must eliminate the Sunlight Maggot before Solaire enters the area. If you proceed to Lost Izalith before clearing the path, Solaire will already be infected and driven mad. Once Solaire is hollow, there is no turning back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solaire
1. Is there any way to save Solaire without the Chaos Servant Covenant?
No. The only reliable method to save Solaire is by joining the Chaos Servant Covenant and offering 30 Humanity to open the shortcut. This is arguably the “intended” method by the developers, as it requires a deliberate and thoughtful choice.
2. Is it worth it to save Solaire?
Absolutely! Besides the moral satisfaction of saving a beloved character, Solaire becomes the only NPC you can summon for the final boss fight against Gwyn. His assistance can be invaluable, and seeing him alongside you during the climax of the game is a rewarding experience. Also, by saving him, you get to see him continue his journey to either link the fire in another world, or find another grand purpose.
3. Can I save Solaire after he goes insane?
Unfortunately, no. Once Solaire is driven mad by the Sunlight Maggot, he becomes a hostile NPC, and killing him is the only option. There’s no way to restore his sanity.
4. Is Solaire the big worm in Smoldering Lake?
This is a popular fan theory, but there’s no definitive evidence to support it. While the Sunlight Maggot is parasitic, the idea that it transforms Solaire into the Ceaseless Discharge (the giant lava worm) is largely speculation.
5. Why is Solaire so strong?
Solaire’s strength lies not only in his combat abilities but also in his unwavering optimism and strong will. He actively sought out the undead curse to journey to Lordran and find his own sun. His determination prevents him from going hollow easily, making him a steadfast companion.
6. What is the canon ending for Solaire?
The “canon” ending for Solaire is debatable, but many believe that saving him and summoning him for the final boss allows him to link the fire in his own world. This theory is supported by nods to Solaire in Dark Souls 2 and Dark Souls 3, suggesting his impact transcends the events of the first game.
7. Does Solaire have a happy ending?
Solaire’s fate rests in your hands. If you save him from the Sunlight Maggot, he avoids going hollow and remains true to his purpose. This is arguably the closest thing to a “happy ending” he can achieve in the bleak world of Dark Souls.
8. Does killing Solaire break the Chaos Servant Covenant?
Killing Solaire will not remove you from the Chaos Servant Covenant, but it’s undoubtedly a morally questionable act. While it won’t affect your standing in the covenant, it will certainly weigh on your conscience.
9. Does Solaire ever find his sun?
Whether Solaire finds his literal sun is open to interpretation. What’s more important is his relentless pursuit of a meaningful purpose. By saving him, you enable him to continue that quest, suggesting that his “sun” might be found in the bonds of friendship and the pursuit of his own goals.
10. Why does Solaire want a sun?
The sun symbolizes nobility, strength, and purpose. Solaire desires to be a great and renowned warrior, beloved by all. His quest for a sun is a metaphor for his desire for recognition and a meaningful role in the world.
11. Does Solaire worship Gwyn?
While Solaire’s armor and shield bear the image of the sun, it is more likely that he worships Gwyn’s firstborn, the Nameless King, who was stripped of his status. His devotion is to a figure who represents strength and purpose outside the established order.
12. Is saving Solaire canon?
Many players and lore enthusiasts consider saving Solaire and having him assist in the final boss fight to be a “true” or “good” ending for his character. This ending allows him to potentially link the fire in his own world, creating a sense of closure and fulfillment for his quest.
13. Why is Solaire such a fan favorite?
Solaire embodies the spirit of cooperation and optimism in a dark and unforgiving world. His jolly personality, helpful nature, and iconic “Praise the Sun!” gesture have made him a beloved character among Dark Souls fans. His quest also has a tragic and sad undertone that makes players want to help him.
14. Was Solaire a chosen undead?
Interestingly, Solaire became undead by his own volition, seeking the curse as a means to journey to Lordran and find his sun. He wasn’t chosen by fate but actively sought out his destiny.
15. Why does Solaire become depressed?
When Solaire is corrupted by the Sunlight Maggot, his desire for a “sun” is twisted. He becomes consumed by a false light, leading to madness and despair. This emphasizes the importance of genuine purpose over superficial goals.
Beyond Humanity: The True Value of Friendship
While 30 Humanity is the key that unlocks the shortcut, it’s the player’s dedication and willingness to go the extra mile that truly saves Solaire. This highlights a core theme of Dark Souls: even in a world filled with despair, acts of kindness and friendship can make a profound difference. It also demonstrates a lot about the way that we interact with each other in the real world. Sometimes, a little bit of effort can make a big difference in the lives of others.
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