The Hunt: Dark Souls 1 - Anor Londo

Last time, the Chosen Undead conquered the notorious Sen's Fortress, overcoming its many obstacles. Now, it is time for the Chosen Undead to venture to the city of the gods, Anor Londo.

Synopsis - Anor Londo

After the everlasting dragons were defeated, Anor Londo was established as the seat of power in Lordran. Gwyn and the gods lived in the city with their followers during the Age of Fire, ruling over the surrounding lands. The city is not for mere humans, and the ornate architecture and inhuman proportions of the city make this clear. It was built for the gods, and those that the gods favored.

Gods? You mean like Nito and the Witch of Izalith? Actually, no.

Firstoff, Gwyn has a family. There is his oldest son, the god of war. His name is unknown because he did something very foolish, and as a result he was stripped of his deific status and his name and representations of him were removed. There is evidence of this in Anor Londo, where there are missing statues where one would assume the firstborn of Gwyn would be. Who Gwyn’s firstborn might be is never stated, but there is a strong belief that it might be a certain solar enthusiast…

Gwyn also had a daughter, Gwynevere the Princess of Sunlight, and another son Gwyndolin the Dark Sun. The Chosen Undead will “encounter” them later, so they will be addressed in greater detail then.

Gwyn also has an uncle, Allfather Lloyd. He may not reside in Lordran, as he seems to be a high ranking bishop, if not the founding member, of the Way of White in Thorolund. It is not clear whether he is considered a deity, but his existence does invoke the question, Gwyn has an uncle? While this raises tons of questions about the structure of the world prior to Gwyn and the others finding the Lord Souls, there are no answers given, and it remains a mystery in the mythology of Dark Souls. It could suggest the existence of a society of people prior to the acquisition of the Lord Souls, but I shy away from this idea because I think it muddies the purity of the creation tale in the opening cinematic, but to each their own. I personally believe that Lloyd is probably not Gwyn’s literal uncle, and that the Way of White created this mythology in order to associate a founding member of their religion with Gwyn and the gods.

Beyond Gwyn’s kin, there are a pantheon of other gods. Mentioned are the goddess Fina, Velka the goddess of sin, McLoyf the god of medicine and drink, the flame god Flann, and the unnamed blacksmith deity. Not much is said about these gods, but it does suggest a wider array of deific figures than the opening cinematic of the game does. They don’t seem to have taken part in the war against the everlasting dragons, so it is unclear whether they existed during the Age of Ancients or if they came to be during the Age of Fire. Whatever their origin, the gods came to reside in Anor Londo during the Age of Fire.

That is, until the First Flame began to wane. As the power of the First Flame faded, the deities of Anor Londo began to leave. During this time Gwyn departed with many of his knights to link the Flame, and with the Gwyn’s firstborn son stricken from the records and cast out, Gwyndolin took over rule of the almost entirely vacant Anor Londo. Time passed, and it is into this state of affairs that the Chosen Undead arrives in Anor Londo.

The Chosen Undead's Journey

After taking a couple of batwing demons from Sen's Fortress to Anor Londo, the Chosen Undead was greeted by the breathtaking vista of Anor Londo. Afterward, their breath was taken away in a completely different way upon meeting the Lady of the Darkling, a Firekeeper with a bad breakout of humanity. From there, the Chosen Undead broke into a church via buttress and broken window. The church housed a large painting and a small army of guardians that protected it. Within the church, the Chosen Undead performed a sinister balancing act on the rafters high above, the very same rafters that brought down Black Iron Tarkus. The guardians, unimpressed by this performance art, ventured to bring the Chosen Undead down with throwing knives. The Chosen Undead, down from the rafters, chose a medium more to their liking, and painted the church red. Before departing, the Chosen Undead took a moment to honor the lifeless body of Black Iron Tarkus (by taking all of his stuff).

After that, they discovered that hell is not a fiery landscape, but a series of ledges covered by the silver knight archers. The Chosen Undead is greatly rewarded for conquering this challenge with a flirtatious conversation with Solaire of Astora. But, that's not all! Behind fireplace #2 is an illusory wall hiding Havel's secret stash. Continuing their journey through the beautiful and deadly city of the gods, the Chosen Undead helped Siegmeyer of Catarina in a rumble against the silver knights. Shortly after, the Chosen Undead heard the sweet song of the hammer, played by the Giant Blacksmith. Equipment repaired and blades sharpened, the Chosen Undead answered the call of the Black Eye Orb, invading the world of Lautrec of Carim. The Chosen Undead gave the bastard a big squeeze, and retrieved the soul of Firelink Shrine's Firekeeper Anastacia of Astora. Feeling indominable, the Chosen Undead confronted two of Gwyn's chief followers, Dragonslayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough. The Chosen Undead was quickly dominated by Oreo and S'mores. After being thoroughly disavowed of the glory of a 2v1 battle, the Chosen Undead faced off against Snorlax and Pikachu once again, this time accompanied by Solaire of Astora. With help, the Chosen Undead defeated Biggie Smalls!

