Dark Souls 3 Lore: Gertrude, The Angelic Faith and Civil War

[@TheTidesong]

You're one of the better lore youtubers I've managed to find. Well done and keep it up, your content's superb.

[@SmoughTown]

That's really kind of you to say, thanks so much for your support!

[@hannibalurgsalterofwounds2454]

Vaati is slacking, you have my attention.

[@TheTakingofMars]

+Hannibalurg, Salter of Wounds lol for real.

[@SmoughTown]

That's very kind of you to say: I'm currently writing the script for my next - it's a larger one but it should be ready to upload this weekend.

[@hannibalurgsalterofwounds2454]

From what i'v seen so far, seems like solid content. Good job.

[@stdcarrierform6358]

+Hannibalurg, Salter of Wounds I wonder when he'll make a new lore video. I hope it's soon.

[@SmoughTown]

+crazybongo5 thanks very much!

[@SmoothEnigma]

I always found something strange about the amount of dead knights on the high wall but I could just never put it together. Good video and very plausible sounding theory

[@Shyolite]

Im loving these lore videos, not much other youtubers are doing it

[@9yugin5]

I have a terrible feeling about the angels....... have you seen those statues with human female bodies and that orrible primordial serpents face? They also have something on their shoulders that resembles wings.....are they the angels?

[@ThommyofThenn]

They delight in manipulating humanity. Appearing as an angel to Gertrude to troll humans seems something they would do...

[@captaincobop]

This guy has the coolest accent ever. It seriously makes the video better.

[@SmoughTown]

Cheers!

[@MrSupertman2010]

It does give the video a very nice "tone"

[@TheRealGoh13]

Damn, your explanations are very convincing and you do not all high and mighty like some other lore explorers. Liked and subbed.

[@SmoughTown]

That's very kind of you to say, thanks for watching and supporting me!

[@coriumheap]

thank you so much for posting this video!! i'm very interested in gertrude and not a lot of people seem to talk this in-depth about her, so, thank you very much!! great video!

[@SmoughTown]

Thank you very much for your kind words!

[@Lunaishtar]

Your theory makes a lot of sense! I originally thought that the battle scenes were just there, just like in Boletaria, but now that you pointed out the distinction between the Angelic Knights and the Knights of Lothric it all makes sense. Great job!

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks very much - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@masonthorpe4992]

These lore videos are very good and interesting so keep up the good work

[@SmoughTown]

That's very kind, thank you so much for watching

[@destruction42k]

+SmoughTown Well it is safe to say i prefer your video's Varti. Did you get my comment on the other video? BTW the only angelic looking creature in the souls games that we know of is Darklurker. It is also posable heavenly daughter refuses to gwenvire's children.

[@SmoughTown]

+destruction42k that's a good spot with Andre. That's very kind of you to say! I found this a difficult subject but I really appreciate your support

[@destruction42k]

+destruction42k Also the winged knights required inhuman strength to weald there blade. Is it me or done there build (As in body structure ) remind you at all of smough who while human had a giant's strength? As the miracle states that ordinary people could not read them,but it never states what factor lead those who could read it to be classified as abnormal it may however unlikely be there crazy physical strength. Also when they say she was diffiled it may mean that gurtude was raped. While this sounds sick at first keep in mind that the Lothric line "Was obsessed with creating a worthy aire to link the fire." So that could have a double meaning.

[@SmoughTown]

+destruction42k These are all possible - Gertrude was definitely mistreated and used by the pillars. And yes they very much are like smough - not as awesome though

[@evigklytteren]

to me, the existence of angels, implies that there is something "beyond the reach of the dark, beyond the scope of light". it implies that death can be permanent, which is touched upon several times throughout the different games' cycles - but more so that breaking out of the cycle means entering into a different one.... if this is true, then that means that linking the fire binds you to the cycle that the fire adheres to, and that what was implied in SotfS final ending might be true, you can turn your back on the cycle you adhere to presently, and embrace a new one - which left the world we explore in ds3 in ruin, and everything is about to collapse and fade...

[@Smitty_Werbluntjaegermanjensen]

I believe the Ascended Winged Knights above Lothric Castle are the angels themselves. Perhaps the armor that normal knights wear is modeled after the golden armor worn by winged knights. After all, they do use Divine Pillars of Light, which is a miracle taught by the angels.

[@gavinhenry3625]

oh my god i think you figured it out

[@mikeclarke3990]

No they are just winged knights. The Winged Knight Twinaxes dropped by them say as much with lore on them being "more befitting of an executioner than a knight, are intended to fit the human body."

[@Smitty_Werbluntjaegermanjensen]

Look at it this way, there are 3 Normal Winged Knights in all of Lothric. And then 3 Ascended Winged Knights in Lothric Castle. There are two normal knights who wield halberds, while there is one who wields twin axes. Same goes for the Ascended Winged Knights. In the end, they are 'ascended'. It may just be that the Winged Knights are the same case as the Giants in Dark Souls, Gwyndolin created Illusions of them while the real knights went off to serve Gwynevere. Just as there are normal Winged Knights scattered throughout Lothric, while the real deal are the ones protecting Gertrude's Cell. This may be why their armor doesn't drop off of them like normal enemies, and you can only find it as a pickup. Because the armor of the Ascended Knights isn't quite armor. Also it may explain why it says, 'intended to fit the human body'. After, all, its more befitting of an executioner than a knight. Meaning that it doesn't quite fit the "Winged Knights"

[@samosamosa9568]

+Smitty Werbluntjaegermanjensen Seriously? There aren't three normal Winged Knights in all of Lothric, you only fight three. What about the dead one surrounded by all the killed Lothric Knights? Is there another Golden Winged Knight for him, too? What about all the others you don't find in game? Also, the Golden ones you fight are most likely higher ranking knights. The normal Winged Knights have wings, too, but they are either for decoration or they aren't the size for flying yet. What I'm wondering is why the Angels decided to visit Gertrude in the first place, how they (and Lothric) can cast spells without a catalyst.

