The Tragic Fall: Why Was Artorias Corrupted by the Abyss?
Artorias, the Abysswalker, is one of the most iconic figures in the Dark Souls universe. His story is not one of triumphant heroism, but a poignant tragedy of sacrifice and failure. Artorias was corrupted by the Abyss because he lacked the power to resist its overwhelming darkness and influence. He was sent to Oolacile to investigate and quell the spreading Abyss, a manifestation of primordial darkness embodied by Manus, Father of the Abyss. Facing a power far beyond his capabilities, and lacking the Humanity needed to traverse the Abyss unharmed, Artorias was physically and mentally overwhelmed, succumbing to corruption as he desperately protected his companion, Sif, from the same fate.
The Descent into Darkness
Artorias, renowned as a master swordsman and one of Lord Gwyn’s Four Knights, possessed immense strength and skill. However, the Abyss represented a different kind of threat – a primordial, corrupting force that attacked not just the body, but the very soul.
The Nature of the Abyss
The Abyss is a concept deeply rooted in Dark Souls lore. It represents untamed darkness, the antithesis of the Age of Fire, and a primal force capable of twisting and corrupting all it touches. It’s more than just a place; it’s a sentient entity, hungry and constantly expanding. Manus, the Father of the Abyss, is a being born from the fragmented humanity of primeval humans, and is a source of the spreading corruption.
The Mission to Oolacile
Artorias was dispatched to Oolacile due to rumors of a spreading darkness emanating from the ancient kingdom. He was tasked with rescuing Princess Dusk of Oolacile, who had been captured by a creature from the Abyss. His mission was also implicitly to contain the Abyss and prevent it from engulfing Lordran. This mission was sanctioned by Lord Gwyn himself.
Overwhelmed by Darkness
Upon entering the Abyss, Artorias was immediately confronted with its immense power. The environment was hostile, the creatures warped and monstrous, and the overall atmosphere oppressive. What’s more, the legend of Artorias becoming corrupted by the Abyss is not the whole truth of his visit. The item description of the ring of Artorias states it allows him to traverse the Abyss, but he requires the power of humanity. Without this, he was doomed to corruption upon entering the Abyss.
The Sacrifice for Sif
Realizing he was losing the battle against the Abyss, Artorias made a desperate decision. Using his greatshield, imbued with magic, he created a barrier to protect Sif, his loyal wolf companion, from the encroaching darkness. This act of self-sacrifice, however noble, sealed his fate. The effort of creating and maintaining the barrier, coupled with the already overwhelming influence of the Abyss, completely broke Artorias.
The Broken Arm and the Corrupted Soul
The physical manifestation of Artorias’ corruption was a broken left arm. This injury forced him to abandon his shield and fight solely with his sword, further diminishing his ability to resist the Abyss’s influence. More importantly, the Abyss was twisting his mind, turning him into the corrupted, hollowed version of himself that the player encounters in the DLC. He was no longer the noble knight but a mindless, violent husk consumed by darkness.
The Lie of the Legend
The tragedy of Artorias is compounded by the fact that his failure was rewritten as a victory. The legend that spread throughout Lordran painted him as a hero who single-handedly stopped the Abyss, a lie perpetuated to give hope to the people. In reality, Artorias was defeated, corrupted, and ultimately put down by the Chosen Undead. This fabrication only underscores the futility of his sacrifice and the burden of expectations placed upon him. He was not a symbol of triumph, but a warning against the overwhelming power of the Abyss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Artorias
Why did Artorias go to the Abyss in the first place?
Artorias ventured into the Abyss to rescue Princess Dusk of Oolacile and to investigate and contain the spreading darkness that threatened to engulf Lordran.
How strong was Artorias before his corruption?
Artorias was considered one of Lord Gwyn’s Four Knights, and was renowned as the strongest in close combat.
Is the legend of Artorias a lie?
Yes, the commonly held legend of Artorias single-handedly stopping the Abyss is a fabrication. He failed and was corrupted, a truth concealed to maintain hope.
What is Sif’s relationship to Artorias?
Sif is Artorias’s loyal wolf companion. Artorias protected Sif from the Abyss using his greatshield, an act that ultimately contributed to his corruption.
What are the Abyss Watchers, and what is their connection to Artorias?
The Abyss Watchers are a group of warriors from Dark Souls 3 who emulate Artorias’s fighting style and are dedicated to preventing the spread of the Abyss, thus honoring his legacy. They are a physical manifestation of trying to carry on Artorias’ fight from the first game.
Who is Manus, Father of the Abyss?
Manus is considered the Father of the Abyss and a primary source of the corruption spreading from Oolacile. He is a powerful being born from the fragmented humanity of primeval humans.
What does the Abyss represent in Dark Souls lore?
The Abyss represents untamed darkness, the antithesis of the Age of Fire, and a primal force capable of twisting and corrupting all it touches.
What happened to Artorias’s arm?
Artorias’s arm was broken during his struggle against the Abyss, weakening him and contributing to his corruption.
Is Artorias a mandatory boss fight?
Yes, Artorias is a mandatory boss fight in the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
Who is the person kneeling at Artorias’s grave?
The person kneeling at Artorias’s grave is Ciaran, one of Lord Gwyn’s Four Knights. She was (probably) in love with Artorias.
Was Artorias human?
It is debated. Artorias is not Human, or undead humans…
What is Artorias’ weakness?
He doesn’t appear to have any weakness, only resistances.
Did Artorias actually stop the Abyss from spreading?
No, Artorias failed to stop the Abyss. The Chosen Undead ultimately completes the mission, leading to the fabricated legend of Artorias’s success.
What is the significance of Artorias’s shield?
Artorias used his greatshield to create a protective barrier for Sif, sacrificing himself to save his companion from the Abyss.
What does it mean to be corrupted by the Abyss?
Corruption by the Abyss involves physical and mental transformation, turning individuals into twisted, often violent versions of themselves, consumed by darkness.
The story of Artorias serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of facing forces beyond one’s control. It is a somber tale of sacrifice, failure, and the burden of a legend built on a lie. For more on game design, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.