Cullen {Char. - Spoilers All}

[@OrpheusMC]

For me, Blackwall summed up Cullen’s character really well. He’s got the look of someone tired beyond his years. He’s seen the best and the worst of humanity and struggles with where that leaves him.

[@TheJadedFeather]

This is how the fandom saw Cullen? Weird... I always saw him as someone whose gone through a lot, regrets many of his past decisions/beliefs, and is trying to be a better person now. And he is so cute if you romance him! How could anyone find him boring???

[@Naafidy]

I'm a Cullen-mancer and you would be surprised by the pure hatred some people have for him. Many are so extremely pro mage that they look at Cullen's time in the Kirkwall circle, the things he said, and hold it against him. They can't see past the trauma which was inflicted on him and see that he is changed by DAI. These people tend to also vehemently hate Fenris and hold Anders up on a weird pedestal.

[@wintertrooper7918]

Necromancy post!! Anyways yeah I love Cullen in all my playthroughs he and my inquisitors always get along well despite disagreements but they will always have each others backs it surprises me how many can hate Cullen

[@ayylmao8375]

Yeah he’s gone through a lot but it’s easy to miss and is only brought up if you seek it out. He just doesn’t have a personality for the most part

[@BrotherMag]

Fandoms are weird. I never knew about the hatred. Never cared to look. I just enjoyed the journey of the the trilogy 😀

[@channel45853]

@@Naafidy I hate Fenris too, but Anders I like. Cullen is great tho.

[@mizunderstood37]

That “beggar” ending crushed my soul so glad he and my protagonist always live happily ever after

[@sararenteria6720]

His story plot is one of my favorites, his reaction when he was explaining to the Inquisitor about him quitting lyruim was so real, his and Dorian when he talks to his father are some of my favorite cutscenes in a game cuz they just feel so raw

[@kalimaxine]

I completely agree!!

[@beep3242]

That and the romance scene where Cassandra talks about her past lover. Ughhhh it gets me so badly

[@jaspr1999]

Cullen is one of my favorite characters and I had no idea there were folks that disliked him. As for your observation of PTSD... If you're in the middle of a living nightmare and people around you are dying regardless of what you do and no matter how hard and long you work, it makes an impression. Live this way for weeks or months, and it marks you for life with no escape, especially when you attempt sleep. It is good to have a name for the trauma, but in some ways takes away from what the reality of it is.

[@jaspr1999]

Simon András Péter, - If you would like. :-D As you've obviously done research on me then you know where I'm retired from and by extension know that personal experience is a great educator in regards to PTSD.

[@GhilDirthalen]

Jaspr- I just saw the comments that were attached to this and deleted them. Sorry I just now found them! I don't like deleting comments, but I refuse to keep up slurs and physical threats.

[@jaspr1999]

Ghil, - I appreciate that. I wasn't expecting my full name and address on another video and his attempts to continue on this video. Thank you, for all you do and the work you put in as well as looking out for us fans of your channel.

[@knightace2002]

It's because he's......well it's a word that is common with constant switching. It's Re-something. That's why people dislike him. I'll try to find the word but esentially he hates the mages because he was bullied at the Calenhad Tower and wanted them to be exterminated due to what happened. He hated the Templars because well......Kirkwall. But he wants you to side with them in Inquisition so.....

[@knightace2002]

Retconning That's it.

[@Caposaurus]

In Inquisition, I think the character and his romance were really well done. It actually felt like the characters were in a relationship even when no big scenes were happening, just with the small changes in tone of voice and such. One thing that made a huge impact on me, however, was an accident I made during the scene in his room where he ushers everyone out. He wonders what happens after the inquisition and whether the Inquisitor feels the same way and you have a few options to say. I accidentally took the "We should be friends one" or the other one, but either way it wasn't the option that leads to the romance continuing. The look he gave the character chilled ME in real life to the bone. He said nothing, just looked and I think they conveyed the feeling of hurt so well that I felt like the shittiest person ever to exist. I made sure never to click that option again. As for him still thinking of the mage Warden, I never thought it was a bad thing. Hearing you say how some people thought he's a creepy stalker surprised me because I never got that vibe. He didn't say he still loves her, just that he regrets how he was towards the end and she wasn't deserving of the way he acted. I'm sure a lot of people have similar feelings toward a friendship in the past for example. Also, I think a lot of the people who played a female mage warden would have been disappointed if Cullen didn't even mention it. :P A lot of people who hate him are also very pro-mage. Which is fine. DA2 showed a very extreme side of Cullen's views at the very start but the change that happened was largely at the end of DA2 and between Inquisition. Maybe that's why they feel disconnected because the change in his views was TOLD rather than SHOWN. I don't think DA2's hopping between times helped much (I hated it sometimes). Boop, I ranted. Thanks for making these vids!

[@NinjaFlibble]

I felt that Cullen's romance has a depth that Dorian and Iron Bull lack. I'm not saying I don't like either Dorian or Iron Bull, but that their romances kind of leave something to be desired with me. (Solas is the only other one I've done....and damn those Solas fangirls make me never want to do it again)

[@AmmeMoto]

I had no idea people didn't like Cullen. He's such an interesting character! He goes from teenage crush, to fear-hating all mages, to incredibly suspicious and affirmed in his Templar sensibilities, to seeing that not all of the world is completely black and white, to finally realizing that mages have the same thoughts and feelings and relationships as everyone else, and maybe also deserve the same protections and assumptions. Such terrific character growth out of such a minor character. How can people dislike that????

