Dark Souls Codexery

Rise of the Four Lords

Four lords claim the flame's light, forging an age of order from primordial chaos.

The Rise of the Four Lords marks the pivotal era following the natural appearance of the First Flame, where the world of Lordran transitioned from a chaotic void into an age of order and civilization. As the Everlasting Dragons waned in power, four distinct beings emerged to harness the flame's light, each claiming dominion over a specific aspect of existence: Nito claimed Death, the Witch of Izalith claimed Life (Chaos), Gwyn claimed Light, and the Furtive Pygmy claimed Dark.

Quick Facts

Preceding event
The natural appearance of the First Flame during the Age of Ancients

Lore & Background

These four lords did not merely rule; they defined the laws of the new world. They banished the Everlasting Dragons from their thrones, driving them to the corners of existence or forcing them into servitude. Their reign established the Age of Fire, a time where humanity was born from the Dark Soul but kept in the shadows by the overwhelming radiance of the Lords' power. This era set the stage for all future conflict, as the light they wielded eventually began to fade, threatening to return the world to the darkness from which it emerged.

Reader's Guide

The era begins immediately after the First Flame is discovered and humanity is born from it. Four distinct figures rise to power: Gwyn claims sunlight, Nito claims death, the Witch of Izalith (and her daughters) claim fire, and Seath claims magic through forbidden means. Together, they wage a great war against the Primordial Serpents, who had previously ruled the world in darkness. The serpents are defeated and driven away from their thrones. The Four Lords establish the Age of Fire, creating a structured society where humanity exists but is overshadowed by the power of the gods. This period ends as the First Flame begins to fade centuries later, leading to the eventual fall of Izalith and the beginning of the Dark Souls cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rise of the Four Lords?

This pivotal era occurred after the First Flame naturally appeared, marking the transition from the chaotic Age of Ancients to an age of order. It is defined by four powerful beings emerging to claim dominion over specific aspects of existence as the dragons' influence waned.

How did this era change Lordran?

Before this time, the world was ruled by Everlasting Dragons in a state of stagnation, but the Flame's arrival allowed these four beings to establish civilization and order. Their rise ended the dragons' dominance and set the stage for all future history in Lordran.

What ended the Rise of the Four Lords?

The era effectively concluded when Gwyn decided to link the First Flame himself to delay the coming age of Dark, sacrificing his own life in the process. This act shifted power dynamics and eventually led to the decay that defines the current state of Lordran.

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