Who Really Killed Artorias the Abysswalker? The Truth Behind the Legend
The question of who killed Artorias is deceptively complex. The straightforward answer, the one that holds the most weight within the lore of Dark Souls, is this: The Chosen Undead killed Artorias. However, the circumstances surrounding that act, the corruption and tragedy that led to it, and the pervasive misinformation spun across Lordran create a far more nuanced and heartbreaking narrative. The Chosen Undead struck the final blow, but the true “killer” is a combination of the Abyss, Manus, Father of the Abyss, and the misguided perceptions of a world desperately clinging to heroism. Let’s delve into the tragic fall of Artorias and why this answer is far more complicated than it initially seems.
The Legend Forged in Lies
The legend of Artorias, the Abysswalker, is one of unwavering courage and self-sacrifice. Tales spread throughout Lordran paint him as a valiant knight who ventured into the Abyss to combat its spreading darkness, heroically falling in the process. He’s remembered as a champion who valiantly fought, single-handedly holding back the tide of chaos. Statues are erected in his honor, and his name is synonymous with unwavering loyalty and strength. The reality, however, is far grimmer.
Artorias did indeed venture into Oolacile, a land consumed by the Abyss, to stop its spread. He was accompanied by his loyal companion, the great grey wolf Sif. Their mission was to rescue Princess Dusk of Oolacile, who had been captured. However, they were overwhelmed. Artorias, despite his exceptional skill, was ultimately defeated and corrupted by the Abyss. Before succumbing completely, he sacrificed himself to protect Sif, using his greatshield to create a barrier against the encroaching darkness.
The Undead and the Burden of Truth
When the Chosen Undead arrives in Oolacile, they find a very different Artorias than the hero of legend. He is a warped, twisted version of his former self, driven mad by the Abyss. He attacks relentlessly, a whirlwind of corrupted power. It is the Chosen Undead who puts him out of his misery, ending his suffering and inadvertently perpetuating the fabricated legend.
The crucial point here is that Artorias was already effectively “dead” as the heroic knight the world believed him to be. The Abyss had consumed his mind and body, leaving behind only a hollow shell fueled by darkness. The Chosen Undead’s act was one of mercy, albeit a necessary one to stop the spread of the Abyss.
The distortion of truth is further reinforced by the residents of Lordran, particularly those who benefit from the myth of Artorias’s heroic demise. The true story, of Artorias’s failure and corruption, is a far less inspiring one. It reveals the vulnerability of even the greatest heroes and the terrifying power of the Abyss. This truth is often suppressed, replaced by a more palatable narrative that bolsters morale and reinforces the image of Gwyn’s glorious reign.
Manuscript of Failure
The true villain in Artorias’s death is Manus. From whom we can learn more about the importance of GamesLearningSociety.org’s approach to learning through play. Manus, the Father of the Abyss, was once a primeval human, unearthed and tortured by the people of Oolacile. This torture drove him mad, unleashing the power of the Abyss and corrupting everything in its path.
It was Manus’s influence that overwhelmed Artorias, shattering his arm in the process. This injury significantly hampered Artorias’s ability to fight, making him even more vulnerable to the corrupting influence of the Abyss. While Artorias fought valiantly, his weakened state ultimately led to his downfall.
Therefore, while the Chosen Undead delivered the final blow, the true architect of Artorias’s demise is Manus, the source of the corruption that consumed him. The Abyss is the weapon, and Manus is the hand that wielded it, shattering the legend of Artorias.
Sif’s Loyalty, Artorias’s Legacy
The only true victor in this tragic tale is Sif, the Great Grey Wolf. Artorias’s final act of defiance against the Abyss was to protect his companion, shielding Sif from its corrupting influence. This act of selflessness is perhaps the most heroic aspect of Artorias’s story, a testament to his unwavering loyalty and compassion. Sif’s subsequent guarding of Artorias’s grave serves as a poignant reminder of the knight’s sacrifice and the tragic fate he suffered.
