Unraveling the Darkness: What Does the Ending of Dark Souls Mean?
The endings of the Dark Souls series, particularly the first game, are notoriously ambiguous and open to interpretation, sparking endless debate within the community. There isn’t a single, definitive “correct” meaning, as the game deliberately leaves much to player inference and philosophical contemplation. However, broadly speaking, the endings of the original Dark Souls revolve around a central conflict: the choice between perpetuating the Age of Fire or ushering in the Age of Dark. This choice is not a simple dichotomy of “good” versus “evil.” Rather, it’s a reflection on cycles of power, the nature of sacrifice, and humanity’s place in a world dominated by ancient gods.
The “Linked Flame” Ending
The most common interpretation, and arguably the “intended” path, is the Linking of the First Flame. After defeating Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, the player character, the Chosen Undead, can choose to rekindle the dying flame by sacrificing their own soul. This act is essentially a continuation of the cycle Gwyn initiated long ago, where a powerful being fuels the fire to maintain the Age of Fire. This era is characterized by the dominance of the gods, with humanity existing in a state of subservience and the ever-present threat of the Undead Curse.
This ending isn’t presented as a triumphant victory. It’s a grim sacrifice, a temporary reprieve against the inevitable fading of the flame. The implication is that this cycle will continue indefinitely: the fire will weaken, the chosen one will sacrifice themselves, and the Age of Fire will briefly flicker back to life. It’s a Sisyphean task, highlighting the futility of trying to maintain an unnatural order.
The “Dark Lord” Ending
The alternative ending involves refusing to kindle the flame and leaving the Kiln of the First Flame. By doing so, the player allows the Age of Fire to end, paving the way for the Age of Dark. This ending is far more cryptic and often interpreted as “bad” by players, but it may be a better option than what is generally thought. This ending is presented as you walking away from the dying flame and letting it finally extinguish. This ending is more subtle. There is no fanfare or ceremony that is presented to you and it’s as if the world just slowly ends. This ending is a direct contradiction to what Gwyn was trying to prevent.
In this scenario, humanity would come to the forefront. The game implies that humanity’s true potential is suppressed by the Age of Fire, and the Age of Dark could allow them to flourish without the constraints imposed by the gods. However, what this age would actually look like is left entirely to the imagination. The game hints at potential chaos and suffering, as humans might be left without the power to control the Dark and their own nature. This ending is not a simple victory or an evil deed; it is simply a change in the existing power structure.
No Right or Wrong Choice
The beauty of Dark Souls lies in its moral ambiguity. Neither ending is presented as definitively “good” or “bad.” The choice is, instead, a matter of perspective and the player’s own interpretation of the world’s state and where the player thinks humanity belongs.
The Linking of the Flame is a desperate act of self-sacrifice driven by fear of the unknown and a desire to maintain the status quo. In contrast, letting the flame die is a plunge into the unknown, risking chaos to potentially achieve something better. The game encourages players to consider which outcome is more appealing, or indeed, if either outcome is desirable. Ultimately, the endings of Dark Souls are not about providing answers but about asking questions. They invite the player to reflect on the nature of power, sacrifice, and the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the “True” Ending of Dark Souls?
There is no official “true” ending. FromSoftware has intentionally left both endings open to interpretation, allowing players to decide for themselves which is preferable or more fitting within their own understanding of the lore.
2. Does the Ending Matter Gameplay-Wise?
No, the ending itself does not alter any gameplay elements. Regardless of which ending you choose, the game will prompt you to begin a New Game Plus (NG+), restarting the adventure with increased difficulty, but otherwise the gameplay remains unchanged.
3. What is the Age of Fire?
The Age of Fire is an era dominated by the gods and fueled by the First Flame. This era is marked by structure, order, and the presence of powerful entities like Gwyn and his family. However, it is also inherently unstable and relies on continuous sacrifices to survive.
4. What is the Age of Dark?
The Age of Dark is the potential era that would occur after the First Flame dies. It is believed to be an era where humanity comes to the forefront. The implications of this are largely unknown and are presented as potentially chaotic, as humanity may not be ready for the responsibility that comes with this age.
5. What does “Linking the Fire” Mean?
Linking the Fire means sacrificing powerful souls to rekindle the First Flame, which is the source of power for the Age of Fire. This act delays the coming of the Age of Dark and maintains the status quo. This is a very temporary solution, and is a desperate act to maintain control by the gods.
6. Who is Gwyn, Lord of Cinder?
Gwyn is the main antagonist of Dark Souls, though not portrayed as an evil character in the traditional sense. He is the one who initially linked the First Flame and created the Age of Fire. His actions led to the Undead Curse and the current state of the world. He is terrified of the Dark and the prospect of the Age of Dark.
7. Is Gwyn a Villain?
Gwyn can be seen as an antagonist, but not a villain. He is a desperate being who was willing to sacrifice his people and humanity in order to prevent the Age of Dark. He is more of a tragic figure driven by the fear of losing his power and position.
8. Is the “Linking the Fire” Ending Good?
Whether or not it is good is based on perspective. From one point of view, it preserves the established order and postpones an uncertain future, it is a desperate and temporary solution that does not address the underlying issues of the cycle. This ending perpetuates the suffering of others and keeps humanity subdued.
9. Is the “Dark Lord” Ending Bad?
This ending is not necessarily bad either. While it may risk chaos and uncertainty, it is the only way to potentially break the cycle of sacrifice and allow humanity to determine its own destiny. This ending is not some evil deed, but a change in the power structure.
10. What is the Undead Curse?
The Undead Curse is a condition that turns humans into undead beings, forcing them to rise from death. This is tied to the First Flame and the Age of Fire, as the curse appeared after the flame began to fade. The curse can be considered as one of the byproducts of the Age of Fire and the desperation to keep it going.
11. Can you keep playing after beating the final boss?
Yes, after beating the final boss you are given the option to start NG+ or continue in your current game. If you choose to continue in the current game you are allowed to explore the world and experience anything you may have missed.
12. Does Dark Souls have multiple endings?
Yes, the original Dark Souls has two endings: Linking the Fire and the Dark Lord ending (allowing the fire to fade). The sequels, Dark Souls II and Dark Souls III, expand on this concept with a variety of endings as well.
13. How many times do you have to play through to 100% complete Dark Souls?
To achieve 100% in Dark Souls, it is necessary to complete two full playthroughs and a half playthrough on the same character (NG++). This is because of the need to collect certain items from each playthrough.
14. What Happens if I Choose Frampt or Kaathe?
Choosing either Frampt or Kaathe, the two serpent gods, does not affect the ending. Frampt encourages linking the flame, while Kaathe encourages the coming of the Age of Dark. You can continue the story no matter which serpent you choose to side with. This is more of a choice of which path you think the world should take.
15. Are Dark Souls and Elden Ring connected?
There is no official connection between Dark Souls and Elden Ring. They exist in separate universes created by FromSoftware. While some themes and gameplay mechanics are similar, the stories and worlds are distinct.