Is Gravelord Nito Evil? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls’ First of the Dead
The question of whether Gravelord Nito, the First of the Dead in Dark Souls, is truly evil is complex and lacks a simple yes or no answer. Nito is not inherently evil. He embodies death, a fundamental force of nature that is neither good nor bad. However, the Dark Souls universe is steeped in moral ambiguity. Nito’s actions, particularly his alliance with Gwyn during the war against the dragons and his eventual role as a holder of a Lord Soul, place him in a position where his motivations and the consequences of his existence contribute to the overall cycle of suffering in Lordran. While not malicious by nature, Nito’s part in the grand scheme makes him a complex figure rather than a purely malevolent one.
Understanding Nito’s Role
To understand Nito, we must first examine his origins and purpose. As the First of the Dead, he controls death and decay. This role is essential for the balance of the world. He isn’t actively seeking to cause harm or suffering, but instead maintaining a cosmic function. His association with death often skews perceptions towards an “evil” alignment, however, this is incorrect.
Nito’s alliance with Gwyn during the age of fire is a critical point. He aided Gwyn in overthrowing the dragons, ushering in an era of light. This alliance, while beneficial in the short term, contributed to the eventual fading of the flame and the subsequent Undead Curse. In this sense, Nito’s actions have far-reaching consequences that, while not intentionally evil, exacerbate the problems of Lordran.
The Nature of the Dark Souls World
The morality of Dark Souls is often debated, but it’s agreed that it resides in a grim, grey area. The gods themselves, including Gwyn, are flawed figures acting out of self-preservation and a fear of the Dark. The Undead Curse and the cycle of linking the fire are driven by Gwyn’s actions, leading to the perpetual suffering of countless individuals.
In this context, Nito is just another player caught up in the cycle. He guards his Lord Soul not out of malice, but perhaps out of a sense of duty or self-preservation. Killing him is necessary to progress, but it doesn’t necessarily make him “evil”. It’s a utilitarian act within a brutal world.
The Implications of the Fading Flame
The fading of the First Flame is the catalyst for much of the despair and corruption in the Dark Souls universe. As the flame weakens, the Dark begins to encroach, leading to the rise of the Undead and the spread of despair. Nito, as a being closely tied to death, is affected by this decline.
Some speculate that the growing Dark might influence Nito, potentially corrupting his nature or exacerbating his more negative aspects. This corruption is a recurring theme in Dark Souls, with many once-noble figures succumbing to the lure of darkness and becoming twisted versions of their former selves. Even if Nito isn’t inherently evil, the circumstances surrounding his existence and the pressures of the fading flame could push him towards actions that appear to be morally questionable.
Conclusion: A Complex Figure
Ultimately, Gravelord Nito is a complex character whose morality cannot be easily defined. He represents the necessary force of death in a world desperately clinging to life. His alliance with Gwyn, while impactful, was motivated by maintaining the cosmic order as he understood it. While not inherently evil, his actions have ripple effects that contribute to the suffering and decay of Lordran. Nito’s role in the Dark Souls universe is a study in moral ambiguity, a reflection of the game’s overarching themes of despair, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of existence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gravelord Nito
Is Gravelord Nito a God?
Yes, Gravelord Nito is considered a powerful god in the Dark Souls pantheon. Specifically, he is the First of the Dead and a Lord, holding immense power over death and decay.
Why do we fight Gravelord Nito?
The player fights Gravelord Nito because he possesses one of the four Lord Souls required to access the Kiln of the First Flame and either link the fire or usher in the Age of Dark. Essentially, you must defeat him to complete the main objective of the game.
Is Nito weak to fire?
Yes, Gravelord Nito is vulnerable to fire damage. Using fire-based weapons, pyromancies, or even applying charcoal pine resin to your weapon can significantly increase your damage output against him.
Is Nito weak to divine weapons?
Yes, Divine weapons inflict bonus damage against Nito. This bonus damage can be helpful, especially in early playthroughs. Occult weapons, however, do not have this bonus.
What does Nito look like?
Gravelord Nito is depicted as a massive skeletal figure cloaked in a tattered black garment. His ribcage is exposed, revealing a mass of dead matter and bones. He wields a unique sword and is surrounded by smaller skeletons.
Is Gravelord Nito required to beat Dark Souls?
Yes, defeating Gravelord Nito is mandatory to complete Dark Souls. He is one of the four Lords whose souls you must obtain to progress to the final area of the game. However, you can encounter him and join his covenant before you kill him.
Can I join the Gravelord Servants covenant after killing Nito?
No, you cannot join the Gravelord Servants covenant after killing Nito in the same playthrough. However, killing Nito won’t kick you out of the covenant if you are already a member.
How powerful is Gravelord Nito?
Gravelord Nito is one of the most powerful beings in the Dark Souls universe. His soul is so potent that it can satiate the Lordvessel, even after a portion of it has been used. He commands the power of death and can summon hordes of skeletons.
How many souls do you get for killing Nito?
Upon defeating Gravelord Nito, you receive a Lord Soul, 1 Humanity, and 60,000 souls.
Is Gravelord Nito the freakiest boss in Dark Souls?
Many players find Gravelord Nito to be one of the creepiest bosses in Dark Souls. His skeletal appearance, the unsettling arena where he resides, and his command over the dead contribute to his frightening presence. Other bosses such as the Gaping Dragon and Priscilla are also considered freaky.
What are some strategies for dealing with Gravelord Nito?
Effective strategies for fighting Nito include using fire damage, equipping the Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring to avoid waking too many skeletons, and focusing on dealing damage directly to Nito’s bones. Be aware of his Gravelord Sword Dance attack and position yourself strategically to avoid it.
Did Gwyn disown the Nameless King?
Yes, Gwyn disowned his firstborn son, who became known as the Nameless King, due to his alliance with the dragons after Gwyn had waged war against them. The Nameless King was stripped of his name and erased from the annals of history.
What sin did Gwyn commit?
The “first sin” attributed to Gwyn is linking the First Flame, thereby prolonging the Age of Fire at the expense of the natural cycle of Dark and potentially trapping humanity in a cycle of sacrifice and servitude.
Was Gwyn scared of the dark?
Yes, Gwyn was indeed scared of the Dark. His fear of the Dark and the rise of humanity, who were tied to the Dark Soul, drove him to link the First Flame and maintain the Age of Fire. This is stated by Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin.
What is the overall message of Dark Souls?
The overall message of Dark Souls is ambiguous and open to interpretation, but common themes include the cyclical nature of existence, the futility of resisting the inevitable, the burden of choice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. The game encourages introspection on themes of duty, sacrifice, and the consequences of actions. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.