Hey guys, I'm Dave Klein, and welcome back to my Dark Souls Lore series.
Today we're gonna talk about Gwyn's Four Knights -- Ornstein, Artorias, Ciaran, and Gough -- how
they became Gwyn's Four Knights, and where they are now.
So -- let's get started.
"The dragons shall never be forgotten...
We knights fought valiantly, but for every one of them, we lost three score of our own.
Exhilaration, pride, hatred, rage...
The dragons teased out our dearest emotions.
... Thou will understand, one day.
At thy twilight, old thoughts return, in great waves of nostalgia."
The Four Knights of Gwyn earned their titles and honors during the war against the dragons,
and in further serving Gwyn beyond the war.
Dragonslayer Ornstein, represented by the leo, or lion, is "believed to be the captain
of the Four Knights" as indicated by Ornstein's armor set.
Also among the ranks was Knight Artorias, as represented by the wolf, Lordblade Ciaran
-- as represented by the Hornet, and Gough, as represented by the Hawk.
Each knight served a specific function in fighting dragons, and earned their titles
through these means.
Using his Greatbow, Hawkeye Gough led the Dragonslayers in artillery fire.
We know from the Dragonslayer Greatbow that Gough actually lead and commanded an army
of Dragonslaying archers.
The Dragonslayer Greatbow is a "Bow of the Dragonslayers, led by Hawkeye Gough, one of
Gwyn's Four Knights" and the Dragonslayer arrows they used are described as, "Giant
dragon-hunting arrows, resembling iron spears.
Used by Hawkeye Gough and his Dragonslayers."
Once a dragon was downed, it was time to utilize melee against them.
Here we find the strengths of the remaining three knights of Gwyn.
Dragonslayer Ornstein would use his Dragonslayer Spear to "Inflict lightning damage; effective
against dragons.
[His] Two-handed thrust [relied] on [the] cross and [would] bury spear[s] deep within
a dragon's hide."
I believe this was both a highly skill-based weapon, and was vital in causing initial damage
to a Dragon, opening up wide wounds, which was perfect for the Lord's Blades.
I believe Artorias would have served a similar function as Ornstein, as "Artorias had an
unbendable will of steel, and was unmatched with a greatsword."
It is likely he too would help with opening large wounds against the dragons.
The Lord's Blades, nimble assassins, would then sting like a hornet, and utilize poison
against the Dragons.
As the Darksilver Tracer tells us: " The victim is first distracted by the dazzling
streaks of the Gold Tracer, then stung by the vicious poison of the dagger."
This would be similar, in effect, to Nito's miasma of death and poison.
While there is no specific item description that tells us Lord Blade Ciaran or Knight
Artorias took part in slaying dragons, I believe it can be inferred.
"Dragonslaying, knighthood's highest calling" Gwyn's major battle was against the dragons,
and it is very likely this is where he would have bestowed the honored title of his four
knights, granting them their honored rings.
Additionally, Dragonslayer Ornstein was considered the "leader of the four knights", again inferring
they worked together at some point.
Gough himself knows Artorias and Ciaran very well, which would only further imply they
all worked together.
After the war against the dragons, the functions of the four knights shifted.
We know from the Effigy Shield, that there was an Occult rebellion against the Gods.
"In an ill-fated plot to destroy the very gods, the followers of the occult once attempted
to steal the power of Gravelord Nito, the first of the dead."
Further, the Dark Ember tells us "Occult weapons were used to hunt the gods, and are effective
against their following and kin."
As described in the Effigy shield, the plot did not work.
It is very likely the Knights were a large reason why.
Ornstein's Dragonslayer Spear is described as being able to "sends human foes flying."
I believe Ornstein helped fight back this rebellion, and this is how his weapon received
this description.
Lord Blade Ciaran served as an honored member of Gwyn's assassins, the Lord's Blades.
