Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-99.120.249.161-20140404041838

I have some theories on the relation between Ornstein in DaS1 and Old Dragonslayer in 2. This is based on a lot of speculation, but I think that it makes sense based on the lore available to me at the time of writing.

I don't believe that Ornstein and the Old Dragonslayer are the same person. I believe that the Ornstein in Anor Londo that the Chosen Undead kills is the real Ornstein. But I don't think that the Old Dragonslayer is an illusion, or Ornstein reincarnated through necromancy or something.

It can be assumed that Ornstein, as the supposed captain of the four knights of Gwyn, was a protector of the royal family, for reason DaveControlLive points out in his lore video on Ornstein and Smough. It's reasonable to assume that he must have had some kind of relationship with Gwynevere, whether it be protector/protectee or something more.

When Seathe began snatching maidens and experimenting on them, Gwynevere's servants were among those targeted. I think that Gwynevere turned to Ornstein for help, begging him to save her handmaidens. And he was willing to do so, until Gwyn, who was turning a blind eye to the experiments in the archives, advised his knight to do the same.

Caught between loyalty to Gwynevere and loyalty to his lord Gwyn, Ornstein chose the latter. It was for this reason, then, that when Gwynevere left across the sea, she didn't take Ornstein with, or perhaps she even offered him to join, but he refused, choosing to remain behind out of loyalty to Gwyn, regardless of whether he had left to kindle the First Flame at that point or not.

But the memories of her noble protector remained even after Gwynevere left with Flann and some of the other 'gods' and founded a new kingdom, presumably Heide, or whatever the kingdom that house Heide's tower of flame was called.

Inspired by Ornstein, Gwynevere commanded that the captain of her guard, or perhaps her guards in general, should wear armor and bear weapons similar to those of Ornstein's. The Old Dragonslayer we fight in the Citadel of Blue could possibly be the last of Gwynevere's guard, corrupted or hollowed. The title Old Dragonslayer could be a purely ceremonial name, since we know that dragonriders were likely residing in Heide alongside Gwynevere. What do you guys think? 