Summary
In theDark Soulsgames, players are constantly at risk oflosing their sanityand becoming “Hollow” as they attempt to reverse the Undead curse that plagues all life. Very few characters survive, tragic backstories are rife and players will often have to turn on their own moral code to complete questlines.
Safe to say, there are an abundance of quotes from theDark Soulsgames that are full of despair and misery. Most Souls players will find it a real challenge not to tear up at this list, but just remember: “Don’t you dare go Hollow.”
Updated on Jun 08, 2025, by Gerardo Molina:Players who have never completed a single Dark Souls game might think that, with so much going on in terms of combat, weapons, spells and armor, there-s likely not enough time to understand the lore an the characters’ backstories. However, one of the greatest things about the Dark Souls franchise is that players can learn a lot from their enemies if they listen closely during the various boss fights they’ll encounter. Many of them have tragic backstories, and aren’t monsters out of hatred and malice, but rather out of drowning in grief, botched magic experimentation, and even family feuds and curses.
20"Leave Us Be, Ashen One. Sweep All Thought Of Us From Thy Mind. As Thy Kind Always Have."
Sister Friede, Dark Souls 3
There’s some interesting lore behind the Painted World of Ariandel according to some players who’ve done their research. Every time the world rots, or falls into darkness, The Painter paints a new world and every creature moves there. This is the natural cycle, yet Slave Knight Gael, Father Ariandel, and Sister Friede have always frowned upon those who link the fire, as they get in the way of said cycle, preventing the rotting world from dying.
This quote by Sister Friede not only expresses her malcontent towards the Ashen Ones who seek to link the fire, but also conveys a feeling of hopelessness and resentment born from the rest of the world’s lack of care for the Painted World of Ariandel and those who inhabit it.
19"We’ll Never Amount To Anything, Not You, Not I …"
Hawkwood The Deserter, Dark Souls 3
Hawkwood is one of those NPCs that don’t really ever pose a threat to the Ashen One, but rather spend their time sulking and regretting their life’s decisions. As a deserter of both the Undead Legions of Farron and his duties as an Unkindled, Hawkood has a bunch of dialogue referring to his dishonorable position, and the way he feels about it.
As an Unkindled, Hawkwood was part of those who tried to link the fire and failed, so now he spends his days in desperation, wallowing in self-pity and claiming that he’ll never amount to anything.
18"I May Be But Small, But I Will Die A Colossus."
Ludleth of Courland, Dark Souls 3
When players first enter the Firelink Shrine inDark Souls 3, it’s impossible not to notice the various thrones arranged circularly around the bonfire. Most of them are empty, except for one, and in it, there sits Ludleth of Courland. Ludleth doesn’t seem too intimidating, if anything, he looks quite frail and defenseless, but when the Ashen One approaches him to have a conversation, his words are truly magnificent.
This quote in particular has a ton of meaning behind it, as it not only shows that Ludleth is aware of his current frail state, but also okay with his imminent death. He’s willing to sacrifice himself for a greater purpose, elevating him from the poor state he’s in and going out in a blaze of glory, once again fulfilling his role as a Lord of Cinder.
17"Ah, You Ignorant Slaves. Finally Taken Notice Have You? Of The Power Of My Beloved Ocelotte, Child Of Dragons.Well, I Will Not Give Him Up. For He Is All That I Have."
Oceiros, the Consumed King, Dark Souls 3
The story of Oceiros is a twisted one. Once a mighty king married to the queen of Lordran (suspected to be Gwynevere) from the originalDark Souls, he was tasked to father children fit to link the fire and keep the world from darkness. However, in his obsession for power, ancient dragons and creating the perfect child, he was transformed into a monstrous draconic.
This quote not only reflects Oceiros' arrogance, which makes him look down on his subjects and consider them slaves, but also goes to show his obsession with creating the perfect offspring. He protects Ocelotte not only because he’s his father, but also because, as he says, he has nothing else left. Trapped for centuries in a secluded chamber, his kingdom and his rule are no more, and all hope for his lineage to link the fire is long gone.
