Summary
The Dwarves of Orzammar are renowned for their lack of magical abilities compared to the Humans, Elves, and Qunari ofDragon Age. Yet, there are some Dwarves that have a hint of magic, albeit not enough to cast spells, but enough to craft runes. There is one such Dwarf inDragon Agewith a hint of magic, and players have conjured up many theories about him.
This Dwarf is none other than Sandal Feddic, the adopted son of Dwarven Merchant Bodahn Feddic. Sandal first appeared inDragon Age: Originsand was originally intended as a fun side character. However, Sandal has since become far more important than the writers intended, and he is now surrounded in mystery and players have amassed many theories about him.
Sandal Mysteries and Theories
The Sha-Brytol Dwarves
Sandal was discovered by Bodahn Feddic in the Deep Roads past and below Aeducan Thaig when he was just 5 years old. He was found in a chamber that had a mural that depicted ancient heroes and paragons, as well as Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, and other unknown creatures. Since the Sha-Brytol Dwarves live in the furthest depths of the Deep Roads, some players have theorized that Sandal was originally fromthe Sha-Brytolas they consume lyrium.
It is known that when a Mage consumes lyrium, they will become far stronger than normal for a short period of time, and when the Templars consume it, they are granted the ability to resist and dispel magic. The Sha-Brytol’s primary purpose is to protect the Titans, who live far beneath the Deep Roads, and some players speculate that Sandal is an avatar of a Titan. If Sandal really is from the Sha-Brytol Dwarves or an avatar of a Titan, then it could explain his ability with enchantments and crafting runes, as well as explain why inDragon Age 2, he seemed a little sad when Hawke took him back to Bodahn when they were in the Deep Roads. Sandal could have been trying to return home. It is also hinted thatthe Titans have a history with Elves and Dwarves.
King Aeducan’s Lost Son
In theDragon Age 2add-onLegacy, players can overhear two Carta members talking about Sandal and discussing who he could be. They say that he could be the half Dwarf son of King Aeducan, who went missing in the Deep Roads. The Carta members also say that this child’s mother was an Elf or a Human. If Sandal is King Aeducan’s son and a half Dwarf, then it is likely that his mother was an Elf, since if his mother was a human, he would appear taller than the average Dwarf. He would also bethe brother of the noble dwarf warden, if players chose the dwarf noble origin. This could explain his affinity with enchantments and rune crafting as well as how he ended up alone in the Deep Roads as a child.
Another theory that is closely related to this one is that Sandal’s father was either an Elven or Human Mage. Since Dwarves inherit their caste from the parent of the same sex, this would make Sandal casteless and manycasteless Dwarves are abandoned by their familiesto live a life of begging or crime.
The Godhood Theories
A popular theory that has presented itself is that Sandal is either the Maker or the Elven God June. Fans ofDragon Agesee the theory of Sandal being the Maker as a bit of a joke theory, but the latter theory is a bit more plausible. June is the Elven God of the Crafts and Building. Not much is known about June, but it is known thatthe Dalish Elves inDragon Agetrain their minds with wooden puzzles that they call June’s Knot. Some players speculate that June might have been a Dwarf.
The theory of Sandal being June, or at least the avatar of June, comes from something he says in Dragon Age 2. When living in Hawkes estate with Bodahn, he tells Hawke that there was a strange old woman with a scary laugh watching him while he was in bed. This strange old woman was likely Flemeth, who was revealed to be hosting the spirit ofthe Elven Goddess MythalinInquisition. If Flemeth was indeed the strange old woman that Sandal mentions, then it could be possible that Sandal is the Elven God June or at least an avatar of him. This would give the two characters a link to each other. Another reason that Flemeth could have been there is Solas.
The Prophecy of Solas
InDragon Age 2, Sandal can be overheard talking to himself about magic coming back to everyone in Thedas and the sky being torn open. He also talks about someone rising and that everyone will see. At first, players assumed he was talking about Corypheus, but ever since theDragon Age: InquisitionexpansionTrespasser, players believe that Sandal may have been prophesying Solas’ plan to tear down the Veil and restore the world to what it was before the Veil existed. Since Solas is the Dreadwolf, and was a close friend of Mythal, Sandal being the Elven God June could explain his prophecy of Solas and could link him to bothMythal and the Dreadwolf.
Vir Dirthara
InTrespasser, players can come across Sandal’s journal in the Vir Dirthara next to the body of a Qunari. The Vir Dirthara, also known as the Shattered Library, is an ancient Elven library that is trapped in both the Fade and the waking world. The dates in Sandal’s journal seem to predatethe events ofInquistionby two years. However, as per usual with Sandal, the contents of the journal are only the word ‘Enchantment’ in each entry. Players have since been speculating and theorizing about what Sandal could have been doing in the Fade with a Qunari, and most theories point to him being captured by the Qunari or that he might even be working for Solas.
If the theory about Sandal being a reincarnated Elven god and the theory of him joining Solas in remaking the world are true, then combined with his prophecy inDragon Age 2potentially being about Solas, players might see him pop up or at least mentioned in the next entry of theDragon Agefranchise.