[@brod8ious]

cullen's end to lyrium addiction is just *heartbreaking*. i always had him quit the addiction in my playthrough, so i didn't actually get to hear that ending. ngl, i teared up.

[@Naafidy]

I have four play thoughts with four different characters and four different personalities. I tried to diversify their opinions and stances, romances, alliances, etc. The one thing I do not change between play through is Cullen's lyrium addiction. I ALWAYS make him quit. I can't stand seeing him suffering like that.

[@LenaVoices]

Same, even when I try to make different choices, the two I NEVER do are -Sacrifice the Chargers -Let Cullen take Lyrium I think Cullen is a great character. His trauma doesn't excuse his actions (it doesn't do that with anyone or character in anything ever) but he's trying to do better and trying to heal.

[@sarahhutchinson1644]

The one thing I’m sad we missed out on in inquisition is meeting Mia. Based on her letters she is kind of amazing.

[@NicAlba]

The Cullen Romance in Inquisition is my favorite. I literally cannot romance any other character. I really feel for him and I love how he really wants to do the right thing and to do well by himself, to others, and his job. Lots of respect for him. He is so good and genuine. And thank you for making this video! As soon as I saw this pop up, instant click, instant like. Cullen is one of my top favorite characters.

[@knightace2002]

I'm romancing him on my female human rogue and so far, I really love the storyline. I chose with her and my human mage to convince him to stop taking lyrium. The female rogue 'cus well.....sort of role-playing as the improver to him and the mage well.....he really cares for the templars as without them, he would be dead at a circle. I also, liked learning about the coin that was given to him. He even says a really awesome romanced pick-up line if you choose the right dialogue. "I have all the luck I need right now." *Gives the inquisitor a big kiss*.....Wow lol.

[@knightace2002]

@Deshawn Parish Yeah I'm trying to romance someone on all characters just to see what would happen to each one. It's not really my thing but I figured I'd give it a go.

[@JLBSICS]

I also cannot romance anyone but Cullen in DA:I, though Alistair is my favourite DA romance by far. I would 100 percent pursue Dorian if it was possible as a female, instead I hook him up with Bull.

[@CapeEniEer]

I regret that my first romance was Solas on many different levels -_- all that bald bastard did was give me an ass grope and a whole bunch of heartache. Cullen though warms my heart even till this day when ive stopped playing the game

[@kimberlycole3712]

Cullen is one of my favorite characters, not just because of the romance, and I am just so happy with his story arc. I hope they leave him out of DA4 just for the sake of allowing this man to finally have some peace (hopefully, based on your choices for him)

[@LeonGun8]

I think he honestly already finished his character arc,there's no more we can see of him. They should indeed just have him choose a new Commander of the Inquisition (or whatever force the former Inquisition creates) and retire him.

[@llechosy4809]

Well it depends entirely with the people behind DAI, if the inquisitor is still the center of DA4 then he’ll still be part of the advisors or will stay as an NPC and can be seen somewhere, but if not, you’ll see him somewhere or not. But it also depends what you did to him in DAI.

[@llechosy4809]

+ But I believe you can still see him in DA4. And the other characters in DAI as well. Hopefully, with the Inquisitor too. If DA4 gives another set of characters and gives you a new character too.

[@CapeEniEer]

I wudnt mind being able to visit him and meet Mia though :3

[@hearthatehaven]

I had no clue people hated Cullen. My first play through of Origins I was a female mage, and he was my first and favorite romance in Inquisition.

[@2Btoobee]

me too

[@YoshtTheAwesome]

What I appreciated about Cullen was that, even in Act 1 of DAII when he was more or less at his worst in terms of hating mages, he is not completely unreasonable. Here come the spoilers: At the end of the Quest Wolves Among Us, when you bring Keran back to the Gallows, Cullen cites him as an example of how mages are dangerous and templars only do what they must. But if Hawke says "There must be another way," Cullen is at least willing to consider the option and explain to the mages why things must be this way. Most templars who hate mages as much as he did at the time don't even consider them people. I think that's when I really started to like him.

[@LeonGun8]

True, that's when you see the bud of where they wanted to take him as a character (and eventually take him in Inquisition). Cullen is not a fanatic. He's deathly tortured and scarred,but he still sees mages as human. Dangerous humans, but still human. Many fanatic templars don't even see that, instead seeing monsters who should be slaughtered for any slight or mistake. In DA2 Cullen is the mirror to Meredith. They are both tortured templars who suffered at the hands of magic, but while Meredith went off the deep end and chose to kill anything that she deemed dangerous, Cullen went the other way which is why he also chooses to kick off the lyrium addiction,as his own attempt at taking control of his life again.

[@twinmama42]

@@LeonGun8 Maybe Cullen was able to follow a more reasonable route towards mages than Meredith because the Warden showed him that there is a way to keep everbody safe without having to lash out against "unruly" mages.

[@zeratul____1228]

I romanced the guy with my female elf character, for me Cullen is an interesting character bouncing between anti and pro mage before winding up in the middle.

[@scarletfox7625]

"elder flowers in Oak moss" is the most poetic thing I've heard this week

[@Sarydormi]

A bit of grave digging I must commit. Elderflower applied topically acts as a pain reliever. Oakmoss acts as restorative. Basically, his withdrawals hurt him so much that he needs to use painkiller salves. Imo more tragic than poetic.

