Unraveling the Canon: What is the True Ending of Dark Souls 1?
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There’s no definitive, officially declared canon ending for Dark Souls 1. FromSoftware, the creators of this notoriously challenging and lore-rich game, intentionally leave the ending ambiguous, encouraging player interpretation and discussion. While the game presents two primary endings – Linking the Fire and Letting the Fire Fade – neither is explicitly labeled as the “correct” or “canon” one. The “canon ending” is truly what each player chooses to believe. Let’s delve into why this ambiguity exists and explore the arguments for each ending.
Understanding the Ambiguity
FromSoftware’s design philosophy often prioritizes player experience and world-building over straightforward narrative resolution. Dark Souls is a game about cycles, about the rise and fall of civilizations, and about the futility of fighting against the inevitable. By refusing to endorse a single, definitive ending, the developers reinforce these themes, encouraging players to engage with the lore and draw their own conclusions. The strength of Dark Souls narrative isn’t what happens but rather the choices a player makes.
The Cycle of Fire and Dark
The core conflict in Dark Souls revolves around the Age of Fire and the Age of Dark. Lord Gwyn, fearing the coming of the Dark, prolonged the Age of Fire by linking the First Flame, sacrificing himself to rekindle its embers. This act, however, only delayed the inevitable, as the flame would inevitably fade again, ushering in an era where humanity, once subservient to the Gods, would rise to prominence.
The player, as the Chosen Undead, is presented with a choice: to continue Gwyn’s legacy and sacrifice themselves to link the fire, or to allow the flame to fade, embracing the Age of Dark.
Examining the Endings
Linking the Fire: A Continuation of the Cycle
By choosing to link the fire, the Chosen Undead steps into Gwyn’s role, becoming the next kindling for the dying flame. This action perpetuates the Age of Fire, delaying the Age of Dark for another unspecified period.
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Arguments for it being “canon”:
- Many argue that this ending aligns with the established status quo of the world. Lordran is a land built upon the foundation of the Age of Fire, and its inhabitants are largely dependent on its continued existence.
- Dialogue from certain characters, such as Frampt the Serpent, subtly encourages linking the fire, framing it as the righteous path.
- Some believe that the sequels, particularly Dark Souls 3, lean towards the Age of Fire continuing, suggesting that the fire was linked in the preceding era.
Letting the Fire Fade: Embracing the Age of Dark
By refusing to link the fire, the Chosen Undead abandons the Kiln of the First Flame, allowing the fire to fade and ushering in the Age of Dark. This ending signifies a potential shift in the power dynamic of the world.
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Arguments for it being “canon”:
- Characters like Kaathe the Serpent encourage this ending, promising the Chosen Undead the throne of the Dark Lord and the opportunity to rule over humanity.
- This ending aligns with the theme of challenging the status quo and breaking free from the cyclical nature of the world.
- It provides a more definitive conclusion to Gwyn’s legacy, signifying the end of the Gods’ dominance and the rise of humanity.
The Meta Perspective
Ultimately, the “canon” ending is determined by the individual player’s interpretation and preference. FromSoftware intentionally leaves the ending ambiguous to foster discussion and speculation within the community. The enduring appeal of Dark Souls lies in its ability to provoke thought and encourage players to actively participate in shaping the narrative. Understanding the themes and story helps to define the choices you can make.
Dark Souls and Learning
Video games can be an excellent tool for learning, critical thinking, and community building. Understanding complex narratives like those presented in Dark Souls can help develop analytical and interpretive skills. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores the intersection of gaming and education, researching how games can be used to enhance learning experiences. The GamesLearningSociety.org recognizes the potential of games to foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does FromSoftware have an official stance on the canon ending of Dark Souls 1?
No, FromSoftware has never officially declared a canon ending for Dark Souls 1. They intentionally maintain the ambiguity to encourage player interpretation.
2. Are there subtle hints within the game that favor one ending over the other?
Yes, there are subtle hints. Characters like Frampt and Kaathe promote opposing viewpoints, influencing the player towards either linking the fire or letting it fade. But, those are simply recommendations, not rules.
3. Does the “good” or “bad” ending in Dark Souls 1 exist?
There are no objectively “good” or “bad” endings. The choice between linking the fire and letting it fade is a matter of perspective, each with its own potential consequences and interpretations. What one player considers “good,” another may deem “bad.”
4. How does Dark Souls 3 relate to the ending of Dark Souls 1?
Dark Souls 3 features elements that can be interpreted as stemming from either ending of Dark Souls 1. The fading of the flame and the resurgence of lords of cinder could be viewed as the consequences of either scenario.
5. Is it possible to achieve a “true” ending in Dark Souls 1 beyond the two main choices?
No, there are only two primary endings in Dark Souls 1: linking the fire and letting it fade. There is no hidden or “true” ending beyond these choices.
6. Can the player influence the world state differently depending on which ending they choose?
No, the immediate consequences of each ending are not directly reflected in the world state. The endings are more symbolic than literal in their impact.
7. Does choosing one ending over the other affect future Dark Souls games?
The ending choice in Dark Souls 1 doesn’t directly impact the plot of subsequent games. The sequels build upon the established lore and themes but don’t explicitly acknowledge the player’s specific decision in the first game.
8. How does Gwyn’s sacrifice affect the player’s choice at the end?
Gwyn’s sacrifice sets the stage for the player’s decision. By seeing the consequences of his actions – the prolonged Age of Fire and the eventual decay of the world – the player must decide whether to continue his legacy or forge a new path.
9. Who are Frampt and Kaathe, and how do they influence the player’s decision?
Frampt and Kaathe are primordial serpents who represent opposing ideologies. Frampt encourages linking the fire to maintain the Age of Fire, while Kaathe advocates for letting the fire fade to usher in the Age of Dark. They serve as guides who present different perspectives on the world’s fate.
10. What is the Age of Dark, and why is it feared by some characters?
The Age of Dark is a period where humanity rises to prominence, potentially supplanting the Gods. It is feared by characters like Gwyn, who believe that the Age of Fire is essential for maintaining order and prosperity. The Gods losing power is the fear.
11. What is the hardest boss in the game?
The DLC’s secret boss, Black Dragon Kalameet, is one of the hardest bosses in the game.
12. Is Dark Souls 1 harder than Dark Souls 3?
Dark Souls 1 is not necessarily harder than Dark Souls 3. The first game front-loads its difficulty, peaking with Ornstein & Smough at approximately the halfway point, and from there it’s all downhill- none of the bosses in its latter half are anywhere near as challenging, at least once you figure out their tricks.
13. Who is considered the central villian of Dark Souls 1?
Gwyn is noted as being the central villain of Dark Souls. However, he is ultimately doing what he thinks is best. He is doing what he can to prolong the Age of Fire, a time that he views to be filled with prosperity.
14. How many endings are there in Dark Souls 1?
There are two endings in Dark Souls 1: Linking the Fire, and Letting the Fire Fade. It’s not clear whether one is good or bad—they’re just endings.
15. Is there a bad ending in Dark Souls 1?
If you actually followed the lore you would know that the ending you got is actually the good ending while rekindling the flame is the bad ending. There is a natural cycle between the age of fire and the age of dark and Gwyn artifically extended the age of fire by burning his own soul in the flame.