Dark Souls 3 Lore | The Making of the Goddess of Sin

[@nanubot1342]

Now the summoned Painting Guardians in the boss fight makes sense.

[@TheAshenHollow]

Can't believe I forgot to put that in my script! I see now it staring back up at me, the only crudely not scratched out thing on my talking point list. . . Thank you though, friend! Consider your comment pinned! =D

[@nanubot1342]

Just put a note in the video, buddy. And thanks for the video!

[@aidanfilby8824]

Nanubot they're church guardians. and so much more annoying, especially in SL1

[@MalakiaLaGattaNera]

Never stop making videos about Velka. N E V E R

[@elfboiezu2192]

*except when he tries to pitch her being a chaos witch

[@kalvinchester4068]

In king David's story, you forgot that their first child was taken to Heaven, as punishment for sending her first husband to his death. Much like Fillianor, eternally sleeping.

[@xX1Mankrik3Xx]

Devin Vaughn you mean died of sickness. The child wasn't raptured.

[@Rexhunterj]

Fillianor is also trapped in the Ringed City at the edge of time, even as the world crumbles into dunes of ash. Very metaphoric for 'ascending' or 'leaving' Velka would never find Fillianore there, no one but a select few knew of the city, Gwyn was just that terrified of the Pygmies.

[@SEMIA123]

I guess this is the last time I'll be able to remind you that velka isn't real, you will never cuddle her and she will never write you cute notes and leave them hidden places for you to find. It's ok though because she's a top tier waifu

[@deejplayz4196]

I wish they made her more relevant to the series. Maybe a dlc? Or a boss fight? Get more Descriptions from Her. Hell she could be a NPC who you can talk and learn about her. But that's only my opinion, the souls series will always have a special place in my undead heart. Love your vids by the way, keep up the good work!

[@AriadneTheMalkavian]

maybe they have but we just haven't figured it out yet.

[@LawrenceKassab]

It's kind of a double edged sword, more info is good but not always. She is probably the least known about and yet the most talked about and loved by the fans. How moxh love would should she be she was just like Qwyn. he is cool, but not really in game, the boss battle was a let down. That's not hot I want to remember Velka. Just my opinion

[@zigtar157]

I think this theory definitely works with your previous one that Velka was the furtive pygmy. If Fillianore was the union of god and man, and the gods feared the dark soul of man, what better place to send her than the Ringed City, a place built by the gods to contain the pygmies and their dark soul?

[@mechamahou8467]

But he also said Velka is a daughter of chaos lmfao. Velka is whoever he needs her to be

[@billedbonsai3462]

Maybe the picture at the sides of the statue represents the moment when the pigmy lords (the man in the frame) were given Filianore (the egg). They seem to be holding the egg towards the statue as if they were thanking it (which makes sense if we think Velka to be Filanore's mother). For the other characters in the picture (two goats and a lion) I think they might represent Lord Gwyn's enemies, with the goat representing the demons ( in Christian mythology the devil is ofter represented as a goat and devil/demons...well you get the idea). The lion is trickier to identify, but I think it might symbolize the dragons, then you may ask...then why didn't they put a dragon there? Well...I know it is kind of a forced solution but I think they chose the lion in order to make you think about the dragons representing a certain famous dragonslayer. Sorry for the 25 parchment scrolls long comment, I hope you'll read it all. Jeep up the great job, you're my favourite dark souls lore creator.

[@StickInTheMuds]

Very cool theory man. It's amazing how you come up with new material on topics that I thought were put to rest a while ago. Hope to see more lore vids soon!

[@BrahmaBull96]

Love the video. I never really thought much of Velka until I started watching your videos, but you've certainly gotten me very interested in her. I may not have necessarily agreed with your past theories on her, but I always thought they were cool and loved all the info you gave to back them up. I think this theory is the most plausible one you've come up with, and I think I agree with it. The whole thing with Filianore makes a lot of sense, especially considering Velka pretty much seems to side with humans.

[@TrueDarkSparda]

I come from three years later, but I'm gonna let everyone know that he hasn't stopped simping for Bella.

[@SaganTheKhajiit]

Mostly ravens have a bigger wingspan relative to their size than crows do and, the easiest way to know which one is it, they also tend to have longer and thicker beaks.

[@ruhanstrydom6579]

So if we work with the assumption that the statue in the church is Velka. Then in front of it you find a fire keeper soul. The chosen undead is shepherded to Lordran by a giant crow/raven and dropped off at Firelink shrine. Does Velka then have some significance with the fire keepers?

[@MizanQistina]

It is a sacrifice, human sacrifice...as you can see the body is on an altar in front of the statue...human are slave to these alien reptilian shapeshifters...look at Gwyndolin, he/she have snake legs...

[@imrighturwrong3629]

Ruhan Strydom yes but wasnt her daughter fillianor something to do with forekeepers as well? I thought people said how she was supposedly the "first firekeeper"

[@aidanfilby8824]

Nizaris1 what is it with you and alien reptiles killing us all????