With the Super Londo Bros out of the way, it was time for the Chosen Undead to have an audience with the Princess of Sunlight, Gwynevere. She spoke some fancy words about destiny and succeeding her father Lord Gwyn, and bequeathed to the Chosen Undead the Lordvessel. The Chosen Undead also learned Gwynevere's dark secret, to the ire of Dark Sun Gwyndolin and the Darkmoon Blades. After playing a rousing game of tag with Gwyndolin and The Lady of the Darkling, the Chosen Undead took a trip back to Firelink Shrine to return a stolen soul and speak with an old friend, and visited the Altar of Sunlight to have a chat with Solaire.

Lady of the Darkling

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"Well, you are a rare visitor.

Welcome to the lost city of Anor Londo, chosen Undead.

If you seek Lord Gwyn's old keep,

exit here and head straight yonder.

If you are the chosen one, a revelation shall visit thee.

… What follow thereafter, depends upon you…"

After turning Undead, The Lady of the Darkling journeyed to Anor Londo, where she joined Gwyndolin's covenant, the Darkmoon Blades. She then took on the duty of Firekeeper in Anor Londo. Gwyndolin gave her the Brass Armor that she wears in order to help her fulfill her duties as a Darkmoon Blade, as well as to hide her deformed appearance caused by the Humanity that writhes underneath her skin as a Firekeeper. 

The Anor Londo Archers

via darksouls.wikidot.com

There is no lore significance to this encounter, but it has been included because it is such an iconic encounter in Dark Souls. The objective is to scramble up a buttress, move along the ledge of a building, and drop down onto a balcony beyond. This sequence is simple enough on its own, but throw in a couple of silver knight archers and it becomes a challenge that has caused more than a few people to put the game down.

The greatbow that the silver knights use will knock the Chosen Undead back even when they shield the shot, and in this section that will most likely result in them falling to their death. There are a variety of ways to approach to make the situation easier, but it still remains one of the most infamous challenges of Dark Souls.

Havel's Secret Room

via darksouls.wikidot.com

The Chosen Undead may have crushed Havel the Rock in the Undead Burg, but the renowned follower of Gwyn left his biggest secret in Anor Londo. Behind a fireplace and through an illusory wall is Havel's secret room. Contained within are two chests. The first contains Havel's Armor set and his famed Dragon Tooth. Contained within the second chest, which is actually a mimic, is an occult club.

Occult weapons were designed to hunt the gods and their followers. This begs the question, why does Havel the Rock have a weapon designed to hunt gods? It is well known that Havel despised Seath the Scaleless, despite Gwyn favoring the dragon. Perhaps Havel the Rock lost faith in Gwyn and the gods, and kept the club hidden away, just in case. And maybe he had good reason. After all, we do find Havel locked away in the tower in Undead Burg. For his own good, of course.

Videos
Dark Souls Lore: Havel The Rock by TerraMantis
Creates a series of journal entries that Havel could've written as a means to present his story. (spoilers)
Dark Souls Lore - Havel the Rock by Silver Mont
Presents the background of Havel the Rock . (spoilers)

Articles
Dark Souls Lore, Pt 3: Havel the Rock, or Havel the Back-stabber? by Chris Y
Analyzes Havel and his potential motivation to possess the occult club. (spoilers)
Havel The Rock is Stone Dragon by Mystrallo
Presents the theory that Havel is the Stone Dragon. (spoilers)

Siegmeyer of Catarina

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"Ah you again!

Let me guess. Were you repelled by the Silver Knights?

Aww, don't be ashamed. 'Tis the fate of vanguards like you and I. I'll think of something. We can overcome this, together!"

Siegmeyer, the tenacious adventurer and knight of Catarina, is under siege. Three silver knights have trapped him within the room in which you meet him, prohibiting further progress into Anor Londo. Luckily for him, the Chosen Undead is never far behind. They defeat the silver knights and allow Siegmeyer to continue his adventure. Siegmeyer is grateful, but warns that such gallantry is risky, and to give him a chance to formulate a plan in the future.

