Dark Souls 3 has been out for a few years now, yet the theories just keep on coming. Unfortunately, the thing with theories is that they are typically never answered. Sure, some are stronger than others and exhibit tight evidence and logic, but some are just off the wall insane.
And the thing about Dark Souls is that it is highly open to interpretation. Even the soundest theories could be wildly off the mark. And even the most ludicrous theories could end up being true. Regardless, they’re a lot of fun to talk about!
These are five fan theories that could be true, and five we hope aren’t.
10 Could Be True: Bloodborne And Dark Souls 3 Are Linked
One popular theory states that Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3 are linked. One startling piece of evidence comes from the soul description for Aldrich, which states, “…it inspired visions of a coming age of the deep sea,” which is an obvious nod to Bloodborne.
It also states that “he would devour the gods himself,” and while you don’t necessarily “devour” gods in Bloodborne, you do dispose of them. Others point to the similarities between Irithyll and the Pthumerian capital Ihyll. You gotta admit, there’s something there!
9 Hope Not: Gwyndolin Isn’t Dead
We certainly hope this one isn’t true, because it is tragic AF. The theory states that Gwyndolin isn’t completely dead, as evident by the erratic and puppet-like movements of Aldrich. Aldrich is clearly using Gwyndolin as a puppet, and it could be true that Gwyndolin is not completely dead. He could still be conscious, albeit in a coma-like state, and he could be fully aware that his body is being used by another monster. Now isn’t that the saddest and scariest thing you’ve ever heard? If that IS true (and we hope it isn’t), hopefully his spirit is finally put to rest when we dispose of Aldrich.
8 Could Be True: Yuria Killed Yoel
It is established that both Yuria and Yoel are from Londor. However, unlike most beings from Londor, Yoel seems like a perfectly nice guy. He never seems menacing or manipulative, he’s very eager to help you, and help you he does. However, things go quite poorly for Yoel once Yuria shows up. Yuria claims that Yoel passed away in peace after succeeding in his mission, but come on, we’re not buying that. You’re telling us that he just so happened to die once someone serving the Darkwraiths showed up? It’s more than likely that Yuria disposed of Yoel, and that is just tragic.
7 Hope Not: The Fire Was Made From A Woman’s Soul
Chalk this up as yet another theory that is way too dark for our liking. The theory concerns The Fire, that mysterious and utterly unknowable thing that permeates the Dark Souls franchise and instigates the entire story. The theory states that a mysterious and unknown woman was sacrificed by the Lords of Dark Souls and that her soul was made into the first fire. As such, this woman became the very first Fire Keeper. We don’t exactly know how this process works or who this woman was. All we know is that this is one tragic story. And it’s certainly just as valid as all the other theories, seeing as how we don’t know much about The Fire!
6 Could Be True: Yorshka Is Priscilla
While we don’t know for certain, we have good reason to believe that Priscilla is the daughter of The Nameless King. Of course, this means that she is a direct descendant of Gwyn. We also know that Gwyndolin sacrificed himself for Yorshka and dreamt of Priscilla as he was being eaten by Aldrich (see above - again, we hope that’s not true!). It stands to reason that Gwyndolin thought of Priscilla, despite sacrificing himself for Yorshka, because Priscilla is actually Yorshka! Another big clue is the description of Yorshka’s Chime, which states that it was presented to her along with her “name.” It’s entirely possible that her name was changed in some sort of ceremony…
5 Hope Not: The Gwyndolin And Priscilla Boss Fights Are Not Canon
It’s extremely tricky to nail down the canon of Dark Souls, as the world and story is just so elusive and open to interpretation. However, one theory states that the Gwyndolin and Priscilla boss fights from Dark Souls are not canon, and we desperately hope that that is not true. The theory came about because both Gwyndolin and Priscilla can be seen around modern-day Lothric. The theory also states that they could act like NPCs you aren’t supposed to attack but who show up in later games regardless of their status. It’s possible that they died in one universe and are alive in the other. It’s also possible that Dark Souls doesn’t give one iota of care about canon. Who knows.
4 Could Be True: The End Of Fire Ending Is Canon
The tricky thing about multiple endings is that we never know which one is canon. And yeah, you could argue that this gives each player a unique story and experience or whatever, but let’s face it - we as consumers like when our stories are told and finished for us. We like having concrete and universal endings.
Luckily, The End of Fire is sometimes referred to as the definitive, canonical ending of the series. It’s fitting with the overall theme of the story, as Dark Souls 3 is all about the fading light and the end of an era. It’s fitting that the ending involves the extinguishing of the fire and the world being enveloped in total darkness. Bleak, yes, but the most logical conclusion to the series.
3 Hope Not: Solaire Became The Sandworm
This one is nothing more than a meme theory, a theory that has abounded throughout the Dark Souls community but which no one takes particularity seriously. But hey, all theories need to be scrutinized! This bizarre theory states that Solaire of Astora died in Lost Izalith with the sunlight maggot. It makes sense, considering the obvious Solaire-sunlight connection! And then he…just turned into the Sandworm somehow. We don’t really know, something about maggots or something. Now, there is nothing in this game that proves the connection whatsoever. But there’s also nothing that DISPROVES it! Yeah, it’s not true. At least, we desperately hope not.
2 Could Be True: The End Of Fire Ending Is Meta
Let’s talk a little more about The End of Fire ending. While some people believe that it is the canonical ending to the series, others believe that it serves as a meta-textual metaphor for From Software. In the ending, the light goes out, signifying the permanent end of the Dark Souls series. However, the Fire Keeper also notes that there are tiny flickers of flame beyond the darkness, waiting to penetrate the dark. This, of course, could signify all the new works from From Software. Dark Souls may be done (plunged into the darkness), but there are new games on the horizon. It’s fitting, seeing as how Sekiro came out only a few years later…
1 Hope Not: Prince Lothric Is Afraid Of Heights
This is another joke theory, but hey, it also kind of fits! Again, there’s nothing necessarily that DISPROVES it! The theory came about on Reddit, when Breezeshooter42 tried to come up with the dumbest theory he could. He presented the following - Prince Lothric fell down the massive steps in front of his room, resulting in his debilitating injury. And now he absolutely refuses to link the flame because it’s high on a hill, and Lothric has developed a fear of heights since falling down the stairs. It certainly makes Lothric a little more…wimpy, that’s for sure. Which is a shame, considering he’s one of the toughest bosses in the game!
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