The Enigmatic Heart of Dishonored: Unveiling Its Secrets

The Heart in Dishonored is a mystical artifact with profound significance. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but compelling evidence within the game strongly suggests it was crafted using the heart of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin after her assassination.

The Heart’s Whispers and Jessamine’s Legacy

The Heart provides gameplay benefits, revealing secrets and lore about the world and characters around the player. However, its most intriguing feature is its ability to “speak,” offering cryptic insights into the emotions and histories of individuals and locations. These whispers frequently reference Jessamine, often in ways that imply a deep connection. Granny Rags, an eccentric and powerful character encountered during the House of Pleasure mission, hints at the Heart’s origins, lamenting how “nothing’s been the same since her [the Empress’] death!” This is a crucial clue. The Heart’s connection to Jessamine Kaldwin is further solidified in Dishonored 2, although never explicitly confirmed. The implications are significant, suggesting a lingering fragment of Jessamine’s essence remains within the artifact.

The true power of the heart lies in its ability to reveal a character’s deepest and truest self. It is a powerful tool that can be used to make a character appear exactly as they are in reality. It gives you the power to judge and decide if a character is good or evil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Heart and Dishonored Lore

What exactly is the Heart in Dishonored?

The Heart is a powerful artifact granted to Corvo by the Outsider. It pulses with supernatural energy and reveals the secrets and backstories of people and places in Dunwall. It can be used to find Runes and Bone Charms, key items for upgrading Corvo’s powers.

How does the Heart work?

When the Heart is activated, it emits whispers that provide insights into the inner thoughts, past experiences, and hidden aspects of the character or location targeted. This information is invaluable for making moral choices and understanding the intricate web of relationships within Dunwall.

Who is Jessamine Kaldwin?

Jessamine Kaldwin was the beloved Empress of the Isles and the mother of Emily Kaldwin. Her assassination kicks off the events of Dishonored, setting Corvo Attano on his path of vengeance and redemption. She was also Corvo’s secret lover.

Did Corvo love Jessamine?

Yes, Corvo and Jessamine shared a deep and passionate love. Their relationship was kept secret due to the political ramifications of a Royal Protector becoming romantically involved with the Empress.

Who killed Jessamine Kaldwin?

Jessamine was assassinated by the infamous assassin Daud under the orders of Lord Regent Hiram Burrows. This act of betrayal plunged Dunwall into chaos.

Is Corvo Attano Emily’s father?

Yes, this is confirmed in Dishonored 2. While Corvo’s relationship with Jessamine was a secret, he is undeniably Emily’s biological father.

Why doesn’t Emily call Corvo “Dad” in Dishonored?

Due to the secretive nature of Corvo’s relationship with Jessamine and his position as Royal Protector, he was not publicly acknowledged as Emily’s father during her childhood. Despite this, they shared a close and loving bond.

Is there a canonical way to play Dishonored?

While both Corvo and Emily are playable characters in Dishonored 2, many consider Emily’s playthrough to be more “canon.” Her story arc feels more natural and continues the plot established in the first game. Ultimately, it’s up to player preference. The Games Learning Society has great resources for more on video game storytelling.

What is the significance of the Outsider?

The Outsider is a mysterious and powerful entity residing in the Void. He grants magical abilities to individuals he finds interesting, including Corvo and Emily. He acts as an observer and catalyst, influencing the events of the Dishonored universe.

What are Runes and Bone Charms?

Runes are whalebone artifacts that Corvo uses to unlock and upgrade his supernatural abilities. Bone Charms are smaller artifacts that provide passive bonuses, such as increased agility or stealth. The Heart can help locate these crucial items.

How does Chaos level affect the game?

The player’s actions directly impact the Chaos level of the game. High Chaos, resulting from excessive violence and death, leads to a darker ending and a more challenging experience. Low Chaos, achieved through stealth and non-lethal takedowns, results in a more optimistic ending.

Which ending is considered the “best” in Dishonored?

The Low Chaos ending is generally considered the “best” ending. In this ending, Corvo restores Emily to the throne, and Dunwall enters a golden age, free from the plague and political corruption.

What powers does Corvo have?

Corvo’s powers, granted by the Outsider, include Blink (short-range teleportation), Dark Vision (seeing enemies through walls), Possession (taking control of other creatures), Rat Swarm (summoning a swarm of rats), and Bend Time (slowing or stopping time).

Is Corvo more powerful than Emily?

Both Corvo and Emily possess unique and powerful abilities. Corvo excels in stealth and evasion, while Emily’s powers focus on manipulation and crowd control. Ultimately, their effectiveness depends on the player’s playstyle. Based on the lore though, it is widely considered that Corvo is stronger than Emily.

What is Dunwall like?

Dunwall, the primary setting of Dishonored, is a steampunk-inspired city plagued by disease, political corruption, and social inequality. Its architecture blends Victorian and Edwardian styles, creating a visually striking and oppressive atmosphere.

The question of whose heart resides within the artifact in Dishonored is ultimately left open to interpretation. However, the game provides compelling evidence suggesting a link to the late Empress Jessamine Kaldwin. Whether it’s a literal piece of her heart or a representation of her essence, the Heart serves as a constant reminder of her legacy and the tragic events that shaped the world of Dishonored. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on game theory and educational resources.