[@MizanQistina]

Well, that's the theme, the Gods and Goddesses in Dark Souls are reptilians, yes they dragons in which also reptilians but that's all about power struggle. As we can see Sen's Fortress also full of humanoid snakes, they guarded the fortress. It is the only way to reach the city of Gods. We also see three reptilians there in Anor Londo...Gwyndolin, Priscilla and Seathe, in the city of Gods. In the new church, that is the church we ring the bell, we see a dead human on the altar, it is a human sacrifice to these Gods.

[@l8on8or164]

I've stayed skeptical for a long time about Velka... But when you connected the painting guardian and morian blade... 💥 Your attention to detail is astounding, man

[@TheAshenHollow]

😁

[@unhinged135]

The last last last video on Velka

[@NapoleChan]

The Ashen Hollow has a secret he wants nobody to know. Back in the day he use to make lore videos not for Dark Souls but for adult pornographic movies. At that time he used a different channel name called "The Passion Swallow". Never let him forget his past, they were good lore videos. My favorite one was when he proved Debby Does Dallas was set in the Bangkok Babes universe.

[@skifeverdude41]

this should be a meme at this point

[@BraidzMC]

I was playing through DS3 last night and noticed something I hadn't before - From the undead settlement you can see a building to the bottom right near the Cathedral. Seems to be some cut content, because it clicked to me that this is maybe where the stairs on the right lead after the big blue doors that lead to the loot drops (with the saints trident) behind the Giant. The more I play, the more I see these cut routes... And since I played the beta back when the overworld was that dusty tone and there was things circling Lothric castle.... The more I think DS3 was originally an overlapping world like Souls 1. I wonder what made them change it in those last few months.

[@Wildsdrom]

Could NOT have picked a better ending!

[@heiroffire7802]

Awesome connections, Jake. I've never quite been able to square why Velka would align herself with the dark, when she herself is a god, but this theory ties it up perfectly. Perhaps all this time, Velka wasn't seeking justice, but revenge. She wasn't entirely consumed by it, however, because she still had the forethought to set the stage for a new world for to be painted, a place of refuge for all those scorned by Gwyn and the Age of Fire.

[@thechristopherous789]

Actually I feel like the painting guardians where put there before she became the goddess of sin. If you look at everything related to the goddess of sin its always dark and black such as the Sisters or Oswald. But looking at Filianore she is clothed in white. This might seem a bit stereotypical but I feel like Velka was probably just as "pure and white" as the other gods but after she became the goddess of sin she turned emo which is kinda understandable if you believe what this video says. Just my thoughts on it. :3

[@joshuakightley1914]

Just a thought regarding the painting, which might explain a certain element in the ringed city. Did you not notice the lion? That’s pretty significant considering the characters that could relate to…

[@frond753]

Love the theory Jake but I do have one question. In my understanding the First Sin was related to Gwyn's linking of the flame. I've always thought that the first sin must be related to Velka in some important way (it seems too much of a coincidence for a grand event known as the First Sin and the goddess of sin to be unrelated). This theory seems to lack an explanation on why Velka would be known as a goddess of sin. If the event that caused her to become a God was the taking of her child and husband would she not more likely to become a goddess akin to Caitha who mourns "the undeserving dead" and "those who have lost loved ones". So in this theory I follow why she would be the mother of the forlorn, I follow why she would oppose Gwyn, I even think you make a compelling argument as to why Ariamis is linked to her. But how/why would she be elevated to be the Godess of Sin when filianore was given away long before the FIRST sin took place. If I wanted to be flippant I guess I could boil down my question as to "how could she be the goddess of sin when sin hadn't been invented yet" =p

[@TheAshenHollow]

I don't believe the linking of the flame was the First Sin. There were other very consequential sins before the linking of the First Flame. The attempt at recreating the First Flame which killed many and birthed demons. Gwyn placing the Darksign upon the human's weapons and armor, the same that would go on to brand the undead. Or heck even giving his daughter away could be a sin that was committed before the linking of the Fire. Velka becoming a force for punishing sinners instead of mourning like Caitha, could come from her desire for her and her children to be fierce, like I mentioned about her daughters being proficient swordswomen. So instead of continuing to feel sorry for herself, so took action instead. That's the kind of person I believe she is, which is why her moniker fits perfectly. I mean Gwyn giving away Fillianore, was basically the end of her life in a way. A hostage to spend her life unconscious. Velka just went Frank Castle on they asses! ;)

[@azulHYDproductions]

I also think that the statue in the Cathedral of the Deep (the woman that was covered by the altar for the deacons) is Velka. This is also supported by the dialogue by Gael that he says while praying to this statue, when you first find him: Ahh, merciful goddess, mother of the Forlorn, who have no place to call their own... Please, bear witness to our resolve... Fire for Ariandel... Fire for Ariandel... And the ash to kindle flame...

