Elden Ring's Most Tragic Characters: Their Heart-Wrenching Stories

Summary

Characters in Elden Ring are tragic figures shaped by the events in the Lands Between, showing loyalty and rebellion.
The storylines of Blaidd, Radahn, Kale, Rennala, Godrick, the Omen Twins, Messmer, and Millicent showcase the depths of tragedy.
Each character’s narrative unfolds in a unique and heart-wrenching way, revealing the consequences of rejection, loyalty, and loss.

The video game “Elden Ring” by FromSoftware is an extraordinary example of storytelling through environment, crafting a deep, intricate narrative encompassing legends, history, and sorrow within its expansive landscape. At the core of this grand dark fantasy lies a multitude of characters who are frequently complex and imperfect.

In the realm known as the Lands Between, these characters have been molded by the series of events that transpired, many of them enduring hardships despite having minimal involvement in the larger narrative of the Golden Order. The following figures, marked by their heart-wrenching stories, embody themes of perseverance, devotion, and uprising amidst a world that seems irreparably damaged.

These characters in Elden Ring have suffered due to events beyond their control in the Lands Between. They are known for their struggles, loyalty, and rebellion, even though their world seems lost.

Suffering characters in Elden Ring’s Lands Between embody themes of struggle, loyalty, and rebellion as they continue to tell a story amidst a seemingly unsavable world due to events beyond their control.

1. Blaidd, The Half-Wolf

A Loyal Blade Bound By Fate

Ranni’s Shadow & Sword: Blaidd is more than just Ranni’s protector—his very existence depends on her. Yet, he remains by Ranni’s side as she defies the Two Fingers.
Defiant: Blaidd’s loyalty to Ranni drives him to turn against the Two Fingers, knowing full well that he must face the madness of rage when Ranni kills them.

In the world of Elden Ring, Blaidd is a notable character who was designed by the Two Fingers to be Ranni the Witch’s guardian. His role was to shield Ranni and betray her if she went against the Greater Will. However, destiny had other ideas for both Blaidd and Ranni, shaping them into faithful allies instead.

In Ranni’s quest, players discover her strong bond with Blaidd, whom she refers to as her “blade” and “shade.” Although Ranni is determined to challenge the Greater Will and eliminate the Two Fingers, Blaidd stays devoted to her. However, when Ranni kills her Two Fingers, internal struggles within Blaidd lead him to insanity. Upon encountering Blaidd again, players find him mourning his failure to safeguard Ranni, then giving way to anger and madness. Regrettably, the player ultimately has to battle and put an end to Blaidd, freeing him from his sorrow.

2. Starscourge Radahn

A Mighty & Compassionate War General

Unwavering Commitment: Despite being consumed by the Scarlet Rot, Radahn somehow manages to use gravity magic to ride his trusty steed and control the stars.
Battle Without Glory: The warring general, respected by both friends and enemies, must fight his final battle not for conquest, but for mercy.

In the world of Elden Ring, the community holds a tremendous amount of admiration for Starscourge Radahn. This appreciation isn’t just because of his immense power, but also due to his unique ability to restrain the stars themselves, despite being affected by the Scarlet Rot. Radahn was regarded as an honorable general, respected not only by his soldiers but also by his adversaries.

As Radahn expanded in stature, he elected to master the art of Gravity Magic to keep up with his loyal steed, Leonard. This compassionate choice made one of the game’s most formidable demigods more approachable for players. After contracting the Scarlet Rot, Radahn’s troops yearned for their esteemed commander to meet a valiant end on the battlefield instead of suffering from the sickness. Remarkably, even though he had lost almost everything to the rot, Radahn still managed to stay astride his horse and hold onto the stars.

3. Kale, The Nomadic Merchant

The Silent Suffering Of The Nomadic Merchant

Cast Out from the Golden Order: Kale’s nomadic tribe was cast out of the Golden Order due to their alleged connection to the Frenzied Flame. The humiliation and sorrow of the nomads now fuel the very flame of chaos.
Search for Belonging: Like many others, Kale’s tribe only wished to practice their trade and live in peace but instead found themselves under the tyrannical rule of Queen Marika.

In Elden Ring, it’s likely that Kale will be the initial traveling merchant that players come across. Initially, these wandering merchants are seen as just helpful NPCs for trading purposes. However, a heart-wrenching tale unfolds when players venture into the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds, revealing the grim fate of many nomadic merchants.

These merchants were excluded by the Golden Order due to accusations of heresy and rumors of their association with the Frenzied Flame, resulting in their expulsion from Grace. Their anguish and despair only intensify the Frenzied Flame. Additionally, dialogue hints from Kale express his wrath upon discovering the destiny of his tribe and the agony of being an outcast. Although not a key character in Elden Ring’s main narrative, Kale’s tale is equally as heart-wrenching as many other significant characters.

