The End of Fire: What Happens When You Wish for a World Without Flame in Dark Souls 3?
In Dark Souls 3, choosing to wish for a world without flame leads to “The End of Fire” ending. This is achieved by giving the Fire Keeper the Eyes of a Fire Keeper, defeating the Soul of Cinder, and then summoning the Fire Keeper at the bonfire. Instead of linking the fire, she will extinguish it, ushering in an age of darkness. This darkness isn’t necessarily malevolent, but rather an unknown future where humanity must find its way without the guiding light of the flame. The world is plunged into pitch blackness, but the Fire Keeper assures you that tiny flames, representing humanity’s own inner fire, will eventually flicker to life.
Understanding “The End of Fire” Ending
The significance of this ending lies in its challenge to the cyclical nature of the Dark Souls universe. For ages, the fire has been linked, perpetuating a cycle of light and dark, life and death. By extinguishing the flame, you break this cycle and offer humanity a chance to forge its own destiny, free from the influence of the gods and the burden of the undead curse.
While seemingly bleak, “The End of Fire” offers a glimmer of hope. The Fire Keeper, guided by the visions granted by the Eyes, believes that humanity can adapt and find its own source of light in the darkness. It’s an ending steeped in ambiguity, leaving the player to ponder the ultimate fate of the world and the choices they’ve made.
The Journey to Darkness: Key Steps
Achieving this ending requires specific actions:
- Obtain the Eyes of a Fire Keeper: These are found in the Untended Graves, a hidden area accessible after defeating Oceiros, the Consumed King.
- Give the Eyes to the Fire Keeper: This will change her dialogue and provide her with visions of a world without flame.
- Defeat the Soul of Cinder: This is the final boss of the game, and defeating him is mandatory for any ending.
- Summon the Fire Keeper: After defeating the Soul of Cinder, her summon sign will appear near the bonfire. Interacting with it will trigger “The End of Fire” ending cutscene.
Challenging the Cycle: A Deeper Meaning
“The End of Fire” is often interpreted as the “good” or “true” ending by many players, although Dark Souls rarely offers simple binaries. It represents a rejection of the status quo and a conscious choice to break free from the established order. It’s a testament to the player’s agency and their ability to shape the destiny of the world, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
It’s important to note that the consequences of this ending are unknown. While the Fire Keeper expresses hope, the future remains uncertain. This ambiguity is a hallmark of the Dark Souls series, forcing players to grapple with complex moral dilemmas and the weight of their choices. Studying how games present these moral choices and narrative experiences can be further explored through resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which delves into the educational aspects of gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the End of Fire
What are the alternative endings in Dark Souls 3?
Dark Souls 3 features four distinct endings:
- Link the Fire: The standard ending, where you sacrifice yourself to rekindle the flame.
- The End of Fire: As described above, where you extinguish the flame and usher in an age of darkness.
- Usurp the Fire: A dark ending achieved by following Yoel of Londor’s questline and claiming the throne.
- The Ringed City ending: Where you can give the painter girl the pigment and she will paint a new world.
How do the Eyes of a Fire Keeper affect the Fire Keeper?
Giving the Eyes of a Fire Keeper to the Fire Keeper unlocks new dialogue options and allows her to foresee the possibility of a world without flame. This fundamentally alters her perspective and allows her to guide you towards “The End of Fire” ending. The music also changes to a more somber tune, reflecting her newfound knowledge.
Can I reverse my decision after giving the Fire Keeper the Eyes?
Yes, you can kill the Fire Keeper after giving her the Eyes. She will respawn, and you will be able to retrieve the Eyes and pursue a different ending. However, this action has no lasting repercussions beyond resetting her dialogue and music.
Is “The End of Fire” the canon ending of Dark Souls 3?
There is no definitive canon ending in Dark Souls 3. The game’s lore is deliberately ambiguous, and the developers have never explicitly stated which ending is the “true” one. Each ending offers a different interpretation of the world and its fate.
What does the darkness represent in “The End of Fire” ending?
The darkness in “The End of Fire” ending represents the unknown. It’s not necessarily evil or malevolent, but rather a void waiting to be filled. The Fire Keeper believes that humanity has the potential to create its own light in this darkness, forging a new path free from the cycle of fire and dark.
Is killing the Fire Keeper a bad thing?
Killing the Fire Keeper has no permanent consequences. She will respawn, and you can continue to level up and access her services. However, killing her will temporarily disable the Firelink Shrine bonfire. Some players might consider it morally reprehensible, given her role in assisting the player.
What happens if I don’t summon the Fire Keeper after defeating the Soul of Cinder?
If you don’t summon the Fire Keeper after defeating the Soul of Cinder, you will be presented with the option to link the fire, leading to the standard ending.
Is there a “true” final boss in Dark Souls 3?
The Soul of Cinder is the mandatory final boss of Dark Souls 3. Defeating it is required to achieve any ending.
Does dying matter in Dark Souls 3?
Dying in Dark Souls 3 is a common occurrence. You lose any collected Souls, but you can retrieve them by returning to the spot where you died. Dying also progresses the story.
What is the significance of the Fire Keeper’s blindness?
The Fire Keeper’s blindness symbolizes her connection to the flame. She can perceive things beyond normal sight, focusing on the power and essence of the fire itself. Giving her the Eyes of a Fire Keeper grants her a different kind of sight, allowing her to see the potential for a world without flame. The blindness of the Fire Keeper may also be a point of conversation related to accessibility in gaming.
Who is responsible for killing Fire Keepers in the Dark Souls universe?
In the original Dark Souls, Lautrec of Carim kills the Fire Keeper Anastacia of Astora. This act disables the Firelink Shrine bonfire until she is resurrected.
Can I bring back a Fire Keeper who has been killed?
In Dark Souls, you can resurrect Anastacia of Astora by using her Fire Keeper Soul.
Do Fire Keepers have eyes?
Fire Keepers typically have eyes, though they are often depicted as blind.
Why are Fire Keepers typically women?
The tradition of making women the keepers of the flame is rooted in the symbolic association of women with nurturing, protection, and the preservation of life. This also makes them a prime target to show how women can be powerful too.
What is the “Usurp the Fire” ending about?
The “Usurp the Fire” ending involves following Yoel of Londor’s questline, drawing out your true strength, and claiming the throne for yourself. This ending is closely tied to the lore of the Hollows and the Lord of Hollows. It portrays the player character as embracing the darkness within themselves and becoming a ruler of a new age.