Lore#

“We are born of the blood, made men by the blood, undone by the blood.”

Origins of the World#

Ancient Times#

The Tragedy of the Great Ones#

The Great Ones are not evil beings. They simply possess power and desires that humanity cannot comprehend. They long for offspring, yet fate always takes their children away. This tragedy is what makes the whole story deeper.

History of Blood Healing#

The Origin of Blood Healing#

Before Yharnam was founded, a group of scholars discovered blood taken from the Great Ones. This blood held the miraculous power to cure illness, but it also carried a tremendous hidden cost.

The Stages of Blood Healing#

The Cost of Blood Healing#

Long-term use of blood healing causes humans to mutate into beasts. This mutation is irreversible, and in the end it leads to the complete loss of humanity.

Organizations and Factions#

The Healing Church#

The Healing Church is the largest organization in Yharnam, responsible for promoting and managing blood healing.

The Dream Scholars#

A group of scholars who tried to communicate with the Great Ones through rituals. Their activities ultimately led to disastrous consequences.

The Hunter Organizations#

Hunters are warriors who specialize in hunting mutated monsters. They were trained by the workshop master Gehrman, but as the story develops, the Hunter organizations split apart as well.

Dreams and Reality#

The Hunter’s Dream#

The Hunter’s Dream is a special space created by the Moon Presence. Its purpose is to raise Hunters and destroy the other Great Ones.

The Nightmare#

The Nightmare is another dimension that exists in parallel with the real world. It was created by the power of the Great Ones.

The Relationship Between Dreams and Reality#

The Philosophy of Blood#

The Multiple Meanings of Blood#

In Bloodborne, blood is not merely a substance - it is also a philosophical concept.

The Relationship Between Blood and Dreams#

The core theme of Bloodborne is the relationship between “blood” and “dreams”. Blood represents power and cost, while dreams represent bondage and freedom.

Blood → Power → Cost → Transformation

Dream → Bondage → Freedom → Transcendence

Analysis of Key Concepts#

1. Blood Vial#

Blood Vials are the main item for restoring HP, but they also carry a deep story meaning - a Blood Vial is in fact the blood of other Hunters.

2. Blood Vial#

3. Third Umbilical Cord#

The Third Umbilical Cord is the key item for unlocking the hidden ending. It is connected to the reproduction of the Great Ones.

4. Blood Echoes#

Blood Echoes are both currency and experience. They represent the ancient power contained within blood.

Character Relationship Diagram#

    │
    ├── Created the Hunter's Dream
    │
    │   ├── Workshop master
    │   ├── Made the Doll
    │   └── Trapped in the dream
    │
    │   ├── Cares for the Hunter
    │   └── In memory of Maria
    │
        ├── Summoned
        ├── Fulfilled the mission
        └── Faces a choice

Summary of the World Setting#

The worldview of Bloodborne is a profound allegory about blood and dreams, power and cost, bondage and freedom. Every character, every location and every item is telling this ancient and sorrowful story. Understand this worldview, and you can truly understand the essence of Bloodborne.

Story Supplement#

Character Backstories#

Detailed Story Threads#

Worldview Analysis#

Connections to Other Souls Games#

Hidden Storylines#