What ending is canon Dark Souls?

What Ending is Canon Dark Souls?

The eternal question that has plagued fans of the Dark Souls series: what ending is canon? In this article, we’ll delve into the mystery and provide a comprehensive answer.

Disclaimer: There is No Official "True Ending"

Before we begin, it’s essential to understand that there is no official "true ending" in Dark Souls. The game’s creator, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has confirmed that the endings are intentionally left ambiguous, leaving players to interpret them as they see fit. This ambiguity is a hallmark of the Dark Souls series, adding to its mystique and encouraging players to explore the world and its lore.

Dark Souls 1: Linking the Fire or Walking Away?

In Dark Souls 1, the player is presented with two endings: linking the fire or walking away. Linking the fire is often considered the "canon" ending, as it implies the continuation of the fire, which is the source of power for the gods in the world of Dark Souls. This ending is seen as a symbolic representation of the cycle of rebirth, where the fire is linked, ensuring the continuation of the cycle of life and death.

On the other hand, walking away represents the player’s choice to reject the fire and leave the world to its fate. This ending is seen as a symbolic representation of the end of the cycle, where the player chooses to break free from the cycle of rebirth and create a new path.

Dark Souls 2: No Official Canon Ending

Dark Souls 2 is a more complex case, as it has multiple endings, but there is no official canon ending. The game’s director, Yui Tanimura, has stated that the endings are intentionally left open to interpretation, leaving players to decide which ending is the "correct" one.

Dark Souls 3: Linking the Fire, Again

In Dark Souls 3, the player is once again presented with the choice to link the fire or not. Linking the fire is seen as a continuation of the cycle of rebirth, ensuring the power of the gods remains, while not linking the fire represents the player’s choice to break free from the cycle and forge a new path.

So, What is the Canon Ending?

Given the ambiguity surrounding the endings in the Dark Souls series, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single "canon" ending. However, linking the fire is often considered the most popular and widely accepted ending, as it symbolizes the continuation of the cycle of rebirth.

Table: Dark Souls Endings

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of a "canon" ending in Dark Souls is intentionally left ambiguous by the game’s creators. While linking the fire is often considered the most popular and widely accepted ending, it’s essential to remember that the true beauty of the Dark Souls series lies in its mystique and the player’s interpretation of the endings. Ultimately, the choice of ending is a personal one, and players are free to interpret the endings in any way they see fit.