We know from the Lord's Blade set that "These deadly women shift nimbly between layers of
darkness, etching streaks of gold into the night air, and planting visions of terror
into the minds of their targets."
I believe the Lord's Blades were vital in assassinating members of the occult -- and
this was their primary function.
The Dark Hand and Priscilla's Dagger both inflict occult damage, and both have dark
abilities, giving a potential link between the two.
Knight Artorias' main function would end up becoming to fight against the dark, so it
is likely he too fought back the rebellion.
Gough, however, could have very potentially retired by this point.
In time, the rebellion was crushed.
So -- what happens when the Dragons are gone, and your function is over?
"Me?
There is very little to be said.
What good is a dog, with no hares to hunt?
...I am lucky to be alive, I suppose."
Gough retires, as he tells us he is now blind.
He spends his day whittling wood carvings, a passion and hobby.
"Now, do not mistake my words.
I cherish my work.
Wood carving is nuanced art."
His helm's "eye holes were packed with tree resin by those who dismissed Gough as a brutish
giant."
It is likely he never noticed, as he was blind, or never cared, and is content to whittle
away.
With no more Dragons, Ornstein, being the highest ranking, was left to guard Anor Londo,
home of Lord Gwyn and, more importantly, Gwyn's children.
While it is unclear if he knows of Gwynevere being an illusion or not, it is, regardless,
befitting of the highest ranking knight to guard the throne room.
There to help Ornstein guard the throne room is Executioner Smough.
While it's not clear how Smough was chosen, it is likely Smough was either chosen by Gwyndolin
or Ornstein himself to help guard.
(And why Smough over the others?)
Well...
Sometimes, you want a vindictive bastard on your side.
Artorias continues on his specialized tasks for Lord Gwyn until his final day.
He is sent to repel the spread of the darkness and Abyss, something Gwyn is very afraid of.
However, his journey into Oolacile would be his last.
While going to fight Manus, he himself is tainted by the Abyss, and his Greatsword transformed
into the Abyss Greatsword.
"Swallowed by the Dark with its master, this sword is tainted by the abyss, and now its
strength reflects its wielder's humanity."
We ourselves see the effects of this, and even in his final moments, he tries to warn
and protect others from the Abyss.
"Whatever thou art, stay away."
"Soon, I will be consumed."
"I beg of thee, the spread of the abyss, must be stopped."
Artorias is the first of the knights to die -- finished by the Abyss and the chosen Undead.
We find his Wolf Ring on a body perched on a look-out spot in the Darkroot Basin.
Likely from a grave robber who never made it.
"Ciaran, she had very strong feelings for Artorias, the poor girl"
"...You, is that not...
The soul of the man who fell on this spot?
He was a dear friend."
Ciaran, heartbroken, remains at Artorias grave.
She is so distraught, if she's not already retired, she does so then and there.
She readily gives the player her equipment as thanks.
"Thank you.
You are very kind.
Please take this.
I no longer need it.
May the lord guide thee."
We find a corpse with the Hornet Ring behind Artorias' grave indicating she decides to
remain with him for eternity.
"I am here to pay respects to a dear friend.
Please, allow me a moment alone."
We find the Hawk Ring behind the Giant Blacksmith, friend of Hawkeye Gough.
"I would have much to talk about with that blacksmith.
In truth, how is the old chap, I wonder?
Still hammering away, I should hope."
The finding of his ring would indicate he too has passed away.
All that remains of the Four Knights is Dragon Slayer Ornstein, continuing his duty to protect
the royal family.
That is -- until the Chosen Undead arrives.
(Video of Chosen Undead killing Ornstein).
And his Leo ring, too, parts ways.
Alright guys, that wraps up my Four Knights Lore video.
As always, let me know your thoughts and speculations in the comments below.
How do you believe the Four Knights fit in with the timeline of Lordran?
Also -- before I go -- big shout out to my buddy John Quick for helping me piece a lot
of this together, and as always, MSPainting.
Alright guys, I'll see you next time!
Peace.