[@kruziikedits5223]

Cullen 100% has PTSD. As someone with it, I relate with Cullen so much. He has so much fear and his stuck in a childish traumatic horror. He was never able to grow up and then went through so much. His loyalty to Meredith was like a little boy and his mother, but once he realized how horrible everything was, he pushed through his pain for the better. He is a fantastic character and such a kind genuine guy. I love him. Also his crush on the Warden was extremely innocent, and his thoughts of her after were because of the trauma. Its sort of like an abusive relationship. The trauma from such burns into your brain and that person continues to feel like love, when they aren't/never were.

[@shadowhell8378]

I like Cullen he always seemed like the most real person in dragon age i mean Being tortured and having a deep hatred towards the ones that torture him in dragon age origins. In dragon age 2 across the 10 years that the game takes place we see him develop more of a understanding that the mages that tortured him are not the same as all mages and his hatred was misplaced by the end. And in inquisition we see him seeking the help that he needs. If his in dragon age 4 i really don't know where he can go as a character.

[@veravm4618]

He can die in Inquisition, if you don't cure his addiction. I doubt he'll have too big for a role, sadly.

[@blakechandler167]

Berry M. Epilogue's tend to not be Canon, they're more like what ifs.

[@veravm4618]

Glad to know, cheers

[@DarkKnight52365]

correction DA2 takes place of the coarse of 7 years not 10

[@LeonGun8]

Ussually the ten years time frame is given for the entire Dragon Age storyline thus far,from Origins to Inquisition.

[@tinaswafford1985]

THANK you. Cullen is sweet, shy, sensitive, faithful, romantic and NOT boring. His passion becomes clear at the first kiss. Not boring. In my playthroughs [of all DA games] I felt Cullen was far better than he could have been after all that happened *because* of his crush and admiration for the Warden. None of my group thought one thing about Cullen's remarks he made after being tortured that I could tell, and I certainly didn't. 'If the Warden was a mage and did not side with Cullen, and gives the tower autonomy, the templar endures festering mental scars from his experience in the tower. This leads to an eventual mental breakdown during which he kills three mage apprentices before fleeing. *These rumors are later revealed to be fictional.*' 'Cullen: "I knew an Amell once. She was a special woman. Never met her like again." in the case of a female Warden and "There was an Amell in the Ferelden Circle, he left before Uldred attacked and came back to save us all." in the case of a male Warden.' dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Cullen

[@Lilith38252]

Dang. I didn't think so many people hated him so much.

[@notsosmartguy6254]

I used to not get the fan love for Cullen until Inquisition. I did always feel some fans were way too hard on him though. I mean he was traumatized and we seen him develope over the next few games.

[@BeautifulHades]

Cullen is easily one of my fave characters, not just because I love his romance, but because he does have so much growth through the series. I'm almost always an elf and/or a mage, so I SHOULD dislike him and all Templars, but... he's different. I also think I identify with him a bit, having a form of PTSD myself.

[@jennataylia2801]

I needed this. I had no idea how much the PTSD affected him because I did not get that far in Origin, but felt so bad for him in DA2 when he was pulled into the drama that surrounded Meredith. Cullen being perceived as having stalker like tendencies feels so wrong, I just think his being dedicated to the templars was also his approach to romance.. just seeing what he wanted gave him hope for a future. No regrets romancing him in inquisition, he seems to be a genuinely nice guy.

[@guardianyuki]

I've played Dragon Age since the beginning and really appreciated the way you explained his backstory all the way through to Inquisition. It's been years since I played the first game. I chose to romance him during my first play through which is still ongoing. He has gone through a lot as a character and all of his trials and tribulations make him the man he is by the time we get to present day in the timeline of the game.

[@purplespeckledappleeater8738]

Nice! I'm so glad I didn't let Cullen continue on with his lyrium (opioid) addiction.

[@Maverick6791]

You continue out do yourself with every origin story. This is my absolute favorite o couldn't have thought of a more perfect way to depict Cullen in all the right lights. It's like I've fallen for him all over again.

[@shinygreensparkles]

From the first time I met Cullen in DAO, I adored him - so much so that it pained me to find out he wasn't romanceable! I thought he was so sweet - those stammers when you talk to him, and then him running away - absolutely adorable! Greg Ellis has done such a wonderful job voicing him. I do think his transition through trauma went a bit too smoothly, and could have been delved into further, but what can you do! Lovely video as always!

[@cfalde]

Cullywully? And you couldn't say it with a straight face. Awesome. Thanks for your work I throughly enjoy your videos.

[@mermpydermpy2047]

A romanced Inquisitor and Cullen visit his family at least once during the two year gap before trespasser. He says something like "Mia is eager to see you again" Anyway, really good video. You summarized his character very well.

[@guineagirl246]

My favorite cullen is one who romances with an elf mage. Shes always been an apostate technically, not just after the conclave. She never knew of a circle and what templars are really like. Shes heard only horrible things. Where as cullen is her foil almost, a templar since he was young, seen the very worst of magic that scarred his mind and heart. I think that those two thrown together are the perfect couple (besides a girl elf and solas but thats more cause its plot relevant.) but shes free and open with her magic, unashamed of the gifts she has and knowing it means she will serve her clan well as keeper ( until the end of course ya know) and cullen still being wary of mages and to see her so open, id bet its a shock even after the mage rebellion. At least thats just what i thought and felt since he was my first romance

[@lukecutter6763]

I place him in the troubled, tortured mind, trying to be better and honorable box. He's the best romance in the game imo, but I haven't done a playthrough romancing Dorian... and that one MIGHT be better b/c Dorian is my fav character in the game.