[@Smitty_Werbluntjaegermanjensen]

Sam Horn Good point. All I was saying that there are three live Winged Knights in the game and three Ascended Knights. I'm just trying to theorize here, as Gertrude is a direct descendant of Gwynevere, who left her home and took her knights with her. However, the wings on the normal Winged Knights are found on the worn armor as well. If anything, the Angels most probably have ties to the Old Royals, as they too used miracles that were far beyond human capacity, and casted them without talismans. The reason Lothric can cast miracles without a talisman is most likely because of his skin tone and its relation to Irithyll. For what we know, Lothric may very well be related to the Gods, which may be why the Dancer could be found just outside of the Castle.

[@g.b.1224]

I can see this as the foundation of at least one DLC. Awesome video, I'm very happy to have found your channel.

[@SmoughTown]

I am too - thanks for watching and the support

[@manhello3676]

You're great at this honestly, posting these videos nearly daily, I really appreciate since I havent played DS1 or 2 thanks a lot. Keep going strong

[@SmoughTown]

No problem - thanks very much. They next one I'm planning is a bigger one and so may take longer!

[@SwitcherooU]

Excellent. You really came out swinging with these lore videos. They're insightful, well-reasoned, and backed up by as much evidence as can be gathered from a Souls game. And - maybe more importantly - you beat Vaati, fungo, TerraMantis and the other lore heavyweights to the punch. You could (and should!) have a lot of subscribers soon.

[@SmoughTown]

+SwitcherooU That's extremely kind of you to say - I'm glad you enjoyed them, I'll just keep trying my best. I just love sharing my thoughts with this great community. Appreciate the support.

[@anonymmc2764]

My favourtie piece of lore. And you're doing it!

[@SmoughTown]

One of my favourites as well! Thanks for watching

[@SickoFromHell]

+SmoughTown what about the feathers in the room of Lothric ?

[@Bathezid]

Just found your channel yesterday, and I really like the thought and depth you put into your lore videos! I also enjoy how candid your commentary is, it's a lot more casual and easier to follow along than some of the more strictly edited and scripted videos out there. Can't wait to hear your ideas on some other concepts, like what exactly is going on with the three versions of Firelink Shrine.

[@SmoughTown]

I'm really glad you enjoy it! I intend to cover as much as I can in due course, I appreciate the support

[@4vis4]

Maybe gertrude was also hated because she tried to "improve" the twin princes capabilities to make a worthy heir of fire as they were trying to but failed in the process. This would explain the feathers in their boss room, their aspect (pale and deformed, like decrepit angels) and why both have some miracle capabilities (lorian makes a very healing-like circle when he tps and lothric uses that crystal yellow spear along with other things) How could have gertrude taught lothric that crystal yellow spear? Going with the theory that gwynevere is the queen, maybe Seath also experimented with gwynevere after he saw the results of the crossbreed: Priscilla, and that made her children with the other gods inherit the crystal magic along with her miracles, hence the reason why they were called heavenly. Another proof that gwynevere was the queen is that just below gertrude's cage there is a man grub of Rosaria, and why i think Rosaria Gwynevere and the Queen are the same person is because in Rosaria's chamber there are lots of cribs there, most of them in the roof, close to the light that symbolizes heaven, what her children once were called and now she is giving the possibility to rebirth to anyone who has a pale tongue. That is because all her children are gone (heavenly children) or went wrong (children with oceiros). Yeah just had these random thoughts after watching this video at 3 of the morning and i needed to put them in the comment box. Maybe im totally wrong and this is closer to a fantasy than a good theory but your video made me think about this and that is the important thing! Thank you for these lore videos that almost nobody is doing and to everyone that reached the end of this endless comment xD.

[@stealingfire1991]

Great video. Knowing all this has enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the game. Thanks.

[@SmoughTown]

That's really nice to hear, I'm glad to hear I helped you. I appreciate your support

[@MajorTom1313]

I think your explanation struck a nerve and that this faith will be further explained in a dlc. Called it.

[@ZornsLemon671]

Yeah I would love to see this in dlc, it would feel verybdofferent to the style and setting to the rest of thegame.

[@placeholdername3818]

Considering this is the last of soul series(or so they say) I would hope they will tie off all story related loose ends.

[@sofaking9404]

+Definitely Not Michael yeah, I would easily buy 3 dlcs for this game with different story lines

[@ejr7733]

Smough I love your lore videos! Very in depth and plausible explanations for what is going on. Keep it up!

