Why is the Ashen One Not Undead?
The question of whether the Ashen One is undead is a complex one, deeply rooted in the lore of the Dark Souls series. While seemingly similar to the previous protagonists, the Chosen Undead and the Bearer of the Curse, the Ashen One occupies a unique space in the game’s mythology. The short answer is this: The Ashen One is not undead in the traditional sense, they are an Unkindled. This distinction is critical, and here’s why: Undead in Dark Souls are afflicted with the Darksign, a curse that prevents them from truly dying, but also causes them to eventually hollow, losing their sanity and sense of self. The Ashen One, however, was previously burned to ash by the First Flame. They are not animated by the Darksign but are rather brought back from literal ash as an Unkindled – beings who failed to link the fire and were subsequently revived. This subtle but significant difference profoundly affects their nature and purpose within the world of Dark Souls III.
The Nature of Unkindled
Born From Failure
The Ashen One is fundamentally defined by their failure. Unlike the Chosen Undead, who was destined to either link the fire or usher in an Age of Dark, the Ashen One attempted to link the fire but was consumed by its power. This act of attempting to link the fire and failing is the defining factor of all Unkindled. Instead of succeeding or succumbing to the Darksign, they were turned to ash. It is this failure that places them in the unique position of the Unkindled, a classification that is lower even than the standard undead. The key difference lies in the method of their revival; they are not resurrected by the Darksign, but by the single bell of awakening at Firelink Shrine.
The Revival Bell
This bell, rung by the Fire Keeper, indicates the dire situation of the First Flame. Its link is weakening, and the Lords of Cinder, who should serve as fuel, have abandoned their thrones. The Ashen One is specifically raised to rectify this. This is not a typical undead resurrection tied to the Darksign, but a deliberate awakening for a very specific purpose. The Ashen One is an individual reborn by the call of the bell, unlike undead who continuously revive due to the Darksign.
Fire Within the Ash
The Ashen One isn’t merely brought back to life, they are brought back with traces of the fire that burned them. This is visibly seen by the soot and cracks in their body, exposing the fire glowing within. Their existence is literally tied to fire, a constant reminder of the flame they failed to link. In essence, the Ashen One represents a second chance, a final effort by the world to maintain the Age of Fire by force. Unlike the undead who are cursed to undeath, the Ashen One is a tool created by the world’s desperate need to relink the fire.
The Power of the Ashen One
Inherited Strength
Despite their “lower” status, the Ashen One surpasses previous protagonists. This stems from a few factors. The Ashen One’s journey involves slaying the Lords of Cinder, each an extremely powerful individual who previously linked the First Flame. They also accumulate the combined strength and will of everyone who has ever linked the fire. By defeating the Soul of Cinder, a being comprised of all past linkers including the Chosen Undead, they effectively absorb the power of all previous fire linkings. This is why the Ashen One can be considered the most powerful protagonist in the Dark Souls series.
Not Bound by the Darksign
While the Ashen One can become hollow by obtaining Dark Sigils, it is important to note they do not hollow after each death, unlike undead. This distinction further emphasizes that their core nature is different. The Darksign of the undead continuously brings them back but also slowly robs them of their humanity. The Ashen One is free from this persistent burden unless they deliberately choose to embrace the hollowing.
FAQs: Further Exploring the Ashen One
1. Is the Ashen One Immortal?
Yes, the Ashen One is cursed with immortality, though it is not the same as the undead curse. Their immortality is tied to their role as the Unkindled and is sustained by the will of the fire.
2. Why is the Ashen One Called Ashen One?
The title “Ashen One” refers to their origin as beings burned to ash after failing to link the First Flame. They are literally beings reborn from ash.
3. Is the Ashen One Stronger than the Chosen Undead?
While debatable, the Ashen One defeats beings who are the manifestation of previous fire linkers, including the Chosen Undead (in the form of the Soul of Cinder). The Ashen One, therefore, is generally considered to be more powerful.
4. Can the Ashen One Hollow?
Yes, the Ashen One can become hollow by obtaining Dark Sigils from Londor dwellers. However, unlike undead, they do not hollow from dying repeatedly.
5. Was Friede an Ashen One?
Yes, Sister Friede is an Ashen One. This implies she attempted to link the First Flame or usurp it but failed, resulting in her being reborn as ash.
6. How Was the Ashen One Born?
The Ashen One is born from the ashes of those who failed to link the flame. They are revived by the Fire Keeper upon the ringing of the bell.
7. Is the Ashen One Unkindled?
Yes, the Ashen One is an Unkindled, a being that tried and failed to link the First Flame, and are resurrected from ash.
8. What Does the Ashen Curse Look Like?
The Ashen Curse is characterized by patches of soot and cracks in the body, exposing the fire glowing within.
9. Is the Soul of Cinder the Chosen Undead?
The Soul of Cinder is not solely the Chosen Undead. It is an amalgamation of all previous Lords of Cinder, including the Chosen Undead, Gwyn, and others who linked the flame.
10. Did the Chosen Undead Link the Fire?
Yes, the Chosen Undead linked the fire in their story, and their soul is absorbed into the Soul of Cinder. This act is mimicked by subsequent linkings of the flame.
11. Why Is the Ashen One On Fire?
The Ashen One is on fire because they were burned to ash by the First Flame when they previously attempted to link it. They carry the residual fire within them after their resurrection.
12. How Tall Is the Ashen One?
The Ashen One is estimated to be around 5’8″ tall.
13. Who Saved the Chosen Undead?
The Chosen Undead was saved by Oscar of Astora, who dropped a Dungeon Cell Key into their cell in the Undead Asylum.
14. Does Undead Count as Dead?
Undead are not considered dead in the traditional sense. They are deceased beings reanimated and can behave as if alive. They are in a perpetual state between life and death.
15. Will Dark Souls 4 Ever Happen?
It is highly unlikely that there will be a Dark Souls 4 as the series is considered a completed trilogy.
In conclusion, the Ashen One’s identity as an Unkindled is crucial to understanding their role in the world of Dark Souls III. They are not merely another form of undead, but a distinct being born from failure and empowered by the desperate need to maintain the Age of Fire. This distinction sets them apart from previous protagonists, making their journey a unique and impactful chapter in the lore of the series.