The Twisted Bond: Understanding Friede’s Influence on Father Ariandel in Dark Souls 3

Sister Friede’s influence on Father Ariandel is complex and insidious. She manipulated him into suppressing the flame meant to burn away the rotting Painted World, convincing him that stagnation and decay were preferable to the pain of renewal. This effectively trapped Ariandel in a cycle of self-flagellation and prolonged suffering, as he desperately tried to maintain the status quo. Her presence, while seemingly offering solace, ultimately doomed both him and the Painted World.

The Web of Deception: Friede’s Role Explained

Friede’s arrival in the Painted World marked a pivotal moment in its history. Before her, Ariandel, the world’s caretaker, understood the necessity of burning the old painting to allow a new one to be created. This was a painful but crucial cycle of creation and destruction. However, Friede, an Ashen One who had abandoned her duty to link the First Flame, brought with her a desire to escape the cycle of fire and rebirth.

She used her influence and likely her position as a leader (having previously led the Sable Church) to convince Ariandel that the burning was unnecessary. She painted a picture of peace in stagnation, suggesting that by suppressing the flame, they could preserve the existing world, albeit in a state of rot and decay.

Ariandel, perhaps weary of his duty and seeking comfort from the endless cycle, succumbed to her persuasion. He began to flagellate himself in an attempt to bleed into the flame, not to ignite it, but to suffocate it, keeping the fire at bay and preventing the world’s renewal. This act of self-harm became a twisted ritual, fueled by Friede’s manipulative influence. He became a prisoner of her ideology, bound to a world slowly crumbling around him.

Her motives are multifaceted. Having failed to link the First Flame, Friede sought refuge and power. The Painted World offered both. By controlling Ariandel and preventing the burning, she effectively became the ruler of a stagnant, decaying realm, free from the cycle of fire she so desperately wanted to escape. She twisted Ariandel’s purpose, transforming him from a shepherd of renewal into a guardian of decay.

Friede’s True Intentions

While she presented herself as a savior of the Painted World, Friede’s actions ultimately served her own selfish desires. She prioritized her own escape from the cycle of fire above the well-being of the Painted World and its inhabitants. Her manipulation of Ariandel is a testament to her cunning and her willingness to exploit others to achieve her goals.

The game heavily indicates that Friede is hollow. She seeks an escape from her duty as an Ashen One, and the Painted World offers her that escape, even at the expense of everyone else within. She wishes to let the Painted World rot to “s***,” highlighting her selfish intentions.

By maintaining the status quo through Ariandel, she gained control. She ensured that the world remained stagnant and under her control, even as it fell into decay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Friede and Ariandel

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Friede and Ariandel, exploring their relationship, lore, and in-game mechanics.

1. Why does Ariandel whip himself?

   Ariandel whips himself to bleed into the flame, suppressing it rather than igniting it. This is a direct result of Friede’s manipulation, as he believes he is preventing the Painted World from being burned and replaced. It is a twisted form of devotion.

2. What is Sister Friede and Father Ariandel weak to?

   Both Sister Friede and Father Ariandel are weak to Bleed, Dark, and Lightning damage. Utilizing these damage types can significantly shorten the boss fight. Bleed builds are particularly effective against them.

3. Is Sister Friede or Gael harder?

   Many players consider Sister Friede to be a harder boss fight than Gael. Her three distinct phases, deceptive movements, and healing abilities make her a formidable opponent.

4. What is Sister Friede immune to?

   Sister Friede is immune to Frostbite. She also has high resistance to magic damage, making it ineffective against her. Therefore, using frost or magic attacks on her is not advised.

5. What is the strongest whip in DS3?

   The Sharp Whip is considered the strongest whip in Dark Souls 3 when infused with a Sharp Gem and used with high Dexterity. The Sharp Whip is a viable weapon for controlling crowds, even though whips are not typically considered meta weapons.

6. Is Sister Friede unkindled?

   Yes, Sister Friede is an Unkindled. This is evidenced by her ash-like appearance and her backstory, which reveals she abandoned her duty to link the First Flame.

7. What is the rot in Ariandel?

   The rot in Ariandel is a metaphorical and literal decay that afflicts the Painted World. It represents the stagnation and decay that occurs when the world is not burned and renewed. Enemies in the Painted World are often disfigured and rotting.

8. Are Friede and Yuria related?

   Yes, Friede and Yuria are related. Friede led the Sable Church before abandoning it, and Yuria is a member of the same church. Lore suggests that Friede is older than Yuria.

9. Is Sister Friede the hardest souls boss?

   While subjective, Sister Friede is widely considered one of the hardest bosses in Dark Souls 3, particularly in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC. Her multiple phases and unique abilities make her a challenging encounter.

10. Is Sister Friede a hollow?

    Yes, Sister Friede is hollow. She should look like a corpse. This is consistent with the lore of Unkindled and their connection to the cycle of fire.

11. Who is Sulyvahn’s mother?

    The theory that Sulyvahn was born from his crossbreed mother, Priscilla, could explain why he was kept in the Painted World. Priscilla may be Sulyvahn’s mother.

12. What does Sister Friede want?

    Sister Friede wants to escape the cycle of fire and prevent the Painted World from being burned. She believes that stagnation and decay are preferable to the pain of renewal.

13. What is the hardest fight in DS3?

    Subjectivity comes into play when deciding the hardest fight in Dark Souls 3, but The Nameless King is often cited as the hardest fight in the game.

14. At what level should I fight Sister Friede?

    You should fight Sister Friede at an endgame level (around level 80-100) with +9 or +10 weapons. This ensures you have adequate stats and equipment to handle the difficulty of the fight.

15. Can Friede be parried?

    Yes, Friede can be parried, especially in her first phase. Parrying her attacks can open her up for critical hits and make the fight more manageable.

Ultimately, Sister Friede’s presence corrupted Ariandel’s purpose, leading to the stagnation and suffering of the Painted World. She twisted his sense of duty into a self-destructive act, binding him to a decaying world to serve her own selfish desires. Understanding this complex relationship is crucial to understanding the tragic narrative of the Ashes of Ariandel DLC.

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