Is the Ashen One the Strongest? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls Power Scaling
The question of who reigns supreme in the sprawling, challenging world of the Dark Souls universe is a constant source of debate amongst fans. Among the many contenders, the Ashen One from Dark Souls III frequently finds themselves at the center of this discussion. So, is the Ashen One truly the strongest? The answer, while complex, leans towards a qualified yes, especially when considering the specific circumstances and feats achieved within their narrative. However, it’s essential to understand the nuances of power scaling in the Soulsborne games to arrive at this conclusion.
The Ashen One’s claim to power doesn’t come from raw strength or innate magical ability alone. Instead, their power is derived from a confluence of factors: the unique nature of their existence, the cumulative power they absorb, and the sheer scope of their accomplishments. The Ashen One defeats all of the Lords of Cinder, a feat unparalleled in the series, and in doing so, they amass their powers. Furthermore, they confront and defeat the Soul of Cinder, which is arguably the composite manifestation of all those who linked the flame prior. This sets a new precedent for power. They also overcome a gauntlet of foes, including former heroes, corrupted deities, and primordial entities. The scale of their victories surpasses those of previous protagonists, positioning them as a formidable force.
The Ashen One’s Unique Advantage
What sets the Ashen One apart is their very nature. They are not merely undead; they are Unkindled. These are beings that attempted to link the flame in the past but failed, reduced to ash. Reawakened by the toll of the bell, they are compelled to return to the world, fueled by a unique kind of purpose. This “second chance” grants them a particular tenacity. Unlike other undead, they don’t experience the traditional hollowing after death in the same way. They are also capable of becoming hollowed if they accept Dark Sigils from Londor dwellers. This resilience, combined with the ability to acquire and wield souls, makes them an adaptive combatant. They also acquire the ability to use magic, making them a versatile protagonist.
The Cumulative Power
The path of the Ashen One is not merely one of combat but also one of absorbing power. By defeating the Lords of Cinder, the Ashen One absorbs their souls and a portion of their strength, adding to their own. The Soul of Cinder, considered the final obstacle, is itself a vessel of immense power, embodying all who have linked the First Flame, including former protagonists and legendary figures like Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. Overcoming such a powerful entity demonstrates a level of power that other protagonists may not have had the opportunity to achieve.
Compared to Other Protagonists
While the Chosen Undead from Dark Souls and the Bearer of the Curse from Dark Souls II are undoubtedly powerful in their own rights, their narratives don’t lead them to face the same caliber of accumulated power that the Ashen One does. Both engage in a similar quest of linking the fire, but neither face the composite strength of the combined Lords of Cinder. The Hunter from Bloodborne, while agile and wielding firearms, operates in a different context of power and cosmology.
Ultimately, the Ashen One’s journey takes them to the heart of the flame itself, where they are tasked with confronting an entity that has absorbed the power of all the previous linkers of the flame. This is a task that sets them apart from previous protagonists, putting them on a new level of power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions surrounding the strength of the Ashen One, providing further insights into their power and place in the Dark Souls universe:
1. Is the Ashen One stronger than the Chosen Undead?
Yes, in most interpretations, the Ashen One is considered stronger. They overcome the collective power of the Lords of Cinder, including those who linked the fire previously, making them the most powerful protagonist in the Souls series. While both engage in similar quests of linking the first flame, it’s important to note the Ashen One faces a more daunting challenge.
2. Can the Ashen One go hollow?
Yes, by accepting Dark Sigils from Londor dwellers, the Ashen One can become hollow, but they do not hollow upon death in the same way as other undead. This is because of their unique status as Unkindled.
3. Who is the hardest boss the Ashen One has faced?
This is subjective, but many players consider the Soul of Cinder and Sister Friede some of the most challenging bosses, due to their complex movesets, multiple phases, and sheer power.
4. Is the Ashen One undead?
The Ashen One is an Unkindled, a being that failed to link the flame in the past and was reduced to ash. They are brought back to life by the awakening bell in Dark Souls III. They do not exhibit the typical hollowing of other undead, which is a significant distinction.
5. Why are they called the Ashen One?
Ashen Ones are those who previously tried to link the First Flame but were consumed by it, reduced to ash and failing where the Chosen Undead succeeded. They are considered rekindled due to the bell that awakens them.
6. How does the Ashen One scale in terms of power?
The Ashen One is often scaled based on their confrontation with the Soul of Cinder. The Soul of Cinder is associated with the power of Gwyn, who has been connected to the energy of the sun. This has led to the idea that their level of power places them at a Star Buster level.
7. Did the Chosen Undead become the Ashen One?
There is no definitive proof that the Chosen Undead became the Ashen One. It’s suggested that the Chosen Undead was consumed by the flame upon linking it, possibly becoming a part of the cycle of linked souls, and later becoming an aspect of the Soul of Cinder. The Ashen One is specifically an unkindled being revived from ash.
8. Was Sister Friede an Ashen One?
Yes, Sister Friede is indeed an Ashen One who attempted and failed to link the First Flame or usurp it, leading to her resurrection as ash. She later retreated into the Painted World.
9. How was the Ashen One born?
The Ashen One is not born in the traditional sense. They are revived from the ashes of those who failed to link the flame in the past. This concept was first introduced with “Ashen Undead” in Dark Souls II.
10. Is the Soul of Cinder actually the Ashen One?
The Soul of Cinder is a composite manifestation of all previous Lords of Cinder and those who linked the flame, including Gwyn and likely the Chosen Undead. The Ashen One is an individual entity that must fight the Soul of Cinder, separate from that amalgamation.
11. Is the Chosen Undead immortal?
The Chosen Undead, similar to all undead in Dark Souls, is functionally immortal due to the bonfire mechanic. They are not unique in this regard, as many characters respawn in the same fashion.
12. What is the symbol of the Ashen One?
The Ashen One is a symbol of free will and choice. They represent perseverance, rejecting falsehoods, and maintaining hope through hardship.
13. What is the Ashen Curse?
The Ashen Curse is a visual effect where the character’s chest, eyes, and hands glow internally and the character is marked with glowing scars to the head. This cosmetic effect is unlocked after completing the Heart of Fire Tall Tale.
14. What is the difference between the Chosen Undead and the Ashen One?
The Chosen Undead is a title bestowed on an undead strong enough to link the fire, while the Ashen One is an Unkindled who failed at that task. The Chosen Undead is also chosen to maintain the flame and to keep it going, which differs from the goals of the Ashen One, which can be to end the cycle or maintain it.
15. Can anyone beat Escanor?
Based on the source material, Meliodas in his demon form is powerful enough to defeat Escanor. The outcome of their canon battle was affected by timing, emphasizing that Escanor’s power is tied to the time of day.
Conclusion
The Ashen One’s journey through Dark Souls III is a testament to their unique resilience, adaptability, and the sheer scale of their accomplishments. They confront enemies and obstacles that push their power beyond the capabilities of previous protagonists, absorbing accumulated power and forging their own path. While discussions surrounding power scaling in the Dark Souls universe are often subjective, the Ashen One’s narrative positions them as a uniquely powerful entity, deserving of the title of arguably the strongest protagonist in the entire series.