Hey guys, I'm Dave Klein, and today, I think it's time to talk about The Four Kings.
-- Their origins, their downfall, and some interesting connections pointed out by Reddit
User MSPainting.
So, let's begin.
Long ago, before New Londo was the ruin it is now, a rich and diverse culture existed.
As New Londo would seem to be an extension of Anor Londo, Gwyn chose Four Kings to rule
over the city.
"The Four Kings of New Londo, who inherited the shard of Gwyn's soul..."
He entrusted them with a part of his Lord Soul, giving them the power to rule over the
city.
We know from their Bequeathed Lord Soul Shard "Lord Gwyn recognized the foresight of these
four great leaders of New Londo, and granted them their ranks and fragments of his Lord
Souls."
It's possible Gwyn entrusted The Four Kings to rule, so he could act as a sort of puppet
master, and pull the strings from Anor Londo.
And why Four Kings?
We know New Londo was supposed to have a very diverse culture, so perhaps this was in order
to represent the multiple cultures of the city.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and speculations in the comments below.
It's unclear how long the Four Kings ruled for, however, we know that they were eventually
approached by the Primordial Serpent, Kaathe.
"Long ago, the Four Kings were powerful men.
Only, their hearts were weak.
When an evil serpent dangled the art of Lifedrain before them, they were unable to resist, and
became pawns of evil."
"If you wish, I shall grant the art of Lifedrain, the legendary power of the Dark Lord.
It can preserve your humanity while Undead, and cast off the shackles placed upon your
brethren."
We have to assume at this point that the Four Kings were either Undead, or became Undead
in order for this to be a tempting offer.
The Four Kings readily take the offer, and in doing so, begin the spread of the Abyss
in New Londo.
Their knights too, were affected, as according to the Darksword of the Darkwraiths, "When
the Four Kings were seduced by evil, their knights became Darkwraiths, servants of the
Dark who wielded these darkswords."
Similar to The Four Kings, the Darkwraiths also gain the Dark Hand, and the ability of
lifedrain.
Just like the Four Kings, they too can travel through New Londo, and rob the humanity out
of people.
We know from the Dark Hand that, "The Darkwraiths, incited by Kaathe, use the power of the dark
soul to absorb humanity, an art shared by this weapon, which also acts as a special
shield.
The ancients, particularly, could sap the humanity of even a replete saint in the blink
of an eye."
Similar to the Gaping Dragon's insatiable hunger, it would seem the Four Kings have
grown an insatiable desire for humanity.
Looking at the chest of a hollow Undead, you'll notice a scar over the heart.
The Four Kings have this very same scar, but one that has grown completely out of control
-- most likely due to their vast consumption of humanity.
And -- while an Undead typically loses the scar after returning to human form, the Four
Kings have a hole in their chest, possibly because they can never be fully satisfied.
So terrifying is this art, the sorcerers of New Londo get together, and make the hard
decision to wipe out the entire town in order to prevent the spread of the Four Kings, the
Darkwraiths, and the Abyss.
We know from the Key to the Seal, "The Sealers flooded New Londo to banish the Darkwraiths
and the Four Kings.
The agonizing decision was made with the realization that countless lives, and the robust culture
of the city, would be lost.
The victims now roam the ruins as ghosts."
But, the sorcerers aren't the only ones we see afraid of this art.
Another being lies locked away in the Painted World, a place reserved for those things the
Gods fear most.
"There once was an abomination who had no place in this world."...
Priscilla.
Priscilla, who was presumably locked away for this exact ability -- the ability to steal
and drain humanity.
According to her Lifehunt Scythe, "Even the Gods feared Priscilla's lifehunt ability,
and in the hands of a mortal, its power will turn upon its wielder."
And yet, there's more that oddly connects The Four Kings to Priscilla, and the Painted
World.
Outside of the tower The Four Kings reside in, there are three statues.
These statues are the exact same as the main statues we find in the Painted World of Ariamis
-- the statue that presumably indicates Velka.
And yet, more can be found in what would appear to be the cowl of the Darkwraiths.
Looking closely at the cowl in-game, and then further inspection in the concept art, you'll
realize that the darkwraiths actually have feathers all about them -- both in armor and
their cowl.
... And what would look suspiciously like crow feathers.
So -- what does this all mean?
This is purely my speculation, but perhaps The Four Kings had been approached by Velka,
or followers of Velka, and found out about Priscilla and Lifedrain in this way.
We find evidence of the followers of Velka scattered throughout New Londo in the form
of The "Rare Ring of Sacrifice" and the "Cursebite Ring".
It's purely speculation, but maybe the Four Kings found out about the lifedrain ability
through this, and worshipped both Velka and Priscilla.
Kaathe then used this to find an opening, and a way to tempt the Four Kings.
An interesting point MSPainting brought up was that the child in the statue could have
represented Child Beatrice, who was cut from the game.
Beatrice can be used to face The Four Kings, so perhaps there was initially a purpose that
was cut out.
At the end of the day, I'm really not sure, and I would love to hear your thoughts and
speculations in the comments below.
Alright guys, that wraps up this Dark Souls Lore video.
As I mentioned, I'd love to hear your theories about the connection between The Four Kings,
Velka, and Priscilla in the comments below.
And, I'll see you guys next time!
Peace.