A "Bearer of the Curse" is a term often used in storytelling to refer to a character who is chosen or burdened with a curse or a great responsibility. This trope is commonly found in myths, legends, and fantasy narratives. The bearer of the curse is typically an ordinary individual who is thrust into an extraordinary situation. They may be selected by fate, a higher power, or sometimes even by chance. Once chosen, they must now carry the weight of a curse that brings immense challenges and hardships into their life. The curse itself can come in many forms.
The Emerald Herald
Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin
Alsanna, Silent Oracle
Benhart of Jugo
Blacksmith Lenigrast
Carillon of the Fold
Captain Drummond
Cale the Cartographer
Chancellor Wellager
Titchy Gren
Darkdiver Grandahl
Felkin the Outcast
Grave Warden Agdayne
Laddersmith Gilligan
Lonesome Gavlan
Mild-mannered Pate
Creighton the Wanderer
Lucatiel of Mirrah
Magerold of Lanafir
Manscorpion Tark
Maughlin the Armorer
Merchant-hag Melentia
The Milfanito
Rosabeth of Melfia
Saulden the Crestfallen Warrior
Steady Hand McDuff
Stone Trader Chloanne
Straid of Olaphis
Sweet Shalquoir
Vengarl of Forossa
King Vendrick
Weaponsmith Ornifex
Should the Bearer of the Curse again seek out Nashandra s council, she will warn that the dragon is a false deity and is in fact no more than a prop. The Duke was always a peculiar figure however, obsessed with spiders, and one day, a massive spider known as The Duke s Dear Freja and her countless children overran the town, and the Duke was never seen again.
The curse itself can come in many forms. It may be a literal curse, such as a spell or enchantment placed upon the protagonist, or it could be a metaphorical curse, like a personal burden or a task that must be completed. Regardless of its nature, the curse is often accompanied by a prophecy, a foretelling of the bearer's destiny, or a warning of the consequences that will befall them if they fail to fulfill their duty.
Lore
The Bearer of the Curse is the player character and main protagonist of Dark Souls II.
The Bearer of the Curse became undead at some point, hollowing until they had no recollection of their former life. Desperate to find a cure, they were drawn to the walled off kingdom of Drangleic, where a cure to the undead curse was rumoured to exist. Journeying through a portal and guided by a Fire Keeper, the Bearer of the Curse found themselves in the Things Betwixt. Finding there a hut with the remaining Fire Keepers, the Bearer of the Curse is made to remember more of their past and is cured of their hollowing through a Human Effigy.The Bearer is then guided towards Majula to seek the Emerald Herald. The Herald, in turn, tells the Bearer of the Curse to seek the king, Vendrick, to find their answers and claim the throne, but warns that the Bearer will never find the king with a soul so pallid, instructing them to seek out the four Great Ones and to claim their power.
When about to light the last primal bonfire, the Bearer of the Curse is surprised by the Scholar of the First Sin, who emerges from the bonfire. The Scholar asks if they want to "shed the curse", unless they have already joined the crestfallen, he tells them that there are two paths: to inherit the order of the world, or destroy it. He admits that very few have come this far, and yet the Bearer's journey is far from over. The Scholar asks of the Bearer to seek Vendrick, "he who almost became a true monarch", for he will guide their way. After this, the Scholar will disappear, letting the Bearer of the Curse light the primal bonfire.
The Ancient Dragon will give the Bearer the Ashen Mist Heart, which allows one to peer into the memories of things long withered. Should the Bearer of the Curse again seek out Nashandra's council, she will warn that the dragon is a false deity and is in fact no more than a prop. Still, she will direct the Bearer of the Curse to go to the Forest of Fallen Giants, to use the Ashen Mist Heart to peer into the Giants' memories. Should the Bearer of the Curse choose to do so, they may use the Ashen Mist Heart on Vendrick's belongings in the Undead Crypt. Doing so will allow the Bearer to speak directly to the king as he was before he hollowed. Bitter and resigned to defeat, the king will council the Bearer of the Curse, warning them of the futility in seeking fire, of the dark that lies within them, and of the children of Manus, Father of the Abyss He will tell the Bearer to seek three crowns of power, belonging to fallen kings.
