Is Gael a bad guy in Dark Souls 3?
No, Gael is not truly a “villain” in Dark Souls 3. While corrupted by darkness, his intentions were noble and his fall from grace tragic. Gael occupies a poignant moral space between light and dark.
Gael‘s Backstory: A Slave Knight‘s Duty
Gael was once a Slave Knight in loyal service of the gods. Despite eons of unyielding servitude, his commitment never wavered. When tasked with finding blood of the Dark Soul to help a painter girl create a new world, Gael readily agreed. For ages untold he wandered alone, never losing sight of his duty.
As a Dark Souls enthusiast, I deeply respect Gael’s selflessness. His willingness to sacrifice all for his mission reveals profound devotion. He understands service and loyalty across the ages in a way few can.
The Corruption of the Dark Soul
However, as Gael’s quest continued, he slowly spiraled into madness. After consuming the blood and essence of countless Pygmy Lords, the Dark Soul mutated his body, transforming him into a bloated, disfigured beast.
Gael’s fall from grace is tragic. Yet his corruption also shows the cyclical nature of power – eventually it twists even the best intentions. Gael becomes that which he sacrificed everything to find, consumed by darkness. His lost mind clings to purpose, even as violence and madness swallow him whole.
A Tragic Hero, Not a Villain
So while Gael falters in his methods, I view him as more of a fallen hero than a villain. He wanders alone for untold lifetimes in service of others – such selflessness is profound. Villains in Dark Souls often hide in plain sight. They are slaves and hollows still clinging to things larger than themselves, driven by forces beyond their control.
As a gamer, I find beauty in Gael’s corruption. His unwavering loyalty reveals poignant truths about dedication and sacrifice. What begins noble often ends twisted – but darkness does not negate the light that came before. In the end, Gael is a lesson on the complex spaces between good and evil.
