Why is Vendrick’s Soul in Shrine of Amana?
The soul of King Vendrick, a pivotal figure in Dark Souls II, is found not within his physical body or in the depths of the Undead Crypt, but rather carefully hidden away in the Shrine of Amana. This peculiar placement is not accidental; it’s a calculated move born from paranoia, desperation, and a desperate attempt to thwart the machinations of his manipulative queen, Nashandra.
Vendrick, having discovered Nashandra’s true nature and her ambition to seize the First Flame, took drastic measures to protect his incredibly powerful soul. Realizing that his soul was the primary target for Nashandra, he sought to place it where she wouldn’t immediately find it. He strategically chose the Shrine of Amana as its hiding place, a secluded, water-logged location, seemingly out of reach of both the undead and those who serve Nashandra. This was a brilliant, if ultimately futile, attempt to deny her the power she craved. Vendrick then physically retreated to the Undead Crypt, essentially abandoning his kingdom and its people to his fate, driven by both shame and a profound despair. He hoped that by separating his soul from his physical form, he could delay or even completely prevent Nashandra’s plot from reaching fruition.
Vendrick’s soul is not simply lying out in the open within the Shrine. Rather, it’s concealed behind a secret door, accessed only by those who have defeated Vendrick and are in human form. This door is located near the second bonfire in the Shrine, behind destructible vines. This extra layer of security highlights the lengths Vendrick went to safeguard his soul. Upon entering this secret chamber, you will find the Soul of the King resting upon a throne, alongside Vendrick’s armor. This separation of his physical presence, his soul, and his tangible legacy serves as a tragic testament to the depth of his paranoia and his desperate gamble to protect his kingdom and himself.
The strategic separation underscores the profound lore implications of Dark Souls II. Vendrick was not merely trying to preserve himself; he was seeking to deny Nashandra the very means of accomplishing her goal, showcasing a unique blend of personal preservation and self-sacrificial action. Ultimately, Vendrick’s actions demonstrate his complex character: a powerful king driven to hiding by his understanding of the immense danger he, and his soul, pose to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where exactly is Vendrick’s soul located in the Shrine of Amana?
Vendrick’s soul is hidden behind a secret door near the second bonfire in the Shrine of Amana. You must be in human form and have defeated King Vendrick to open the door, which is concealed behind breakable vines.
Why did Vendrick choose the Shrine of Amana?
Vendrick chose the Shrine of Amana as it is a remote and secluded location, seemingly difficult for Nashandra to infiltrate. Its watery terrain and guardian enemies likely also contributed to his decision, creating an additional layer of defense.
What does the Soul of the King look like and what do you find with it?
The Soul of the King is found resting upon a throne in the secret chamber within the Shrine of Amana. Along with the soul, you will also find Vendrick’s armor set.
What happened to Vendrick after he hid his soul?
After hiding his soul in the Shrine, Vendrick retreated to the Undead Crypt. He remained there, eventually hollowing and losing all hope, becoming a shell of his former self.
Is King Vendrick a mandatory boss in Dark Souls II?
No, King Vendrick is an optional boss. You can find him in the depths of the Undead Crypt, but you are not required to fight him to progress the main story.
What is the purpose of fighting King Vendrick?
Killing Vendrick is necessary to access the Soul of the King and trigger the second Aldia boss battle. Also, Vendrick weakens some of the attacks when he is defeated. He is also needed to get the ending where you do not sit on the throne.
Why is Vendrick so difficult to fight?
Vendrick’s difficulty stems from his extremely high defense. To lower his resistance, you need to have Giant Souls in your inventory. The more Giant Souls you possess, the less damage he resists.
Can I fight Vendrick without any Giant Souls?
Yes, it is possible to fight Vendrick without Giant Souls. However, he will have significantly higher damage resistance. Using lightning-based attacks can be effective, and exploiting his attack patterns by staying under his left leg can make the fight more manageable, though significantly longer.
What did Nashandra do to Vendrick?
Nashandra, disguised as a beautiful woman, charmed and enchanted Vendrick. The Japanese descriptions of Vendrick’s items imply that she essentially possessed him, making him do her bidding. She effectively manipulated him into creating and strengthening his kingdom.
What is the significance of the Fragrant Branch of Yore in the Shrine of Amana?
A Fragrant Branch of Yore is needed to unpetrify a pathway in the Shrine of Amana, leading to a bonfire and the Fire of Nito. This fire can reverse hollowing for players with no Human Effigies in their inventory.
What is the Demon of Song weak to?
The Demon of Song is notably weak to lightning damage. Other elemental weaknesses are less pronounced.
What happens if you light a torch in the Undead Crypt?
Lighting the statue in the Undead Crypt will cause the lights to go out, adding light to the area, it’s a rather dramatic effect.
What is the deal with Vendrick’s Crown?
Vendrick infuses the player’s crown with a special power in a cutscene. This ability prevents the player from hollowing or being cursed when the crown is worn, similar to the effects of the Ring of Life Protection. It’s a critical item that can be upgraded through collecting the DLC crowns.
Are there any other notable secrets in the Shrine of Amana?
Yes, besides Vendrick’s soul chamber, the Shrine of Amana has other notable secrets, such as items, hidden pathways, and areas to farm Twinkling Titanite, an important resource for weapon upgrades.
Is Nashandra the final boss of Dark Souls II?
Nashandra is a final boss of Dark Souls II. However, after defeating her, you can also trigger a second boss fight with Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin, provided you’ve killed Vendrick and interacted with Aldia in the Dragon Shrine.
This separation of Vendrick’s soul from his physical body and his concealment within the Shrine of Amana is a key plot point in Dark Souls II, offering a fascinating glimpse into the tragic fate of a king and his desperate attempt to protect his kingdom from a malevolent force. His actions, though ultimately failing, underscore the deep themes of paranoia, manipulation, and sacrifice that permeate the Dark Souls universe.