[@lukecutter6763]

Also, glad BioWare sort of threw those slides about Cullen away. Some retcons are better. And I like the idea of someone working to become a better person, despite trauma and addiction. Learning to cope is a great thing. I've opined my thoughts before on a MAJOR theme in DA being about trauma and/or loss, unhealthy vs healthy coping mechanisms, etc. But his character is one of the shining lights here. Ideals are necessary and crucial. Attaining them is impossible, but striving for them is the mark of a person bettering themselves. Cullen, to me, resembles this struggle, and that resonates with ppl, at least, it does me.

[@cosmiciaria]

This video was a blessing! I'm biased towards Cullen, I've romanced him twice already and I really really want to romance Solas next but I know I'll fall for Cully again. Thing is, despite this, I believe he underwent a huge character development over the years! From a scarred and tortured boy into the commander he became, his views on mages change as well if you play with a female mage inquisitor. He reflects on how he used to see mages in the past and contemplates a present in which he still thinks of them as aberrations, and tells the inquisitor that idea"sickens him". If you side with the mages instead of the templars, he has to deal with the fact he's living under the same roof as elves and mages, and by the end of the story he doesn't mind their presence after all. As a female elf is the "canon" choice for romancing Solas, I believe a female mage is the "canon" choice for romancing Cullen, for there's so much to his character when he's faced with the love of his life, who is what he used to loathe and hunt not so long ago. I loved every bit of this game, including its funny bugs! And Cullen was one of the main reasons I enjoyed it so much. I'm happy he's reveicing some love and care here

[@theretropanda5612]

Hmmm I liked Cullen and I never really thought he was a princely character or an asshole. He's just a guy who seen how twisted both (mage and Templar) sides can be and trying desperately to actually fix the problems in the world.

[@msTillacat]

I love Cullen! he was the first person I romanced in DAI actually. I love how his character arc is so dynamic throughout the games and how despite that it does not feel forced or unnatural. his choices and behaviours always made sense to me given the trauma(s) he has been through.

[@benofthewest3534]

Somewhat surprised that there's fan hatred for Cullen, as the only fan reactions I'd heard to him before were the youtubers gushing over him, but I guess I shouldn't be too surprised given the popularity for Mages over Templars in the DA fandom at large. I've always liked Cullen (despite never playing a female protagonist), but then I'm in the minority who sided with the Templars in both DA2 and DAI.

[@el1te_hunter765]

As someone who jumped in to the dragon age series with inquisition Cullen quickly became one of my favourite characters in the game. His past makes him a interesting and complex character.

[@jclarinet6347]

My coworker and I always talk about video games and yesterday I gave him a 20 minute speech on why Cullen is the best, so it’s hilarious that I got onto KZbin today to see this. I always romance Cullen because he has so much depth and, even though I wanted to punch him in DA2, knowing what he went through in DAO made me love him more. I wanted to romance Solas in my new world state I’m preparing for DA4 because I think that will have cooler implications for that game, but I see Cullen and I melt. ❤️

[@dianemiranda5410]

J Clarinet

[@CapeEniEer]

dont romance Solas he is an asshole :(

[@msmellowmood84]

I love Cullen. He’s come so far in fighting with what he was told his nature should be and what it actually is. ❤️

[@masterarash7]

I actually really like Cullen. Before this video I never knew there was a king of stigma around him.

[@monica_ex_d7043]

I love cully wully...he's been through so much, he deserves a happy ending with his dog and kids :3 💓 I always romance him...I can't stop myself, I hope I get to see him and lavellan on da4

[@sveipr]

Out of all of the returning characters that have appeared in all of the games, I believe that Cullen has had the best character development of them all (Though mom Morrigan and Divine Leliana come pretty close too). I think a lot of the people who think that all Cullen is is the templar that thinks "mages aren't people" stopped paying attention to him after Origins or DA2. After his realization that Meredith was playing with his past trauma and emotions, I believe he saw the error of his ways. Though we only get a snippet of this through casual dialogue with him in Inquisition, you can really see how far he's come in a romance with him as a mage. If you romance him as a mage he literally admits that he's treated mages unfairly and that he is scared to think of what he would've done if they've met in the past due to his old beliefs on mages. It also seems that he manages to leave behind his old prejudices while romancing a mage. To me it seems only right for Cullen to romance a mage because it shows a great movement in his character development and growth.

[@hypewolfhart1222]

I have been waiting so long for this spotlight! Thank you, it was wonderful. I really appreciated how you pointed out Cullen's shortcomings and his PTSD he is struggling with as well as his family relations as I feel his relationship with his family makes him a more likable and a more realistic character. Sincerely a devoted Cullenmancer.

[@anderazkuna6698]

Cullenium Cullenigan!! Hes like wine, starting humble but getting better and better

[@kubrick5073]

I just finished dragon age origins again after many years. Incredible game, even better than i remembered. As a bioware fan im really happy i found your channel

[@lucienguile9125]

I like the growth we get to see with Cullen, I wouldn't say he is my favorite character, but he really has a complex growth through the franchise. While personally I think characters like every ones favorite dwarf with the lovely Crossbow Bianca are more enjoyable over all, it was being able to see Cullen's change that makes the world of Thedas so much more real in my mind which makes the games more enjoyable to play and replay.

[@SeventhheavenDK]

Varric is enjoyable in DA2, not so much in Inquisition.

