Few franchises are as confusing as Dark Souls, but that doesn’t mean the series is incomprehensible. The lore that governs the Souls series is deliberately difficult to understand. A core part of the experience is reading item descriptions and paying attention to environmental details in order to piece the grand narrative of each game together– while also diligently doing side quests and exploring, of course.
Fully comprehending the story isn’t something most players will do on their first playthrough (for any of the Souls games.) Each game is arguably more convoluted than the last, and Dark Souls III is no exception. The world of Dark Souls changes immensely between the first and third game, with events arguably more interesting than what we got in Dark Souls 3.
10 The Abyss Watchers Are Formed In Artorias’ Honor
An underlying theme to the entire Dark Souls franchise is the notion that nothing should last forever. The Abyss Watchers are a physical manifestation of this fact, carrying on Artorias’ fight from the first game. It’s not made clear how exactly the Abyss Watchers come upon Artorias’ imagery & deeds– especially since all history of Lordran is seemingly lost by Dark Souls II.
That said, it’s possible Artorias never lost relevance as the existence of the Abyss Watchers necessitate the existence of the Abyss. It’s not unreasonable that the event of Artorias of the Abyss would be chronicled in some capacity for future generations to fight off the Abyss.
9 The Abyss Watchers Link The Flame
Given the Abyss’ presence in Dark Souls III, it goes without saying that the Abyss Watchers weren’t able to keep fighting it off– but this isn’t necessarily their fault. Abandoning their duty against the Abyss, all the Abyss Watchers band together to relink the flame in their era, likely unaware of the consequences of such a feat.
It’s worth pointing out that the Abyss Watchers end up sharing this burden as a group, with no one individual linking the fire. Of course, it could also be argued no one of them could link the fire. There’s enough evidence to suggest the combined strength of the Abyss Watchers is about the same of Artorias himself.
8 Yhorm Gives Storm Ruler To Siegward
Yhorm the Giant is one of the more interesting Lord of Cinders in Dark Souls III, arguably the most benevolent and kind hearted of the lot. Yhorm fancied himself the protector of what became the Profaned Capital, even giving those he swore to protect a sword specifically designed to kill giants.
Yhorm pulls the stunt again before he links the flame, giving his trusted companion Siegward Storm Ruler– Yhorm’s personal blade and a rare reference to Demon’s Souls. Considering Storm Ruler has giant slaying properties, it’s likely Yhorm was in possession of two of them before the events of DSIII.
7 Aldrich Founds The Cathedral Of The Deep
Believing that the Age of Fire should be followed by an Age of Water, Aldrich creates the Cathedral of the Deep– a place of worship dedicated to his visions of the future where mankind descends into a “deep sea.” While the water symbolism is apt enough, what Aldrich believes to be the “deep” is in truth a deeper manifestation of darkness.
The idea of circumventing the cycle of Fire & Darkness is certainly an interesting one– and it’s for the best that Dark Souls III humors such a notion– but it’s in-line that this is ultimately for naught. What Aldrich interprets as a deep sea in his visions is most likely the perpetual emptiness that comes after the fire finally fades.
6 Aldrich’s Hunger Has No Bounds
Of course, it’s entirely possible Aldrich’s visions weren’t in earnest at all as it doesn’t take particularly long for him to just start straight up eating people. It’s not a particularly symbolic act either– albeit it’s briefly framed as such by the church’s Archdeacons– with Aldrich simply enjoying the art of cannibalism.
Fitting for Dark Souls, Aldrich is twisted by all the people he eats, morphing his body beyond recognition. By the time players find him in Anor Londo, Aldrich is a grotesque beast. Notably, Aldrich’s raw power was enough to actually circumvent the need for someone “worthy” to link the flame.
5 Prince Lothric Is Prophesied To Link The Flame
Lorian and Lothric are the most fascinating characters in Dark Souls III’s base game, with some of the most gripping lore in the series. Lothric is specifically a foil to virtually all player characters. Lothric was quite literally created by his parents to someone strong enough to link the flame and maintain their individuality as a Lord of Cinder.
Unfortunately, such an act ultimately resulted in Lothric being born horribly disfigured and weak. In spite of this, Lothric is still set to link the flames. Sharing his brother’s burden, Lorian cripples his legs and takes a vow of silence so the two brothers may be linked as one soul.
4 Prince Lothric Betrays His Destiny
Considering Lorian’s sheer strength in comparison to Lothric, and the fact both must die for one to die, Lothric was offered the luxury to outright betray his destiny. Cursing his family, Lothric turns his back on the first flame and refuses to subjugate himself to a fate that was thrown upon him.
Lothric’s betrayal ends up directly leading into the events of Dark Soul III, as it’s this incident which sparks the former Lords of Cinder to rise up to link the flame in Lothric’s place. Unfortunately, three of the four refuse to carry Lothric’s burden, having already been burned for little reward.
3 Sulyvahn Conquers Irithyll
Pontiff Sulyvahn is the closest thing Dark Souls III has to a main villain in the grand scheme of things, as he ultimately sets the stage for the state the world is in by the time the Ashen One begins their journey. Leaving the Painted World of Ariandel where he was born, Sulyvahn comes upon the Profaned Capital during his travels and plunders it.
Armed with the Profaned Flame and Profaned Greatsword, Sulyvahn sets his sights on conquering Irithyll. Considering the Pontiff and Outrider Knights were part of Irithyll's army before Sulyvahn’s invasion, he very likely took over Irithyll single-handedly. Which isn’t out of the question considering how difficult he is to fight.
2 Sulyvahn Brings Upon The End Of An Age
Upon conquering Irithyll, Pontiff Sulyvahn sets his knights to not only keep his rule stable, but to expand it. By the time Dark Souls III begins in earnest, Sulyvahn’s reach has extended just about everywhere. Sulyvahn plays an important role in Aldrich’s backstory, acting as one of the Archdeacons, and he even attempts to take over Lothric (albeit failing.)
At some point before the start of Dark Souls III, Pontiff Sulyvahn also successfully invades Anor Londo and cleans up house– imprisoning Gwyndolin and Yorshka. Virtually every major event in Dark Souls III can be connected to Pontiff Sulyvahn in some capacity.
1 Gundyr, The Late Champion
Gundy is one of the most interesting characters in Dark Souls III. His first appearance might seem inconsequential enough– first boss fight’s gotta happen somewhere– but his rematch at the end of the game should help put some things into perspective. Notably the fact that there’s a time loop at play.
It’s hard to tell when exactly Gundyr arrived and the logistics of time in Dark Souls III, but he exists in both the present and past. In the former, he judges those who fancy themselves Ashen Ones, while his “rematch” in the past reflects his true power and the fact he could have linked the flames. Unfortunately by the time Gundyr arrives at Firelink Shrine, his flame has already faded.