Most Revealing Lore Discoveries From Shadow Of The Erdtree

Key Takeaways

The separation of lands and cursed serpent within Messmer reveal intriguing backstory details.
Bayle’s origin as the father of drakes and the draconic civil war adds depth to Elden Ring lore.
Marika’s betrayal, Hornsent history, and Miquella’s true charm are key revelations in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

As a scholar who has spent countless hours delving into the intricate lore of Elden Ring, I must say that the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has truly been a treasure trove of revelations! The story of Miquella, Marika, and the Hornsent has added depth to the already rich tapestry of this game’s world.

In the style of FromSoftware’s captivating narrative and the rich world-creation reminiscent of George RR. Martin, Elden Ring boasts one of the most intriguing tales found within video games. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC added depth to this lore in some unexpected manners.

Various fan theories about Elden Ring’s lore have been validated, debunked, or left up for debate. Moreover, numerous new discoveries have enriched our comprehension of the game’s universe and timeline considerably.

This article contains spoilers for the story of
Elden Ring
and
Shadow of the Erdtree
. The discussions here are conclusions based on in-game hints, and as such, there is some speculation involved. These discussions are influenced by the work of
SmoughTown
,
Vaatividya
, and
ZullietheWitch
, as well as the wider Elden Ring community.

10 The Obscuring Of The Land Of Shadow

More Than Just A War

It seems that one of the most striking disclosures concerning “Shadow of the Erdtree” is that it’s set in The Land of Shadow, which was originally a part of the Lands Between, but was hidden away by Queen Marika, thereby dividing the two realms.

As a devoted follower, it appears that the division of these lands transpired following the dispatch of their son, Messmer, into battle there. This strategic decision not only sent him away but also sealed him and his companions within, an action that could very well have been premeditated.

9 Bayle, Father Of Drakes

Draconic Civil War

Atop Jagged Peak resides Bayle the Dread, one of Elden Ring’s fiercest dragon battles. But if players veer off and climb instead towards his battleground, they can encounter an NPC named Ancient Dragon Florissax. This character is actually a humanoid form of Placidusax, the dragon lord, who serves Bayle. She shares intriguing details about the fearsome dragon.

Long ago, Bayle waged a fierce battle against Placidusax, resulting in severe wounds for both dragons. It was then that Bayle departed from Farum Azula and established himself at Jagged Peak. He also began the lineage of a new dragon species, known as drakes. As a consequence of his treachery, the Tarnished obtained dragon hearts to use in their communion rituals.

8 Midra And The Frenzied Flame

A Sage Who Knew Too Much

Before the Tarnished, or even Vyke, sought the Three Fingers beneath Leyndell, a sage from the land of shadow had found the frenzied flame. Midra had, intentionally or otherwise, become a vessel for the frenzied flame long ago, but the Hornsent inquisition subdued her.

It appears that the power of the Three Fingers has been widespread and enduring, perhaps even comparable to that of the Two Fingers. The character you play encounters Midra in a devastated condition. However, it seems that your actions instigate Midra’s transformation into a lord of fiery frenzy. This change might have been influenced by his past torments inflicted by the Inquisition.

7 The Aspect Of St. Trina

Love Abandoned

1) “I leave behind my affection here.” (This quote is from Miquella’s cross atop the stone coffin fissure.) Beneath lies St. Trina, nestled in a garden filled with purple blossoms amidst decaying remains. This supports a widely-held fan theory that has been around since the original game: St. Trina represents an aspect or alternate persona of Miquella.

In the vicinity of Trina and the cross, vibrant nectarbloom blossoms flourish, hinting at a violent separation between Trina and Miquella. It appears that Saint Trina was to Miquella as Radagon was to Marika: an embodied form capable of manifestation, yet also an integral part of their essence.

6 Redeeming Mohg’s Reputation

Used, Deceived, Destroyed

In the initial game, Mohg appeared as a sinister figure. He disturbed his young sibling’s cocoon from its peaceful resting spot within the Haligtree, an act that seemingly led to the sibling’s death and further desecration of the corpse with Mohg’s blood. However, additional insights from Sir Ansbach in the DLC offer a fresh perspective on these actions.