[@mad127the]

If we consider whole "chosen undead gets released from Asylum" in Dark Souls 1, as Velka's doing (because of the giant bird, the doll in your cell, etc.), and thus, whole Dark Souls 1 being her plan... She lost her daughter to Pygmies, because of Gwyn - maybe it was her plan all along. To destroy the seal of fire, so her daughter can be free? Not because of some love for sinful humans (who did nothing wrong), or because she wanted Age of Fire to end, and Age of Man/Dark to start, or even because of her beef with Gwyn, but because she wanted her daughter free? The theory about sisters being swordsmen and such - really nice. I'd add to this one thing though: Londor might be related in some way to Pardoners, as their book "Londor Braille Divine Tome" says "This is a forbidden tome, as it OFFERS SALVATION TO ALL Hollows, and conversely curses all things living." Great video.

[@jokesontojo]

So, the three Sisters of the sable church that want to bring the age of dark. Was this Velkas mission all along to snuff the flame?

[@Rexhunterj]

I mean... Gwyn loved one thing more than even himself... The Age of Fire. His entire legacy was the attempt to perpetuate that age, forever, even if it meant consigning all of humanity to a cursed existence, even if it meant his children would not have a father. What better way than to get back at Gwyn than to snuff the flame he threw himself on thousands of years ago in a desperate bid to save it?

[@TheMorbidHobo]

Well, I haven't seen your apparently numerous Velka videos, so I'm not disappointed.

[@thelastinvoker6311]

Somebody: wants to decorate something with birds Velka: you piece of s*** don't you dare use any birds. That's my thing, you can't have any of it

[@cuffstruco1095]

in the stone carving next to the statue at the top doesn't that look like transposed kiln?

[@COlegocustoms85]

Plus even the placement of the Painting makes more sense if you take this theory into account. With Anor Londo being the home of the Gods, and Velka marrying Gwyn at some point, it would make sense for Velka to bring a painting painted by her deceased husband with her when she moved to be with Gwyn. It's a way for her to honor and respect her fallen husband and hold onto the memory of the one she loved

[@SixthAllicard]

Why would fillinore be holding A sword? I'm pretty sure the church that the statue resides in is The Nameless King's but has long since been abandoned

[@ultimatespinach714]

Lets also not forget that a painting guardian will come to defend Fillionora in the High-light boss battle before entering her tower. The only time we encounter a painting guardian in the entirety of dark souls 3, protecting fillionora much like the painting guardians that protected the painted world in dark souls 1. Just further evidence to support the fact that fillionora may be in fact the daughter of Velka and Gwyn.

[@adrianchua835]

I would like to point out that the Nameless King's Storm Drake is bird like in nature, with it's dark feathers and beak. In reference to Velka as the Nameless king's mother because she is associated with ravens. That could also be a reason why the Nameless King has a deep connection with his storm drake in remembrance of his mother. Just a possibility.

[@Nodiee1]

I tend to believe that Velka was the mother of all of Gwyn's children and the differences in features between each child is just based on them taking after their mother or father more. As far as I can remember there is never any mention of Gwyn having a wife which led me to believe she might have been stripped from the annals like her son for daring to go against Gwyn's desire to extend the fire unnaturally, instead supporting the rise of the age of dark. I also think she was one of the Daughters of Chaos. If I remember right she's actually described as a black haired witch adept at old and new magic in one or two item descriptions. I have a theory that Gwyndolin is all snaky because he was conceived after Velka was exposed to the Chaos Flame causing some sort of mutation in her. Perhaps seeing the effects of the Chaos Flame could be what led her to support the coming age of dark. As a somewhat related aside I've wondered for a while if Ceaseless Discharge could be flame god Flann. I'm not sure if the timeline works out there with Gwynevere leaving Anor Londo to marry him.

[@Archontasil]

I think velka is (one of) gwyn' wife. Seath in his search for immortality tried the mortal way of immortality, having an heir, making sure your genes survive. So he kidnapped many maidens and turn them into reptile thing (snake = imperfect dragon) to be injected of his genes. But he failed, because human body could not suvive the transformation. So he set his eyes on female gods. Velka. She let her gaping dragon poked by seath's crystal halberd. And gwyndolin was born (gwyndolin and seath connection: moon, pale white skin, snake and dragon, moon butterfly and gwyndolin theme) Gwyn was suspicious, but eh whatever.. Then once again velka and seath mate, then pris was born. Gwyn having none of it, he banished velka, her followers and pris to the painted world. Ages past in the painted world, pris forgot her own name, and grew to became more draconian in looks. Then world converges, the painted room collapses, pris was thrown out of her painted world. Confused and clueless, she was found by gwyndolin, he recognize her as her long lost sister. Then he gave her a new name. Yorshka When gwyndolin is being eaten alive by aldrich, his mind of course wanders to the thing he lived most, his sister yorshka/pris

[@kalvinchester4068]

Archontasius There's a small problem with that. Fillianor is the youngest daughter of Gwyn, and she has black hair and more of a resemblance to Velka. If she WAS banished to the painting, then Fillianor wouldn't have been born

[@Abyzz_Knight]

Devin Vaughn. This video made me think Filianore has a connection to favor and stamina regen so what if Velka is a close relative to Fina so Filianore is associated with these things because she is related to Fina. (niece of Fina perhaps?) Filianore is not associated with anything related to velka because Velka became associated with dark

[@aidanfilby8824]

Devin Vaughn different mother? Gwyn may have had many wives

[@NapoleChan]

Well three out of every forlorn goddesses agree with your thoughts.

