The Dark Souls universe is bleak and tragic. These emotional and heartrending quotes are just the tip of the iceberg.
In the Dark Souls games, players are constantly at risk of losing their sanity and becoming „Hollow“ as they attempt to reverse the Undead curse that plagues all life. Very few characters survive, tragic backstories are rife and players will often have to turn on their own moral code to complete questlines.
Safe to say, there are an abundance of quotes from the Dark Souls games that are full of despair and misery. Most Souls players will find it a real challenge not to tear up at this list, but just remember: „Don’t you dare go Hollow.“
Updated on September 19, 2024, by Gerardo Molina: The Dark Souls universe is full of hopelessness, dangerous creatures, and hollow undead—all inhabiting a cold world where deliverance and peaceful eternal rest aren’t a possibility. Since the first Dark Souls game, it’s been made evident to players that many of those inhabiting the Kingdom of Lordran are nothing but victims of their own insanity and yearning for permanent death.
This is not only reflected by the dark design of characters, area enemies and bosses, but also by their heartbreaking dialogues and quotes. It can be hard to pay attention when players have just defeated an epic boss that took them several tries to defeat. But if they listen closely, they might hear the dying lamentations of a tormented soul that was not a monster, but rather a victim of circumstance. Here are some of the most gut-wrenching quotes in the Dark Souls games. 18 „I May Be But Small, But I Will Die A Colossus.“
When players first enter the Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls 3, it’s impossible not to notice the various thrones arranged circularly around the bonfire. Most of them are empty, except for one, and in it, there sits Ludleth of Courland. Ludleth doesn’t seem too intimidating, if anything, he looks quite frail and defenseless, but when the Ashen One approaches him to have a conversation, his words are truly magnificent.
This quote in particular has a ton of meaning behind it, as it not only shows that Ludleth is aware of his current frail state, but also okay with his imminent death. He’s willing to sacrifice himself for a greater purpose, elevating him from the poor state he’s in and going out in a blaze of glory, once again fulfilling his role as a Lord of Cinder.17 „Ah, You Ignorant Slaves. Finally Taken Notice Have You? Of The Power Of My Beloved Ocelotte, Child Of Dragons.Well, I Will Not Give Him Up. For He Is All That I Have.“
The story of Oceiros is a twisted one. Once a mighty king married to the queen of Lordran (suspected to be Gwynevere) from the original Dark Souls, he was tasked to father children fit to link the fire and keep the world from darkness. However, in his obsession for power, ancient dragons and creating the perfect child, he was transformed into a monstrous draconic.
This quote not only reflects Oceiros‘ arrogance, which makes him look down on his subjects and consider them slaves, but also goes to show his obsession with creating the perfect offspring. He protects Ocelotte not only because he’s his father, but also because, as he says, he has nothing else left. Trapped for centuries in a secluded chamber, his kingdom and his rule are no more, and all hope for his lineage to link the fire is long gone.16 „Ashen One, Hearest Thou My Voice, Still?“
This quote can only be heard if players obtain the Eyes of the Fire Keeper from the Untended Graves area and exhaust her dialogue when the game ends. This leads to „The End of Fire“ ending, which leaves the world in pitch-black darkness for eternity. As the Fire Keeper travels with the Ashen One to the bonfire where the Soul of Cinder was killed, the fire will start to fade.
Little by little, the world will be engulfed by darkness, and as the last trace of light disappears, players will hear the Fire Keeper say these disheartening words.15 „This Spot Marks Our Grave. But You May Rest Here Too, If You Like.“
Dark Souls 3 is a fitting end to the series despite some issues players may have with the overall experience. Still, if there’s one thing the game absolutely nailed, it’s the enthralling boss fights that take no prisoners.
When players trigger the boss fight against Lothric and Lorian, they are greeted with a line that seems sinister but actually houses a lot of pain and sadness. Both princes are bound by a curse that rendered them weak and unable to fulfill their duty, with Lothric outright refusing to link the First Flame to prevent this accursed world from existing any longer. It’s a sentiment that echoes in this statement that sounds like a threat but is more of an invitation.14 „To Be Alive, To Walk This Earth, That’s The Real Curse Right There.“
NPC Crestfallen Saulden in Dark Souls 2 provides players with information – and downtrodden dialogue. Although he discourages players from reversing the curse, Saulden is beloved for his melancholy outlook, similar to the snarky Crestfallen Warrior in Dark Souls.
Interactions with Saulden are brief and his backstory is unknown, but he claims that existing in this Universe is “the real curse.” Of course, longtime players of the Dark Souls franchise will find it difficult to disagree with him.13 „Be Safe, Friend. Don’t You Dare Go Hollow.“
After players rescue him from an Undead Butcher, Laurentius rewards gamers with a Pyromancy Flame, which is significant because Pyromancy kept him from going Hollow: „When I gave you that flame, I gave you a part of myself. Please take good care of it.“ Hard not to feel attached to Laurentius after that exchange!
During Laurentius‘ final conversation, he says this powerful line about avoiding the Hollowing, which is tragically ironic because Laurentius is next seen in Blighttown, having turned Hollow.