16"Ashen One, Hearest Thou My Voice, Still?"
The Fire Keeper, Dark Souls 3
This quote can only be heard if players obtain the Eyes of the Fire Keeper from the Untended Graves area and exhaust her dialogue when the game ends. This leads to “The End of Fire” ending, which leaves the world in pitch-black darkness for eternity. As the Fire Keeper travels with the Ashen One to the bonfire where the Soul of Cinder was killed, the fire will start to fade.
Little by little, the world will be engulfed by darkness, and as the last trace of light disappears, players will hear the Fire Keeper say these disheartening words.
15"This Spot Marks Our Grave… But You May Rest Here Too, If You Like."
Lothric, Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3is a fitting end to the series despite some issues players may have with the overall experience. Still, if there’s one thing the game absolutely nailed, it’s the enthralling boss fights that take no prisoners.
When players trigger the boss fight against Lothric and Lorian, they are greeted with a line that seems sinister but actually houses a lot of pain and sadness. Both princes are bound by a curse that rendered them weak and unable to fulfill their duty, with Lothric outright refusing to link the First Flame to prevent this accursed world from existing any longer. It’s a sentiment that echoes in this statement that sounds like a threat but is more of an invitation.
14"To Be Alive, To Walk This Earth, That’s The Real Curse Right There."
Saulden, Dark Souls 2
NPC Crestfallen Saulden inDark Souls 2provides players with information - and downtrodden dialogue. Although he discourages players fromreversing the curse, Saulden is beloved for his melancholy outlook, similar to the snarky Crestfallen Warrior inDark Souls.
Interactions with Saulden are brief and his backstory is unknown, but he claims that existing in this Universe is “the real curse.” Of course, longtime players of theDark Soulsfranchise will find it difficult to disagree with him.
13"Be Safe, Friend. Don’t You Dare Go Hollow."
Laurentius, Dark Souls
After players rescue him from an Undead Butcher, Laurentius rewards gamers with a Pyromancy Flame, which is significant becausePyromancykept him from going Hollow: “When I gave you that flame, I gave you a part of myself. Please take good care of it.” Hard not to feel attached to Laurentius after that exchange!
During Laurentius' final conversation, he says this powerful line about avoiding the Hollowing, which is tragically ironic because Laurentius is next seen in Blighttown, having turned Hollow. Laurentius’ warning to fight against becoming Hollow is a devastating metaphor forplayers resisting a depressive spiral. No wonder this quote resides in most players’ memories.
12"There Is No Path. Beyond The Scope Of Light, Beyond The Reach Of Dark… What Could Possibly Await Us? And Yet, We Seek It, Insatiably… Such Is Our Fate."
Aldia, Dark Souls 2
Feelings of nihilism and hopelessness are rife inDark Souls, with the second game leaving heavily into this side of things. While some people felt like Miyazaki’s absence made this title harder to swallow, there are still a lot of redeeming factors inDark Souls 2that make it worth playing.
Aldia, an optional boss ofDark Souls 2who happens to be the Scholar of the First Sin, reflects on the pointless nature of the endeavor to keep the flame going. It’s a unique line of dialogue that proves just how hopeless the world ofDark Soulsreally is.
11"I Beg Of You, Remember My Name. For I May Not Myself."
Lucatiel, Dark Souls 2
Cursed and close to Hollowing, Lucatiel is a knight searching for her lost brother, Aslatiel. Her search is made difficult by her quickly deteriorating memory. Underneath her mask, one of her eyes is rotting. Her greatest fear is losing her memory, and she is desperate to kill anyone for a cure.
Her brother, Aslatiel, was one of the greatest swordsmen in Mirrah before he became infected and left to seek the cure. Sadly, the player knows Lucatiel will never find Aslatiel alive; Aslatiel earlier appeared as a dark spirit and possessed the player in the Old Keep, proving Aslatiel died beforeDark Souls 2gameplay began. Even if the player could tell Lucatiel about her brother’s fate, she would only forget. With each encounter, her memory deteriorates until she tragically no longer knows her own name.
