How did the abyss corrupt Artorias?

The Corruption of Artorias: A Dive into the Darkness

In the world of Dark Souls, the character of Artorias the Abysswalker is a figure shrouded in mystery. His bravery and determination have earned him a legendary status among fans of the series. However, his encounter with the Abyss has had a profound impact on him, causing him to descend into madness and ultimately become a force of darkness.

Why did Artorias enter the Abyss?

Artorias, as the leader of the knights in Anor Londo, was tasked with hunting down the powerful being known as Manus, Father of the Abyss. Manus was the one who had created the Abyss, a realm filled with untold terrors, in the heart of Oolacile. To defeat him, Artorias knew he would have to venture into the Abyss and confront its darkest depths. [Important] Unbeknownst to him, his destiny would not end well, and his encounter with the Abyss would forever change him.

How did the Abyss corrupt Artorias?

During his quest to defeat Manus, Artorias made a grave mistake by entering the Abyss unprepared. [Highlight] The moment he stepped foot into the Abyss, the darkness enveloped him, and the power of the Abyss began to corrupt his soul. His armor became tainted by the dark magic, causing him to slowly lose control over his body and mind.

Effects of Corrupting Force

• Physical Appearance: His once-strong physical form began to deteriorate, revealing the signs of corruption on his body. His greatshield, imbued with the power of the gods, was twisted and tainted by the darkness.
• Behavior: Artorias’ personality was altered as he became consumed by the Abyss’s energy. [Highlight] He grew increasingly paranoid, isolated himself from his fellow knights, and eventually succumbed to the madness.

Domination of Darkness

[Important] As Artorias delved deeper into the Abyss, he discovered that his arm was shattered, rendering his swordarm useless. To compensate for this, he sacrificed his sword in exchange for the power to traverse the Abyss unscathed. [Highlight] This transformation came at the cost of his humanity, as he abandoned his duties as a knight and the bonds of brotherhood. His last acts were devoted to protecting Sif, his loyal canine companion.

Artorias’ Demise

Unfortunately, even with the dark powers he had gained, Artorias was ultimately unsuccessful in his quest to defeat Manus. [Important] It is unclear how he actually died, as the games do not depict his ultimate demise. It is inferred that his darkness consumed him, rendering him a formidable force, or that his own sense of self-perished as his humanity slipped away.

Conclusion

The story of Artorias serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers that lurk in the depths of the Abyss. His ill-fated descent into madness and the taint of darkness is a testament to the unfathomable powers that reside in the hearts of men and the ever-present risk of corruption that lies within every soul.

References:

[1] https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/faq/takedown/
[2] <https://steamcommunity.com/)
[3] https://reddit.com/r/AskUs

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