Is Sister Friede a Hollow? Unraveling the Mystery of Dark Souls III’s Enigmatic Boss
The question of whether Sister Friede is hollow in Dark Souls III is complex and lacks a definitive, explicit confirmation within the game’s lore. However, based on available evidence and interpretations of the game’s mechanics and narrative, it is highly probable that Sister Friede has experienced hollowing at some point in her past, and the state of her being an Unkindled blurs the lines further. Her association with the Sable Church of Londor, the existence of her Dark Sigils, and her overall narrative trajectory strongly suggest a past deeply intertwined with the concept of hollowing. While she doesn’t outwardly display the physical characteristics of advanced hollowing during the boss fight, her connection to the Sable Church and the Londor Pale Shade strongly suggests that she was, at some point, hollow or at least was meant to embody hollow ideals.
Friede’s Connection to the Sable Church and Hollowing
The Sable Church and its Philosophy
The Sable Church of Londor is an organization deeply rooted in the manipulation of the hollowing process. The church is formed of individuals who are hollow, or those who exploit this fact in others. The church’s members and followers are known to have a deep understanding of hollowing and utilize it in their pursuit of power. As the leader of the Sable Church, Sister Friede would have been intimately familiar with the nature and implications of hollowing. This suggests that she, at some point, may have been hollow herself, or deeply connected with those who were.
Evidence from Item Descriptions
The game’s item descriptions often provide crucial insights into character lore. For example, the Onyx Blade, associated with Friede, states that she was the eldest amongst her sisters and leader of the Sable Church. This reinforces her pivotal role within the organization and further implies her knowledge and possible experience with hollowing. The fact that she wields a weapon infused with darkness, a power often associated with the Abyss and the hollowing process, adds further weight to this interpretation.
The Significance of Londor Pale Shade
The Londor Pale Shade is a character that can be summoned during certain boss fights. It is heavily implied to be a member or associate of the Sable Church. This connection highlights the church’s focus on manipulating hollowing and further reinforces the idea that Friede, as the leader of the church, was closely involved with the hollowing process.
Friede as an Unkindled and its Implications
Unkindled and Hollowing
Unkindled are Ashen Ones, those who attempted to link the First Flame but failed and were resurrected as ash. As an Unkindled, Friede occupies a unique state between life and death. The connection between being Unkindled and the hollowing process is not explicitly defined, but it’s clear that Unkindled are not entirely free from the curse of undeath. They, too, are subject to the cyclical nature of fire and dark, and their existence is intrinsically linked to the First Flame.
Physical Appearance
Unlike many hollows in the game, Friede does not exhibit the typical physical deterioration associated with advanced hollowing. However, it is important to note that the appearance of hollowing can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances. Some characters maintain a relatively normal appearance even after significant hollowing, while others rapidly degenerate. Additionally, the game’s visual representation of hollowing may not fully capture the complex nature of the process.
The Nature of Unkindled
The Ashen Ones are not precisely hollow, but their existence is tied to the Flame and the curse of undeath. They are resurrected specifically to fulfill a purpose, and their actions are driven by the need to either rekindle the Flame or usher in an age of darkness. Their status as Unkindled complicates the question of whether they are truly hollow, but it is safe to say that they are not entirely human either.
Conclusion
While the game lacks a definitive statement about Sister Friede’s hollowing, the evidence suggests that she has a deep understanding and likely a past experience with the hollowing process, given her role in the Sable Church of Londor. Her status as an Unkindled further complicates the matter, blurring the lines between life, death, and hollowing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hollowing and Sister Friede
1. What does 99 hollowing mean?
A character can have a maximum of 99 Hollowing. Being Hollow gives the character a progressively more shriveled appearance, only visible when naked or wearing gear that reveals the body. Hollow characters also receive a bonus to Luck when wielding a Hollow weapon.
2. Is everyone hollow in Dark Souls?
Not everyone is hollow. The curse of undeath affects certain individuals, leading to the hollowing process. Characters can avoid hollowing by claiming Humanity, which temporarily reverses the effect. However, death and resurrection at a Bonfire cause them to move closer to becoming hollow.
3. Is Sister Friede unkindled?
Yes, Sister Friede is an Unkindled. This means she attempted to link the First Flame or usurp it but failed, resulting in her being resurrected as ash.
4. Are Friede and Yuria related?
Yes, Friede and Yuria are sisters and were both part of the Sable Church. Friede is older than Yuria and was the leader of the church.
5. Can Sister Friede be bled?
Yes, Sister Friede is weak to Bleed, Dark, and Lightning damage types.
6. Is being hollow bad in Dark Souls?
Hollowing has no inherently negative effects on gameplay. It is required for certain NPC questlines and provides a bonus to Luck when wielding Hollow weapons with a hollowing level of at least 15.
7. Why do people turn hollow in Dark Souls?
Individuals cursed with the Darksign suffer death and, upon resurrection, lose their Humanity, leading to hollowing. Without Humanity, they become mindless, attacking anyone possessing it.
8. Why do hollows exist Dark Souls?
Hollows exist due to the cyclical nature of fire and dark in the Dark Souls lore. Humans are trapped in a cycle of Humanity and hollow undeath, much like the world’s cycle of fire and dark.
9. Why should I reverse hollowing in Dark Souls?
Reversing hollowing allows you to kindle Bonfires, summon NPCs and players for co-op, and engage in online play.
10. Should I reverse hollowing in Dark Souls 1?
Reversing hollowing isn’t necessary for item discovery benefits. It’s primarily done to summon help for boss fights or interact with certain NPCs.
11. What is Lady Friede weak to?
Sister Friede is primarily weak to Strike damage and Bleed status.
12. What did Frieda do to Father Ariandel?
Friede manipulated Father Ariandel into suppressing the flame that would burn the Painted World, causing it to rot and decay.
13. Can you get Sister Friede scythe?
Yes, you can obtain Sister Friede’s Great Scythe by transposing her soul using the Transposing Kiln, which is acquired by defeating the Curse-Rotted Greatwood.
14. Why does the chosen undead never go hollow?
The chosen undead, or player character, benefits from plot armor. These undead only hollow out once they lose “purpose”.
15. Should I cure hollowing?
Curing hollowing depends on your goals. Removing Dark Sigils prevents the hollowing process but can lock you out of certain game endings. Purging Stones offer temporary relief without affecting the ending. Learning more about the Dark Soul series could be done by looking at the Games Learning Society at: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.