Videos 
Dark Souls Lore mini - Siegmeyer of Catarina by EpicNameBro
This video explores Siegmeyer's character and story. (Spoilers)

Dark Souls Lore - Siegmeyer by Silver Mont
This video explores Siegmeyer's character and story. (Spoilers)

Dark Souls Story ► Siegmeyer of Catarina  by VaatiVidya
This video explores Siegmeyer's character and story. (Spoilers)

Giant Blacksmith

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"Who are you?

Forge your weapons?"

The giant blacksmith of Anor Londo is...well, he is a blacksmith who is a giant in Anor Londo. His name belies his straightforward nature. He speaks in simple terms, and says no more than he needs to. What he lacks in conversation skills he makes up for with his talent as a blacksmith, a talent he has been using for a very long time. He has been the blacksmith for at least a couple centuries, if not the last thousand years. 

Knight Lautrec of Carim

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"Well, look at you.

I thought you were wiser, but I thought wrong!

Tis a terrible pity. Like a moth flittering towards a flame.

You fellows? No? Don't you agree?"

On the corpse of Anastacia the Firekeeper was the Black Eye Orb. The Black Eye Orb began to quiver as the Chosen Undead traveled through Anor Londo, signaling that it was time to avenge the slain Firekeeper of Firelink Shrine. The Chosen Undead invades the world of the man guilty, Lautrec of Carim. Upon arriving, the Chosen Undead finds that Lautrec has brought in two guards to help him fight. But, what honor would you expect a man who slaughtered a defenseless Firekeepr trapped in a cage to have?

Lautrec the Embraced may have taken Anastacia's life to offer her soul to a goddess. The Embraced Armor of Favor he wears indicates his devotion to Fina, foresaking everything else for her. However, devotion to a goddess doesn't entitle you to be a shitty person, and the Chosen Undead saw to it that the cold hands of death were the only thing that Lautrec would be embraced by.

Umbasa.

Videos

Dark Souls Story ► Lautrec the "Embraced" by VaatiVidya
This video explores Lautrec's character and story. (Spoilers)

Dark Souls Lore - Lautrec of Carim by Silver Mont

This video explores Lautrec's character and story. (Spoilers)

Dragonslayer Ornstein & Executioner Smough

via darksouls.wikidot.com

Dragonslayer Ornstein is the captain of the Four Knights of Gwyn. The Four Knights of Gwyn are renowned soldiers comprised of Lord Gwyn's most trusted knights, who were given a piece of Lord Gwyn's Soul. Ornstein wields the Dragonslayer Spear, a spear with a cross that is used to thrust the spear's lightning infused blade deep into a dragon's hide, and is even said to have split a boulder in two. The skulls of defeated dragons slayed by Ornstein can be found hanging in Anor Londo (it is unknown where the boulder was displayed). Dragonslayer Ornstein wears the Leo Ring, granted to him by Lord Gwyn to signify his status as one of the Four Knights of Gwyn and further increase his prowess with a spear.

Executioner Smough is Gwyn's top executioner. His talent with his hammer is only matched by the joy he gets from doing his job, In fact, he enjoys it so much that he grinds the bones of his victims to add as spice to his food. While this may enhance his dining experience, Lord Gwyn didn't seem to approve of this habit, for it kept him from becoming one of the Four Knights of Gwyn. It could be jealousy or just his personality, but it is interesting to note that if Ornstein is downed first, Smough will smash the body of Ornstein, who's fingers are still quivering.

It is this dastardly duo who stand between the Chosen Undead and acquiring the Lordvessel from Gwynevere.While they are described as guarding the cathedral and access to Gwynevere, I am inclined to believe that they also the final test the Chosen Undead must overcome to prove themselves worthy of acquiring the Lordvessel. For such renowned followers of Lord Gwyn, slaying them is not taken as an affront by Gwynevere or Gwyndolin. Perhaps they do not care much for them, but it seems more likely that they, like the demons and Sen's Fortress, are tests to make sure that the Soul of the Chosen Undead is mighty enough.

Article
Why do Ornstein and Smough guard the Lordvessel? by Zalachenko
This article presents the why Ornstein and Smough might guard the Lordvessel. 

Video
Dark Souls Lore - Ornstein & Smough by Silver Mont
This video presents the story of Ornstein and Smough.

Gwynevere

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"O chosen Undead.

I am Gwynevere.

Daughter of Lord Gwyn; and Princess of Sunlight.

Since the day Father his form did obscureth, I have await'd thee.

