Primordial Serpents

Dozens of Primordial Serpents greeting the Dark Lord.

Primordial Serpents (世界の蛇, Sekai no hebi, World Serpent) are characters and mentioned characters in Dark Souls.

Lore

Primordial Serpents are dark grey-skinned creatures resembling serpents. They have very long necks, serpentine pupils, large flat noses, long floppy ears and a large mouth constantly open to reveal a toothy smile.

They are ancient creatures that can trace their origins from the primordial dragons born as imperfect after the First Flame appeared and, bringing Disparity and Souls, allowed them to evolve as living beings. Similarly to dragons mutating or getting imbued with elements from birth (as in the case of Seath, Sinh, Kalameet or the Gaping Dragon), serpents and snake-like creatures are imperfect dragons.

It is unknown how many Primordial Serpents exist in the world, but all hints seem to suggest that they're few and that most of them do not reveal themselves often to anyone. They seem to possess a vast knowledge of the world, its events and secrets, and their affiliation to any political entity, faith or purpose is often uncertain and doubtful. In game, it is impossible to kill or hurt any serpent significantly, making the nature of their souls and any clear scope of their true identity shrouded in mystery.

Dark Souls

This section of the lore lacks sources and is in need of further expansions and explanations!

There are two named Primordial Serpents in the game: Kingseeker Frampt and Darkstalker Kaathe. Frampt was a friend of Lord Gwyn and is possibly working with Gwyndolin, as Gwyndolin created the illusion of Gwynevere, which suggests that the Chosen Undead listen to Frampt and Link the First Flame and succeed Gwyn.

Kaathe resides in the darkness of the Abyss, but still seems to have a bigger role in the affairs of Lordran than Frampt. Kaathe gave the Four Kings the art of lifedrain and consequently founded the Darkwraith covenant, as well as tricked the residents of Oolacile into uncovering the corpse of Manus, and driving him mad, which sparked the spread of the Abyss, as well as turning the townsfolk into different monsters whose humanity has run wild, just like Manus's.

In the ending of Dark Lord, there can be seen ten additional primordial serpents, whose names are unknown. All that is known of them is that they seem to want to serve the newly-appointed Dark Lord, and possibly usher in the Age of Dark. An interesting note in this ending is that Kaathe states that both himself and Frampt will serve the Chosen Undead, despite any actions the player has taken before reaching this point, like placing the Lordvessel with Frampt, instead of Kaathe, which would make the latter refuse to cooperate with the player, and vice-versa.

Dark Souls II

In the region and times of Drangleic, their influence appears to have faded, at least from Drangleic and the surrounding regions, as their existence and history are not preserved and known to its inhabitants. However, a shield representing two intertwined "serpentine dragons" can be found in Heide. The two creatures are regarded as "watchers of the flow of time" and depicted as in contrast, one painted white and one black, implying that at least in Heide the Primordial Serpents and the conflicting ideologies of Kaathe and Frampt were partly known.

Dark Souls III

In the region and times of Lothric, their influence can still be found in some regions such as Lothric and Londor.

Even after possibly hundreds of thousands years after the first linking of the Flame, Frampt or other serpents affiliated with his ideology, continued to propagate the cult of the linking of the Flame, influencing kingdoms,rulers and simple Undead to continue the tradition started by Gwyn. When the First Flame drifted up to position itself on the nascent kingdom of Lothric, Frampt or other serpents affiliated with his ideology reached the city too. Over time the serpents passed on the culture of linking the Flame to the royal family of Lothric, pushing them to preserve the tradition and actively produce heirs capable of becoming Lords of Cinder. Frampt or other serpents affiliated with his ideology, were represented in numerous statues, on par with the Three Pillars of Lothric, with elegant clothes and angel wings, showing how they had a central role within the kingdom and were considered "divine messengers". Following Prince Lothric's refusal to link the Flame and the madness of King Oceiros, the fate of the primordial serpents present in Lothric is unknown.

Even after possibly hundreds of thousands years after the first linking of the Flame, Kaathe didn't stop trying to bring the Age of Dark. The serpent in fact took into his service what would become the three sisters at the helm of the Sable Church, Liliane, Yuria and Elfriede. He then directed their efforts to create a realm entirely inhabited by Hollows that could offer salvation to them. Kaathe taught them his dark powers, and Londor carried out experiments aimed at understanding the Dark Sign and the Dark Soul under his watch. Their goal had in fact become to usurp the First Flame, tearing it from its Kiln and ensuring that it could be wielded to finally create a new Age of Man. To this end, the Sable Church awaited the arrival of a chosen Unkindled, preparing to assist and guide him to ensure that he succeeded in their goal. However, before he could see his dream of a Age of Dark, Kaathe died of unknown causes, leaving the three sisters to continue to lead Londor and await the future Dark Lord.

During the events of Dark Souls III, when the First Flame was almost fading out, their fate or the number of their survivors is unknown.

Gallery

Kingseeker Frampt.

Darkstalker Kaathe.

Dozens of Primordial Serpents revealing themselves to the Dark Lord.

A statue of a Primordial Serpent in the city of Lothric.