Dark Souls: 6 Heart-Breaking Moments
1. The Legend Of Knight Artorias... And Sif
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For me, this particular story embodies all that is great about Dark Souls. It is about bravery, strength, honour, darkness, and above all, failure. The DLC Artorias of the Abyss brought to light the true nature of the characters involved in the attempted vanquishing of the Abyss, and it resulted in us mellowing in our sorrows.
Artorias, one of the four knights of Lord Gwyn, was charged with a mission of venturing into the Abyss, that he may stop it spreading and eventually consuming the world. With his fiercely loyal wolf companion Sif at his side, he set off on behalf of his beloved homeland. But, as was pointed out by Elizabeth of Oolacile, such a hero has nary a murmur of Dark. Without doubt, he will be swallowed by the Abyss, overcome by its utter blackness. This is exactly what happens. Despite what we see of him, Knight Artorias is perhaps the most valiant, noble character of the game. In the abyss, this strength becomes his weakness, and he is consumed by evil. In his final human act, he sacrifices his shield to protect Sif from befalling the same bitter end as himself.
When the Chosen Undead chances upon Artorias in Oolacile, he is no more than a husk. By slaying him, you ensure that he dies with his honour still intact. It is you who then proceeds to kill Manus and cull the Abyss but it is Artorias to whom the legend remains.
If, when you were rifling through the Chasm of the Abyss, you happened to find Sif, and saved him from the surrounding Abyssal fragments, he will recognise you when you approach Artorias grave, hundreds of years in the future
Sif guards the grave and Covenant of Artorias to protect his masters honour and legend, and to protect you. Sif knows what can happen to those who would traverse the abyss; he had to watch as his best friend was overwhelmed by darkness. The Chosen Undead comes seeking the means to traverse the Abyss, and as I said before, Sif recognises you from the past. It is not in his best interest to kill you; he considers you a friend. But he refuses to let you wager your soul in the abyss, so he reluctantly takes up his sword, and fights you out of duty.
To kill Sif at this point is the most heart-breaking thing to do in Dark Souls, so separate yourself from your emotions as you slash away at the Great Grey Wolf that is Sif, and do what must be done for the greater good.
Feel free discuss any of the above, or any other moments which you found particularly sad in the comments below!