Things In Elden Ring That Only Make Sense After Finishing The DLC

Highlights

Mohg was just a pawn in Miquella’s scheme, setting the stage for a greater power shift in the Land of Shadow.
Malenia and Radahn’s battle was sparked by broken vows, not hatred, revealing deeper layers to their conflict.
Marika’s hatred for her Omen children stemmed from a tragic past of betrayal and revenge, shedding light on her actions.

As a scholar well-versed in the lore of Elden Ring, I find it truly fascinating how these divine figures, once seen as infallible and omnipotent, are slowly being unveiled as complex characters with their own flaws and motivations.

As a dedicated fan of FromSoftware, I’ve been immersed in the captivating world of “Shadow of the Erdtree” for quite some time now. It’s fascinating to think that countless other fans worldwide have likely completed this epic game at least once. The recent DLC release of “Elden Ring,” however, has truly left everyone in awe. It’s been hailed as a masterpiece, serving as a brilliant culmination of the base game’s story and lore. The addition of new bosses, weapons, Ashes of War, and NPCs has breathed fresh life into the Land of Shadows, offering me countless hours of engaging gameplay filled with challenges.

Some individuals enjoy playing FromSoftware games primarily to finish them, and they might not be concerned about the intricate lore of the dark, complex universe they’re delving into. That’s perfectly okay. However, many argue that understanding Elden Ring’s backstory significantly enhances the gaming experience. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC includes elements that become clearer only after players have completed it.

5 Mohg’s True Intentions

A Mindless Pawn Who Was Made Out To Be The Villain

Things In Elden Ring That Only Make Sense After Finishing The DLC

Mohg was only a pawn caught in Miquella’s scheming
Mohg’s demise laid the foundations for Miquella’s ascension to Godhood

In the grandiose Mohgwyn Palace, at first glance, Mohg appears to embody the stereotypical image of a villain. His menacing presence matches the conventional depiction of a malevolent character, and he seems to be holding captive the innocent Miquella within the Empyrean Cocoon. For those yet to embark on the Shadow of the Erdtree journey, this storyline holds true. However, upon completing the DLC, it becomes evident that Miquella isn’t as blameless as portrayed, and Mohg, while wicked, serves a higher purpose in a larger scheme.

Essentially, Miquella wasn’t actually imprisoned by Mohg; he merely feigned captivity. He required a new body for his destined consort, Radahn, and this became possible when Mohg was killed, providing the body. This ritual was crucial for Miquella to attain Godhood at the Gate of Divinity, a position that was rightfully his as a demigod and an Empyrean. In other words, Mohg served merely as a pawn or sacrificial lamb in this grand scheme.

4 Malenia & Radahn’s Battle

Sparked From A Broken Vow – Not Hatred

Radahn was necessary for Miquella to ascend to Godhood
Malenia failed to compel Radahn to keep his vow

One of the most epic lore pieces in Elden Ring involves the battle between and , which ended in a draw but not without a heavy price being paid. After the clash of these titans, Malenia went into exile to live in the Haligtree but not before laying waste to Caelid by releasing the Scarlet Rot in the area. As for Radahn, maddened by the Scarlet Rot, he remained in Caelid as a mindless brute who would slay anyone who crossed his path.

Before the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, many had speculated about the reasons behind this divine conflict, and luckily, the DLC answered the most important questions surrounding it. As it turns out, Malenia and Radahn didn’t particularly hate each other — they weren’t the best of friends, but their opinion of one another wouldn’t have led to a battle to the death. The reason these demigods fought was due to Radahn’s unwillingness to become Miquella’s consort, which was necessary for the latter to ascend to Godhood. Malenia fought Radahn to force him into fulfilling the vow he’d once made, but as players know, she was unsuccessful.

3 The Origins Of The Scarlet Rot

Malenia Isn’t Entirely To Blame

Romina is responsible for the origin of the Scarlet Rot
Messmer the Impaler nearly destroyed the Church of the Bud

When considering the Scarlet Rot in Elden Ring, it’s likely that Malenia is the character that springs to mind first. In the main game, it appears that she is primarily responsible for the destruction seen in Caelid and other regions in the Lands Between. Given that she is called “The Goddess of Rot,” this isn’t surprising. However, contrary to popular belief, Malenia was not the initial carrier of this lethal disease, nor did she bring it into the Lands Between. Instead, another character holds that title.

In ancient times, Romina held responsibility for safeguarding the Church of the Bud. Yet, as devastation swept across all it touched, her church was reduced to embers. Overwhelmed and shattered, she stumbled upon a corrupted divine essence that would eventually evolve into the Scarlet Rot. This revelation, regrettably, demanded a steep cost: she transformed into the half-insect, half-humanoid creature that the Tarnished later confronted. Despite her role in Caelid, Malenia cannot claim credit as the one who unearthed the Rot.

2 Marika’s Hatred For Omens

Shedding A Light On Morgott And Mohg

Marika shunned her Omen children for more than their appearance
The living jars in the Lands Between have a cruel origin story

In the game Elden Ring, it’s common to hear about the deity named Marika. She’s not just any goddess; she’s one of the most powerful in the Lands Between and the mother of numerous demigods whom the Tarnished encounter during their quest. As a divine queen, Marika had many offspring, but her two Omen sons, Mohg and another, were banished to the outcast grounds along with other Omens under Leyndell. Though it may appear harsh for a mother, there’s a more complex explanation for Marika’s animosity.

In the mysterious Jar Innards, the game Shadow of the Erdtree uncovers for players the backstory of Marika and the jar people. Originally, Marika was a shaman from the Shadow Land’s village, where her people lived harmoniously and could merge their bodies with various elements. Their unique abilities piqued the interest of higher powers who sought to experiment on them. Sadly, the Hornsent invaded her village, causing destruction and loss of life among her people. When given the opportunity to ascend to deity status and take revenge on those responsible, Marika seized it. Contrary to popular belief, Marika’s rejection of her two Omen children wasn’t due to their appearance but rather because they reminded her of the Hornsent – the very beings that inflicted pain and sorrow upon her.

1 The Mystery Of The Two Fingers

Their Divine Commands Are A Lie

Metyr, Mother of Fingers spawned the Two Fingers
The Greater Will was gravely misused

Hey there, fellow gamer! You know, those spooky-looking guys with two fingers, the Two Fingers, are often seen as reliable sources for understanding the Greater Will in our game. They’re like messengers, getting divine orders and passing them on to the Finger Readers. But let me tell you, after the happenings of Shadow of the Erdtree, it’s clear that even they’re left guessing about the Greater Will’s intentions just like the rest of us.

After finishing Count Ymir’s quest and engaging in battle, it’s unveiled that Metyr is responsible for spawning the Two Fingers and all Fingercreepers across the Lands Between. Throughout this journey, it’s evident that Metyr was seldom addressed by the Greater Will. This implies that Marika, along with others who claimed direct communication with the Outer God, were actually fulfilling their own desires, disguised as orders from a superior power.

2024-08-07 13:33