Is Kaathe Better Than Frampt? A Dark Souls Dilemma
The question of whether Kaathe or Frampt is the “better” choice in Dark Souls is loaded, subjective, and dependent on your desired ending and understanding of the game’s complex lore. There’s no objectively “good” or “evil” serpent. They are agents of differing ideologies locked in an eternal struggle for the fate of the Age of Fire and the dawn of the Age of Dark. So, is Kaathe better than Frampt? It depends entirely on your perspective: Kaathe offers a path to the Age of Dark, potentially empowering humanity, while Frampt perpetuates the Age of Fire, maintaining the status quo established by the Gods. Ultimately, neither serpent is inherently “better,” but understanding their motivations and the consequences of their respective paths is crucial for making an informed decision in your playthrough.
The Serpent Conundrum: Understanding Kaathe and Frampt
The world of Dark Souls is built upon a foundation of cyclical conflict. At the heart of this conflict lie two primordial serpents: Kingseeker Frampt and Darkstalker Kaathe. Both serpents seek to guide the Chosen Undead, the player character, towards a specific outcome regarding the First Flame and the future of Lordran. However, their visions are diametrically opposed, making the choice between them a pivotal moment in the game.
Frampt: The Advocate for the Age of Fire
Frampt, the seemingly benevolent serpent slumbering at Firelink Shrine, champions the Age of Fire. He guides the player on the path of linking the flame, a ritualistic sacrifice where the Chosen Undead burns themself to rekindle the First Flame, prolonging the Age of Fire and the reign of the Gods. Frampt frames this as the “rightful” destiny of the Chosen Undead, echoing the propaganda of the Gods and their desire to maintain their dominance. He presents a seemingly noble, though ultimately tragic, end. Frampt isn’t exactly honest, because his careful wording hides his true intentions. He intends for you to succeed Gwyn only as fuel for the fire.
Kaathe: The Harbinger of the Age of Dark
Kaathe, found in the Abyss after defeating the Four Kings, represents the opposing force. He believes that the Age of Fire is nearing its natural end and that humanity should embrace the coming Age of Dark. He advocates for extinguishing the First Flame and claiming the power of the Dark Soul, transforming the Chosen Undead into the Dark Lord, who would usher in a new era for humanity. Kaathe seems to be motivated by purely self-interest and has been plotting from the beginning to unleash Manus and the power of the Abyss.
Ideological Clash: Fire vs. Dark
The core difference between Frampt and Kaathe lies in their differing ideologies. Frampt is a loyal servant to the Gods, dedicated to perpetuating the Age of Fire at any cost. He views humanity as subservient to the Gods and sees their role as maintaining the flame, even if it means endless sacrifice. Kaathe, on the other hand, believes in the potential of humanity and seeks to break the cycle of the Age of Fire. He sees the Age of Dark as an opportunity for humanity to rise and claim its rightful place, free from the influence of the Gods. Choosing between them forces the player to confront the moral implications of both paths.
Making the Choice: Consequences and Implications
The choice between Frampt and Kaathe dramatically impacts the game’s ending and your perception of its themes.
- Linking the Flame (Frampt’s Path): This ending perpetuates the cycle of the Age of Fire. You become the new fuel for the flame, ensuring the Gods’ continued reign. While seemingly selfless, it can be interpreted as a tragic acceptance of the status quo, offering only temporary respite.
- Usurping the Flame (Kaathe’s Path): This ending allows the First Flame to fade, ushering in the Age of Dark. You become the Dark Lord, a symbol of humanity’s potential and independence from the Gods. This ending can be seen as empowering, but also potentially chaotic, as the consequences of the Age of Dark are largely unknown.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Dark Souls doesn’t offer easy answers or clear-cut morality. The “best” choice depends on your personal interpretation of the game’s lore and your desired ending.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Serpent Lore
1. Are Frampt and Kaathe the same?
No. While some theories suggest they are two aspects of the same being, the game primarily presents them as separate entities with opposing agendas.
2. Is Kaathe a bad guy?
Kaathe is not inherently “bad”. He is a proponent of the Age of Dark and believes in humanity’s potential to rule. His methods are questionable, and Kaathe has been plotting to unleash Manus and the power of the Abyss, but his ultimate goal is to liberate humanity from the cycle of the Age of Fire.
3. Is Frampt lying in Dark Souls?
Frampt’s lie is in his careful wording. He doesn’t explicitly lie, but he omits crucial information about the true nature of linking the flame. He presents it as a noble sacrifice but fails to mention that the player will simply become fuel, perpetuating the cycle.
4. What does Darkstalker Kaathe want?
Kaathe’s ultimate goal is to usher in the Age of Dark, which requires the First Flame to be put out and a Lord of Hollows crowned.
5. What does Frampt want?
Frampt wants to keep the Age of Fire going because he works for the gods and is presumably in cahoots with Gwyndolin.
6. What happens if you talk to Frampt after talking to Kaathe?
Fraampt will call you a forry sool.
7. Should you say yes to Kaathe?
The game offers no explicit pro’s or con’s for talking to either Frampt or Kaathe, except that you can join the Darkwraith covenant by speaking to Kaathe.
8. What happens if you feed Kingseeker Frampt Titanite?
Kingseeker Frampt breaks down Titanite into smaller components.
9. What does offering humanity to Kaathe do?
By offering humanity to Kaathe, you increase your covenant level, and once you get 10 (+1 level), you will obtain a Red Eye Orb, which can be used to invade other player’s worlds.
10. Are the Darkwraiths evil?
According to the DS wiki, and the general consensus, Darkwraiths have a Chaotic Evil alignment.
11. What is the true villain of Dark Souls?
Gwyn, also known as the Lord of Sunlight and the Lord of Cinder, is the main antagonist of Dark Souls.
12. Why does Frampt get mad?
For Frampt to keep liking you, you must not reach the Sunlight Altar and place the Lordvessel without him taking you down there.
13. Does Frampt give more souls?
Frampt has preferences. He gives increased souls for things he likes such things related to Gwyn.
14. Can you join Darkwraith if you talk to Frampt?
You can for example Talk to Frampt, have him (force) transport you to the Firelink Altar, then homeward bone out of there. Later if you talk to Frampt he will then allow you to feed him again, and so long as you have not placed the Lord Vessel you will still be able to join the Darkwraiths.
15. Is solaire in Dark Souls 1?
Solaire of Astora (/soʊˈlɛər/; soh-LAIR) is a character from the 2011 video game Dark Souls. He is a knight notable for his signature gesture, “Praise the Sun”, as well as an unusually friendly demeanor contrasting most of the other characters in the game.
Understanding the nuances of Kaathe and Frampt is crucial for navigating the moral complexities of Dark Souls. The choice between them ultimately reflects your own interpretation of the game’s themes and your desired ending. Do you perpetuate the cycle of sacrifice, or embrace the unknown potential of the Age of Dark? The answer lies within the player.
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