[@SmoughTown]

Really glad you like it, wrestling with a mammoth subject at the moment. Should be ready by this weekend

[@GreenlandicGuy]

And the wait is over! Damn, man :D You analyze easily overlooked lore, and make it super intriguing, all the while others can't even make generic lore intriguing! Seriously, you and Vaativydia are my favorites right now. You're even doing better than him right now :D You're gaining momentum, keep it up ❤️

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks very much - I really appreciate your support. I will keep going; have a big one lined up next

[@errantvice7335]

Still a banger of a video in 2023, wonder if smough will get around to remaking ds3 lore videos like he’s been doing with Bloodborne

[@russellbarley4049]

I really have enjoyed all of your lore videos so far, thanks for all the time you put into these, it must take a lot. Great job and cheers.

[@SmoughTown]

I'm really glad you enjoy them! I love making them. I appreciate the support

[@kingkuma4636]

I'm just winging it (pun intended lol) but do you think that whatever the darkluker from DS2 could be involved?

[@HeadHunter-mv2ht]

The Angelic Faith, The remains of the Abyss, The Deep, and the remnants of Chaos, four things i would really like to know more about, and only Two DLC planned that could explain some of it if we are lucky. . .

[@HeadHunter-mv2ht]

+Nimeron fühn True, it is a new development that didn't get much info put out on it, like why the same "angel" feather's are on the floor of the brothers boss room. What really bugs me about there now being "Angel's" in the Souls series is the resounding question of where did they come from. . .

[@HeadHunter-mv2ht]

So i have been going around TV Tropes and realized something, we have already seen a Angel in the Dark Souls series, to be more exact it was the Darklurker from Dark Souls 2. . .

[@cool06alt]

so instead of age of deep/dark we will get true age of light that heralded by the angel? dunno, that might only happen if miyazaki decide to make "Light Souls"

[@chrishamby3592]

I think this is the start of a new dark souls they may end Chaos flame and start angelic miracles maybe give us more game play in the dlc also

[@rakkatytam]

Lmao why is this so funny to me

[@Jjkuldude]

the dead winged knight near the courtyard has a lothric straight sword coming out of his back. that is pretty solid evidence

[@utoobchnl]

Excellent video my man. I think, without question, this is the exact concept the creators were going for.

[@royal-km7dc]

your voice is satisfying thats why im watching them, keep up the good voice man

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks very much, I will!

[@xxeman445xx]

Great video bro. Really enjoyed the lore you presented here, and I hope we get more of this in the DLC more so than any other thing. However, I will say that if you stutter or misspeak at all, do another take. It will increase the quality of your videos, which as it stands are fantastic already!

[@draculkitten3335]

I've only started watching you an hour ago and im loving your lore videos, I am a huge ds fan and hearing your lore videos makes me love ds even more because of how open ds is. New Subscriber inbound :3

[@deterritorialisatised_slot]

Keep them coming Please, Your Lore videos are great =)

[@SmoughTown]

I'm glad you liked it, I found this a difficult subject!

[@deterritorialisatised_slot]

I couldn't have teased out that much info. +rep

[@zanderglowacki1489]

Your lore is amazing i like how you explore everything Ps: having your own intro will be amazing and outro, instead of using the cutscene

[@SmoughTown]

+Zander Glowacki Might be something I have to consider! Thanks for watching and the support

[@zanderglowacki1489]

+SmoughTown that cool just a thought no hate

[@EngY2502]

So why are there statues of primordial serpents in the Grand Archives?

[@SmoughTown]

No concrete idea but what is clear is that their influence and legend are always present

[@monte6777]

+Luke Holroyd Why would the scholars worship angels, if they were so opposed to the faith?

[@thegentlemanraven9286]

+Mecha Moa Seems to me it might have been an image of fraampt. As Lothric is reminiscent and has access to lore many centuries past, it makes sense (to me) that fraampt may have helped influence the culture to be similar of that of Lordran. This I think is compelling as Kaathe had influenced Londor with the way of dark (except with warning of the abyss, which I find that Kaathe did due to the fact the abyss is impossible to control for any greater purpose). I personally don't think the primordial serpents are the 'angels', as for one they smell bad, secondly you can't mistake angelic (presumably humanoid) beings with giant snakes. Additionally the angelic 'meeting' would have had to be somewhere quiet. I honestly don't see Fraampt or Kaathe smashing through the castle floor, with no one knowing, and bestowing a story upon a blind and mute girl. Personally I think the angels could be being akin to the Dark Lurker, who looks heavenly of itself. Only flaw against this is that the Dark Lurker never used beams of blue light in it's attacks (although it did have a holy chime in its possession).

[@EngY2502]

The Gentleman Raven I can agree with this the most.

[@EngY2502]

The Hanged Man I kind of thought about this, but if the scholars were in agreement with the other two pillars of Lothric about erasing this new religion, then why would they have "angel frampt statues" all across the grand archives?

[@roriksavant]

Excellent video! Nice job examining the locations of items and enemies, you've convinced me that I want to know more about this order! Although part of the beauty of Dark Souls is mystery so perhaps it's better to simply know there is a mystery there,,, :)

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks very much and I agree!

[@ethanbest8652]

You need more subscribers sir, as this is just awesome!

[@SmoughTown]

You are very kind to say so!

[@paoyang8785]

I love this video so much. it makes a lot of sense. now I could appreciate the game more with your gathered knowledge.

[@0ctopusComp1etely]

...This lore research/ speculation actually explains so much. I had always wondered why that one Winged Knight was in the courtyard surrounded by so many slain Lothric knights, and even if it isn't story relevant for the Unkindled, it kind of bugged me the whole game. Excellent research.