4. Rennala, Queen Of The Full Moon

The Sorrow Of The Carian Queen

Victim of Grief & Loss: Abandoned by Radagon, Rennala was overcome by sorrow, clutching the Amber Egg and engaging in never-ending ritualistic rebirths.
A Hollow Husk of Pain: Once a powerful queen of Caria, loss has reduced Rennala to a mere husk, one who no longer cares for her once-esteemed kingdom.

In a nutshell, Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, governs the Carian Royal Family. Upon encountering her, she’s found in deep sorrow. Her husband, Radagon, mysteriously left her for Marika the Eternal. Plunged into grief, Rennala clutches her runic Amber Egg and finds solace in an endless loop of rebirthing rites.

In the initial skirmish with Rennala during her boss fight, she’s so devastated that she barely fights back. But in a phantom clash orchestrated by Ranni, her daughter, Rennala’s original might is unveiled. The tale of Rennala underscores the profound impact of sorrow on even the strongest individuals, as it can lead to emotional paralysis.

5. Godrick, The Grafted

The Desperation Of The Grafted Lord

Self-Proclaimed King Without Honor: Desperate to prove himself as the rightful heir to the Golden Order, Godrick resorted to the grotesque grafting of body parts, turning himself into a monstrous imitation of strength.
The Cost of Desperation: Even in death, no one sympathizes with Godrick, his legacy is reduced to shame and scorn.

Players can easily discern, just by looking at him, that Godrick, the Grafted, has overstepped boundaries beyond redemption. Regardless of his lineage as a member of the Golden Dynasty, Godrick lacked the power and stature to be seen as a viable contender for the throne in the Golden Order.

Feeling humiliated and abandoned by his family, Godrick resorted to the gruesome practice of body modification to project an image of strength and power. Following his disgraceful demise, players encounter Gatekeeper Gostoc mocking Godrick’s remains and disparaging his weak reign. The tale of Godrick serves as a reminder of how rejection and humiliation can drive individuals to drastic measures in their quest for validation.

6. Morgott And Mohg – The Omen Twins

The Sad Fate Of The Omen Twins

Rebellion Against Rejection: Mohg embraced his exile from the Golden Order and sought to establish his own Dynasty of Blood in defiance of the Golden Order.
Blind Loyalty: Morgott, on the other hand, remained unwavering in his devotion to the Golden Order, refusing to accept his exile despite its cruelty.

Morgott and Mohg are twin brothers who were born to Godfrey and Marika, but due to a cursed prophecy they were rejected by both the Golden Order and the blessings of the Erdtree. Instead of joining the Golden Order, Mohg built his own domain as the Bloodlord in defiance, while Morgott chose to serve the Erdtree even though he was an outcast.

Similar to Godrick the Grafted, the tale of the Omen Twins showcases how people cope with being cast off or rejected. Whereas Mohg challenged the Erdtree in pursuit of his unique destiny, Morgott yearned for approval by remaining steadfastly devoted.

7. Messmer The Impaler

The Forgotten Son Of Marika, The Eternal

Cursed From Birth: Messmer’s fate was sealed the moment he was born with an abyssal serpent writhing inside him, leading to his erasure from the history of the Golden Order.
Loyalty Without Recognition: Despite his unwavering loyalty to Marika, Messmer’s existence was obscured from the world, resulting in bitterness and hatred toward his mother during his final moments.

In the expansion called “Shadow of the Erdtree“, Messmer the Impaler is a prominent boss character. He is one of Queen Marika’s children, but his existence has been enigmatically omitted from historical records. Born with an evil and cursed abyssal serpent within him, Messmer was at risk of being consumed by this creature. However, Marika’s seal of grace held the potential threat at bay, while she simultaneously concealed her son from the Golden Lineage and ordered him to wage war in the Shadow Land.

Despite obeying his mother’s instructions, Messmer remained undiscovered and secluded by the world. In his last moments, Marika persisted in Messmer’s mind, but he bitterly condemned her as he met his end at the hands of the Tarnished.

8. Millicent

A Story Of Unyielding Will

A Journey Against Fate: Despite being ravaged by the unforgiving Scarlet Rot, Millicent clings to every bit of hope as she charts her path to the Haligtree to meet her mother.
Mysterious Ways of Fate: Even with the Unalloyed Gold Needle slowing her affliction, Millicent dies only a few steps away from Malenia, never meeting her mother. Her quest is a grim reminder of life’s uncertainties.

Millicent encounters players in Caelid, and her narrative embodies perseverance amidst the specter of mortality. Riddled with the Scarlet Rot, Millicent resolutely embarks on a quest to reach the Haligtree, seeking her destiny. Though her spirit is indomitable and will unyielding, she tragically succumbs to the Scarlet Rot mere steps from encountering Malenia.

Millicent’s tale showcases determination and the drive to press on amid life’s most difficult obstacles. Though acquiring the Unalloyed Gold Needle offers players a chance to halt Scarlet Rot from advancing, it fails to rescue Millicent from her illness. Tragically, Millicent’s narrative serves as a sobering lesson that life can be unpredictable, no matter how hard we strive to overcome its challenges.

2025-02-25 03:40

Elden Ring’s Most Tragic Characters: Their Heart-Wrenching Stories