8 Utterly Mind-Blowing Dark Souls Trilogy Fan Theories

Dragonslayer Ornstein is one of the most fascinating characters in the whole series. He served as one of Gwyn's four knights, and was known for his dexterity when it came to taking down dragons. Most players will remember Ornstein as one half of the Ornstein and Smough power couple, also known as one of the most excruciatingly difficult bosses in the entire game (probably the entire franchise).

Yet, there's a strong case to be made that the Ornstein seen in the first Dark Souls isn't Ornstein at all, but is rather an illusion meant to protect the Lordvessel. For a start, an Ornstein-like being is fought in Dark Souls 2, but wearing darker armour.

This might not be Ornstein either, but things are cast into serious question by the fact that it's possible to find Ornstein's armour next to the Nameless King boss in Dark Souls 3, along with the a description stating that Ornstein left Anor Londo in order to track down Gwyn's first born.

So if Ornstein left Anor Londo, how can he be killed there? Illusion is a very common theme in Anor Londo: Gwynevere is an illusion, as is the sun itself. It makes a lot of sense for Ornstein to be one, too.