[@SmoughTown]

I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[@ferialis713]

Very interesting video, this is really good work. Especially in the fact that you explain your way of thinking and do not imposed it to your viewers. Nb : Sorry, english is not my native language.

[@SmoughTown]

Your English is perfect. And thank you for your support, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@javax6]

Really great quality video, great job. I think the angels might be Kaathe or Frampt and other serpents in league with him. The statue of them with the angel wings makes me think this and that Gertrude was visited by them.

[@SmoughTown]

Really glad you liked it - I honestly love the serpents, I hope we learn more about their machinations in the dlc

[@mystrosolace907]

Dude another great lore vid. Keep up the good work.

[@SmoughTown]

I'm really glad you enjoy it, I'm doing a bigger one next - should have it by this weekend

[@aghadmtl]

Best Dark Souls 3 Lore Channel bar FAR!

[@someguy2052]

The winged knights capability are a representation of how poise would work with Dark Souls 3.

[@isabella_fraia]

Probably has been noticed before, but when we look in the cage the feathers are actually on the floor in a "angelic" shape!

[@informalfallacy9780]

I'm guessing with the long death of Gwyn and the pantheon he was a part of, mankind began to create their own Gods in order to stir hope and fear in these dark times, like when people began to see a monstrous thing like Aldrich as a holy entity. It's almost like a warped version of the transition Europe went through from the epic story-based Pagan religions to the more abstract kind of faith Monotheistic religions have.

[@cleverfoxcamgaming33]

I just came across your channel. And I gotta say man, I love the speculation. Great videos man ^u^

[@anthonybragg1821]

Very good video! Food for thought. If the world of Lothirc is descending into an age of Dark I don't think it's stretch so postulate a fringe religion in this case the Angelic Faith to crop up and attract followers. Clearly we come across an aftermath of some battle in the first stage of the game. In that intro stage we see hollows praying/worshiping a winged totems across. Angles I would assume. I think that adds credence to your theory that some religious battle or uprising took place. Interesting to think what the motivation behind the religion was.

[@nullw8768]

The DLC seed.

[@Implaythrough]

Another fantastic video. I'm excited for angels in one of the DLCs. I'm thinking it's a 90% chance we'll see them. Floating out on KZbin is one of the songs from a future DLC that was on the Dark Souls 3 disc. It sounds very angelic.... EDIT: Search for "Dark Souls 3 OST - DLC Boss 3" if you want to listen to it.

[@SmoughTown]

+PilesofJuicyMeat I'd love that to be the case - they definitely have the scope to do it! I appreciate the support

[@prop1010]

Another ripper video smough keep em coming please!

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks very much, I will!

[@PeriqculosusCZ]

I love these kinds of videos, keep up this good work :)

[@SmoughTown]

Glad you like it. Finished the script for a far bigger video, going to record it tonight.

[@kidoumaru4942]

Interesting is that the giant gate in Anor Londo in Dark Souls 1, the first one after you climb the giant stairway, has the image of an angel and a person who seems to be a woman, and the angel seems to be kneeling in front of her.

[@fairfarren38]

Thank you so much for this! I was wondering who all those Lothric knights died to, but I never revisited the area after I found the Winged Knights in the castle, so I never put it together. I really hope From Software decides to expand upon this angel thing in one of the DLCs.

[@SmoughTown]

I'm really glad this helped and I appreciate you watching

[@Gaereth]

Excellent video. I couldn't help but notice that the Gold and Rusted Coins bear the visage of a seemingly angelic figure, complete with feathered wings. The silhouette seems starkly dissimilar to our lovely Serpents' photoshopped attempt to be beautiful, but it seems to indicate that the Angels were respected at a state/church level prior to the split. Not to mention the fact that the Winged Knights wear Blue, which the Magic Stoneplate Ring tells us is the color of Royal Palace Guards.

[@jessebrown1996]

Love this, wish I was good enough to do lore video :D could never do all the looking up and work that you do :) I'll just stick to the cosplay PvP, but seriously, love lore videos, glad I found this channel :D

[@SmoughTown]

I'll be sure to check out yours when I can! Thanks for the support. Much appreciated

[@KomaComaStar]

you are just churning out quality content $$$

[@SmoughTown]

+Jangerson Thanks very much - I'll keep trying!

[@bagweed]

Great video! I think that the "divine messengers" are the gargoyles which carry you from Sen's Fortress to Anor Londo in DS1 and whom carry you from the high wall of Lothric to the Undead Settlement. If you look at their abilities in DS1 you should recall they do make use of lightning, much like the winged knights.

[@BigSweetC]

your souls videos are great, man. keep up the fantastic work

[@Marksman18V]

Like. Favourite. Subscribe. Comment. I was completely entranced by your voice and story. eventually lying facedown with my eyes closed and just having the story flow over me like waves from the ocean. I can't wait for the next installments!

[@8SwordStyle]

Subscribed! Solid stuff man keep it up!

[@SmoughTown]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@jessebrown1996]

Theory: The Angels are the ravens from the painted world.

[@leiderhosen7110]

No, the Corvians are.

[@jessebrown1996]

+Leider Hosen Nice theory.

[@Allbendias]

+TheBrownTown008 The Goddess that favored the ravens was the goddess Velka of sin. If she is the goddess that punishes sin(from Dark souls 1) then the winged knight's weapons would seem as meant to meet out punishment for they are like a headman's axe. The weapons appear bloodstained and big enough to hack off a person's head like a criminal who has sinned.

