Niniane is Gwendolyn's companion in Tides of Annihilation. She is a shape-shifter who can take three forms: a bird, a red-haired young girl, and Gwendolyn's primary sword. She is named after the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legend, one of the most powerful figures in the mythology.
Three forms
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Bird form | Niniane scouts ahead and provides aerial reconnaissance. She can fly freely and alert Gwendolyn to threats or points of interest. |
Human form | A young girl with red hair. In this form, Niniane speaks with Gwendolyn, provides story exposition, and interacts with other characters. |
Sword form | Niniane transforms into Gwendolyn's primary weapon. This means the protagonist's main sword is literally her companion, adding a layer of connection between the two characters. |
Combat role
As Gwendolyn's sword, Niniane is present in every combat encounter. Her sword form is the weapon Gwendolyn wields by default before summoning spectral knights or switching to fists or bows. Whether Niniane's sword form has unique properties or upgrades independent of other weapons has not been detailed.
Narrative role
Niniane serves as the player's primary narrative companion. She provides context about Avalon, explains the nature of the supernatural threats, and has her own backstory that intersects with the main quest. The dynamic between Gwendolyn and Niniane appears to be one of the game's central relationships.
Arthurian origins
In Arthurian tradition, Niniane (also spelled Nimue or Viviane) is the Lady of the Lake, a powerful enchantress associated with the sword Excalibur and the imprisonment of Merlin. She is one of the most significant magical figures in the legends. Tides of Annihilation reimagines her as a shape-shifting entity who literally becomes a weapon, while maintaining her connection to the sword mythology.