[@shadowdragon457]

Archontasius, well that does have merit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Pris the daughter of Gwynevere and Seath? And more or less, the term "sister" and "brother" might be terms of endearment or comradeship as they are both Blades of The DarkMoon. My theory is, Pris being an abomination fled The Duke's Archives with her favorite doll and stumbled upon the painting. Upon being sucked into the painting, Velka noticed her anguish and took her under her wing. To protect her from Seath's wrath, she posted guards with armor crafted against Seath's weapon: Sorcery. Then Velka left the painting started the church and the rest is history while Pris took over the painting and protected those that are forlorn such as herself.

[@lanre8311]

Not sure about the goats maybe primordial serpents? But as for the lion it could well be a representation of Ornstein? So maybe it's just further confirmation that it is Gwen holding the egg?

[@kingdomcome3914]

There is another person with possible ties to Velka, and it's not one anyone expects. And who is that person? It's Raime, Aka the Fume Knight. His conflict with Veldstat and Vendrick about Nashandra makes a parallel to Velka's tale. His shield, the Rebel Greatshield points to him having a crow on it, which is a symbol of Velka. It seems both Velka and Raime ascended from their original positions through dark means. Velka likely dealt in sin using Reprisals which are dropped from Corvid Demons, and Raime gained dark flames, likely chaos, from a child of Dark, Nadalia. Both became the way they were through betrayal and possible banishment from those close to them.

[@All9LivesLeft]

The mural was surely designed to record Gwyn giving Filianore up as an "offering". Goats were used as offerings to wipe away sins in the old testament of the bible. The lion could represent Gwyn himself as he was the father. Of course it could mean something deeper than that.

[@Ins4n1ty_]

Wait, the thing you said about Ariamis' name meaning... Where did you get that from? What language are you comparing that to?

[@TheAshenHollow]

Ebonics.

[@x.arybdis502]

Hey ashen hollow I found a theory in reddit about Velka. The theory is that velka is the statue in the undead settlement. That she was in undead settlement curing the curses there but one day from absorving so many curses she became a statue(just like what happens in ds2 when we are petrified). And after that the cursed ones this time found a tree to give their curses which became the curse rotten greatwood.

[@sevthesavage8832]

3 years later and I still find my way back into your videos. I don't think Velka is the most loved because of her obscurity, though. I think it's because she's the most relatable. We've all been betrayed or guilty at some point in our lives.

[@RidingRagnorok]

I just noticed yuria has feathers on her outfit and got all giddy!!!

[@99Knytes]

Hmmm, you asked for opinions on the mural; the lion, the human with an orb/container, the goat, and the stag; both of which are holding wheat/olive branches. It's possible that they are representations of the western zodiac; Leo (the lion), Aries (the ram), Capricorn (the mountain sea-goat), and Aquarius (the water-bearer)(or maybe Virgo, the maiden). Also possible that they are references to the bearers of the Lord souls...or to the children of Gwyn.

[@MegaBusterDude]

Would have liked if from dwelled more into the gods and goddesses, other than lordran and its repeating cycles. Then again DS3 was essentially Miyazaki's sequel to DS. Rather than 2. Maybe in the future we will get God Souls, or Deity Souls

[@Notsoshady4891]

Corvus is the Latin word for raven, also the genus of crows, ravens and rooks. There is no consistent distinctions between crows and ravens. My point being that a artists concept of a raven or a crow isn't really something that would be identifiable.

[@hopper1004]

maybe Velka's original lover was a pygmy lord which could draw some more similarities to that David story since the Pygmies fought for Gwyn in the war with the dragons and Bathsheba's husband fought for David who knows maybe her original husband could've been Manus himself

[@Allcozeltser]

Thanks for your vids! Always enjoy Velka theories. What do you think about her in regards of bastard children? I mean Yorshka, Priscilla, and Gwyndolin. Especially about Gwyndolin: I got a feeling that he is Velka's son, but.. not Gwyn's, and Gwyn knew that perfectly.

[@dianabarnett6886]

It probably would have been quite the scandal if it got out that the king's wife was riding the paledrake on the side.

[@jordancowdery8918]

The carving is related is related to a few things to start the polars in the background most likely represent the arch trees, the two goats could be to do with the day of atonement, the crossing snake like pattern relates to alchemy and the caduceus symbolising balance and opposites. An ouroboros is found at the top a snake biting it’s own tail symbolising infinity and time. No idea about the lion as it can symbolise a number of things but in alchemy a green lion consuming the sun mean the half way point to the great work which is seen in ds1. Ornstein being the lion and smough being consumption and we find that the light is fading. If you want to know anything else just message there is a lot more I think I have figured out but no one responds to me. The joys of messaging to old videos.