[@ahealthkit2745]

+Nerosekrieg Additionally, all the corpses of the lothric knights defeated by winged knights have been beheaded. Almost like Velka visited Gertrude, and that her demise lead to a revolt by the devout knights.

[@Allbendias]

Agreed. I believe I first heard the beheading idea from VaatiVidya.

[@xaviersalinas3170]

I'm really hoping for Angel dlc an angelic boss sounds awesome!

[@danielcoelho3327]

Great lore video SmoughTown. Looking at the statues in the Grand Archives of the Primordial Serpents with human torsos, one can see (also visible in your videos) that they have small feathers for arms. There is a point in the theory: could the "angelic being" that visited Gertrude be a Primordial Serpent in disguise, or this timeline's version of a Primordial Serpent? Much like in the original game the two primordial serpents both represented one of the sides in the cycle (The Dark and the Fire), I devised the theory that for each "cycle", certain beings come to represent one of the sides and attempt to influence the participants on that age to either link the Fire or let the Dark take place. They are called "primordial" since they very likely exist before the Dark and the Fire began to cycle. In Dark Souls, Kingseeker Frampt sided with Gwyn and attempted to convince the Chosen Undead to "link the flame" while Darkstalker Kaathe attempted to convince the player to allow the Dark to settle. Since we can find those statues of the winged torsos with the Primordial Serpents heads, could this mean one of these beings assumed an "angelic form", appeared before Gertrude and convinced her to start a new religion that defied the current Lothric nobility? It quite seems that the royal line linked the fire: this serpent could be this timeline's version of Kaathe, attempting to sway Gertrude away from the fire and into the Dark? She did create a new rebel religion: why would the Pillars despise her so much? Unless she defended the fall of the Fire, which the prince had linked. I come to think every time I look at it, that the Souls series deals with a fragmented timeline from the moment the first cycle began: there are parallels across all world, places where they link, but there isn't a past, present or a future. Just my two cents.

[@SmoughTown]

The primordial serpents are always of great interest to me - I like how they have had a role to play in dark souls 3 too. It is possible they are the 'angelic beings'. Hopefully the dlc will give us some answers (and no doubt more questions) thank you for watching!

[@ronniesanders8546]

Vaatividya explained that Gertrude was an Angel and those feathers belong to her. She is called The Heavenly Daughter.

[@kalacs32]

These lore videos make me wish there was a series of novels set in the Dark Souls universe.

[@dillonmax8392]

Solid video, i'm loving the depth of the lore in this. Could not the Pilgrim Butterfly's possibly be the Angels? They look really decrepit now, but maybe originally they were feathered and awe-inspiring creatures forming the new religion.

[@SmoughTown]

Really glad you enjoy them. It is possible but I think the Angels are something we haven't seen before. Thanks for watching

[@dillonmax8392]

Right on, might be a stretch, i was just hoping there was more to them than being butterflys possessing armor. Keep it up mate, looking forward to the next videos (subscribed)

[@SmoughTown]

+Dillon Max there might well be! There is no right answer so far. Thanks so much for your support

[@takezokimura2571]

+Dillon Max In the high wall of Lothric there are several "dead" undeads placed on top of small tress, sometimes their very legs fused with the wood. Many undead are pilgrims and the butterlfys are called "pilgrim butterflys".

[@dillonmax8392]

Okay so, the bodies we see fused with the trees are sort of like cocoons. They hatch out and become the butterflys we now see? I wonder why it is they actually do this, and better question is how? hmmmm mhmmm

[@JohnBoygames]

Nice channel man I like your video's and loving the new channel art haha

[@SmoughTown]

Haha thanks..some great artist did it for me. Thanks for that!

[@JohnBoygames]

No problem my friend.

[@vandalgod1134]

Kind of hope they introduce more in-depth lore on the angels in dlc

[@enclavesoldier8893]

Although I love this theory and agree with almost everything stated, there is a small thing I must note. This video states that the Lothric Knights in blue are on the side of the angelic faith and the Lothric Knights in red are for the way of white, but the official color of the Lothric Royal Guard is blue and the official color of other lower knights is red. This means that not all knights in blue support the angelic faith and not all knights in red support the way of white, both groups of knights are divided within themselves and both sides aren't just on one side. I still totally agree with this theory and support it all the way. I just felt it would be best I correct this.

[@MrMattBergman]

Prediction!!!! The Angelic Faith will be the center of one or both of the DLCs. More outward prediction: the DLC will unlock a fifth ending, one that grants peace to all Hollows in the land, allowing them to ascend to the heavens, finally ridding the world of the curse of the Undead. That, or the fifth ending would simply eliminate the curse of the Undead, and turn everyone into regular human beings. Thoughts?

[@TKUltra971]

+Matthew Bergman 1) your probably right. Heck Gwynevere (Gertrude's mother) herself could be a center of a DLC... shes been missing since before DS1 took place. 2) No. This is Dark Souls - there are no happy endings.

[@Archflip]

+Matthew Bergman Well, I'm not sure about the additional ending, but the Winged Knight Legion would definitely be a cool additional covenant. I don't necessarily know what there purpose would be, but I think there's a big opportunity to flesh out the conflict at hand.

[@MrStaticassassin]

+Matthew Bergman When you link the fire all who bear the darksign are finally allowed to die I think, but when the fire begins fading, the darksigns appear again. I think that's what happens

[@kenetickups6146]

5th ending is third impact

[@TKUltra971]

Kenetic Kups no more like Berserk's eclipse scene.

