The Mysterious Journey of Griggs of Vinheim: Where Does He Go After Firelink?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Griggs of Vinheim, the unassuming sorcerer who players rescue from the depths of the Lower Undead Burg in Dark Souls, is a character of quiet importance. While he might seem like just another merchant, his journey is far more intricate and, ultimately, tragic. After being rescued, he initially makes his way to Firelink Shrine, but this is not his final destination. Griggs, compelled by a hidden quest, eventually leaves Firelink Shrine, setting off on a path that leads him to his grim fate. The question then arises: where exactly does Griggs go after Firelink, and what circumstances lead him there?
The short answer is: after being rescued and setting up shop in Firelink Shrine, and after you’ve purchased all of his spells and items, Griggs of Vinheim will eventually be found as a hollow in Sen’s Fortress. He’ll be located in the room where the Black Sorcerer Set is obtained, a testament to his own journey gone awry.
Griggs’ Path After Firelink
Griggs’ journey is inextricably linked to his desire to find his master, the legendary sorcerer Big Hat Logan. This goal is the primary motivator behind his movement away from the relative safety of Firelink. Once a player has purchased all of his items and sorceries, Griggs will leave the shrine. He isn’t just wandering aimlessly; he is actively searching for Big Hat Logan. The tragedy of his quest lies in its futility. Despite his best efforts, Griggs will fail in his mission.
The Hollowed Outcome
His doomed search culminates in his tragic state in Sen’s Fortress. Players will find him hollowed and hostile, a stark contrast to the initially helpful and polite merchant. He’s no longer the calm and collected sorcerer offering his services. He’s become another victim of the curse and the unforgiving nature of Lordran. The location of his hollowing, in the same room as the Black Sorcerer Set, hints at his lineage and likely connection to the attire, making his demise even more poignant for those who follow the lore.
Why Does Griggs Leave Firelink?
The reason for Griggs’ departure is tied to his in-game dialogue. He mentions his master, Big Hat Logan, and it becomes clear that his purpose in coming to Firelink was not to set up a permanent shop, but to gather what he needed before embarking on his quest to find his mentor. Once he has sold all of his wares, and it’s understood his purpose in the shrine has been fulfilled, he embarks on this dangerous journey. It is not something that the player can alter or prevent; it’s a fixed event tied to the game’s narrative.
The Tragic Pattern
Griggs’ journey and his subsequent hollowing are a microcosm of the overall themes in Dark Souls – the futility of hope, the degradation of the undead, and the tragic fates of many characters caught in the cycle of the curse. It is also one of many examples of characters within the game who go hollow because their purpose was fulfilled, or they ultimately lost hope. Griggs was, in a way, a walking cautionary tale, highlighting the despair that awaits so many in Lordran.
Frequently Asked Questions About Griggs of Vinheim
1. Where is Griggs of Vinheim initially found?
Griggs is located in the Lower Undead Burg, specifically in a residence with a locked door. The Residence Key, purchased from the Undead Merchant Male in the upper section of the Undead Burg, is required to access him.
2. How do you rescue Griggs in Dark Souls?
You must obtain the Residence Key and use it to unlock the door of his cell, located in the lower Undead Burg. After that, you just need to speak to him to rescue him.
3. Can you leave after killing Gwyn?
Once you defeat Gwyn, you can choose to either interact with the bonfire or leave it be to select your ending. However, be aware that completing this fight immediately boots you into New Game Plus (NG+). Therefore, it is wise to complete any other objectives or remaining tasks before confronting Gwyn.
4. Is Griggs of Vinheim a spy?
While the descriptions of certain items suggest that Vinheim is known for their sorcerer spies, there’s no direct evidence that Griggs himself is one. He seems more like a dedicated student searching for his master.
5. Why can’t I buy from Griggs initially?
You need to have an Intelligence stat of 10 or higher to buy from Griggs. If your intelligence is lower, he will not sell you any spells or items.
6. Where does the pyromancer in Firelink Shrine go?
The pyromancer, Laurentius of the Great Swamp, will eventually become hollow and be found in Blighttown, near the Swamp Bonfire. His questline can go several different ways, but they ultimately all end in tragedy.
7. Is Griggs of Vinheim an important character?
Griggs is primarily important for players focusing on sorcery builds, as he sells a range of valuable early spells. However, he has limited importance for other types of players.
8. Does Griggs go hollow?
Yes, after you purchase all his spells and items from him, he will go hollow and appear in Sen’s Fortress.
9. Who sells sorceries in Dark Souls?
In addition to Griggs, sorceries can be obtained from several sources, including Big Hat Logan (after being freed from the Duke’s Archives), and a merchant in New Londo Ruins. Also, certain spells are found as pick-ups or in treasure chests throughout the game.
10. Where does Orbeck of Vinheim go in Dark Souls 3?
Orbeck of Vinheim from Dark Souls 3 will disappear permanently if you defeat the Abyss Watchers without giving him a scroll (in an unpatched version) or if you defeat four bosses after recruiting him without providing him with any scrolls.
11. What happens to Orbeck of Vinheim?
In Dark Souls 3, Orbeck’s quest eventually leads to his departure from Firelink Shrine. Players can then summon him for the Twin Princes fight. After the battle, Orbeck’s corpse and ashes can be found at the Grand Archives.
12. How do you unlock Gwyn in Dark Souls?
To reach Gwyn, you must collect the Lord Souls from the Bed of Chaos, The Four Kings, Gravelord Nito, and Seath the Scaleless. Then, speak to Kingseeker Frampt in Firelink Shrine to access the area where Gwyn resides.
13. How do you get the Old Witch Ring?
The Old Witch Ring can be chosen as a starting gift or can be obtained by trading the Sunlight Maggot to Snuggly the Crow.
14. Why won’t Logan sell me spells initially?
Big Hat Logan only sells his spells in Firelink Shrine after you first rescue him from The Duke’s Archives. Additionally, just like Griggs, you need a high enough Intelligence stat for him to offer his services.
15. What does the Undead Merchant drop when killed?
The Undead Merchant Male drops the Residence Key, a Humanity, an Orange Guidance Soapstone, and an Uchigatana when killed.
Conclusion
The journey of Griggs of Vinheim from his imprisonment in the Lower Undead Burg to his eventual hollowing in Sen’s Fortress is a compelling example of the intricate storytelling in Dark Souls. It illustrates the harshness and unforgiving nature of Lordran. His path, from an unassuming merchant to another victim of the curse, offers a look at the despair and tragic fates that befall many characters within the game. While his initial role is to provide helpful spells, it’s his final transformation that leaves a lasting impression, making him one of the more memorable merchants in the Dark Souls universe.