[@helenafarkas4534]

THIS... this is why I love Cullen as a character. all this. on another note, I have a theory if you want to persue it. I have ZERO evidence for it, but what if Maddox's lover, the one who wrote the love letters that Maddox was made Tranquil for, was Samson himself. all we hear on that matter comes from Cullen (I think) and there is a good chance that he never got the full story. the only thing that MIGHT indicate it is the fact that Samson came back for Maddox when the Gallows fell, and protected him "even before he needed me" according to Maddox's own words. what if THAT was the ultimate cause of Meredith's sentence of Tranquility and Samson's expulsion. serious relationships between mages and Templars did happen in the Circle - Wynne and the father of her child were such, at least until he became enraged that Wynne "accepted without a fight" that their son was taken from them, never mind that she had no choice in the matter. but with no pressures of a child to break them up, Maddox and Samson might have felt somewhat safe, safe enough to exchange love letters, and when caught, both Maddox and Samson concealed Samson's identity as the other writer of the letters, assuming that Meredith even asked.

[@courtesyof24]

Good one.

[@SeventhheavenDK]

Very unlikely.

[@mithrandirsilvertongue1406]

I really enjoyed his romance, and I’ve always thought he was more complex than people make him out to be, personally I really do love his character, and anyone who chooses to keep him on lyrium deserves a shiv to the side...

[@KellenWolfe]

Pushing Cullen back to lyrium is one of the Dragon Age choices I can never make while playing.

[@joannap8769]

This was so good 🥰 I love Cullen, he’s such a good character and his story arc is beautiful. Your video gave me so many more little tidbits about him that I didn’t know and I love it. Ugh I remember when I read what happens to him if he stays on lyrium and I honest to god wanted to cry 😭 thank god for the internet because of that had happened during my play through I would’ve been heartbroken 💔 On a side note I love that mod he has in your DAO clips 😍😍😍 it actually looked like a little baby Inquisition Cullen 🥰

[@KodiHful]

I suffer from PTSD myself, and when I romanced him I genuinely felt a very emotional response in myself to his character. His dialogue is just so natural and at times vulnerable and I saw a lot of myself in him. I really think he is one of my favorite characters for this reason, and truly believe him to be one of the most well written characters of the game. I think people dislike him because they just like to roll their eyes at the "people who romance the best looking blonde guy." They are missing out on a romance that just makes you feel all the emotions and ends so happily and purely.

[@Hjalmar_an_Craite]

What about the mages who got PTSD because of him?

[@ariannaravenmcclare]

I love Cullen and his story. I totally had an elf mage romance him. I defiantly discounted the reading at the end of Origins in general. I personal go with the idea that rumors and perceptions are what created the ending writing segments.

[@ciarasineadgrahamkirwan9353]

Channel is very informative OMGGG!!!! thank you Ghil Dirthalen for expanding my knowledge of one my all-time favorite series :)

[@Neko141212]

Sad to hear some people hate Cullen :S I think he's a great character. I never made a female mage warden so I don't really know the scenes that people has issues with, but as far as his mage-issue in general I don't get the people who make him out to be some sort of mage-hater. Sure, in Origins he's really angry and upset, but honestly, it makes total sense. He just went through hell and probably wasn't real keen to see anything else than black and white. But in DA2 you already see how he's starting to question his own belief in regards to the mages. It doesn't change much at that point, but you can see the seeds of doubt being planted in him. And I thought his opinion of the Circle was really rational when you talk to him in DA:I. He states that he doesn't think keeping this strict seperation between mages and templars is a good idea as it only breeds contempt on both sides - or something like that. He seems to be a lot more nuanced in his thoughts on the subject at this point and he's starting think about how things could be made better for both templars and mages. ....... now, if you'll excuse me, I have to play DA:I again xD Am romancing Cully Wolly at the moment!

[@chrisb4206]

I bet cullen would be an incredible tank in the field. When he went with us to find maddox...I was praying he'd be controllable.

[@Sarydormi]

Tried to dig up some sort of evidence for this fact but didn't find it, so excuse me if my mind just created this memory in a dream or something When you had to get to the temple of Mythal he was at the head of an army while being, I bet, held on his legs by a miracle alone, because he was so committed to the mission that _he didn't sleep for several days_ And by the fact he still led the army, _fought_ while being sleep deprived and *won* ... Yes, I'd say he's a perfect tank, at least from the lore POV Edit: and sorry for necroposting, if it bothers you)

[@minixmousy]

I love Cullen!!!!! thank you for doing this vid. 💜

[@courtesyof24]

Oh snap the Hubs! I never understood the hate he gets. People either still associate him with hating all mages or they feel like his turn around is a Retcon but they don't realize that his story is a great example of growth and change in a person. I honestly didn't like him in Origins or 2 but I understood how his view could be tainted with what he went through and then having Meredith fueling his hatred as well. He went through a terrible trauma, did some bad things along the way but he realized that he was wrong, admits to being wrong and worked to be better and help people. That's awesome.

[@Ashen_Sparrow]

I love Cullen. but the poor Boi has been trying to escape these games for years. lol. the beggar ending crushes my soul ...

[@andravity]

This helped a lot with me trying to write/rp Cullen! thank you!

[@maniatissa]

I've always had a crush on Cullen since DA:O.He is a perfect example of strength through suffering and that combination makes him a deep character, strong and vulnerable, yet compassionate. He has evolved as a character more than anyone else in the series I dare say. In my Inquisition playthroughs, I alternate between him and Solas as LIs. 'Cause I am a masochist like that. I reaaally hope we get to see him in DA4.

