How Tall Is Artorias, the Abysswalker?
Artorias, the Abysswalker, is a towering figure in the Dark Souls universe, a knight of legendary status whose story is etched in sorrow and sacrifice. Determining his exact height is tricky due to the game’s perspective and the lack of concrete measurements. However, based on in-game visual comparisons and community consensus, Artorias stands approximately 9-10 feet tall. This places him among the larger characters in the game, though not quite in the league of the true giants.
Delving Deeper into Artorias’ Proportions
Understanding Artorias’ height requires considering several factors. The Dark Souls series is known for its deliberately ambiguous world design, where scale can be deceptive. Character heights are not explicitly stated, so we rely on comparative analysis.
- Visual Comparison: Comparing Artorias to the player character (who can vary in height but is generally around 5’6″ to 6’0″) in the Oolacile Township area provides the strongest visual evidence. Standing next to him during the boss fight shows a significant height difference, easily placing him in the 9-10 foot range.
- Character Classifications: Artorias is classified as a Lord, a race distinct from humans. Lords, including Gwyn, Ornstein, and Ciaran, are generally depicted as being larger than humans, typically ranging from 6 to 10 feet in height. Artorias’ stature aligns with this broader classification.
- Armor and Weapon Scale: The scale of Artorias’ armor and, more importantly, his Greatsword (detailed later) reinforces the impression of his immense size. The sword, which measures approximately 5’6″ (1.65 meters), appears proportionally sized for someone of 9-10 feet in height.
Height Fluctuations and Lore Implications
It’s crucial to note that character height in Dark Souls can be influenced by lore and gameplay mechanics. While there’s no indication that Artorias’ height fluctuates, the absorption of souls is a recurrent theme that can affect size. Ornstein’s absorption of Smough is a prime example of this phenomenon, although it is more pronounced in true giants.
Artorias’ height is consistent throughout his appearances, further solidifying the 9-10 foot estimate. His immense size contributes to his imposing presence and reinforces the sense of him being a being of extraordinary power and stature, fitting for a knight of Lord Gwyn and a legendary figure in the Dark Souls universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Artorias
Height, Strength, and Lore Clarification
1. Is Artorias a giant?
No, Artorias is not a true giant. He is a Lord, a race distinct from humans and true giants. While Lords like Gwyn, Ornstein, and Artorias are larger than humans, they don’t reach the towering sizes of giants like the Giant Blacksmith or the bosses found in the Giant Lord’s memories in Dark Souls 2.
2. Is Artorias stronger than Ornstein?
The game suggests Artorias was considered the strongest in close combat among Gwyn’s Four Knights. Ornstein’s spear combat prowess and role as captain of the knights don’t negate Artorias’ specialization. However, direct comparisons are difficult since they fight in different styles.
3. Is Artorias based on King Arthur?
There’s a possible, but unconfirmed, inspiration from Lucius Artorius Castus, a Roman military commander who some historians theorize might have been the basis for King Arthur. The name similarity and knightly status create a compelling connection, but it remains speculative.
4. What is Artorias’ weakness?
Artorias doesn’t appear to have any specific weakness, but he does seem to only have resistances. His aggressive, close-quarters combat style means he can be vulnerable to players who utilize ranged attacks or can consistently dodge his attacks, creating openings.
5. How did Artorias lose his arm?
Artorias’ left arm was broken during his battle with Manus, Father of the Abyss. Overwhelmed by Manus’s power and the Abyss’s corruption, he sacrificed his shield’s protection to shield Sif, resulting in the injury and his eventual corruption.
Weapons, Relationships, and Dark Souls Mechanics
6. How big is Artorias’ sword?
The Greatsword of Artorias (both the Cursed and normal versions) measures approximately 5’6″ (1.65 meters) long. Despite its size, it weighs less than 5 pounds (2.2kg).
7. Is Artorias left or right-handed?
According to the item description of the Majestic Greatsword (Artorias’ sword) in Dark Souls II, all prominent users of the sword have been left-handed. This implies that Artorias himself was left-handed.
8. What is Artorias’ wolf’s name?
Artorias’ wolf companion is named Sif, the Great Grey Wolf. Sif is a crucial character in Artorias’ lore and becomes the guardian of his grave after his corruption and death.
9. How did Sif get Artorias’ sword?
After Artorias’ demise, Sif guarded his grave and, over time, grew to a tremendous size. Sif fights by grabbing Artorias’ sword from in front of the grave and holding it in its mouth, a testament to their bond and Sif’s loyalty.
10. Who is the woman at Artorias’ grave?
The woman found near Artorias’ grave is Ciaran, the Lord’s Blade. She was one of Gwyn’s Four Knights and is heavily implied to have had romantic feelings for Artorias.
Lore and Gameplay Analysis
11. Why was Artorias corrupted?
Artorias was corrupted by the Abyss while attempting to stop its spread in Oolacile. He was sent by Gwyn to investigate, but the overwhelming power of Manus proved too much, leading to his corruption despite his valiant efforts.
12. Is Artorias based on Guts from Berserk?
Yes, there are clear inspirations from Guts from the manga series Berserk. Artorias’ armor, cursed sword, and aggressive attack style all bear similarities to Guts, particularly when he wears the Berserker Armor.
13. Is Artorias the hardest boss in Dark Souls 1?
While challenging, Artorias is not universally considered the hardest boss in Dark Souls 1. The difficulty of bosses is subjective, but many players find Manus or even Ornstein and Smough to be more challenging due to their unique mechanics and attack patterns.
14. Can you tank Artorias?
Yes, it is possible to tank Artorias using specific builds. Using spells like Iron Flesh in conjunction with heavy armor can significantly increase your poise and defense, allowing you to withstand his attacks.
15. Is Artorias a human?
No, Artorias is not a human. He is classified as a Lord. Gwyn, Artorias, Ornstein, and Ciaran are all of the same race, distinct from humanity. They are often referred to as gods or deities within the Dark Souls universe.
Further Exploration of the Dark Souls Universe
The Dark Souls universe offers a rich tapestry of lore, challenging gameplay, and intricate character designs. Understanding characters like Artorias and their significance enhances the gaming experience and encourages deeper engagement with the series. For those interested in exploring the educational and community-building aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games can be used for education and collaboration. Games can be effective tools for learning and creating new communities.