What Time Period is Dark Souls Based On?
Dark Souls, a critically acclaimed action role-playing game, is set in a dark fantasy world that is inspired by various time periods. The game’s lore is complex and multifaceted, with a rich history that spans thousands of years. In this article, we will delve into the time period that Dark Souls is based on and explore the game’s inspirations and influences.
Medieval Europe: The Primary Inspiration
Dark Souls is heavily influenced by medieval Europe, particularly the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages. The game’s world, Lordran, is a fictional kingdom that is inspired by the architecture, culture, and politics of medieval Europe. The game’s environments, characters, and story are all rooted in this time period.
Fictional World of Lordran
Lordran is a fictional world that is created by the game’s developers, FromSoftware. The world is divided into different regions, each with its own unique culture, architecture, and history. The game’s story takes place in the kingdom of Lordran, which is ruled by the powerful and ancient being, the Lordvessel.
Ages of the World
The world of Lordran is divided into three ages: the Age of Fire, the Age of Dark, and the Age of Ancients. These ages are marked by significant events and transformations that have shaped the world and its inhabitants.
- Age of Fire: This is the golden age of Lordran, marked by the rise of the ancient beings and the creation of the Lordvessel. The Age of Fire is a time of great prosperity and progress, but it is also marked by the beginning of the end of the world.
- Age of Dark: This is the dark age of Lordran, marked by the decline of the ancient beings and the rise of the undead. The Age of Dark is a time of great darkness and despair, but it is also a time of great transformation and change.
- Age of Ancients: This is the earliest age of Lordran, marked by the creation of the world and the first inhabitants. The Age of Ancients is a time of great wonder and discovery, but it is also a time of great danger and uncertainty.
Inspirations and Influences
Dark Souls is heavily influenced by various sources, including:
- Medieval European History: The game’s world and story are inspired by the history and culture of medieval Europe, particularly the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages.
- Fantasy Literature: The game’s world and characters are inspired by fantasy literature, particularly the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin.
- Japanese Culture: The game’s art style and character designs are inspired by Japanese culture, particularly the works of H.R. Giger and Hayao Miyazaki.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dark Souls is based on a complex and multifaceted world that is inspired by various time periods and sources. The game’s world and story are rooted in medieval Europe, particularly the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages, and are influenced by fantasy literature and Japanese culture. The game’s ages, from the Age of Fire to the Age of Ancients, are marked by significant events and transformations that have shaped the world and its inhabitants.