[@grelly_chan8401]

I liked Cullen as a character even though I'm pro mage I could sympathize with his trauma since I went through PTSD myself. I also loved the character development he went through at the end of DA2 and Inquisition and why I couldn't resist romancing him and as a mage Trevelyan. Also, I didn't find him mentioning the warden mage as creepy he just regrets the things he said to her I would have been offended if he didn't mention my Cecilia Amell lol

[@kylevanderwolf4446]

Replaying inquisition, Cullen has hands down the most genuine, sweet romance interactions. The way he interacts with the inky is way more genuine than every other character in a realistic sense.

[@greywarden1261]

The fandom saw him like that? Most of the people I talk to love Cullen! He's truly a three dimensional character thats been through perhaps as many hardships as her protagonists and is someone who's been in all three games which few characters have! He's an amazing character and I'd place him on my top 10 fav companions list

[@Megan-qo7qs]

That was brilliant ! I didn't realise there were people that hated Cullen. I adore him. I think he has a very rich character. Great observations.

[@kalimaxine]

I love Cullen. I don't get the hate. It's really not hard to understand his character.

[@silverdragon147]

I don’t hate him either. I honestly feel like I failed him. Like the right dialog the right interactions could have saved him. I know it’s impossible but the games almost feel like you could.

[@tedstudt8550]

@@silverdragon147 I know what you mean. Especially with how Meredith fails him and all of Kirkwall, and how he feels guilty about not doing something about it until it was too late. I honestly feel bad for the guy.

[@bsm1171]

Late comment but his reaction to the Mage Solution in DA2 was fucking damning. There is a bunch of other shit but that dialogue is so horrific. If you have never played DA2 which I can understand then I understand where people who like him come from.

[@jamieward6554]

bsm1171 i take da2 with a grain of salt because it was so rushed and out of tone compared to dao and dai. so much of da2 was like, so awkward and almost childish, as if the writers wrote a very rough draft and had to run with it without polishing it. i won't listen to what the characters actually say and instead just listen to their tones amd intentions. i mean, look at the changes to character designs of isabella and zevran and alistair; something as simple as cheekbones didn't remain consistent haha. Cullen was terrified and lashed out in rage. he was afraid and spouting whatever he could in an attempt to save himself and everyone around him like a drowning man grabbing at a lifeline

[@LydiaKrow]

Man, this is such a true statement... most of the hate comes from people who played all three games and should know better. But he even says it... "they tried to break my mind, how can you be the same person after that?" I mean DUH. Even if somehow you missed it in the game, how can knowing that someone was tortured mentally and physically not clue you in that maybe he might have some PTSD?!

[@skyoxford]

I just discovered Dragon Age, and channel. I really love your work!

[@msmellowmood84]

Love Cullen. His personal growth reminds me of Zuko’s from The Last Airbender.

[@paine_inflicta]

I say this a lot, but I played the games in reverse, so I saw him as he was in Inquisition, then DA2, then finally, Origins. It really does make a huge difference in how you see the characters. My first playthrough was a female Trevelyan, who romanced Cullen. Because I had no prior context, all I saw was 'pretty-boy with trauma'. I had a really hard time at times reconciling the shy man in Inquisition to Meredith's puppet, although the comparison was easier when I played a mage in Origins. When I played the games in order, and got back to Inquisition, I found I was less sympathetic to Cullen, since I had gained a lot of sympathy for the mage cause. I have gotten back to my original view of Cullen, but it took articles like this to put him into perspective.

[@gicicco567]

Cullen is one of the best characters in the game! He’s sweet, charming, and a true gentleman! I romanced him in my first play through, and ended up marrying him in trespasser. Never been happier. ♥️😍

[@boo5860]

I like him well enough but I still don't understand why he's the favorite for so many people. I'll say this though, I found it interesting that he has so many different responses for a romance with a templar spec warrior or with a mage. Not sure if the other romances have so much unique dialogue for certain specs and classes. I liked that Sera is spooked by a Necromage girlfriend too but that's sorta unrelated.

[@SniperWolf895]

I needs to go to bed... eh what’s 20 more minutes?

[@adlibby6448]

It makes me sad when fans make him up to be this gross mage-hater. I’ve read so many bad things people say about his character, I really wonder if they’ve taken the time to actually learn about him.

[@DarkKnight52365]

i understood back in DA:O that his hate comes the trauma he experienced and that all he needs is time to heal

[@biolaregeek6194]

Most of the people who hate Cullen that I have talked to on fan sites hate him because of what they have heard about him from others and never got to learn about him 1st hand. And some of those who hate him also haven't played DAO, DA2 only Inquisition. One hated him so much they never talked to him in the game and left him standing at the makeshift desk he's at when you first reach skyhold on all his playthrus. I asked him why he hated him so much he said because he is a fangirl character and he won't like someone who's so popular with those creepy fangirls.... Others hate him with such glee they can't wait to tell him to keep taking lyrium and in their inquisitor never does his war table recommendations and they headcanon their stories to include punching and fighting Cullen. I just don't get why he has all this hate. More people hate him then Solas and solas deserves to be hated.

