Unveiling the Secrets: 3 Astonishing Lore Discoveries from Shadow of the Erdtree


Summary

In 'Unveiling the Secrets: 3 Astonishing Lore Discoveries from Shadow of the Erdtree,' we dive into captivating revelations that reshape our understanding of this rich universe. Key Points:

  • Discover the mysterious connection between the Fingers and the Erdtree's will, revealing their role as divine extensions of the Greater Will.
  • Uncover hidden truths about authority within Elden Ring mythos, challenging established narratives in the Lands Between.
  • Explore the tragic legacy of Marika and Messmer, examining their destructive quest for vengeance and its impact on the realm.
This exploration not only enhances your grasp of Elden Ring lore but also illuminates its profound implications on character motivations and world dynamics.

FromSoftware's acclaimed title, Elden Ring, launched its eagerly awaited expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, just a month ago. Players have been exploring the Land of Shadow, particularly the Gravesite Plains and Enir-Ilim, in search of hidden lore and secrets. As is customary with FromSoft DLCs, while some questions are resolved, even more mysteries emerge. Following the journey of Kindly Miquella, players embark on his quest for divinity, facing formidable bosses and navigating stunning landscapes along the way. Let’s delve into three major lore questions that Shadow of the Erdtree addresses.

As we approached the launch of Shadow of the Erdtree, it became clear that Miquella shared significant connections with Mohg. While confined within the sewers beneath Leyndell, Mohg established contact with the Formless Mother, who ignited his omen blood with flames. This transformation empowered him to seize a fragment of the Elden Ring after its shattering by Marika. Taking on the mantle of Lord of Blood, Mohg embarked on a quest to forge the Mohgwyn Dynasty; however, achieving this ambition required harnessing the strength of an Empyrean.
Miquella, an Empyrean favored by the Two Fingers, was doomed from birth to remain a child indefinitely. To break this curse, he enclosed himself within the Haligtree in search of rebirth. While Miquella slept deeply, Mohg cut away the cocoon and brought it to Mohgwyn Palace with plans for resurrection through blood sacrifices. He aimed to elevate this resurrected Empyrean to godhood as his consort. However, despite relentless blood offerings made in Miquella's chamber, he did not awaken. Upon reaching Mohgwyn Palace and vanquishing Mohg, players encounter Miquella’s motionless cocoon lying quietly in silence.
In the lead-up to Shadow of the Erdtree, information about Mohg and Miquella was scarce. This portrayal suggests that Mohg is a selfish abductor who would go so far as to sacrifice a child for his ambitions of creating a dynasty.
In the Land of Shadow, at the gates of Belurat in Tower Settlement, players encounter Sir Ansbach, a devoted Pureblood Knight of Mohg before his defeat. Ansbach reveals that he once faced Miquella in an attempt to put an end to his crusade. He claims that the Empyrean enchanted Mohg into stealing the cocoon so he could access the Land of Shadow where he could truly ascend to godhood at the Gate of Divinity. Despite Mohg's desire to be Miquella's consort, the Empyrean had already chosen his promised partner: his frail brother Radahn, who was also defeated by the player prior to the DLC release.
Miquella's ultimate plan was to have Mohg's body transported to the Gate of Divinity at Enir-Ilim where he would fuse Radahn's soul into the corpse to be revived, free of disease, as his consort.

Enigmatic Fingers and the Glacial Will of the Erdtree

In exploring the background of "Shadow of the Erdtree," we find that few are aware of the origin of the Fingers, which is distinctly separate from the Greater Will in the Lands Between. This reveals a profound mystery surrounding these entities. Moreover, the Two Fingers and Greater Will are known for their glacial decision-making process, as evidenced by Enia's statement at Roundtable Hold: "It may be thousands upon thousands of moons before the fingers again offer their guidance." This not only reflects their aversion to change but also suggests that they will not provide any substantial assistance or direction for a considerable time to come. As the narrative unfolds, such background information offers crucial insights into understanding complex relationships and events among characters.
Due to the limited understanding of the Fingers' origins and centuries of uncertainty, their guidance was largely overlooked during the game's unfolding events.
In the Scadu Altus region of the Land of Shadow, players will encounter the Cathedral of Manus Metyr and meet Count Ymir, a High Priest and scholar specializing in Glintsone Sorcery and celestial phenomena. Through an engaging dialogue with Ymir, he reveals that much of his research revolves around the origins of the Fingers, the Greater Will, and their impact on the stars. He asserts that life was born from stardust, suggesting that this divine lineage means life itself is sacred and does not require guidance from other deities. Ultimately, he dismisses the teachings of the Greater Will and the Two Fingers as devoid of significance.

Challenging Authority and Uncovering Hidden Truths in the Elden Ring Mythos

In exploring the complex narrative surrounding Marika, one must consider how her true origins remain shrouded in a veil of intentional obfuscation and fabrication. This obscurity hints at a clandestine or potentially illicit genesis, raising intriguing questions about the foundations of her authority. Furthermore, Metyr's abandonment by the Greater Will coupled with the subsequent flawed guidance provided by the Fingers casts doubt on both Marika's legitimacy as a demigod and the overall reliability of the Elden Ring's authority. These elements collectively challenge our understanding of power dynamics within this mythos, prompting deeper reflection on what it truly means to wield such influence in a world fraught with hidden truths.

Nestled in a secluded, verdant valley to the east of Shadow Keep lies the Shaman Village, a haunting reminder of a once-thriving civilization. When players stumble upon this deserted settlement, they are greeted by a small tree standing proudly amid a vibrant field of flowers, radiating a warm golden light. Engaging with this tree grants players the Minor Erdtree incantation, accompanied by an inscription that reads: "Marika enveloped her childhood village in gold, fully aware that there was no one left to heal." Close by, adventurers can also discover a poignant offering left by Marika for her Grandmother before embarking on her journey: a delicate braid of golden hair.

The Legacy of Marika and Messmer: A Destructive Quest for Vengeance

"- Marika's prayer went unanswered as there was no one left to respond after the Numen genocide. Her wish for retribution and her confession of the horrors she witnessed remain forever unknown.

- Marika's son, Messmer, became the catalyst for her destructive crusade. Together, they brought fire and death to the Hornsent and the Land of Shadow, driven by an unwavering desire to avenge their people and establish the dominance of gold."
When the conflict came to an end, Marika made her way back home, determined to envelop her village in a soothing golden light of healing. With her people trapped in jars, decaying away, she ventured beyond the Land of Shadow to establish the Golden Order in the Lands Between. These elements of lore from the expansion are among my favorites, and I hope you found some new insights here. I would love to hear your thoughts, corrections, or theories.

KJ

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