[@stefvanroey8191]

On the mural: it is an offering of an egg, farm animals, wheats and what seems to be a kneeling lion. I always assumed that these were murals in honour of gwynevere the fertility goddess, and that she was the child being held in the statue. My theory is that the statue signifies the children of gwyn held by their mother. Earlier in the parish, there is another such statue at the shrine of the firstborn. This means that the children of gwyn were worshipped here, probably after his linking of the flame (i beliebe kaathes words were "lord gwyn linked the flame, and commanded his children to sheppard the humans). It would make sense given the parish contains the shrines of the firstborn and gwynevere. On top of that, the old church in which andre is located might be the shrine to gwyn, or the old way of worship before he linked the flame and left his kids in charge.

[@carterwalters5915]

Gywn is the old dude, nameless king is the lion, gwynevere and gwyndoline are the goat deer?

[@MauricioAlsinaLee]

About the picture: If we suppose that the man in the picture is Gwin, we can easily associate the image of the goats as the Silver and Black knights ('cause of the antlers), the lion with Ornstein, the dragonslayer, and, as you point out, the egg to Filianore. Thus, many things in the Ringed City make some, but little, sense: Judicators summoning Knights and the presence of the Dragonslayer armor. I have no evidence, it's what it thought when I saw the picture.

[@TheAshenHollow]

A good analysis! =]

[@SchizoLingvo]

Regarding the mural: it seems to reinforce the fact that she was one of the witches of Izalith. Goats (and horns in general) are usually associated with demons, so it seems that they are bowing to her (maybe because she is their "mother" as well).

[@SchizoLingvo]

Also there's a lion down there. The Sunctuary Guardian (first boss of AotA) is a cross between some sort of a goat and a lion.

[@Lemmy_Kilturtle]

I agree that goats are associated with demons, but they're not bowing as much as they're offering op something. (The wheats or whatever in their mouths) If this should reinforce that she was one of the witches of izalith, why is there a lion? Why is there a man offering up an egg? This is stretching more than anything. And the Sanctuary Guardian is a Manticore, a well-known fantasy creature hundreds of years old.

[@Ryan-fh9fh]

My personal opinions: Velka is Gwyn's wife and mother of the nameless king, gwynever, and Filanore with him. The three sisters of londor church are her daughters with a different father. Gwyndolin and Yorksha are Gwyn's children from different mothers.

[@wecros3249]

Great video!

[@TheAshenHollow]

[@perryshearer3059]

wow paintin guardians i luv it ... also i think all this still works with velka bein the witch izalith

[@valormyth]

I wonder if filianore is the mother to the child In ariandel, since she doesn't die, not does she hollow. This would make sense as to why she is in velkas "world" and is not a forlorn subject.

[@roberteppich5671]

The first mural kind of reminds me of a younger Gwyn in the ringed city presenting the egg *and assumably Fillianore* to the Pygmies, the two goats could be representations of two silver knights traveling with Gwyn along with the lion reminding me/representing Ornstein, these murals could represent the events you mention between Gwyn and Velka, or maybe I'm just stoned to the gills who the fuck knows haha😀

[@oldschoolninja1003]

Hey Jake! I'm pretty sure a Raven is just a really large crow. Velka is our Dark Souls WAIFU!!!! lol

[@huxideYT]

3:35 actually, her name in hebrew (which was the original language the book was written in) is בת שבע, which is read as "bat shevah" and literally means "seven years old" i know that in the english version it's written as "bathsheba" but it's simply an error

[@Lemmy_Kilturtle]

The more you know about fucked up bible shit! Thanks for the clarification

[@Haechpee]

Gwyn gave his daugther filianore too Velka the first Pygmy in the ringed city.

[@Overmomo111]

Yo, to that mural. 1. Lions are associated with royalty and the Sun and stags ( i thinks its stags and Not goats) are associated with the moon. So maybe its a Referenz to the other children of gwyn

[@CK-et5do]

one of the animals in the mural is a stag, so stag goat lion from top to bottom

[@oghaze9318]

One thing I noticed is the number '7' has significant value in Christianity as it can refer to the 7 deadly sins. Velka's 7 sins would've been to create the Chaos flame and split it among her children and her being the 7th witch could be seen as her being the 7th embodiment of sin, which is pride. In her case, pride led her to going against nature and attempting to create her own flame, and it resulted in her home becoming a land of fire and demons. As a means of redemption she seeks to punish those consumed by pride. I wanted to deny your theory so bad but in the end your evidence made clear sense

[@thegerbilking972]

I know I’m late to the video, but I think the mural represents his kids. A goat can represent the reproductive powers of the sun and a lion can represent majesty, strength, courage, justice, and military might. Either the lion is representing Gwyn or it could be representing the first born. But I think the 2 goats and lion represent the kids he has or already had with someone else and the egg could represent his hope and purity as it also means fertility and circle of life. So either Gwyn had 3 kids with someone else and is passing the egg to Velka to have Filianore or it’s Velka’s fourth kid while she was a goddess of fertility before gwynevere took over that role and make Velka the goddess of sin. Now wheat can represent fertility, bounty, and resurrection, so I think the 6 circles on the bottom can represent the 6 kids that Gwyn has/wants in total as his “bounty”. This could also be seen as wheat circling 6 eggs. Let me know what you think

[@franciosdauteuil4626]

5:00 counter claim, what if you were actually on to something but took it the wrong way. I believe velka was a goddess married to the blacksmith deity. The blacksmith deity has a strange connection to demon titanite and the demon race and I believe that originally she and the deity served Gwyn but after Gwyn turned on the deity in ashlake in order to claim velka for himself she eventually found out the truth and became the rogue deity that we know of today in dark souls.

