What Does the Doll Pick Up at the End of Bloodborne?

At the end of Bloodborne, after defeating the Moon Presence, the Doll picks up the player character, now transformed into a Great One infant. She cradles the player lovingly, offering comforting words like, “Oh, good Hunter.” She doesn’t literally pick up an object; instead, she takes on the role of a caregiver, tending to the newly reborn Great One. This act signifies the continuation of the Hunter’s Dream and the Doll’s purpose within it, ensuring the cycle of hunting and guardianship persists.

Understanding the Ending

The ending with the Doll is one of the most poignant and debated aspects of Bloodborne. To fully understand it, we need to consider several key elements of the game’s lore and the Doll’s unique position within it. She’s not just a simple inanimate object; she’s a conduit for the player’s emotional connection to the Hunter’s Dream and a manifestation of the Great Ones’ influence.

The Moon Presence and the Hunter’s Dream

The Moon Presence is a Great One who created the Hunter’s Dream, a spectral realm designed to facilitate the hunt for beasts and prevent the rise of other Great Ones. The Hunter’s Dream is bound to a specific hunter, in this case, the player, and the Doll acts as the player’s guide, leveler, and emotional anchor within this nightmarish world.

After defeating Gehrman, the First Hunter, the player is given a choice: submit to Gehrman’s mercy and wake up, free from the Dream, or refuse and face the Moon Presence. By refusing, the player effectively inherits the role of keeper of the Hunter’s Dream, a role previously held by Gehrman, and thus, a new cycle begins.

The Doll’s Significance

The Doll is created in the likeness of Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower, Gehrman’s beloved apprentice. This connection highlights Gehrman’s enduring grief and his inability to let go of the past. However, the Doll transcends her origin and develops a unique identity, displaying genuine care and concern for the player character.

Her act of cradling the player at the end signifies a fulfillment of her purpose. She has guided the hunter, helped them transcend their human limitations, and ultimately, ensured the continuation of the Dream. Her words, “Oh, good Hunter,” are not just empty platitudes; they are a genuine expression of affection and reassurance.

Transformation into a Great One

The most important element of the ending is the player’s transformation into a Great One infant. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it represents a profound shift in the player’s being. They have ascended beyond the limitations of humanity and joined the ranks of the cosmic beings who govern the world of Bloodborne.

By becoming a Great One, the player is now capable of influencing the Hunter’s Dream and shaping the future of the hunt. This new role comes with immense responsibility, as they are now bound to the Dream and tasked with maintaining its delicate balance.

The Symbolism of the Ending

The ending is rich with symbolism and open to interpretation. Some key interpretations include:

• Continuation of the Cycle: The act of cradling the Great One infant signifies the cyclical nature of the hunt and the ongoing struggle against the Great Ones. The player, now a Great One themselves, will likely play a role in shaping the next generation of hunters.
• Sacrifice and Redemption: The player’s sacrifice of their human life is a necessary step to break the cycle of the hunt and prevent the further descent of Yharnam into madness. This sacrifice is ultimately redeemed by the Doll’s affection and the promise of a new beginning.
• Motherhood and Nurturing: The Doll’s act of cradling the player evokes themes of motherhood and nurturing. She provides comfort and support to the newly reborn Great One, suggesting that even these cosmic beings are in need of care and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the ending and related aspects of Bloodborne‘s lore:

1. What happens if I choose to submit to Gehrman?

If you choose to submit to Gehrman, you are spared the confrontation with the Moon Presence. You wake up in Yharnam, as the sun rises, seemingly freed from the Hunter’s Dream. However, this ending is generally considered the “bad” ending, as the cycle of the hunt continues unabated.

2. Is the Doll alive?

Whether the Doll is truly “alive” is a matter of debate. She possesses a level of sentience and emotional expression that suggests more than mere artificial intelligence. It is possible she is a manifestation of the Great Ones or a conduit for their will.

3. What are Great Ones?

Great Ones are powerful, cosmic beings who influence the events of Bloodborne. They are often associated with dreams, madness, and the blurring of reality. Examples include the Moon Presence, Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos, and Oedon, the Formless.

4. What is the significance of the umbilical cords?

Consuming three umbilical cords is required to trigger the fight with the Moon Presence and achieve the “good” ending. These cords represent connections to the Great Ones and grant the player the insight necessary to transcend their human limitations.

5. What happens to Gehrman after the fight with the Moon Presence?

Gehrman is freed from his eternal servitude in the Hunter’s Dream. He can finally find peace after centuries of suffering. The player effectively takes his place as the keeper of the Dream.

6. Does the Doll know what’s happening at the end?

Yes, the Doll appears to be fully aware of the player’s transformation and the significance of her role in nurturing the new Great One.

7. Is there a “true” ending to Bloodborne?

There is no definitively “true” ending. Each of the three endings offers a different perspective on the themes of the game and the player’s role within it. However, the ending involving the Moon Presence is often considered the most narratively complete.

8. What is the Healing Church’s role in all of this?

The Healing Church is a powerful organization that attempts to control the use of blood ministration, a process that can transform humans into beasts. Their research into the Great Ones and their attempts to create artificial Great Ones play a central role in the events of Bloodborne.

9. Who is Lady Maria?

Lady Maria was Gehrman’s beloved apprentice and a skilled hunter. She is the inspiration for the Doll’s creation, and her tragic death deeply affected Gehrman. She appears as a boss in the Old Hunters DLC.

10. What is the Hunter’s Dream made of?

The Hunter’s Dream is a spectral realm created by the Moon Presence. It is tied to the player character and serves as a refuge and a training ground for hunters.

11. Why does the Doll level up the player?

The Doll likely channels the power of the Moon Presence or other Great Ones to enhance the player’s abilities. This allows the hunter to become stronger and better equipped to face the challenges ahead.

12. What is the significance of blood in Bloodborne?

Blood is a central theme in Bloodborne, representing both life and corruption. Blood ministration can cure diseases but also lead to beasthood. It is also a key component in the rituals and experiments of the Healing Church.

13. Is Bloodborne connected to other FromSoftware games?

While Bloodborne is not directly connected to the Dark Souls series or Elden Ring, there are thematic and gameplay similarities. All of these games share a similar design philosophy and explore themes of death, rebirth, and the corrupting influence of power.

14. What is the Old Hunters DLC about?

The Old Hunters DLC explores the history of the first hunters and the dark secrets of the Healing Church. It introduces new areas, enemies, and weapons, and provides deeper insight into the lore of Bloodborne.

15. Why is Bloodborne so popular?

Bloodborne is popular due to its challenging gameplay, compelling lore, atmospheric world, and unique art style. The game’s themes of cosmic horror and existential dread resonate with many players, and its secrets encourage exploration and discussion.