"Knight Artorias came to stop this. Without doubt he'll be swallowed by the abyss, overcome by its utter blackness. Indeed, the abyss may be unstoppable" "This may strike thine ear as somewhat peculier but, long ago, in my homeland of Oolacile, I was beset by a creature from the abyss. I would have perished then were it not for the great knight Artorias. In truth I saw little of what transpired but my senses were already flat, even still there was something about Artorias, a certain balance of the humans that quite perfectly fits your sembelence.

"Any living thing that has a soul, was born in New Londo. The city was sacrificed to contain the threat that was." As the first flame continues to wane and the darkness looming the deitys of Anor Londo began to leave the doomed kingdom. Meanwhile the Abyss breaks out again, this time in Oolacile. With time running out Lord Gywns final command is for Artorias to hold the inevitable spread of the abyss and to rescue princess dusk. An old man afraid of the dark, Lord Gywn kindles the first flame with his own soul, artificially extending his age of fire. And so, 100 years before the birth of the chosen undead, Knight Artorias and Sif meet the threat building in Oolacile, however, they do not succeed. Beset by the Abyss, Artorias final act was to protect his companion. He shieled Sif with the power of his greatshield for his arm was broken and he could no longer bear the burden. Soon after the spread of the abyss was halted and the deeds of a human were acredited to Artorias, the hero who gave his life to repel the abyss. Within this glimpse of the abyss lies a tormented soul, saviour turned demon, hidden from the eyes of his lord and comrades. As if only to find peace for his soul at long last a warrior came. A hero of a time long distant yet near. The warrior fought with Artorias severing his bonds with darkness so that his honor may remain intact.

Living with the knowledge that his master saved him with his last uncorrupted breath, watching him become husk only capable of tormented screams, he keeps the ring of Artorias knowing that many will try to traverse the abyss and offend his masters grave. Imagine what he is feeling when you come to him years later to gain the abyss walker ring that debilitated his friend. He is trying to protect you. One of you will have to die because Sif will not give you the covenant of Artorias willingly. Maybe in death he can find his friend, Artorias.