I bequeath the Lordvessel to thee.

And beseech thee. Succeed Lord Gwyn, and inheriteth the Fire of our world.

Thou shall endeth this eternal twilight, and avert further Undead sacrifices."

Gwynevere is the daughter of Lord Gwyn and the Princess of Sunlight. Upon defeating Ornstein and Smough, the Chosen Undead is granted an audience with her where she presents them with the Lordvessel.

From here, the Chosen Undead go on their merry way to succeed Lord Gwyn by filling the Lordvessel. They can even enter a covenant with Gwynevere, and join her Princess' Guard.

But there is another path. The Chosen Undead can raise their weapon against Gwynevere. Upon striking her she is revealed to be nothing more than illusion, along with the sun that shines upon Anor Londo. Like the other gods, the real Gwynevere departed the city long ago with her husband Flann, God of Flame. The illusion of Gwynevere, and the illusory prosperity of Anor Londo were conjured by Dark Sun Gwyndolin.

Dark Sun Gwyndolin

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"Heretic…

First thou offendeth the Godmother, and now thou see fit to trample upon the tomb of the Great Lord.

I am the Dark Sun, Gwyndolin!

Let the atonement for thy felonies commenceth!"

Gwyndolin is the last god in Anor Londo, and the youngest child of Gwyn. Having an affinity with the moon, Gwyn raised Gwyndolin as a girl. Now, they rule over the city in their father's stead, working with Frampt to lead the Chosen Undead to succeed Lord Gwyn.

Gwyndolin is also the leader of the Darkmoon Blades. Members of this group act as a spirit of vengeance to dispense judgement upon those who have sinned. Slaying the illusion of Gwnevere is considered a terrible sin, and will provoke the wrath of the Darkmoon Blades. The Lady of the Darkling is a member of the Darkmoon Blades, and killing the illusion of Gwynevere will cause her to attack the Chosen Undead upon sight.

Gwyndolin guards the honorary tomb of Lord Gwyn, and Darkmoon Blade or not, they will attack anyone who trespasses the tomb. Using their skill with illusions, the god of the Darkmoon will create an endless hallway in which to battle, flinging spells as they continually retreat. Defeating Gwyndolin will remove the last god from Anor Londo, leaving the city as abandoned as the empty tomb Gwyndolin guarded.

Video

Dark Souls Lore: Gwyndolin the Forgotten by TerraMantis

Lordvessel

via darksouls.wikidot.com

Lordvessel bestowed upon the chosen Undead who is destined to succeed Lord Gwyn.

The chosen Undead is granted the art of warping between bonfires.

To open the final door, place this vessel on the Firelink Altar, and fill it with powerful souls.

The acquisition of the Lordvessel marks an important turning point in both the narrative and the game. Everything leading up to this was a test to determine if the main character was powerful enough to be the Chosen Undead. Having proven themselves time and time again, the Chosen Undead is now tasked with something that only the Chosen Undead could accomplish: Acquiring Lord Souls to fill the Lordvessel with to gain access to the Kiln of the First Flame to succeed Lord Gwyn. 

Mechanically, the oppressive land of Lordran has been opened up to the Chosen Undead by gaining the ability to warp between bonfires. This change fundamentally changes the nature of the game. No longer is it a game of survival, but a game of conquest. The Chosen Undead and the player are mutually granted the ability to travel Lordran and complete their penultimate task as they see fit.  

Solaire of Astora

via darksouls.wikidot.com

In Anor Londo...

"You really are fond of chatting with me, aren't you?

If I didn't know better, I'd think you had feelings for me!

Oh, no, dear me. Pretend you didn't hear that!

Hah hah hah!"

The Chosen Undead encounters Solaire in Anor Londo, where the consumate Sunbro continues his journey to find his sun. They have a brief conversation, and Solaire gets a little flirty. And they said romance was dead in Lordran. 

At the Altar of Sunlight...

"Hmm! Ah, oh… hello there.

Forgive me, I was just pondering… about my poor fortune.

I did not find my own sun, not in Anor Londo, nor in Twilight Blighttown.

Where else might my sun be? Lost Izalith, or the Tomb of the Gravelord… ?

But I cannot give up. I became Undead to pursue this!

But when I peer at the Sun up above, it occurs to me…

What if I am seen as a laughing stock, as a blind fool without reason?

Well, I suppose they wouldn't be far off!

Hah hah hah!"

