What is Solas Dragon Age Name? An In-Depth Look at the Mysteries Surrounding the Elven Companion

Solas, the mysterious elven mage who accompanies the Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, is arguably one of the most fascinating characters in the Dragon Age universe. At first glance, he seems a polite, intellectual apostate who offers useful knowledge on the Fade. But behind this unassuming exterior lies an ancient elven god with a secret plan that threatens the world itself.

In this article, you and I will explore the complex backstory and motivations of Solas, known as Fen‘Harel, the Dread Wolf. What secrets lie behind his name and his role as an elven trickster god? Read on, friend, and let‘s uncover the truth together!

Decoding the Meaning Behind Solas and Fen‘Harel

First, let‘s examine what we can learn from Solas‘ name alone. In Elven, solas translates to "pride" or "to stand tall." This reflects Solas‘ arrogance and conviction in his own cause. He is extremely prideful of Elvhen language, magic, and lore. As an apostate mage, Solas stands tall by refusing to submit to the human Circle of Magi system.

But his true name reveals even more. Fen‘Harel means "Dread Wolf" – a fitting moniker for a cunning, rebellious god! In Elven legends, Fen‘Harel was a trickster figure who betrayed and sealed away the other Creators, Evanuris mages that ruled the ancient Elvhen people.

You might be wondering: why was the Dread Wolf title meant as an insult originally? Well, friend, let‘s take a quick dive into history to find out!

A Brief History of Elvhenan and the Evanuris

Solas was born in Elvhenan, the ancient empire of the elves predating human arrival in Thedas. Elvhenan was ruled by powerful mage-kings and queens called Evanuris who were worshipped as gods. Imagine glittering spires, magic saturating the air, immortal elves living in utopia – or so the nostalgic stories say.

But Solas reveals a darker truth: the Evanuris were ruthless tyrants who fought amongst themselves for power, enslaving their own people. Fen‘Harel, at the time known only as Solas, led a rebellion against these cruel false-gods. In an act of desperation, he created the Veil, sealing the Evanuris away forever.

This banished the elven gods but also sundered the elves from their magic and immortality. Solas‘ people called him Dread Wolf in hatred for causing their downfall. But Solas wears the name with pride for freeing them from Evanuris oppression.

This history explains much about our protagonist‘s motivations, no? Now, let‘s explore Solas himself in more detail.

Solas – His Past, Motivations, and Mysteries

Ancient Elven Expert

Solas possesses a brilliant expertise on the ancient Elvhen, fueled by having actually lived through that era. He‘s extremely passionate about preserving whatever remnants still exist, such as elven language, lore, and artifacts. This drive comes across clearly in his disdain for Dalish elves who he views as losing their heritage.

In conversations, Solas comes across as highly intellectual. He enjoys philosophical debates,IDLEProblemInstance integrating smoothly with both mages and warriors. As an apostate hedge mage, Solas has an unconventional perspective on magic separate from the Circle‘s teachings. He also possesses unique understanding of spirits and the Fade, drawn from his experiences in the raw Fade before the Veil was created.

The Long Slumber

Solas was already ancient by the time of Arlathan. But creating the Veil severely drained his power, forcing him to sleep for thousands of years to recover his strength. He awoke from his uthenera (immortal slumber) one year before the events of Inquisition, weak but determined to enact his mysterious plans.

Imagine it – waking up in a world completely transformed from everything you knew. The Inquisitor actually helps ground Solas by introducing him to the wonders and people of this new age. Their companionship seems to soften his stance over time.

What Are Solas‘ Goals?

Solas aided the Inquisition because he needed their power to enact his endgame – destroying the Veil to restore the world of the ancient elves. He plans to do this even if it means annihilating the modern world.

You might be wondering – can his cause be justified if it saves one people by destroying all other races? Is restoring what was lost worth that terrible cost?

In my opinion, Solas is viewing the past with rose-colored glasses. The oppression under the Evanuris can‘t simply be ignored. And how many modern elves would even thank Solas for his efforts? The more I learn, the more complex his motivations seem.

There‘s also the question of Solas‘ own pride and guilt driving him. Perhaps he believes fixing his mistake will absolve him of his sins and restore his standing. But friend, what do you think? Does Solas have the right to decide the fate of the world? I‘m eager to hear your perspective!

Romancing the Rebel Wolf: Solas and Lavellan

Now, let‘s explore Solas‘ most personal relationship – his romance with a female elven Inquisitor, Lavellan. Their love story reveals much about our Dread Wolf‘s contradictions.

Solas initially distrusted the Dalish Inquisitor, seeing her as a foolish child misusing her heritage. But Lavellan‘s compassion and open mind, so unlike the Evanuris of old, began changing his perspective.

"You have shown subtlety in your actions, a wisdom that goes against everything I expected. If the Dalish could raise someone with a spirit like yours…have I misjudged them?"

Lavellan opened Solas‘ eyes to the beauty still left in the world, creating doubts about his cause. In turn, Solas introduced Lavellan to the mysteries of the Fade through dreams and magical exploration.

Their romance culminates in a vulnerable kiss, with Solas poignantly confessing "Ar lath ma, vhenan" – I love you, my heart. But in the end, he chooses his perceived duty over a life with Lavellan, breaking both their hearts.

The Tragedy Deepens

In the Trespasser DLC, Solas tragically cripples his vhenan Lavellan by removing her arm to reclaim his ancient elven orb. This allows him to enact his plan, proving love will not sway him from his course.

Solas clearly regrets hurting Lavellan, showing how much she meant to him. Their romance represents perhaps his lone connection to the present age. Yet ultimately, not even their love could change the Dread Wolf‘s goals.

Few stories in Dragon Age grip my heart like Solas and Lavellan‘s. Patrik Weekes crafted a complex and heartbreaking tale that stays with you long afterwards. The mysteries and tragedy surrounding Solas will surely continue in future Dragon Age games.

Conclusion: The Rebel Wolf Who Would Be a God

What did you think of my deeper dive into Solas‘ backstory and motivations, friend? Understanding this complex figure requires examining his past, his relationship with Lavellan, and his identity as the rebel god Fen‘Harel.

While Solas believes he is justified, I think his cause shows dangerous tunnel vision. The costs seem far too high, especially without modern people‘s consent. But I‘ve only touched on a fraction of the available lore surrounding Solas! There‘s still so much left to explore.

In the end, Solas remains the most fascinating character in Dragon Age. I can‘t wait to see where his journey leads in future games. Will he see reason and forge a new path? Or will the Dread Wolf bring an end to Thedas as we know it? The rebel god‘s fate remains shrouded in mystery.

Let me know what you think of Solas and his motivations! I‘m eager to discuss this thought-provoking character. And thank you for joining me on this deep dive into the meaning of his names and the role of the Dread Wolf, Fen‘Harel.