Unveiling the Shadows: Who Were the Forgotten Ones in Dragon Age?

The Forgotten Ones in Dragon Age represent a murky and ominous side of the ancient elven pantheon, the Evanuris. While the Evanuris are typically portrayed as gods (or powerful mages masquerading as such), the Forgotten Ones embody a more maligned and feared aspect. They contrast sharply with the so-called benevolent “Creators,” figures like Mythal and Elgar’nan. The precise nature of the Forgotten Ones remains shrouded in mystery, fueling much speculation and intrigue within the Dragon Age lore. They were powerful beings, but their deeds and motivations painted them as antagonists to the more publicly revered Creators. The division within the Evanuris ultimately led to conflict and the downfall of the ancient elven civilization.

Delving Deeper: The Nature of the Forgotten Ones

Beyond Benevolence: Exploring Their Domain

The Forgotten Ones weren’t simply evil; they were forces that represented aspects of existence that the ancient elves found difficult to reconcile. They are often linked to concepts such as secrets, hidden knowledge, death, and the darker sides of magic. Their powers likely differed significantly from the Creators, perhaps involving manipulation, shadow magic, or other forbidden arts.

Why Were They Forgotten?

The term “Forgotten Ones” is telling. They were intentionally removed from the elven cultural narrative, likely after the rebellion led by Solas (Fen’Harel). This could be due to the devastating consequences of their actions, their opposition to Solas’s revolution, or the desire to create a more palatable pantheon for the surviving elves. The Creators effectively rewrote history, demonizing or erasing the Forgotten Ones from collective memory.

Slaves or Outcasts? A Theory

A prevailing theory suggests that the Forgotten Ones were not inherently evil but were rather slaves or outcasts within the Evanuris hierarchy. Perhaps they possessed powers that the Creators feared or disapproved of, leading to their subjugation and eventual erasure. This interpretation adds a layer of complexity to the conflict, presenting the Creators in a less unequivocally positive light and raising questions about their own motives.

Were They Really Gods?

It’s crucial to remember that the Evanuris, including the Forgotten Ones, weren’t necessarily gods in the traditional sense. The revelation in Dragon Age: Inquisition – Trespasser DLC – clarifies that they were exceptionally powerful mages, likely empowered by unique access to magic and potentially ancient artifacts. This means that the Forgotten Ones’ powers, while formidable, stemmed from magical abilities rather than divine origin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Forgotten Ones.

1. How many Forgotten Ones were there? The exact number of Forgotten Ones is unknown. The lore primarily focuses on a small number of Creators, suggesting that the Forgotten Ones were also a limited group, possibly seven in total mirroring the Old Gods.

2. Are the Forgotten Ones related to the Old Gods? While they existed on parallel planes, the Forgotten Ones are associated with the Elven Pantheon, the Evanuris and not with The Seven Old Gods. Some believe there is a relation between the Elven Pantheon and The Seven Old Gods of Tevinter but there is no substantial proof.

3. Were the Forgotten Ones truly evil? That’s a matter of perspective. The surviving Elves regarded them as evil. However, their motivations and the circumstances surrounding their actions are largely unknown, leaving room for interpretation and suggesting they may have been misrepresented.

4. Did Solas play a role in their “forgetting”? Absolutely. As Fen’Harel, the Dread Wolf, Solas led the rebellion against the Evanuris and created the Veil, effectively severing the elves from their ancient power and culture. This act undoubtedly contributed to the erasure of the Forgotten Ones from elven history.

5. Do any of the Forgotten Ones appear in the games? As of the current Dragon Age games, none of the Forgotten Ones have made a direct, named appearance. However, characters like Corypheus share some thematic similarities with the perceived attributes of the Forgotten Ones – ambition, power-seeking, and a connection to dark magic.

6. Is there a possibility they will return in future Dragon Age games? Given the significant role of the Evanuris in the overall narrative and Solas’s ongoing plans, it’s highly probable that the Forgotten Ones, or at least their influence, will resurface in future installments.

7. Are the Forgotten Ones mentioned in any in-game books or codex entries? References to the Forgotten Ones are scattered throughout the Dragon Age lore, often in fragmented or biased accounts. Codex entries, ancient elven ruins, and cryptic dialogue offer glimpses into their existence and the circumstances surrounding their downfall.

8. How did the Forgotten Ones differ from the Creators? The Creators were generally associated with positive aspects of life – justice, motherhood, fatherhood, etc. – while the Forgotten Ones likely embodied more complex or darker aspects, such as death, secrets, and forbidden knowledge. They may have also wielded different types of magic or held opposing philosophies.

9. Did the Forgotten Ones have followers or worshippers? It’s plausible that some elves secretly worshipped or followed the Forgotten Ones, even after their official erasure from elven society. This underground worship could have persisted for centuries, potentially influencing certain groups or individuals in the present day.

10. What powers did the Forgotten Ones possess? Their powers remain largely unknown, but they likely involved manipulation, shadow magic, or other forbidden arts that set them apart from the Creators.

11. How did the Evanuris become so powerful? The source of the Evanuris’ power is a subject of debate. It could stem from a deep connection to the Fade, the use of powerful artifacts, or a combination of both. The revelation that they were exceptionally powerful mages suggests that their abilities were rooted in magical aptitude rather than divine essence.

12. Did Mythal and Elgar’nan play a role in the Forgotten Ones’ fate? As leaders of the Creators, Mythal and Elgar’nan likely played a significant role in the suppression of the Forgotten Ones. Their motivations could have ranged from a genuine belief in the need to protect elven society to a desire to consolidate their own power.

13. What is the significance of the name “Forgotten Ones”? The name itself speaks volumes. It suggests an intentional effort to erase these beings from history, highlighting the power of propaganda and the manipulation of memory in shaping cultural narratives.

14. Could the Forgotten Ones have been misunderstood? It’s entirely possible. History is often written by the victors, and the portrayal of the Forgotten Ones may be a biased account crafted by their enemies. A more nuanced understanding of their actions and motivations could reveal a different perspective on the conflict.

15. How does the concept of the Forgotten Ones enhance the Dragon Age narrative? The Forgotten Ones add depth and complexity to the Dragon Age universe. They challenge the simplistic notion of good versus evil, forcing players to question the official narratives and consider alternative perspectives. They also highlight the dangers of unchecked power, the importance of remembering the past, and the enduring consequences of historical conflicts.

The Enduring Mystery: Why the Forgotten Ones Matter

The enigma surrounding the Forgotten Ones makes them fascinating figures in Dragon Age lore. They serve as a reminder that history is rarely black and white and that even those deemed “evil” may have complex motivations or a different side to their story. By understanding their place in the larger narrative, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the nuanced and morally ambiguous world of Dragon Age.

This exploration of the Forgotten Ones highlights the power of storytelling in games and its potential to create engaging and thought-provoking experiences. For those interested in learning more about the intersection of games and learning, the Games Learning Society offers valuable insights and resources. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more.