you were awoken from the bell of the firelink shrine and rose from the ashes.. you are a knight that was risen... you traversed and defeated foes until you enter an arena. From there you see an opponent that is "dead" until you decide to take the coiled sword out of its chest.. IT ROSE! the opponent rose from its slumber to judge if your worthy to challenge all other heirs and lords..

Gundyr rises and picks up his halberd from the ground and give you a look of judgement