The Colossal Enigma: Why Are Ornstein and Smough So Big?

Ornstein and Smough, the iconic duo guarding Anor Londo in Dark Souls, are imposing figures, and their size is no accident. In the world of Dark Souls, size is often indicative of power and the amount of souls an entity has absorbed. Ornstein, while already larger than a typical human at around 7 feet tall, gains further size and power after absorbing Smough. Smough, on the other hand, is colossal from the start due to his already substantial soul and likely, his nature as a would-be executioner. The underlying principle is that the stronger the soul, the larger the vessel needed to contain it. This isn’t just a gameplay mechanic; it’s deeply rooted in the lore of Dark Souls.

Understanding the Lore of Size and Power

The size of characters in Dark Souls isn’t arbitrary. It’s intrinsically linked to their power, lineage, and the accumulation of souls. Souls, in the Dark Souls universe, are not just currency; they are the essence of life and power. Absorbing souls increases an individual’s strength and, in many cases, their physical stature. This is most evident in the case of “god” giants like Gwyn, Ornstein, and others who start relatively large (6-10 feet tall) and can grow further by absorbing souls. We see this dynamic play out firsthand when Ornstein absorbs Smough’s power upon his defeat, dramatically increasing in size and gaining new abilities.

The game doesn’t explicitly define “races,” but distinctions are clear. Humans, descended from the Furtive Pygmy, are generally smaller and possess a fragment of the Dark Soul. In contrast, Gwyn and his followers are considered giants, and their lineage seems to allow them to grow in size as their soul power increases. This difference highlights the fundamental separation between the gods and humans, with size acting as a visual representation of this disparity.

Smough, while not technically a god, is still incredibly large from the start. This could be attributed to his sheer power and the number of souls he has accumulated throughout his life as Anor Londo’s executioner. His role suggests a long history of slaying powerful individuals, absorbing their souls, and growing in stature. Even though he wasn’t chosen as one of Gwyn’s Knights because of his… questionable habits, there is no question he was powerful.

Gameplay vs. Lore: A Deliberate Choice

While the lore provides a compelling explanation for the size of Ornstein and Smough, it’s crucial to acknowledge the gameplay implications. Making bosses larger allows players to read their attacks more easily. Their size helps players with visual clarity and telegraphing of attacks.

However, FromSoftware is known for its meticulous attention to detail. They deliberately choose elements of gameplay and lore that compliment each other. The large size of bosses doesn’t just make the fights more manageable; it also reinforces the idea that these beings are vastly more powerful than the player character. This contributes to the game’s overall sense of challenge and the feeling of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

Why Are You So Small in Dark Souls?

The player character’s relatively small size, compared to many bosses, also serves a purpose. It reinforces the player’s role as an underdog in a world dominated by powerful beings. Humans, descendants of the Furtive Pygmy and inheritors of the Dark Soul, are inherently different from Gwyn’s lineage of giants. While the player character can gain strength by collecting souls, they never reach the colossal size of figures like Smough or the Ancient Dragon. This limitation underscores the fundamental difference between humans and the gods of Dark Souls. Studying games can be intellectually stimulating, and you can learn more at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Size in Dark Souls

How tall is Ornstein before absorbing Smough?

Ornstein is estimated to be around 7 feet tall before absorbing Smough. This already makes him significantly taller than the average human character in the game.

How tall is Smough?

Smough’s exact height is never specified, but he is several times taller than the player character, likely exceeding 12 feet in height. His size is enhanced by his bulky armor and enormous hammer.

Is the size-equals-power rule consistent throughout Dark Souls?

While generally true, there are exceptions. Some powerful beings might not be exceptionally large. The rule applies mostly to gods, giants, and those who actively absorb souls.

Are all giants in Dark Souls inherently evil?

Not all giants are inherently evil. Some, like the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo, are neutral or even helpful to the player. However, many giants are hostile, often due to corruption or manipulation.

Is there a limit to how large someone can grow by absorbing souls?

The game doesn’t explicitly state a limit. However, it’s implied that there are constraints. Characters like the Ancient Dragon are colossal due to their nature rather than solely through soul absorption.

How does the size difference affect gameplay?

The size difference impacts both the player’s and the bosses’ movement, attack range, and vulnerability. Larger bosses have slower movement but longer reach, while the player must be more strategic and agile.

Are there any other bosses whose size changes during the fight?

Yes, Dragon Slayer Ornstein, after absorbing Smough. This dramatic transformation changes his moveset and increases his attack power.

Why was Smough not chosen as one of Gwyn’s Knights?

Smough was rejected as one of Gwyn’s Knights because of his cannibalistic tendencies and general brutality. While powerful, his character was deemed unsuitable for the role.

How does armor affect perceived size in Dark Souls?

Armor can significantly influence the perceived size of characters. Smough’s bulky armor makes him appear even larger than he already is, while characters like Ornstein appear more agile due to their streamlined armor.

Does the size of a weapon correlate with its wielder’s size?

Generally, yes. Smough wields an enormous hammer that would be impossible for a smaller character to use effectively. Conversely, Ornstein’s spear is more suited to his agile fighting style.

Is there a connection between size and difficulty in Dark Souls bosses?

While not always a direct correlation, larger bosses often have higher health pools and deal more damage. However, their size can also make them easier to hit, balancing the challenge.

Why is Yhorm the Giant so much bigger than other giants?

Yhorm’s immense size may be attributed to his status as a lord and his deep connection to the Profaned Flame. His size could be symbolic of the immense responsibility and burden he carries.

Does size play a significant role in the Dark Souls narrative?

Yes, size is a recurring motif in the Dark Souls narrative, representing power, lineage, and the disparity between gods and humans. It’s a visual shorthand for the themes of power and dominance.

How does Dark Souls compare to other games in terms of boss size?

Dark Souls is notable for its consistently large and imposing bosses, which contribute to the game’s sense of scale and challenge. While other games may have large bosses, Dark Souls integrates size more deeply into its lore and gameplay mechanics.

Is understanding the lore important for appreciating the size of Dark Souls bosses?

While not essential, understanding the lore enhances the experience by providing context for the visual design and gameplay mechanics. It adds depth to the encounters and reinforces the themes of the game. Dark Souls fans often look at all aspects of the game. It helps players understand the world they are in.

Conclusion: Size as a Storytelling Device

The size of Ornstein and Smough, and many other bosses in Dark Souls, is not merely a design choice. It’s a deliberate storytelling device that conveys information about their power, lineage, and role in the world. By understanding the lore behind these imposing figures, players gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex world of Dark Souls. The game developers at FromSoftware have provided gamers with a game that will be discussed for generations. The visual story telling combined with the challenge level has captured the imagination of gamers everywhere.