[@crystalyap6111]

@Deshawn Parish Did you play through to the end of DA2? It's even mentioned in this video that as you progress through the game, you witness his change from his extreme fear of mages (Cullen: they're not like you and me! Mage!Hawke: lmao bitch u blind?) to wanting to help/spare the lives of those he could(if you side with the Templars, a few mages ask for mercy in the Gallows, and Cullen objects to Meredith wanting to kill them)? #growth Also, PTSD can seriously fuck you up. Consider that he was probably in lyrium withdrawal as well while being tortured in Kinloch Hold just makes his situation that much more pitiable. So while I can agree that his extremism was irrational, I cannot agree that it makes his character irredeemable. I believe Meredith's situation to be slightly different, mainly due to her more elevated position of power, the influence of red lyrium later in the game, and most importantly, considering who she is as a person. Heck, a great example of her being *not a great person* in general, was the gift she gave Viscount Dumar when he was crowned. But I can see how you might draw parallels between her and Cullen's characters, which I believe Meredith herself did too. I just think Cullen's capability for growth is what sets him apart from her. That said, I can completely understand just not vibing with a character; it happens. Kind of like how I can sympathize with Blackwall, but I just don't like him/his personality (his beard is actually glorious though oml).

[@SeventhheavenDK]

@Deshawn Parish . Lol, trauma can really destroy you, the important part was that he actually grows over it. Also, Meredith's sister wasn't killed by a blood mage, she became an amobimination, she was a mage.

[@Roksiel]

I absolutely loved his character development throughout the games and I was very happy with my ending with him since it seemed like he was finally at peace as opposed to getting tormented by the things he'd done or believed in the past. Nice video, I enjoyed listening to it.

[@swtormadness]

I love the video! I like Cullen a lot, but I also have some problems with him, which shows me how much has to be done to make him fully recover from what he went through. (His suggestion from Jaws of Hakkon about Sigrid really saddened me, and in my language it sounded so harsh and rude - as if for him Sigrid was just a disgusting bug, that I really hate how this line was written... I know why he could think like that, thanks to what I always headcanon that my Inquisitor talked about this attitude with him later and tried to make him understand Avvar culture more...) When it comes to stalking I didn't know what is going on either untill I read that if Leliana was Female Warden's lover, Cullen is asking her many questions in Inquisition, so many that Leliana is pissed enough to threaten him. In the end tho I am in the middle (but still love him). Cullen is complex character and we see how hard it is for him to recover and I think that he still needs a lot of time to do so - that Inquisition wasn't enough to help him, but it was a good start, especially when we see effects of it in Tresspasser. Maybe one day he will stop excluding his mage lover as "this one different mage" and it will occur to him that she is not "this one different" and that there is more mages like she out there. (It's one of major arguments againts his romance, which I may don't like now (I didn't have a problem with that before), but I can still see that he sees her like that, because she is the only mage who seem to support him and try to understand him and will not turn their back on him when he needs her the most). I love his romance. Not only because he is cute and loving and caring man, but also because I can finally help him recover from the trauma and understand mages. I can influence his change in a good way and deal with this stupid bias he sometimes shows.

[@Icehypernova]

He never says that a mage inquisitor is "not like other mages" tho, he says "whatever I fear with magic, I see none of that in you". Which just mean "yes I'm still scared of blood magic and demon possession but I trust you and I know you wouldn't do that". He basically learned to fear only "bad" magic instead of fearing all mages, and I think that's a very realistic development for someone who suffered a lot because of magic.

[@swtormadness]

He says that too. I remember him saying both things, that's why it bothered me, but also it's why I felt relieved, because he is ok and he tries. I just said that a lot of people prefer to stuck to just one quote he said once, instead of hearing all things he says and see the development. Also I am a writer myself and some dialogues bothers me mostly because they can be easily twisted into bad things, because of how they are written. I find it important to read the most accurate analysis on both sides and create a middle ground. Like in debate.

[@Icehypernova]

When does he say it exactly? I'm curious because I played the game many times as I mage and I'm pretty sure I never heard him say that lol

[@swtormadness]

I also played the game many times and I heard it at least once. Also you have to add that everybody interpret the words differently and add the fact that all people play in different languages and some things might be the issues of translation. I am searching for the exact quote now...

[@swtormadness]

I cannot find it and I am starting to doubt that I ever heard that (even if I am sure I heard that - what the heck) :( Maybe it's not romance dialogue? I don't know, I always play mages and I could swear I heard him saying something along those lines... *sighs* Call it a day I suppose. Maybe he didn't even say it and someone just made it up as interpretation of lines you provided (which I know he said for sure), I read that interpretation and it made a home in my head next to real lines as an "another interpretation" than my own (which we share, I read those lines the same as you).

[@krizwarden]

I see a lot of myself in Cullen due to my own traumas. From childhood to war to policing most of my adult life. I know what it’s like to see how badly other make something you’re passionate about look while fighting to be a good person who helps others. I also know that being good at violence does not mean it’s fun for you or you even like it

[@sherilynm9271]

Thanks for posting this one.

[@rucrellmist3758]

GASP My precious boi...

[@jx0x053]

Cullen is one of my favorites 😍 And I have a major crush on him 😏😅

[@AnaQn]

I love your voice and Cullen hahahahahahha ❤

[@readablesgthesuperweeb2562]

"Cully-wully" Lol, nice one Catie

[@BXbabbie]

Culley Wulley!

[@mattrichard3383]

One scene that I liked the most in DAI is the chess match. Inquisitor will have a choice ; Play fair, cheat, or let Cullen win. This scene is so well done, because the chess mach is not the real match, it's a battle of physiology. It is a debate between wolfs deciding their places in the pact. Cheat = You let Cullen know that you are Alpha, Cullen succumbs. Let Cullen win = You give Cullen free rein of command, or trust. Play Fair = you will not give less than what needs to be done.

