Artorias of the Abyss: Prequel or Parallel Narrative?
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No, Artorias of the Abyss is NOT a prequel in the strictest sense. It’s a significant chunk of the Dark Souls narrative that occurs in the past, roughly a century before the main events of the game. The player travels backward in time through the machinations of Manus, Father of the Abyss, to experience a pivotal event in the Dark Souls lore. Therefore, it’s more accurately described as a parallel narrative that enriches and contextualizes the present-day struggles in Lordran, offering crucial insights into the legends and the tragic figures that shape the world.
Unpacking the Temporal Mechanics
The DLC doesn’t rewrite the original Dark Souls timeline; instead, it expands upon it. We, as the Chosen Undead, aren’t preventing the events of Artorias’s downfall, but rather witnessing and, ironically, contributing to them. Our actions in Oolacile don’t alter the fact that Artorias failed in his mission; they cement that failure and illustrate the complexities of the prophecy and the cyclical nature of the Dark Souls universe.
The key takeaway is that while you’re experiencing events that chronologically precede the main game, your presence is integrated into the established lore. It’s not a separate, independent prequel story but an essential piece of the existing puzzle. Think of it less as a direct linear prequel and more as a temporal side quest with monumental implications.
The Impact on the Lore
The Artorias of the Abyss DLC does far more than simply add new content; it recontextualizes everything we thought we knew. Figures like Artorias, once shrouded in myth and legend, become tragically humanized. His corruption, his heroism, and his ultimate defeat are all laid bare, adding layers of depth to his character and the world he inhabited.
Moreover, the DLC introduces crucial elements that resonate throughout the Dark Souls universe:
- The Abyss: We gain a deeper understanding of the nature and origin of the Abyss, its corrupting influence, and the threat it poses to the world.
- Manus, Father of the Abyss: The true antagonist behind the corruption of Oolacile is revealed, providing context for the ongoing struggle against the dark.
- The People of Oolacile: The story of Oolacile is one of humanity’s foolish search for power, leading to the creation of a tragic end.
- Knight Artorias: Once thought of as a hero is made into a symbol of a promise and a cautionary tale of the perils of the Abyss.
- Sif, the Great Grey Wolf: The significance of the loyal companion of Artorias, and her eventual role in guarding Artorias’ grave.
Why It Feels Like a Prequel (But Isn’t)
The confusion arises because the DLC features events that occur before the main game. We see Oolacile in its prime before its descent into the Abyss, meet characters who are only referenced in the present, and witness the events that shaped the legends we hear in Lordran.
However, the framing device of time travel prevents it from being a true prequel. We’re not experiencing an alternate timeline or a “what if” scenario. We’re participants in a fixed point in history. This subtle but crucial distinction positions the DLC as a parallel narrative that enriches the existing lore rather than rewriting it.
Artorias of the Abyss: A Masterclass in Narrative Design
Ultimately, Artorias of the Abyss is a triumph of narrative design. It manages to expand upon the established world of Dark Souls, introduce new and compelling characters, and provide a deeper understanding of the lore without ever feeling like a tacked-on addition.
The Games Learning Society emphasizes the power of games to educate and engage, and Artorias of the Abyss is a shining example of how video games can tell complex and meaningful stories that resonate with players long after they’ve put down the controller. You can learn more about the Games Learning Society and its mission at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
It’s not a prequel in the traditional sense, but it is an essential piece of the Dark Souls experience, offering a richer and more nuanced understanding of the world and its inhabitants. It’s a journey to the past that profoundly impacts how we perceive the present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should you start Artorias of the Abyss?
You should tackle the Artorias of the Abyss DLC after placing the Lordvessel in Firelink Shrine, which generally occurs after completing Anor Londo. This ensures you’re adequately leveled and equipped to handle the challenges within. A level around 80 is generally recommended.
2. Why did Artorias go to the Abyss?
Artorias’s mission was to stop the spread of the Abyss and defeat Manus, Father of the Abyss. His initial intentions were to fulfill a covenant he made to stop the Abyss. However, he eventually had to sacrifice himself to protect Sif from being corrupted by the dark.
3. Is Artorias of the Abyss included in Dark Souls Remastered?
Yes, Dark Souls Remastered includes the main game along with the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. It is an integral part of the experience.
4. How do you start the Artorias of the Abyss DLC?
To access the DLC:
- Clear the Hydra from Darkroot Basin and save Dusk of Oolacile.
- Obtain the Lordvessel and give it to Kaathe or Frampt.
- Go to the Duke’s Archives and kill the lone Crystal Golem after the bonfire to obtain the Broken Pendant.
- Return to where you killed the Hydra.
5. What level should I be to fight Artorias?
A level between 80 and 130 is a good range for fighting Artorias. This will allow you to team up with a reasonable range of players for cooperative play.
6. How many souls does Artorias give you?
Defeating Artorias grants you the Soul of Artorias, which can be consumed for 16,000 souls. Offering it to Frampt yields 10,000 souls.
7. Are the Abyss Watchers related to Artorias?
Yes, the Abyss Watchers are heavily inspired by Artorias and carry on his fight against the Abyss. They were formed in his honor, embodying his unwavering commitment to combating the dark.
8. How many bosses are there in Artorias of the Abyss?
The Artorias of the Abyss DLC features four main bosses and several optional miniboss fights, providing a significant challenge for players.
9. Which Dark Souls has the best DLC?
While subjective, Artorias of the Abyss is often ranked highly among Soulsborne DLC, frequently regarded as second best in the whole “SoulsBorne” genre, with Bloodborne: The Old Hunters holding the top spot for many fans.
10. Who broke Artorias’ arm?
Manus, Father of the Abyss, broke Artorias’s arm during their battle. This defeat marked the beginning of Artorias’s corruption by the Abyss.
11. Who is the person at Artorias’ grave, and what should I do?
The person is Ciaran, the Lord’s Blade, one of Gwyn’s Four Knights. She was likely in love with Artorias. You’ll find her behind Artorias’ grave, where you can obtain her ring.
12. Can you save Sif before fighting Artorias?
Yes, you can save Sif in the DLC before fighting Artorias in the main game. This unlocks a different cutscene when you encounter Sif later in the Darkroot Garden.
13. Can you take off Artorias’ ring in the Abyss?
You must wear the Covenant of Artorias ring to traverse the Abyss and fight the Four Kings. Removing it will cause you to fall to your death. However, once they are defeated, the ring is no longer needed for the fight.
14. Who is the secret boss in the Dark Souls DLC?
The secret boss in the Dark Souls 3 DLC, “The Ringed City”, is Darkeater Midir, a formidable dragon with a wide range of powerful attacks. There is no secret boss in Artorias of the Abyss.
15. How did Artorias get corrupted by the Abyss?
Artorias was overwhelmed by the Abyss while trying to stop its spread. He sacrificed himself to protect Sif, but in doing so, he became corrupted and lost his mind to the darkness.