The Tragic Fate of Oscar: Why Did He Turn Hollow?
The question of why Oscar, Knight of Astora, succumbed to the fate of becoming a Hollow is a central point of reflection for many Dark Souls players. While the game itself doesn’t provide a definitive, explicit answer, piecing together the available lore, dialogue, and the nature of the Undead Curse, we can deduce a compelling explanation for Oscar’s descent into madness. Essentially, Oscar turned Hollow due to the crushing despair of failing his initial mission and the associated loss of his humanity.
The Weight of Failure and the Undead Curse
The Undead Curse is not merely a physical affliction; it’s a psychological and spiritual one. The process of becoming a Hollow begins with death, a frequent occurrence for those afflicted with the Darksign. Each death chips away at a sense of self, diminishing the spirit. For Oscar, this process was likely accelerated by the circumstances of his initial failure within the Undead Asylum.
We find him, mortally wounded, just a short time after freeing the player character. He expresses disappointment that he could not complete his mission of seeking the Bells of Awakening. This implies that reaching the bells was his primary purpose. The Asylum represents his first, and ultimately insurmountable, obstacle as an Undead. It’s not just the physical injury that incapacitates him; it’s the overwhelming sense of failure. He likely believed that if he could not even escape the Undead Asylum, his entire mission was already doomed. This defeat, combined with repeated death, drained him of his humanity, making him more susceptible to the hollowing process.
The lore of Dark Souls often highlights that Hollows are not just mindless husks; they are individuals who have lost their purpose and are consumed by a desperate, directionless need. Oscar’s specific hollowing likely stemmed from his acute awareness of his failure and the crushing weight of the Undead Curse. Unlike some other Hollows who may have forgotten their past lives, Oscar seems to have retained a clear memory of his purpose, adding a layer of tragedy to his fate.
The fact that other Astoran Knights are found Hollow within the asylum suggests that the place itself contributes to the mental strain. The desolate atmosphere, the hopelessness of the imprisoned Undead, and the lack of any real sense of escape combine to create a perfect breeding ground for despair. Oscar, burdened by failure and the Undead Curse, was particularly vulnerable to this environment. His final act of trying to pass on his mission to the player, while commendable, also underscores the deep sense of his own inadequacy, which was a significant contributing factor to his transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Darksign and how does it relate to Hollowing?
The Darksign is a mark that afflicts individuals with the Undead Curse. It prevents them from truly dying, instead bringing them back as Undead each time. With each death, a piece of their humanity is lost, and they move closer to becoming a Hollow.
2. What exactly does it mean to “go Hollow” in Dark Souls?
To “go Hollow” is to completely lose one’s humanity and become a mindless, aggressive creature. This results from repeated death and the subsequent degradation of one’s spirit, leading to a loss of reason, memory, and any sense of self. Hollows are driven by a primal urge to consume souls, and often attack without purpose.
3. Why was Oscar in the Undead Asylum in the first place?
The exact reason Oscar was in the Undead Asylum is not explicitly stated, but it is heavily implied that he was intentionally releasing Undead in the hope that one would eventually reach and ring the Bells of Awakening, which was a mission given to many Undead.
4. What was Oscar’s mission, and why was he trying to get out of the Undead Asylum?
Oscar’s mission was to ring the Bells of Awakening. He was attempting to escape the Undead Asylum and continue this mission. He released the player in the hopes that they could succeed where he failed.
5. Could Oscar have been saved?
No, Oscar’s fate is sealed. He cannot be saved in the game; players can only return later to grant him peace by killing him, completing the tragic nature of his character arc.
6. Is Oscar the only Astoran Knight who becomes Hollow in the Undead Asylum?
No, multiple Astoran Knights are found as Hollows in the Undead Asylum, suggesting that the place itself and the weight of the Undead Curse heavily contribute to their downfall.
7. How does a character regain humanity after going Hollow?
A character can regain humanity by consuming a Humanity item and then using the “Reverse Hollowing” option at a bonfire. This restores their appearance and allows for summoning other players for co-op.
8. What are the benefits of reversing hollowing in Dark Souls?
Reversing hollowing allows for kindle bonfires (increasing the Estus Flask charges they provide) and enables co-op gameplay by allowing you to summon other players and NPCs to assist you. However, it also leaves you vulnerable to invasions by other players.
9. What is the significance of the phrase “Don’t you dare go Hollow”?
“Don’t you dare go Hollow” is a phrase that encourages perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder to not give up hope, and to continue the fight despite the difficulty of the game, or life itself.
10. Who says, “Don’t you dare go Hollow” in the game?
Laurentius of the Great Swamp is the character who says, “Don’t you dare go Hollow.” He is a friendly pyromancer and one of the few characters without ulterior motives.
11. Are Hollows inherently evil?
Hollows are not inherently evil in a moral sense. Their actions are driven by instinct and a desperate need to consume souls, not by a conscious desire for malice. They are a tragic consequence of the Undead Curse.
12. What happens to a Hollow when killed?
Hollows are effectively dead, yet they continue to “live” until their souls are at rest, which often does not occur until they are dispatched. The lore suggests that they may eventually go somewhere depending on the lore of the soul they possessed during life.
13. How does hollowing affect gameplay?
Hollowing has no negative effects on basic gameplay, but it limits certain actions such as summoning other players for co-op. However, specific builds focusing on hollow weapons can benefit from a higher level of hollowing, increasing luck and damage.
14. What is the “Praise the Sun” gesture?
“Praise the Sun” is a famous gesture associated with the character Solaire of Astora. It is a symbol of optimism and camaraderie in a dark world, and a powerful message of hope in the grim context of Dark Souls.
15. Is there a true ending to Dark Souls?
There is no definitive “true ending” to Dark Souls. The endings are ambiguous and open to interpretation, reflecting the game’s themes of cyclical existence, choice, and the nature of legacy. Each ending provides a different perspective without a clear victor or path.
In conclusion, Oscar’s descent into hollowing is a tragic example of the psychological impact of the Undead Curse. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of the human spirit and the importance of hope in the face of overwhelming despair. His fate is a poignant moment for players and underscores the core themes of failure, resilience, and the human condition that Dark Souls explores so masterfully.