After helping the Chosen Undead smash Ornstein and Smough, Solaire can be found just outside the Undead Burg at the Altar of Sunlight getting a bit existential. He grimly reflects upon his inability to find his sun in the depths of Blighttown or the heights of Anor Londo, and mentions that he became Undead in search of his sun. 

Whether or not Solaire is the Firstborn of Gwyn, it is interesting to note that he seems to have opted in to becoming Undead to pursue his sun. The implications of this are unclear, but it seems that he believed that finding his sun would require him to be Undead. 

On a lighter note (heh), Solaire asks the Chosen Undead to join him in the Warriors of Sunlight covenant. He recognizes that the Chosen Undead has "a strong arm, strong faith, and most importantly, a strong heart". The Chosen Undead agrees, and says a little prayer at the altar. Praise the sun!

Videos
Dark Souls Story ► Solaire and the Sun by VaatiVidya
Explores the background and story of Solaire. (spoilers)
Dark Souls Lore - Solaire of Astora by Silver Mont
Presents the story of Solaire. (spoilers)


Back at Firelink Shrine...

Griggs of Vinheim

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"Oh, there you are! Just so you know…

Master Logan has left on his own again.

It seems that he is still determined to find the famed Regal Archives in Anor Londo.

I intend to search for him. Only, before I leave, there is one thing I wish to do.

You see, Master Logan has left most of his books.

With them, I could teach you Logan's sorcery.

… You have done much to assist me.

Before I leave on this journey, I will teach you all that Logan has to share."

Back at Firelink Shrine the Chosen Undead meets with the president of Big Hat Logan's fan club. Griggs informs us that Logan has departed for the Duke's Archives, and that he intends to follow Logan after he imparts the last of BHL's knowledge onto the Chosen Undead. After the final lesson, he leaves for Sen's Fortress.

Griggs of Vinheim is one of the secret sound sorcerors of the Dragon School, and possibly even a spy. His search for Logan brought him to Lordran,  and it would also be his undoing. Should the Chosen Undead travel back to Sen's Fortress they will find a hollowed Griggs. There are no gods, no transcendence, only truth. And Sen's Fortress gave Griggs the hard truth that he could not follow in the footsteps of his master. RIP Griggs.

Video
Dark Souls Lore: Vinheim, Oolacile (called it!), Path of the Dragon by EpicNameBro
Marcus talks about Vinheim and the sorcerors from there. (spoilers)

Anastacia of Astora

via darksouls.wikidot.com

"… Th, thank you…

… I am Anastacia of Astora.

… Now I can continue my duty as a Keeper.

… But…

… I only hope that my impure tongue does not offend."

It is time for a wrong to be undone. Returning to Anastacia's cell, the Chosen Undead returns the Firekeeper's soul stolen by Lautrec to it's rightful body. Anastacia is brought back to life, and the bonfire at Firelink Shrine alights once again!

But, was this kind act for the best? Anastacia remains trapped in her cage and bound to the bonfire she tends. Even though she sounds grateful to be restored, it is because her ultimate hope is to die human. This hope rests in the Chosen Undead linking the fire as Kingseeker Frampt and Dark Sun Gwyndolin would have them do. 

But, are they telling the whole story? The illusory city of the gods throws into doubt the validity of what the Chosen Undead has been told thus far. Perhaps there is another side to this story?

The Chosen Undead will find out as they embark on their quest to attain the Lord Souls to satiate the Lordvessel.

Community Content

Articles
Possible motivation behind Lautrec's killing of Anastasia by Twatson8
This article presents another reason why Lautrec murdered Anastacia.
Realised some interesting things about Gwyn & co.'s names by henrebotha
A look at the real world meaning behind the names of Gwyn and his family.
A few thoughts on Gwynevere and Goddess Fina by Nodus_Cursorius
This article presents a possible connection between the two goddesses.

Podcast

Episode 7: Anor Londo by Bonfireside Chat
Gary Butterfield, Kole Ross, and Bob Mackey talk about Anor Londo. (Spoilers)

Other Content

Episode 9 - Layers by Twin Humanities

Paddy and CJ, here again, rocking socks in Anor Londo, tackling the archers, chatting Fire Keepers, the Painted World and Siegmeyer of Catalina. (Spoilers)

Dark Calls 22 - The Archers  by Dark Calls 

This week, James and David catch up with Dark Souls.

Additional Thoughts

I have already spilled enough words on Anor Londo, so I will get right to the point. This post contains the most important information to the series since the prologue post. It is most certainly...

Thanks so much for reading! As always, feedback and discussion are appreciated and encouraged! The next post will be covering the Painted World of Ariamis.