[@Bhubnipz]

Man leave that HawkShaw nonsense out of here, that shit is straight up fanfiction

[@Michael-bx8up]

With the Statue holding a sword, it's possible it could still be related to the First Born indirectly. It could be possible that Velka was desiring protection for Filianore via the Warriors of Sunlight as the First Born always kept watch over his covenant. With all of the shit that piled on her throughout her life, it's possible she wanted this one last thing to be protected. Not really a souls theorist, just a thought I had as I watched the video.

[@likesseasaltice]

The mural: I think the Animals hint at the mothers. Man=gwyn Egg = child of gwyn and a bird. Filianor, Velka and Gwyns daughter. Two goats = siblings, gwynyvere and gwyndolin. Goats Represent Fertility, Health. Who has the soul of life? The witch of Izalith. Lion = gywns first born. Represents Sun, Royalty... I don't know who could be his mother, but it seems his mother is different than the others, because he is not depicted as a goat.

[@AzraelDA01]

In dark souls 2, scholar of the first sin it is revealed that "the first sin" was gywn defying the natural order of things to keep the first flame burning. he did this by cursing humanity with the undead curse, which forced them to offer up humanity (their shard of the original Dark Soul) to the bonfires. if that was the first sin it makes sense that Velka took on the title of Goddess of Sin as a result of gwyns action. that would explain her hatred of gwyn and her affinity for the dark. Londor is a place where hollows can achieve absolution for their sins and where they can find shelter from the gods. there are some interesting connections between the ringed city and londor. both are cities of Hollows and the dark. the purging monument has the exact same purpose as the shrine of velka. the sword that is used in the marriage with anri can be seen on towers in the ringed city (the weapon occurs 8 times in the top layer of the tower, but that is a long shot). the painted worlds have always been shelters for the unwanted and the forlorn, so maybe londor is a painting? elfriede resides in a painted world, guarding the entrance to the ringed city. another possible connecting is ofcourse the crows in both paintings, not to mention the fact that both priscilla and elfriede wield scythes. is it possible that Velka is the mother of priscilla and that seath is the father? her location in the painted world along with all the items there seems to suggest this. the painting guardians still make sense in this scenario, although in a different context. the only magic user in anor londo is gwyndolin, but seath resides in the archives. what if the guardians are tasked with keeping seath and gwyndolin out of the painting to protect priscilla? I know that this is all a bit incoherent, but I hope that you can figure it out.

[@Irhak69]

Wait, wait... wasn't Velka somewhere Furtive Pygmy, Witch of Izalith and Gwyn's wife and Mother to not only Daughters of Chaos but also Gwyn's children? o.O

[@TheAshenHollow]

You just made me put my palm through my entire face.

[@dianabarnett6886]

Personal thoughts on Velka: most likely a daughter of the Witch of Izalith, given her description, and it seems plausible that she was the wife of Gwyn. Perhaps it was an arranged marriage to cement the alliance of the Irithyllians and the Izalithians? Whatever the case, I'm guessing it was pretty strained from the start, given that her first son ended up exiled for defending the dragons and her first daughter was made the sleeping firekeeper for the pygmies. So she ended up bitter and unfaithful, riding the paledrake and producing some kids out of wedlock that Gwyn either locked away or took as his own (but raised wrong as a joke). So when Gwyn went and immolated himself, Velka, having had quite enough of his shit, remade herself as the Goddess of Sin and made it her mission in life to ruin this Age of Fire business, allying herself with the primordial serpent Kaathe and nudging the Chosen Undead towards snuffing out that First Flame. That plan clearly backfired, but Velka was a patient woman, and eventually helped to found the Sable Church of Londor with a trio of new daughters. Beyond that, it all hinged on what a certain Unknindled One chose to do with the world...

[@tylerh2548]

you left out the best part of the David story: he ordered his generals to put the husband in the front line...then pull the rest of the soldiers BACK before the two armies met, so the dude was just royally fucked by his king.

[@habitsrabbit]

i have been binge watching lore videos to learn a bit more about my favorite game series (playing since 2013) and Everytime i learn something new about the story. it amazes me that Hidetaka Miyazaki made such an amazing and beautiful game. like the visuals are breathtaking, the whole game is a challenge and the story is deep and amazing. i can't wait to see what else miyazaki will make. hopefully it's on Xbox lol

[@twistedvtuber9894]

RIP, you can't play bloodborne

[@Pardan]

In general, ravens are larger than crows...but given that everything godlike in the Souls series is supersized, that distinction goes out the window...