The Bearer of the Curse will journey to the fallen kingdom of Shulva, Sanctum City, once ruled by the Sunken King. Next, the Bearer of the Curse returns to the Old Iron Kingdom, to seek the Old Iron King's crown. Finally, the Bearer of the Curse travels to Frozen Eleum Loyce, once ruled by the Ivory King. Once the Bearer of the Curse has found all three crowns of old, along with Vendrick's own crown, the fallen king will create a new crown for the Bearer of the Curse that makes them immune to the hollowing effects of the curse. Bidding the Bearer to seek strength, and asking them whether allowing the flames to fade is truly their only choice, the king sends the Bearer of the Curse on their way.
Below Drangleic Castle, the Throne of Want awaits. Here the Emerald Herald will meet the Bearer of the Curse one final time, declaring her journey completed. She warns that if the Bearer of the Curse proceeds, Nashandra, knowing the Bearer of the Curse will link the fire, and coveting the power of the First Flame and the Great Soul, will come for them. She urges the Bearer of the Curse to put an end to Nashandra.
Then, the Bearer must decide between two outcomes:
- Proceed to the Throne: In this ending, the Bearer of the Curse will accept their part in the cycle of the world, and take the throne. Doing so means that they will either sacrifice themselves to link the flame, or allow the flame to continue fading and become the Dark Lord. Which the Bearer of the Curse chooses is unknown.
- Leave the Throne: In this ending, the Bearer of the Curse rejects the throne, and bitterly walks away, seemingly to seek another, more permanent way to end the curse.
The Herald, in turn, tells the Bearer of the Curse to seek the king, Vendrick, to find their answers and claim the throne, but warns that the Bearer will never find the king with a soul so pallid, instructing them to seek out the four Great Ones and to claim their power.
Throughout the story, the bearer of the curse may face numerous trials and obstacles as they strive to break the curse or fulfill the task assigned to them. These challenges may test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, pushing them to their limits. The bearer may also encounter allies and enemies along the way, some of whom may help or hinder their progress. The burden of the curse often comes with a heavy toll on the bearer. They may experience feelings of isolation, self-doubt, and despair as they struggle to overcome the curse's effects. However, it is these hardships that ultimately shape the bearer into a stronger, wiser, and more resilient individual. The story of the bearer of the curse is often one of self-discovery and redemption. As they navigate their journey, the bearer may learn valuable lessons about themselves, their abilities, and the true nature of their curse. They may also find that their curse carries a deeper purpose or meaning, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. At its core, the trope of the bearer of the curse explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of the individual to overcome adversity. It showcases the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Whether through bravery, resourcefulness, or sheer willpower, the bearer of the curse embodies the potential for greatness that lies within all of us..
Reviews for "The Curse of the Evil Eye: The Cultural Significance of the Malevolent Gaze"
1. Amy - 1 star - I was really disappointed in "Bearer of the Curse". The plot was confusing and disjointed, and the characters were underdeveloped. I struggled to understand what was happening and why I should care about the protagonist. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and unsatisfying conclusions. Overall, I found the book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying read.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Bearer of the Curse" but ultimately found it to be a letdown. The writing style was overly verbose and pretentious, making it difficult to engage with the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the descriptions were overly flowery. Additionally, the world-building was inadequate, leaving many questions unanswered and leaving the reader feeling confused. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Bearer of the Curse" started off promising, but ultimately failed to deliver. The characters lacked depth and authenticity, and their motivations were unclear. The plot felt disjointed and convoluted, making it difficult to follow along. The pacing was also inconsistent, with unnecessary scenes dragging on while important events were rushed through. Overall, I found this book to be frustrating and unsatisfying, and would not read another book by this author.