Is the Ashen One Unkindled? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls 3 Lore
Yes, the Ashen One in Dark Souls 3 is unequivocally Unkindled. This title isn’t a unique designation but rather a category of beings who share a specific, tragic history. They are the failed linkers of the First Flame, those who attempted to rekindle the fire but were consumed by its power and reduced to ash. Unlike the Chosen Undead of Dark Souls 1 who succeeded in their endeavor, the Ashen Ones were deemed too weak, becoming a tragic testament to the fire’s selective power. Their subsequent resurrection marks the beginning of their destined journey, a path paved with the echoes of past failures and a heavy burden to restore the fading flame. The very nature of their being, born from ash, defines their role in the cyclical struggle between fire and dark within the Dark Souls universe.
The Nature of the Unkindled
What Does “Unkindled” Truly Mean?
The term “Unkindled” refers to beings who were unable to successfully link the First Flame. They represent a group of individuals who once held the ambition to sacrifice themselves to prolong the Age of Fire. However, this ambition was met with failure, and they were burned to ash. This sets them apart from the traditional Undead, who are also cursed beings but not necessarily associated with failed attempts to link the fire. The Unkindled are unique, born from the remaining embers of those who weren’t strong enough, a literal embodiment of the fire’s rejection. It suggests a state that is neither wholly alive nor entirely dead, a lingering ember still capable of kindling, but not in the way the First Flame initially intended.
Born of Failure: The Ashen One’s Origin
The Ashen One‘s existence is tied to the fading First Flame. When the flame weakens, it resonates with the ash of the failed linkers, resurrecting them. They rise again not as glorious heroes, but as Unkindled, tasked with a duty they once failed to perform. This resurrection is triggered by the toll of the bell, a call to action that pulls them from their ashen slumber. Unlike the Chosen Undead, the Ashen One starts as a being who has already faced defeat and been consumed by the very flame they seek to reignite. This past failure defines their nature, imbuing them with a different perspective and motivation.
Power and Purpose of the Ashen One
Why is the Ashen One so Powerful?
Despite their initial failure, the Ashen One achieves immense power during the course of Dark Souls 3. They overcome numerous formidable foes, including the Lords of Cinder, who themselves represent individuals who linked the fire in past cycles. This strength can be attributed to several factors. One crucial aspect is that the Ashen One absorbs the combined strength and will of all those who previously linked the fire when they defeat a Lord of Cinder. Furthermore, they draw power from their unique state of being, being reborn from ash which seems to grant them a unique resilience and potential that even previous protagonists did not possess. This culmination of power makes the Ashen One arguably the most powerful protagonist in the Dark Souls series.
The Burden of the Unkindled
The Ashen One‘s purpose is far from simple. Their journey is not just about survival but about fulfilling a destined role. Their task is to return the Lords of Cinder to their thrones to enable the linking of the First Flame, or to usurp the flame altogether and usher in an Age of Dark. Their existence is a paradox; they are products of failure tasked with preventing further collapse. This burden of past defeats and present duty shapes their entire experience in the game, making their narrative both compelling and tragic. The Unkindled exist to both inherit the past and put an end to the cycle, making them the fulcrum of the Dark Souls 3 narrative.
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help further clarify the nature and significance of the Ashen One:
1. Is the Ashen One a Unique Entity?
No, the Ashen One is not unique. There are many Unkindled, representing all of those who previously failed to link the First Flame and were turned to ash.
2. Can the Ashen One Hollow?
Yes, the Ashen One can become Hollow by acquiring Dark Sigils from the Londor dwellers. However, their death does not result in hollowing, a crucial distinction from typical Undead.
3. Is the Ashen One Immortal?
The Ashen One is essentially immortal, continuously revived by the Fire Keeper after death. DLC content suggests that they can stop the hollowing process but are still cursed with immortality.
4. Why Does the Ashen One Wake Up?
The Ashen One is awakened by the ringing of the bell, signifying that the link of the First Flame is in danger, prompting them to fulfill their purpose.
5. Is the Ashen One Stronger than the Chosen Undead?
By the end of their journey, the Ashen One is likely more powerful, due to absorbing the power of numerous Lords of Cinder.
6. What is the Symbol of the Ashen One?
The Ashen One is a symbol of resilience, free will, and the ability to endure hardship and retain hope in a bleak world.
7. Are There Other Unkindled Characters in Dark Souls 3?
Yes, Sister Friede is an example of another Ashen One, suggesting that she attempted to link the flame but failed, leading to her reawakening.
8. What is “Ashen Undead?”
The concept of “Ashen Undead” was first introduced in Dark Souls 2 and refers to a type of undead that can reconstitute at will, literally rising from ash. The Ashen One is a direct descendant of this idea.
9. What Does the Term “Unkindled” Mean?
“Unkindled” in a literal sense means not set alight, and in a literary sense, not aroused, made lively, or excited. In the context of Dark Souls, it refers to those who failed to ignite the flame.
10. Is the Ashen One Really Made of Ash?
The Ashen One is born from ash, the physical manifestation of those who failed to link the fire. It is more a metaphorical description of their being, as their bodies are likely not literally just ash.
11. How Tall is the Ashen One?
The protagonist is about 5’8.
12. Can Fashion Souls Make the Ashen One Stronger than the Hunter?
This is a humorous point: In jest, the article mentions that by virtue of Fashion Souls, the Hunter wins. This is a joke and does not affect actual lore power.
13. Is the Ashen One the Strongest Protagonist?
Lore suggests that, yes, the Ashen One is the strongest protagonist from the Dark Souls series.
14. Who is the Saddest Character in Dark Souls?
This is subjective, but the article mentions several tragic characters, like Great Grey Wolf Sif and Anastacia of Astora.
15. Who is the True Villain in Dark Souls?
While there are many villains, some argue that Gwyn, the Lord of Cinder, could be considered the true main antagonist for instigating the cycle of the fire.
In conclusion, the Ashen One is an Unkindled, a being born of failure but possessing extraordinary power and a crucial purpose in the Dark Souls 3 universe. Understanding their nature is key to appreciating their tragic yet heroic journey.