[@franciosdauteuil4626]

Me watching this before sleeping after watching new video: Well that was a dam lie

[@DoctorDex]

Well you've absolutely convinced me that Velka is Filianore's mother. It just fits perfectly. That still begs the question, who was Gwyn's wife? As in the mother of the other children. There's no sign of her anywhere. No broken statues or lore tidbits like with the first born. So what did she do to be erased from history? Could she have had an affaire with Seath? It would makes sense if she was the mother of the crossbreeds. Hear me out on this one. She has two children with Seath and hides them from Gwyn, because he might kill them. Velka would be glad to stow away the children after what Gwyn did to Filianore. In time Gwyn finds out about his wife's deceit and kills her. None may speak of her again. This sets a few things in motion. Gwynevere leaves Anor Londo after losing her mother. Seath is heartbroken and becomes obsessed with finding another woman. Gwyn is left with a dying kingdom and his least favorite child, not even fit to be his son. Perhaps the illusion over Anor Londo was made by Gwyndolin to lift his father's spirits. Though it wasn't enough and in the end Gwyn decides to make the ultimate sacrifice. Gwyndolin and his half-siblings are the only ones left when we first arrive in Anor Londo. This is kind of a story I've been piecing together for myself. It's like a great greek tragedy. I've always adored Greek mythology, so the Pantheon of Dark Souls gods fascinates me.

[@halcyon62277]

I love these theories. But I have one question for you Jake. Do you think the developers or Miyazaki spent THIS much effort leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for us to find regarding Velka? Or could it just be your reading too hard into It? Don't get me wrong, I'd love for you to be right on all of this

[@TheAshenHollow]

I'd say there is probably a perfectly even chance for either of those! =)

[@halcyon62277]

The Ashen Hollow ... well, which ever one it is, I hope you keep making dark souls related vids. I love em.

[@heyllo1337]

possession of a hooked beak is 9/10ths of a raven

[@itlos3704]

before the fog of the 4 kings fight theres 2 statues of a mother and his child. just saying it might be velka

[@albertocarlosjunior]

Very good, very good indeed.

[@MrDaredevil96]

THE END OF AN ERA

[@terrorswrath6806]

This doesnt explain how Lords Blade Carian, is Velkas daughter...

[@austensantana2488]

I believe he sends ariamis to the abyss where he becomes manus.

[@Graff-z4x]

Love it! Sooo Gwyndolin definitely appears to have white hair. Even in the concept art. The Nameless King also. though as you say, this could be old-age shit. And Gwynevere is an illusion, her real form, as you presented a long time ago but I have believed for awhile, is Rosaria, who has black hair. But even if Rosaria is someone else, and I just can't see Gwyndolin's hair clearly , annnd they all had reddish-brown hair like the illusion of Gwynevere. That still doesn't mean Velka isn't the mother, as hair deosn't always come from the mother, I'm no geneticist so don't quote me but I'm pretty sure that's the case. I believe Velka was all of their mothers. That statue, yes! for the record, ravens are just bigger crows, about the size of hawks. The concept art for the statue also seems to have something dead center above Velka that looks like the Darksign... in the concept art for the mural there is also what appears to be two wings that come together in a circle, creating what looks to me like the darksign. We could be looking at the initial deal made with the pygmies to continue the Age of Fire, producing the curse of the darksign. Continuing on that mural. You once described Manus as one of the goats in the bible, Azazel's goats. I'll get back to this. Combined with the lion this could be representative of the chimera from oolicile. The man with the egg, could be the pygmy offering their abyssal egg that filianore has. It could be the egg of Midir who would be raised along side filianore and protect her. It could be the Dark Soul itself. This is all just food for thought. IF manus was one of the goats, then who is the other sacrificial goat? the deal with oolicile must have coincided with the deal with another old city. the other could be Ringed City, and the Mad-King. keep in mind azazel's goat is the associated origin for the term scapegoat (and important or not each goat has it's own horn shape). something wicked this way comes. I think Oolicile and Ringed City were likely the first two of 11 pygmy kingdoms/cities. Why 11? that's how many pillar thingies are in the mural. but that's not all, the Shield of Want(DS3) - "Shield of an ancient king who was cursed by an all-consuming thirst. In the end, he was no king. The residue of the king's lust still smolders within this shield, increasing the number of souls absorbed when enemies are defeated." On this shield are 12 insignias, flags, whatever. The one on the very bottom seeming to be the unifying force for the rest. I would assume this singular 12th would be Anor Londo and the 11 pillar thingies in the mural are representative of the lands of humans. This could be a dead-end but let's continue. What you said about morion's blade and the guardian's blade was interesting (side note: the church guardian's blade is oddly not a blade at all, flat edges and such, more like a club, and the 8 thingy design on it looks like it could be a feather). So, the 8 branches of the sable church. could this relate to the united 12 lands/cities... In that when Velka broke from Gwyn she probly tried to sway as much of that treaty in favor of the break as well and it seems she may have had the majority. I thought maybe the pygmy thrones might help as well. I went to the dlc boss arena, I counted 8 bodies (there's one hidden behind a dune just behind the middle left throne. And I counted 8 thrones. There is some discrepancy here tho. the thrones are grouped in 3 and 5. which seems like there would be a throne that perhaps broke apart in between which would account for 9. There is also the body of the pygmy king that crawls up the sand toward Filianore who seems to unfortunately disappear from the area. This would also account for 9. Then there's that weird pygmy sticking his nose in your business at Mausoleum Lookout... and Ludleth himself. Ludleth having been expelled may excuse the missing throne. I say missing because it doesn't seem to be evident at all that the throne crumbled in that space. More like removed. But that still leaves the crawling pygmy king and the sneaky one at the Lookout. All in all adding up to 11. Filianore's throne herself, symbolizing the alliance with Anor Londo, could be the 12th. Of all my lore-thoughts I've shared, this is my most original. I did the leg-work myself regarding these thrones and the analysis. Just patting myself on the back cause... once again. Commenting on a years-old video.

