Why is There Undead in Dark Souls? Unraveling the Lore of the Undead Curse
The presence of the undead in the Dark Souls series is not a random occurrence but a deeply ingrained aspect of the game’s lore, intricately tied to the actions of its gods and the very nature of the world. The core reason for the existence of the undead is the Undead Curse, a consequence of Lord Gwyn’s desperate attempt to prolong the Age of Fire. Rather than allowing the natural cycle of the world to progress into the Age of Dark, Gwyn artificially extended the fire’s flame, and this act of meddling resulted in the curse, causing the dead to awaken. These individuals, marked by the Undead Curse, are compelled to rise again at bonfires, only to eventually succumb to hollowing, a state of mindless, decaying existence. This seemingly simple mechanic in gameplay is, in reality, a manifestation of a much larger, more tragic narrative.
The Genesis of the Undead Curse
The story of the undead begins with the First Flame. This flame brought about the Age of Fire, an era of power and prosperity ruled by beings who claimed souls from the flame, notably Gwyn, Nito, and the Witch of Izalith. However, the flame, like all things, began to fade. In his fear of the encroaching Dark and the humans who would be empowered by it, Gwyn made a desperate decision – he chose to link the fire, sacrificing himself to rekindle the dying flame and artificially prolong the Age of Fire.
This act, while intended to save the world, is considered the “First Sin” and is what birthed the Undead Curse. By disrupting the natural cycle, Gwyn created an imbalance. Those who died began to reawaken, marked by the curse. Initially, they could maintain their minds and appearances, but with repeated deaths, they began to lose themselves, eventually becoming the hollow husks that plague the world.
The Nature of the Undead
The undead are not simply zombies. They are humans afflicted with the Undead Curse, bound to the cycle of death and rebirth. In Dark Souls lore, humans are one of the four primary races, and they are intrinsically connected to the Dark Soul. This connection is what separates them from the other beings and is, arguably, the cause of Gwyn’s fear.
The experience of being undead is a tragic one. They initially cling to their memories and sanity, but with each death, the flame within them dims, and they become more hollow. The term “going hollow” refers to this process of mental and spiritual decay, ultimately resulting in the loss of self and purpose. However, being a hollow is considered a natural state for humans. According to lore, the human race was hollow until fragments of the Dark Soul granted them a semblance of humanity.
The undead are not inherently evil, but their decaying nature and the desperate measures they take to survive can lead to acts of violence and despair. Many become mere husks, driven by primal instincts. The game’s lore explores the tragedy of these individuals, caught in a cycle of suffering created by the actions of those who sought to control the world.
Why the Undead Curse Matters
The Undead Curse is not just a plot device to make the game challenging; it’s a core element of the narrative that explores themes of fear, control, and the inevitability of change. Gwyn’s fear of the Dark and his attempt to deny it ultimately led to the creation of the curse, a constant reminder of the consequences of tampering with natural order.
The player character, too, is an undead. Their journey through Lordran is not just a quest for survival but a journey to understand and potentially break the cycle of the fire and the curse. The choice to either rekindle the flame or usher in the Age of Dark represents a crucial turning point, reflecting the central conflict of the game’s narrative. The multiple endings of the game further delve into this, allowing the player to decide the fate of the undead, the world, and the cycle itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Undead in Dark Souls
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the undead in Dark Souls to further enhance your understanding of this intricate aspect of the game:
1. Are all beings in Dark Souls undead?
No, not all beings in Dark Souls are undead. While a large portion of the population, especially in Lordran, is affected by the Undead Curse, there are various other beings, including gods, demons, and elemental creatures, who are not undead.
2. Why are some NPCs not affected by the Undead Curse?
Some NPCs, like Petrus and Sieglinde (until later stages), are not directly observed to be using estus, which is a key marker of being undead. However, that doesn’t mean they are immune. They may simply be in a state where the curse hasn’t taken a strong hold or are not outwardly showing symptoms at the time, but there are also exceptions.
3. What is the significance of Humanity?
Humanity is a valuable resource that is directly tied to the Undead Curse. It can reverse hollowing, allowing the player to return to human form. It can also be used to kindle bonfires, allowing for more estus flasks and enabling players to summon allies.
4. Are humans naturally hollow in Dark Souls?
According to lore, yes. Humans were initially hollow until pieces of the Dark Soul were given to them. Going hollow is a regression to this natural state caused by the fading of the flame and the repeated deaths.
5. Why did Gwyn fear humans so much?
Gwyn feared humans because they were intrinsically linked to the Dark Soul. He believed that, given enough time, a Dark Lord would arise among them and usher in the Age of Dark, ending his reign over the Age of Fire.
6. What is the “First Sin” Gwyn committed?
The “First Sin” refers to Gwyn’s act of linking the First Flame. It was considered a sin because he was attempting to disrupt the natural order of the world by prolonging the Age of Fire instead of allowing the Age of Dark to come naturally.
7. Why are player characters immortal in Dark Souls?
Player characters in Dark Souls are immortal because they are afflicted with the Undead Curse. This curse binds them to the cycle of death and rebirth, meaning they revive at bonfires each time they die.
8. Is there a god in Dark Souls?
The term “god” in Dark Souls refers to powerful beings who claimed souls from the First Flame. These individuals, such as Gwyn, Nito, and the Witch of Izalith, were significantly stronger than humans, but they were not necessarily omnipotent or divine.
9. Are the undead considered evil?
The undead are not inherently evil, but they are often driven by desperation, despair, and the loss of their minds. Some become mindless husks, while others retain their memories and purpose, though potentially twisted by the curse.
10. How does the Undead Curse spread?
The Undead Curse is primarily attributed to the fading of the First Flame and the disruption of the natural cycle of fire and dark. As the flame weakens, the curse spreads, afflicting more people and turning them undead.
11. What does it mean to “go hollow”?
“Going hollow” refers to the gradual mental and spiritual decay experienced by the undead. With each death, the undead lose pieces of themselves until they become mindless husks with no memory or purpose.
12. Can undead see in the dark?
Undead typically have normal vision if they retain their eyes. However, they also have a supernatural ability to perceive in any lighting conditions, including darkness, in a 60ft range in the direction they are facing.
13. Why is it necessary to reverse hollowing?
Reversing hollowing allows players to summon allies, kindle bonfires, and be invaded by NPCs, which may yield useful items.
14. How do the rats in Dark Souls have humanity?
Rats are known to consume dead bodies, which might be the reason they are found with humanity in the games.
15. Is Gwyn the Nameless King?
While the Nameless King is not directly Gwyn, it is heavily implied that he is Gwyn’s firstborn son. Gwyn’s firstborn son was banished from Anor Londo, and became the Nameless King.
The undead in Dark Souls are not just mindless enemies; they are a core part of the game’s narrative, representing the consequences of fear and the struggle against an artificial order. By understanding their origins and nature, players can more fully appreciate the rich and complex world of Dark Souls.