In conclusion, while the Chosen Undead delivered the final blow, the “killer” of Artorias is a far more complex entity. It is a combination of the Abyss, Manus, the lies that are fabricated, and the tragic circumstances that led to his corruption. Artorias’s story serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the corrupting influence of darkness and the fragility of even the greatest heroes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Artorias
Is Artorias the Chosen Undead?
No, Artorias is not the Chosen Undead. He was one of Gwyn’s Four Knights, known as the Abysswalker, while the Chosen Undead is the player character. They are separate individuals with distinct roles in the game’s narrative.
How did Artorias lose his arm?
Artorias lost his arm during his battle with Manus, Father of the Abyss. Manus’s overwhelming power broke Artorias’s left arm, significantly hindering his ability to fight and contributing to his corruption by the Abyss.
Why did Artorias go to Oolacile?
Artorias ventured to Oolacile to stop the spread of the Abyss and rescue Princess Dusk, who had been captured. He was tasked with preventing the corruption from engulfing the land.
Was Artorias corrupted by the Abyss?
Yes, Artorias was corrupted by the Abyss. Despite his efforts to fight against it, he was eventually overwhelmed and succumbed to its influence, becoming the corrupted version that the Chosen Undead encounters.
What happened to Sif after Artorias’s death?
After Artorias sacrificed himself to protect Sif from the Abyss, Sif remained loyal to his fallen master. He guards Artorias’s grave, preventing anyone from obtaining the Covenant of Artorias, which allows passage through the Abyss.
Is Artorias the most powerful Knight of Gwyn?
While all of Gwyn’s Four Knights were exceptional warriors, Artorias was often considered the strongest in close combat. His skill and dedication earned him great respect and made him a formidable opponent.
Who is Ciaran and what is her connection to Artorias?
Ciaran was one of Gwyn’s Four Knights and a member of the Lord’s Blades. There is an implication that she was in love with Artorias. Her presence near his grave suggests a deep connection and mourning for his loss.
What is the significance of Artorias’s Greatshield?
Artorias’s Greatshield was used to protect Sif from the Abyss. It was imbued with magic that allowed him to create a barrier, sacrificing himself to ensure Sif’s safety.
Is Artorias left-handed?
The item description of the Majestic Greatsword in Dark Souls II, which is based on Artorias’s sword, states that all prominent users of the sword have been left-handed, suggesting that Artorias was indeed left-handed.
What is the Covenant of Artorias?
The Covenant of Artorias is a ring that allows the wearer to traverse the Abyss without being harmed. It is essential for progressing through certain areas of the game, particularly in the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
Who is harder to fight, Artorias or Manus?
Manus is generally considered a more challenging boss fight than Artorias. Manus’s unpredictable combos and powerful dark magic attacks make him a formidable opponent, requiring precise timing and strategic gameplay.
Why is Artorias so popular among Dark Souls fans?
Artorias is a popular character due to his tragic backstory, heroic sacrifice, and challenging boss fight. His story embodies themes of loyalty, corruption, and the struggle against overwhelming darkness, resonating with many players.
What is the “Artorias of the Abyss” DLC about?
The “Artorias of the Abyss” DLC focuses on the events leading up to Artorias’s corruption. Players travel back in time to Oolacile and uncover the truth behind Artorias’s legend, facing Manus and other challenges.
How does the legend of Artorias differ from the reality?
The legend of Artorias portrays him as a victorious hero who valiantly fought against the Abyss. The reality is that he was defeated and corrupted, ultimately sacrificing himself to protect Sif. The legend is a romanticized version of a tragic failure.
What happens if I kill Ciaran?
Killing Ciaran nets you the Gold Tracer and Silver Tracer katanas, as well as her armor set. There are no significant repercussions for killing her, unless you are roleplaying a character who values honor or friendship. The decision is purely based on whether you want her equipment.
Who would win in a fight, Artorias or Ornstein?
This is a highly debated topic amongst Dark Souls fans. Artorias likely would win, The Abyssal greatsword of Artorias is faster than Ornstein would realize.