Why don’t we go hollow in Dark Souls 3?

Why Don’t We Go Hollow in Dark Souls 3?

In the Dark Souls series, the concept of Hollowing is a unique and fascinating aspect of the game’s lore. As players, we are confronted with the possibility of turning Hollow, a state characterized by a loss of consciousness, willpower, and vitality. However, we are fortunate to have remained sentient and aware throughout the journey. But, we must wonder, why? What is the significance of not going Hollow in Dark Souls 3?

In this article, we’ll delve into the mysteries surrounding Hollowing and explore the possible reasons why we have avoided this fate. By examining the game’s story, lore, and mechanics, we’ll uncover the insights that have allowed us to remain steadfast and human despite the many challenges we have faced.

The Dangers of Hollowing

Hollowing is not a trivial matter in Dark Souls. It is a process that can lead to the gradual erosion of a person’s identity, and ultimately, their demise. When a character Hollows, they become stripped of their consciousness, descending into a state of bestial existence. They lose their sense of purpose, their memories, and their will to resist. This is a terrifying fate, one that few individuals are able to escape once they have succumbed to its grasp.

What Keeps Us from Going Hollow?

So, why haven’t we succumbed to the allure of the Hollowing? What catalysts exist that have allowed us to maintain our humanity? We can explore several theories, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

• The Chosen Undead’s Linking of the Fire: One possible reason for our resistance to Hollowing is the Chosen Undead’s role in linking the First Flame, ushering in the age of fire. Linking the Fire served as a counter-narrative to the Dark Lord’s descent into darkness, allowing the Flame to preserve the world’s vitality and consciousness. It’s possible that our capacity to link the Fire allowed us to maintain our awareness and vitality, setting us apart from those who failed to resist the Hollowing.
• The Impact of Covenants and NPC Interactions: We can also consider the influences of various Covenants and NPC interactions on our fate. Forming bonds with other characters and affiliating with Covenants may have introduced external factors that countered the forces of Hollowing, granting us a reprieve from its grasp. However, this theory is difficult to verify, as our experiences and choices within the game are highly subjective.
• Our Own Will and Determination: Finally, it’s possible that our own will and determination have played a critical role in our ability to resist Hollowing. Through our struggles and triumphs, we have demonstrated resilience and determination, allowing us to maintain our grip on sanity and humanity.

Comparing Hollowing to Player-Driven Storytelling

Hollowing offers an interesting parallel to player-driven storytelling. When a player’s character dies, they are respawning at a previous point, but their personal identity and memories persist. In a sense, we, as players, have created our own character arc, one that weaves together our choices and actions to form a unique narrative. While the character may Hollow or perish, our own journey remains intact, reflecting the enduring power of our individuality.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there is no single reason for why we haven’t succumbed to Hollowing. Rather, it’s the interplay of our actions, choices, and connections within the world of Dark Souls 3. The Chosen Undead’s role in linking the Fire, the influences of Covenants and NPCs, and our own resilience and determination have all contributed to our capacity to resist this dark and foreboding fate. As we embark on our journey, may we continue to cherish and honor our humanity, navigating the challenges of the dark fantasy world with courage, wit, and determination.