[@Xfushion2]

I hope this arc gets expanded in the upcoming DLC's, It's by far one of the most interesting Dark Souls 3 lorepieces.

[@victim109]

initially i figured the barricades were for the dragons but this is a really good explanation for the inner barricades

[@austin5498671]

one detail that you kinda glossed over is the winged knight corpse reaching for his halberd has a *lothric knight* straight sword embedded in him

[@mythmakroxymore1670]

That was very reasonable thinking, comparing with the first religions, those before even Egypt.

[@alexgroot2508]

Great vid! Quite nice how you can make such an insightful video on seemingly so little evidence AND keep it interesting. Keep up the good work! :D Also, question/observation. On the 10:50 mark you observe a statue to the right of the wax pool. The one on the left is a stylized version of Frampt I assume, and I assumed the one on the right was simply the statue of a scholar that had been dipped in wax by all the candles around. But your closer look makes it seem like this is simply the actual design of the statue. This got me thinking: there was a scholar that taught the young prince, who instilled in him the doubt of the linking of the fire. And here we have a statue of a scholar that appears to be something of a tentacle creature, or more likely, something like roots. Is this the Scholar of the first sin, Aldia? What do you think? I'd love it for him to be involved.

[@SmoughTown]

I'll need to have a think about it to be honest - but there does seem to be so inferences to Aldo's for sure!

[@alexgroot2508]

+SmoughTown I have to say, sitting in front of my pc again 24 hours later I find myself yet again watching this. Really digging the Angelic faith and this civil war concept here.

[@SmoughTown]

+Alex Groot wow I'm really glad you enjoy it! I'm working on a bigger one now

[@maikbaumann1250]

( 10:30 ) yep and a littel more what support ur theory. look at the twinprincess boss room (feathers everywhere) and one prince is even able to revive someone. (look like a heavly mirical to me) :) ( 14:39 ) another little thing to support theory. look at the wingedknight corpse, one of the sword in his side is 100% a lothric knight sword. they fight against, thats sure. this time i 100% agree with. special because u dont go on the "gertrude is rosalia"-train. i having a hard time convince people rosalia is gywnevere and gerturde is dead (special with my bad english) :D

[@SmoughTown]

I believe Gertrude is dead too - but her legacy lives on through this mystery religion. Thanks for watching!

[@jurajgschwind7214]

This whole angel thing reminds me of Darklurker. And his one fire-portal attack pretty much looks like the dark-sign sun above Lothric. Add to this, that the Darklurker himself probably wasn't part of the Abyss, but stirred it up, causing trouble and leading to Grandahl sending you to kill him, so the Abyss may spread again.

[@PRuDislav]

well judging by the statues of primordial serpents with wings ... i would say these angels was the primordial serpents ... it even makes sense in a way of this Civil War as prince Lothric saw the linking of the flame as a curse and this angelic serpent could be all for the linking

[@takezokimura2571]

+Migi FS They would not create statues of heretics and place them in the Archives and castle. Also, you can consider the serpents as fallen angels. There are ten primordial serpents in the Dark Lord ending of DS1, we have Gwyndowlin too with the serpent legs. 11 serpents,11 fallen angels. And one who can still fly... Just kidding on the last part.

[@IllusiveDawn]

one thing you may want to look back at the Lothric/Lorian fight room, their are feathers all over the floor, closer to the far end where the boss started. You also have to remember that the kingdom of Lothric was obsessed with creating one strong enough to link the flame, and Gertrude's power may have been a promising path. Thus perhaps her faith was discredited to create an excuse to experiment on her and study her angelic power.

[@Nightheven123]

Pretty good video. Interesting findings on a different hard-to-notice elements of the environment that can give alot of different hits. Anyway, video was pretty good, but you still need to work on your text, you repeat yourself too much. Should make some notes or something like that.

[@jerrymartin2275]

Hopefully they'll touch more on the topic of angels in the two dlcs coming.

[@MrSupertman2010]

The color representations of both sides of knights only further bolsters your conflict assertion, with the winged being represented by blue and the lothric clad in red.

[@Nightmareblader]

+smoughtown ever noticed that statue the winged knight is circling on the high wall? It's Pontiff Sulyvahn, and though nothing states this, look at the sword it's wielding. It's the Profaned Greatsword, and who found this sword? Sulyvahn when he was still a 'young sorcerer'. Better yet, the sorcery Soul Stream states that this sorcery was imparted by the first scholar, when Lothric and the Grand Archives were but 'young'.

[@SmoughTown]

Funny you mention this - I do notice this today when I was getting more footage, I will need to have a think on it. Cheers for watching again!

[@Nightmareblader]

This is further backed by the amount of Outrider knights in the Lothric, Knights that served as mindless guards for Sulyvahn. Think about their locations, Voldt at the gate, the Dancer at the Cathedral of Blue, 1 outrider knight in the castle by the dragons, and 1 in the archives after the first wax pool. Pontiff Sulyvahn has a hidden connection to Lothric that no one has mentioned. The Way of Blue worship the moon deity. The same deity that Pontiff Sulyvahn overthrew and he even hails from the 'ancient city of old, moon worshipping nobles' as mentioned by Greirat. When I dug deeper, look at Pontiff Sulyvahn's robes, don't they resemble that of the scholars? It even looks like a mix of the scholar set and the court sorcerer set. One last thing, the bridge that broke off after Voldt's boss room seems to be heading in the direction of Irithyll. Irithyll's bridge is also missing a part. The word 'pontiff' means pope in the game, but it can also mean 'bridge-builder'.