[@Spookulv]

I heavily doubt this is the last time you talk about Velka!

[@TheAshenHollow]

You're correct. I talk about her every night as my eyes become heavy, and the promise of sweet dreams caresses me away from the stress of my urban jungle.

[@Spookulv]

Haha, I can even imagine this happens. Or when you bed your children "Now let me tell you a story about Velka" :D

[@thehourman37]

I think Velka WAS Gwynn's wife. She was behind the plot to murder the Gods to punish them for the first sin and that she did indeed reproduce with Seath somehow. That explains why Gwyndolin is a deity that punishes sin and has an affinity for the moon, as well as explaining Priscilla and Yorshka AND the painting of Ariamis. It would also be the reason why Gwynn's wife is nowhere in the lore. Not even mentioned once. She was behind the plot to murder the Gods, so she was likely stricken from the annals as well.

[@thehourman37]

It also all explains why Velka has servents in Anor Londo and why the painting is there.

[@kittiekat8920]

Ravens are much larger than crows. Their call is also waaaaaay different.

[@GamingGelehrterShorts]

Can you make a Velka about a Video?

[@000srwss9]

Velka is Dragon. And I think she is First Flame.

[@thenecromaniacraisesthedea9676]

The painting is likely to be a gift to a lover, but maby velka was once an old friend of fina and/or gwen, and maby the painting was a wedding gift for the two. As for the statue, the sword in the mother's hand may not mean that she wished great stranghth apoun her child, but maby the child was indangered, maby gwen and velka where seeing each other In bed, and when gwen found out about filianore, he tried to have her killed to protect his marrege, so velka saw that as committing a great crime to the soul or a "great sin" and ever since then, she has sought to end gwen, and in turn becomes the goddess of sin, and regarded as a Rouge deity, for trying have gwen killed, and starting the occoult. Also take note, rossaria has black hair :/

[@TheAquarius87]

If this theory has any merit, it'd be purely from DS3's standpoint. Since DS1 was made as a singular game, with no sequels in mind, Ik doubt Filianore was on Miyazaki's mind back then. Hence, Dark Souls 1's Lore should be studied in a vacuum so to speak. Still, I really like discussing lore points like this and I wouldnt throw this theory out of window just like that... Though I would expect more references towards Velka in the dlc, if if would be true

[@DaFreeze220]

I think Velka was Gwyn's wife, and she left him when he committed the first sin (as a Goddess of Sin might be inclined to do..) This might be a stretch, but I think Velka could be part-dragon. That would explain the Nameless King's affinity for dragons, and why some of their children came out disfigured (Gwyndolin and Yorshka). It might also explain how she was revered as a deity without even possessing a lord soul. It could even explain Priscilla's origins.. maybe she's Gwyn/Velka's first crossbreed baby, or a previous child of Velka(?). I know a lot of people want to believe that Seath inserted his crystal halberd all over the place, but wouldn't this be more believable? Another fun fact, Gwyndolin has an affinity for the moon and sorcery, and Moonlight sorcery is tied to the ancient dragons. Food for thought!

[@knightcheyson]

Ashen-senpai...pass the tissues

[@ezy1067]

Nore in Latin or elvish can't remember which one. Means daughter in law

[@elfboiezu2192]

for what it's worth, I find it surprising people got upset about the Velka videos. That's literally why i came here... but I gotta say it man, ik I can't prove it wrong but I'm 99.99999% sure she wasn't a chaos witch

[@mustekkala]

Did you know, Velka means debt in Finland?

[@albdruck2575]

Ravens are bigger than crows, that's all. They're basically the same.

[@sinamonigibson8231]

Crows are bigger and have red eyes and ravens have blue eyes

[@demonhunter0280]

I don't think the child is fillianore I think it symbolises man her cradling the child of man

[@rexjones2389]

bro Velka WAS Gwyn's wife lol

[@twistedvtuber9894]

Gertrude and the Lothric Angela are associated with doves

[@kidlast4154]

Fuckin love Velka✊️