Dragon Age: A Deep Dive Into Andraste

gamerant.com:

Andraste is one of the most major figures out of the lore of Dragon Age, as she is the prophet that the dominant religion of Thedas is built upon. She is known to be the spiritual wife of the Maker as well as a war leader who freed many slaves in Tevinter. Between history and the teachings of the Chantry, there is a lot to Andraste and many fans debate as to how much is true and how much has been twisted over time.

There are also many fan theories about Andraste, with some believing Andraste is Flemeth and Mythal. Others believe that Andraste may have been born with an Old God soul (like Kieran) since she was born the same year the first Blight against Dumat ended. Every theory has huge implications about the world of Thedas, as much of the world's culture and beliefs were shaped by Andraste.

Dragon Age's Most Interesting Location Is Not In Its Main Games

While scholars have much debate as to exactly when and where Andraste was born, it is most commonly believed she was born in Denerim in -203 Ancient. Her parents were Brona and Elderath. Brona was a woman from the Ciriane tribe and Elderath was an Alamarri chieftain. Andraste also had a half-sister named Halliserre who had the same father but a different mother that was the father's advisor on matters of alchemy.

Halliserre died at a young age and under mysterious circumstances that only Andraste witnessed. According to writings of Emperor Kordillus Drakon, Halliserre followed lights that appeared in the woods one stormy night and Andraste followed her. What happened was unknown, but Halliserre was found dead in a burned clearing with wounds that could not be traced to any sort of weapon. The event had a profound effect on Andraste, who was sick in the lungs for a decade.

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