[@Nightmareblader]

+SmoughTown please do, would like to see what you find.

[@Apexx27]

heres my take if you go to the hand maiden, you can sell her the plated rings of the knight, the hunter, the priestess and the scholars. the priestess and the scholars both sell for 1000 souls while the knights and hunters sell for 300 this is a massive difference in value and reminds me of when you give frampt the soul of smough he gives you 1 soul back because he dislikes smough that much on top of the fact that it says Gotthard fled the castle and there were two other black hands but we dont see them anywhere i think there might have been rebellion by the knights and the hunters in some fashion. which is why many sets of armor are empty and hold flagless poles. it might be a form of protest. maybe those winged knights are former lothric knights and maybe the other two black hands were assassinated and thats why Gotthard fled the city. i also find it strange that the winged knights will not fight the lothric knights if you bring them near each other you think they would right?

[@archieburczak1692]

+Apexx27 One black hand can be found in Lothric Castle, with a guy who has a greataxe, and a mage.

[@SmoughTown]

+archie burczak and gotthard is dead - it's his key to the grand archive we use and the body is dressed as a hunter

[@mikeheitz5813]

around 6:40 when you talk about the hunters, I feel like the hunters may have joined the religion. notice in the hunter armor how it states there were only three people known to wear it. then there happen to be three knights where the ring was dropped.

[@Ciaurrix]

KZbin deleted my comment -_- but I wanted to repost. The Winged Knights always wear blue tabards. There are regular knights and soldiers who also wear blue tabards/scarves. Most of these are found on the ramparts leading to the princes. One is also found outside the dancers room, looking down on red knight corpses. I believe the conflict in Lothric is broader than merely Winged Knights vs. Lothric order. I believe the Princes "defected" to the angelic faith, which is why there are feathers all over their boss room and why they refuse to link the fire. It is possible the primordial serpents are the angels, but which ones? Frampt or Kaathe? I believe Kaathe, as he does not want the fire linked.

[@SickoFromHell]

when you search next to the cage you see a reborn shooting spell at you, weirdly there is feather flickering out of those spells ! see it yourself !!!

[@SmoughTown]

Also the main part of the spell is shaped like the saints bident....a weapon used by Klimt the archdeacon who went to serve Rosaria!

[@algonz7781]

I think more of these questions will be answered in the dlc that's coming and more questions will arrive as well

[@amo1704]

Any news on when that'll come out?

[@HeadHunter-mv2ht]

+J. Doe according to what i have read the first one should come out this fall, possibly September.

[@amo1704]

***** nice, I hope they're worth. After all this is the last dark souls lol.

[@HeadHunter-mv2ht]

J. Doe Yeah i don't mind the wait as long as they are great DLC's for the last Dark Souls game.

[@fredmiles2098]

There is an interesting set of statues around Lothric castle and the archives depicting a primordial serpent with small wings in the place of its arms. Or maybe it is a serpent man, i am not sure. Maybe the angel is a primordial serpent ? When you consider that the voluntary seclusion of Prince Lothric is leading to a complete first flame fading, it makes sense to believe that some have interest in destroying him and to reach him, to destroy the three pillars of Lothric. A serpent like Frampt or Kaathe (or another one) could simply create a new religion to generate chaos and destroy Prince Lothric.

[@freddonico]

16:37 next the undead who rise. There is the sword made from greatwood.In the angelic Knight there is a lothric knight sword

[@zombiefriend]

Great video. This is some deep lore that I love about Dark Souls. My only problem is that It's hard to watch lore videos along with videos of just someone running around killing mobs. Maybe try to focus on what you're talking about visually as well more often?

[@the_flawless_gun9213]

your voice is so good to listen too keep it up

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tsueyes]

Very good lore video!

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks very much

[@junghaemin9751]

What do you think about how the feathers in the cage aren't just scattered but in the shape of a bird? (Two wings, a wide triangular tail, with a narrow "head")

[@delloda]

Great vid and keep up the good work! You didn't mention the lone man grub that is under Gertrude's cage. I believe this must be a strong lore indicator that Rosalia's covenant is directly tied to the angelic cult somehow. Could it be that the man grubs are the larval stage of the winged knights? Meaning that the rebirth is a butterfly-like lifecycle which transforms man to mangrub then to winged knight?

[@takezokimura2571]

+delloda The scholars experimented on many things, the man grub could be one of them. If you try to be "reborn" a 6th time in Rosaria´s covenant a message pops p saying: ""Further rebirth is not possible during this lifetime. Persisting will transform you into a grub." Pretty much a confirmation that the man grubs tried to be reborn too many times.

[@delloda]

+Takezo Kimura the grubs being an aftermath of being reborn to many times makes sense, however I still believe the lone mangrub hiding under the cage can't be simply an experiment. He is too out of place...i'll keep searching!

[@takezokimura2571]

delloda I managed to find some info on the wiki(I know it can be edited but bear with me). It states that if you try a 6th time a message appears saying: "Further rebirth is not possible during this lifetime. Persisting will transform you into a grub" If that´s true then it is a definitive proof.

