The Bearer of the Curse: Unmasking the Protagonist of Dark Souls 2
The main character in Dark Souls 2 is known as the Bearer of the Curse. This silent protagonist, an undead adventurer hailing from a distant land, journeys to the dilapidated kingdom of Drangleic in search of a cure for their affliction: the dreaded Curse of Undeath. Driven by the promise of salvation, they embark on a perilous quest dictated by the enigmatic Emerald Herald, a quest that involves collecting four Great Souls from ancient and formidable beings known as the Old Ones. The Bearer of the Curse’s journey is one of survival, perseverance, and the weighty decision of whether to perpetuate or break the cycle of fire and dark that plagues the land.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Bearer of the Curse’s Role
Unlike some protagonists with predetermined backstories or personalities, the Bearer of the Curse is a largely blank slate. Players have significant control over their character’s appearance, stats, and combat style. This customization allows for a deeply personal and immersive experience, making each playthrough unique. While the ultimate goal remains the same – finding a way to end the Curse – the journey and the choices made along the way are entirely up to the player. This emphasizes the themes of free will and the heavy burden of choice that permeate the Dark Souls series.
The narrative of Dark Souls 2 focuses heavily on cycles, memory, and the futility of pursuing simple solutions to complex problems. The Bearer of the Curse navigates a world steeped in history, encountering characters burdened by their own pasts and driven by their own interpretations of the Curse. The player’s actions have significant consequences, affecting the world and the lives of those they encounter. This reinforces the idea that even the smallest decisions can have far-reaching implications in a world on the brink of collapse. The ultimate fate of Drangleic, whether it’s ushered into an age of fire or darkness, rests solely on the shoulders of the Bearer of the Curse.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bearer of the Curse
1. What is the Curse of Undeath in Dark Souls 2?
The Curse of Undeath in Dark Souls 2 is a condition that prevents death, turning individuals into immortal undead beings. However, with each death, the afflicted lose pieces of their memory, sanity, and ultimately, their humanity. This process is known as “hollowing,” and it gradually transforms the undead into mindless husks, driven only by instinct. The Bearer of the Curse is desperately trying to escape this fate.
2. Who are the Old Ones in Dark Souls 2?
The Old Ones are powerful beings who possess fragments of ancient souls, remnants of lords from a bygone era. These souls are necessary to unlock the path to the Throne of Want, where the secrets of the Curse reside. They include:
- The Rotten: A grotesque amalgamation of corpses and refuse.
- The Duke’s Dear Freja: A massive spider guarding the soul of the Duke.
- The Lost Sinner: A prisoner eternally atoning for her crimes.
- The Old Iron King: A fallen king consumed by his own ambition and the fires of his creation.
3. What is the significance of Drangleic in Dark Souls 2?
Drangleic is a fallen kingdom steeped in history and tragedy. It serves as a central location in Dark Souls 2 where players can explore the ruins of a once-great civilization and uncover the mysteries behind its downfall. The kingdom is plagued by the Curse of Undeath and the remnants of its past, serving as a testing ground for the Bearer of the Curse.
4. Who is the Emerald Herald in Dark Souls 2?
The Emerald Herald, also known as Shanalotte, guides the Bearer of the Curse on their quest. She acts as a central NPC, providing information, leveling up the player, and directing them towards the Great Souls. Her true motives remain ambiguous throughout the game, leaving the player to question her role in the grand scheme of things.
5. What are the different endings in Dark Souls 2?
Dark Souls 2 offers multiple ending scenarios. The original ending sees the player take the Throne of Want after defeating Nashandra, leaving their decision to link the flame or usher in an age of darkness ambiguous. With the DLCs, an alternative ending unlocks where the Bearer of the Curse can claim the power of the crowns and transcend the Curse, ensuring they will never hollow.
6. What is the Throne of Want in Dark Souls 2?
The Throne of Want is a location of immense power in Drangleic. It is said to be a gateway to understanding the Curse and potentially ending it. The Bearer of the Curse must gather the Great Souls to gain access to the Throne and confront the forces that control the cycle of fire and dark.
7. How does the Bearer of the Curse differ from other Dark Souls protagonists?
Unlike the Chosen Undead (Dark Souls 1) or the Ashen One (Dark Souls 3), the Bearer of the Curse lacks a clear destiny predetermined by prophecy or fate. They are driven by a personal desire to escape the Curse, making their journey a more introspective and individualistic one. Their decisions carry a heavier weight, as they are not simply fulfilling a preordained role.
8. Is Dark Souls 2’s story connected to other Dark Souls games?
While Dark Souls 2 shares the same universe and lore as the other Dark Souls games, its story is largely self-contained. It explores similar themes of cyclical history, the burden of power, and the struggle against fate, but it does so within its own unique narrative framework and location of Drangleic.
9. Does the Bearer of the Curse appear in other Dark Souls games?
The Bearer of the Curse does not make a direct appearance in other Dark Souls games. However, references to Drangleic and characters from Dark Souls 2 can be found in later installments, solidifying its place in the larger Dark Souls lore.
10. What is the best build for the Bearer of the Curse in Dark Souls 2?
The “best” build for the Bearer of the Curse is subjective and depends on individual playstyles. However, popular and effective builds often focus on strength and endurance for melee combat, or faith and intelligence for magic-based builds. Experimentation and adaptation are key to finding a build that suits your preferences.
11. What is the Scholar of the First Sin edition of Dark Souls 2?
Scholar of the First Sin is a remastered version of Dark Souls 2 that includes all three DLCs, graphical enhancements, and gameplay rebalancing. It also adds a new NPC, Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin, who provides a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and themes. This edition is generally considered the definitive version of Dark Souls 2.
12. How does death affect the Bearer of the Curse in Dark Souls 2?
Each death reduces the Bearer of the Curse’s maximum health, a process called hollowing. This can be reversed using Human Effigies, rare and valuable items that restore humanity. This mechanic adds a layer of risk and consequence to death, making each encounter more meaningful.
13. What is the most challenging aspect of playing as the Bearer of the Curse in Dark Souls 2?
One of the most challenging aspects is managing resources and adapting to the game’s unforgiving difficulty. The Bearer of the Curse must carefully manage their health, stamina, and equipment, while also learning enemy patterns and exploiting weaknesses. Patience and perseverance are essential for survival.
14. What makes the Bearer of the Curse a compelling protagonist?
The Bearer of the Curse’s compelling nature stems from their relatability. They are not a chosen hero or a destined savior, but rather an ordinary individual struggling against insurmountable odds. Their journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the ultimate question of what it means to be human in a world consumed by darkness. Their story highlights the importance of personal agency and the courage to forge one’s own path.
15. How does Dark Souls 2 utilize gameplay to reinforce its themes of learning and adaptation?
Dark Souls 2, like the other souls games, emphasizes learning through failure. Players are expected to die and learn from their mistakes. This cycle of death and adaptation mirrors the character’s own struggle with the Curse, continually adapting to the ever-changing challenges of Drangleic. This resonates with concepts explored by the Games Learning Society, where gameplay mechanics contribute to a deeper understanding of complex themes. You can learn more about game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.