It appears that Mohg’s fixation on Miquella stemmed from Miquella’s alluring qualities and was likely part of a predetermined scheme. The contamination of Mohg’s Omen Blood served the purpose of stripping Miquella of his grace, enabling him to step into the realm of shadows. To make matters worse, he even exploited Mohg’s remains to resurrect his companion.

5 Messmer’s Curse

The Original Sin

In their battle against Messmer, the player plucks out an eye that was a symbolic restraint for his curse, a serpent lurking within him. This serpent appears connected to Marika’s personal transgression, often referred to as “the original sin.” Unfortunately, details about this sin and its connection to the serpent remain scarce in the narrative.

It is known from the duelists’ armor that the serpent is an ancient and symbolic enemy of the Erdtree. This may help to explain why Messmer’s curse was seen as dangerous, and why he was sealed away along with the Land of Shadow. It’s worth noting that some of his men among the black knights rebelled when they learned of his serpentine curse.

4 Miquella’s True Power

Domination By Kindness

The enchanting tree reveals Miquella’s power to captivate others. The expansion delves into the dark consequences of this ability. It appears that any being who interacts with Miquella, even semi-divine beings, can find themselves falling under his spell.

Through the events in the DLC, it becomes clear that even enchantments can shatter. However, this raises a multitude of questions. Did Mohg fall under Miquella’s enchantment? Was Malenia too? Once the enchantment breaks, many of his followers choose their own paths. Were these followers always drawn to Miquella due to manipulation?

3 The Hornsent And The Crucible

Ancient Cultures, Unknown Gods

In the Downloadable Content (DLC), there’s a wealth of information hinting at the existence of the Hornsent civilization prior to the Erdtree and the Golden Order. Moreover, it seems that there are traces of ancient cultures found in the shadowy land, which could be older than the current Hornsent, possibly dating back to the very origins of the world itself.

Within the remains of an old civilization, the player encounters Devonia, the knight wielding the Crucible, on a quest to uncover the source of another ancient energy in Elden Ring. The people of Hornsent hold the Crucible in high esteem, and its power is pervasive throughout the Shadow Land. Nearly every living being in this realm grows a horn, a testament to the Crucible’s presence. It appears that the Crucible was born from these lands, and it may symbolize the very origins of life in Elden Ring.

2 Marika’s Origins

The Seduction And The Betrayal

The true background of Marika is unveiled in the game “Shadow of the Erdtree“. Her tribe, known as the Numen, were revered as shamans within the realm of Shadow. They were manipulated by the Hornsent for gruesome rituals that resulted in the creation of the living jar innards featured in the game. However, Marika emerged from this people not just as a queen but eventually as a deity. There’s also hints that her rule was acknowledged by the Hornsent for some period, until an incident called “the seduction and the betrayal” took place.

As a gamer, it appears that Marika may have backstabbed the Hornsent in some way, possibly even slaying their deity and using its divine power to become a goddess herself. The specifics of her ascension are shrouded in mystery, but it seems connected to the Gate of Divinity where Miquella gained godhood.

1 The Mother Of Fingers

Defective From The Start

Ymir, located within the cathedral of Manus Metyr, is among the wisest non-player characters (NPCs) found in Shadow of the Erdtree. He’s particularly open with information, often shedding light on the nature of the Two Fingers and broader mysteries in his conversations.

As he explains, the Two Fingers are said to have originated from Metyr, who dwells under the cathedral. Initially, Metyr was intended to serve as a link to a higher power, but at some juncture, this connection was disrupted. Consequently, all the Two Fingers developed flaws, and their commands were never aligned with the greater will. This imperfection extends to the Golden Order, which was established by Marika under the leadership of the Fingers, suggesting it was flawed from its inception. The ramifications of this history reverberate throughout the world of Elden Ring.

2024-09-09 14:34