[@delloda]

+Takezo Kimura Yes, i agreed with you already with that point. :) It's the lone mangrub being just an experiment by the scholars in the grand archive that I'm skeptical about. As Smougtown mentions, most enemies and items are placed with lore reasons.

[@dreamscribe2920]

Going to back track a bit. We know that Gwyn is the father of miracles through the first flame, and his power was represented as the sun. Now I know that looking at the sun directly in real life will make you blind (no duh). Does this apply to the first flame as well. IF these "angels" showed her visions of the first flame, would that mean she would be able to give birth to new miracles seeing it herself. Also we know the cycle will repeat onto itself into history, in that the scholars would be the incarnations of Seath and his crystals for immortality. Then like Gwyn giving Seath his library to study. The women that Seath captured and experimented on is now repeating again with Gertrude in this case.

[@dreamscribe2920]

+DreamScribe Seeing the first flame made her blind. Would that also me that the "Angels" took her tongue just as Anastacia of Astora so she may not speak of the gods. Now I dont know if Gertrude of a firekeeper or not, i dont really care, but I do know that back in DS1 we used talismans to call miracles. Also we had to ring the bells of awakening to reach Anor Londo, the Kingdom of the Sun. Only in DS2 did we start using bells to summon miracles. The Crystal Chime, defiled the miracles with sorcery. Again, it's like watch Seath and Gwyn all over again.

[@difabricius]

check the dragonslayer' armor bonfire, there are few angelic statues there

[@Razor1Name]

A couple of things first. 1. The description of Bountiful Light: "Miracle taught to knights by Gertrude, holy maiden to the Queen. Gradually restores a large amount of HP. The Heavenly Daughter is said to be the Queen's child." 2. The description of the Sun Princess Ring: "Ring associated with Gwynevere, princess of sunlight and eldest daughter of Gwyn, the First Lord. The ring is vaguely warm, like a beam of sunlight, and gradually restores HP. Gwynevere left her home with a great many other deities, and became a wife and mother, raising several heavenly children." 3. It is known that the Queen of Lothric is Gwynevere. 4. The existence of the winged Primordial Serpent statues. 5. This is a guess, but I think Gertrude indeed had wings, as it makes everything fit into place. 6. Description of the Cinders of a Lord, Lothric. "The Lothric bloodline was obsessed with creating a worthy heir, and when this proved impossible, resorted to unspeakable means. Suffice it to say, the path to linking the fire is a cursed one indeed." 7. There are feathers scattered throughout the room you fight Lothric in, the most being near the bed. 8. The description of Dark Edge. "A forbidden dark sorcery. Strikes with blade formed of humanity's darkness. Passed from mother to daughter, this blade was intended for both protection and as a means of taking one's own life. The young girl never swung it more than once." If this is what Myazaki indeed intended, he did make me slightly repulsed.

[@monte6777]

wait, how was it known that the Queen of Lothric was Gwynevyre?

[@Razor1Name]

If you are not living under a rock. Dark Souls 3 Divine Blessing Description: "Holy water blessed by the Queen of Lothric. Fully restores HP and cures ailments. The Queen of Lothric, married to the former King Oceiros, was initially revered as a goddess of fertility and bounty. After giving birth to Ocelotte, her youngest, she quietly disappeared." Dark Souls 1 Divine Blessing Description: "Holy Water from the Goddess Gwynevere. Fully restore HP and undo irregularities. The Goddess of Sunlight, Gwynevere, daughter of the great Lord of Sunlight Gwyn, is cherished by all as a symbol of bounty and fertility."

[@victim109]

+Dojigiri so perhaps we can infer that in order to create the worthy heir the pillars of Lothric experimented on and used Gwynevere and Gertrude until Gwynevere went off to be the mother of rebirth and Gertrude killed herself. prepare to cry indeed :(

[@monte6777]

Dojigiri Holy shit, calm down lmao. You could as easily infer that the queen of Lothric was a child of Gwynevyre, considering how she is said to have many heavenly children, allowing for the queen to inherit her power of miracles. Since Gwynevyre is also said to have married the flame god, Flann, then that would also make sense for prince Lorian as he uses fire on his greatsword. (Although it is also said he fought demons which could mean he had the fire of izalith) I do understand that the divine blessing states that they both were revered as goddessses of bounty and fertility, but Gwynevyre could have also given that status to her daughter. If the Queen was Gwynevyre, then that means she would have been married to Flann and Oceiros.

[@Razor1Name]

Angry Bee I don't think saying things without proof is good. There is not a single statement that says that Gwynevere even COULD have passed down her previous title, which her people named. She was known for it, not a title she actually had, so your whole point is kinda null. Ah, and saying she was married to Flann... perhaps he died? Has that crossed your mind? Or Flann is another name for Oceiros, but who knows. Not everything is complicated. I know you want to be someone by making theories, but what I presented are factsbased on the lore, word by word, not any single mumbo jumbo. I just equaled an ecuation, that is all. Also, this is the way the Dark Souls lore is presented, by replacing things you already know with people or places you know the lore about. But things always have to be more complicated than it should... siiiiiiiiiiiigh.

[@swans184]

The real mystery: why are the Winged Knights so fat??

[@TKUltra971]

+Connor Swanson its probably just the armor, remember that smough from DS 1 was actually a rather muscular man just in fat man armor.

[@imasiontist653]

+crazybongo5 it's the armour. you can get an armour set that matched theirs and it's really big, like smoughs.