Is Pontiff Sulyvahn a Good Guy? Unraveling the Morality of a Dark Souls III Antagonist
The short answer is a resounding no. Pontiff Sulyvahn, a central antagonist and boss in Dark Souls III, is unequivocally not a good guy. His actions are marked by cruelty, manipulation, and a desire to reshape the world through chaotic and destructive means. He’s responsible for significant suffering and corruption, solidifying his role as one of the most wicked figures in the Dark Souls universe. To delve deeper, let’s examine the specifics of his actions, motivations, and the world he helped create.
Sulyvahn’s Reign of Terror: A Chronicle of Villainy
Sulyvahn’s evil isn’t subtle; it’s etched into the landscape of Irithyll of the Boreal Valley and the twisted fate of its inhabitants. He began his descent into darkness when he discovered the Profaned Flame, a dangerous power that he readily exploited. This act alone set the stage for the atrocities he would later commit.
Desecration of Anor Londo
Perhaps one of his most heinous acts was the desecration of Anor Londo. He didn’t merely conquer the city; he twisted it. The once majestic city was plunged into a perpetual cold, a frigid wasteland, reflecting the coldness of his own heart. This act symbolically represents his disregard for the past and his ambition to mold the world in his warped vision.
The Fate of Gwyndolin
Sulyvahn’s cruelty is further highlighted by his manipulation of Gwyndolin. The Dark Sun was not defeated in battle, but instead, the Pontiff had Gwyndolin fed to Aldrich, a horrific being with a penchant for devouring gods. This act not only sealed Gwyndolin’s tragic fate but also empowered Aldrich, further spreading Sulyvahn’s influence and corruption.
The Monstrous Transformations
Sulyvahn’s influence didn’t stop at locations and gods; he also corrupted individuals. He twisted the minds of figures like the Dancer and Vordt, turning them into crazed, animalistic Outrider Knights. These were once individuals; now, they serve only as extensions of Sulyvahn’s will, their humanity lost to the corruption he inflicted. This demonstrates his capacity for personal and intentional cruelty, rather than random violence.
Alliance with Aldrich
Sulyvahn’s connection to Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, is a further testament to his malevolent nature. Aldrich, a being consumed by gluttony and a desire for human flesh, was Sulyvahn’s ally. This association alone illustrates Sulyvahn’s depravity and his embrace of the darkness. By supporting and empowering Aldrich, Sulyvahn facilitates the spread of this corruption.
A Desire for Worldly Fire
Sulyvahn’s twisted ambition is to reset the world. He believed, as taught in the Painted World, that the world, once old, needs to be burned away so a new age can begin. However, his “new age” wasn’t one of renewal but rather, Aldrich’s age of the Deep Sea. This motivation is fueled by a desire for absolute control and a disregard for the existing world and its inhabitants. He seeks to not only remake the world but also mold it to his own designs, at any cost.
FAQ: Diving Deeper into the Pontiff’s Evil
To further solidify the understanding of Sulyvahn’s villainous nature, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How evil is Pontiff Sulyvahn, exactly?
Pontiff Sulyvahn is incredibly evil. He’s not just a power-hungry conqueror; he actively corrupts, twists, and destroys. His actions lead to immense suffering and the systematic dehumanization of those under his control. He is arguably the most wicked villain in the Dark Souls series due to the scale and nature of his atrocities.
2. What was Pontiff Sulyvahn’s ultimate goal?
Sulyvahn’s ultimate goal was to ignite a new age, specifically Aldrich’s age of the Deep Sea. He aimed to burn the old world away and usher in an era of chaos and consumption, reflecting his own twisted vision for the future.
3. Is Pontiff Sulyvahn the main villain of Dark Souls III?
While he is not the final boss, Sulyvahn is one of the two main secondary antagonists, alongside Aldrich. His actions set the stage for much of the game’s conflict and directly lead to some of the most significant events in the storyline.
4. Why did Sulyvahn turn Irithyll into a frigid wasteland?
He used the power of the Profaned Flame to enforce his will, leading to the transformation of Irithyll into a cold, hostile landscape. This is a physical manifestation of his cold heart and the cruelty he inflicts on the city.
5. What did Sulyvahn do to the Dancer and Vordt?
Sulyvahn twisted their minds and turned them into animalistic Outrider Knights. He equipped them with his own unique blade styles and placed them on his command, forcing them into servitude.
6. How did Sulyvahn become Pontiff?
Sulyvahn gained power by manipulating the Profaned Flame and instituting the worship of Aldrich in Irithyll. This established his position as the leader and earned him the title of Pontiff.
7. What did Sulyvahn do to the Fire Witches?
He gave them too much of the Profaned Flame’s power, knowing it would drive them mad and turn them into his mindless servants. This showcases his willingness to sacrifice others to further his goals.
8. Was Pontiff Sulyvahn meant to be the final boss originally?
Yes, in an earlier version of Dark Souls III, Sulyvahn was indeed the final boss, encountered in what was an early version of the Untended Graves. He was later moved to his current location in Irithyll.
9. Is Pontiff Sulyvahn a hard boss to fight?
Yes, Pontiff Sulyvahn is considered one of the hardest bosses in Dark Souls III. He has sweeping fire attacks, quick movement, and the ability to summon a phantom that mirrors his actions.
10. Is Pontiff Sulyvahn immune to bleed damage?
No, he is not immune, but he is resistant to bleed, poison, and frostbite. It is better to use other means such as thrust, lightning, or fire.
11. Is Pontiff Sulyvahn easy to parry?
Yes, Pontiff Sulyvahn is very susceptible to parrying. Successful parries can deal significant damage, making it a valuable strategy for those skilled in the mechanic.
12. What level should I be at when facing Pontiff Sulyvahn?
A recommended level is around level 50, although this can vary based on player skill. Higher levels can make the fight easier.
13. What is Pontiff Sulyvahn’s weakness?
Pontiff Sulyvahn is weak to thrust, lightning, and fire damage. This is important to keep in mind when preparing for the battle.
14. Is Sulyvahn a human?
Yes, Sulyvahn appears to be an ordinary human born within the painted world. His appearance does not suggest any divine heritage or other-worldly origin.
15. Where do I go after defeating Pontiff Sulyvahn?
After defeating Sulyvahn, you should proceed through Anor Londo and then into the area beyond, focusing on your next major objectives in the game.
Conclusion: Sulyvahn, A Testament to Evil
Pontiff Sulyvahn is a character whose actions speak volumes about his moral depravity. He embodies a unique kind of villainy, not merely driven by ambition, but by a destructive vision of reshaping the world through chaos. He is not a misunderstood anti-hero but a cruel and cunning antagonist whose legacy in Dark Souls III is a testament to the darkness within him. By understanding his motivations and his terrible acts, we can clearly see that Pontiff Sulyvahn is absolutely not a good guy, but rather a force of corruption and evil that must be confronted.