[@givensurname1296]

If you cheat, Cullen knows and doesn't let you get away with it...??

[@mattrichard3383]

If you cheat, Cullen lets you get away with it. He just says something like " this one is yours ", however there is a look on his face as if he knows you cheated.

[@givensurname1296]

No, he (most likely) throws the game if you play fair. If you cheat, he calls you on it and says (depending) "Dorian/Leliana uses those same cheats."

[@mattrichard3383]

Yup U right ( I looked it up ) I thought for sure he lets you win .. the heck was I thinking .. good catch.

[@givensurname1296]

I think you just mixed up his reactions. No biggie. :)

[@Shar_Bandraoi]

I love Cullen. I can relate with him. On many levels... One of my favorite characters. The romance is beautiful with him. ❤

[@MaydaTiger]

i always believed Cullen is one of the best character development in DA franchise

[@bethr4695]

Thank you so much for this!

[@tr8657]

all right I'm going to admit to the Lacey card here I watch the whole video and I was trying to read through all the comments and then I just got bored and couldn't but anyways going as one of my favorite characters also and I have never romance them seeing as I'm a male but I like them because he has a analytical way of thinking how he likes to think things through and see them from all angles for you makes any serious decisions and how he's willing to admit when he's wrong and try to fix his mistakes and tries to do the right thing in the future Something you did leave out though in the book dragon age heroes of thedas the third or fourth story in it justice prevails Isabelle how after the Chancery is destroyed and da2 the character Hawk kills Anders and the spirit of Justice travels in I don't know doesn't possess but connects with Cullen and at first he doesn't notice but just as cute as much as I am addiction and pretty much helps them whatever and you find out also since the tower and ferelden there's been I despair demon I think that's been haunting his dreams trying to possess him and just as pretty much as puts his foot down looks says look in your b**** none of that and after a while he starts noticing some things and so does Hawks younger sister so he rides to the hero of ferelden who turns out to be the female mage come help him because you think there's something wrong with his mind and she's the only person that she trusts cuz she's only person who knew him before the tower incident it's a good read is there some page 79 I believe

[@biolaregeek6194]

My Epilogue slides on Cullen were not either of the 2 you mentioned. Once he snapped and killed an aprentice mage and was sent to jail but all the other many times I've played DAO he is so tramatized by what happened Night Commander Gregoir sends him to Kirkwall to get a new perspective. I personally always loved how Cullen was written and never understood the hate he is given by so many (usually people who never played him and just hate him cause he was a "fangirl" character and they decided to hate him because he's so popular?). I find him interesting because he is one of the only characters you meet in every game and you get to see him change and grow just like we do in real life as time passes.

[@inglesivinadelmar2100]

I love Cullen, its like the broken prince but that dosent give you problems at all. He find the way to be better to be good for the Inquisition and the Inquisitor.. awwwwww so cute

[@maggiebirmingham]

I think Cullen is a wonderful strong loyal man. A real man that does not betray his love.

[@ceciliethorsen4581]

Cullen is my favorite romance in the game (besides Solas) and honestly he's understanding through his hurt caring through his hurt and I love the facts that you can do something for him through care support and love. Although its not healing its helping.

[@theomegagreenxy1652]

OMG I had no idea about the Lyrium ending for Cullen, that hit me hard.

[@AndromedaKai]

Cullen is so adorable, I like him a lot.

[@gwennybdead]

I loves him.

[@knight-_-meh]

you started as a mage in origins Cullen is one of the first people you ever meet in the game. this is my story and he is one of my favs probs due to this exposer he is someone who has done it all in a way.

[@mr.stealyourjams]

Please, Cullen is my dream guy. He’s just tired and looking for someone to care about him. 🥺❤️

[@kaylagrimsley708]

I want to give this video multiple thumbs up! Cullen is such a sweetheart. ❤

[@erikaburgos1130]

He's my favorite romance. I literally have to play a male or else I'm romancing him lol

[@starlet6689]

I love Cullen so much. idk how anyone could hate him

[@andresouza7759]

I like cullen and how he was able to learn with his mistake in kirkihall and his willpower to stop take lyrium

[@dmajpayne89]

It’s actually surprising to here so many people dislike Cullen. I admit I didn’t think much of him at the beginning of da:i but I did remember from origins and vaguely from 2 so figured he’s was just just a lightly touched on character they wanted to use more. Also I got to ptsd vibs real early on with him because of origins and what happened. Have to say even not doing romantic playthroughs he is still a character I would much rather have had in my party.

[@rayn0577]

I adore Cullen. No two ways about it, he did some bad stuff, but that’s true of pretty much ALL supporting characters in Dragon Age. Sten murdered an entire family after losing his sword, Anders kicked off a war by blowing up a church, Solas literally enabled an attempt at the apocalypse, Leliana and Zevran used to be assassins, Fenris butchered an entire village of Fog Warriors, Merrill made a deal with a demon, Cole murdered people in the White Spire, and Blackwall killed a family for money. Cullen did bad things and HE KNOWS IT, and he joined the Inquisition to try and do better, to atone for his past mistakes.

[@ElfExGirlfriend]

thank you for this video. I will still keep my inqy mages 10 feet away from him at all times. da2 was the nail in the coffin for me.