The Untold Story of Elden Ring's Lichdragon Fortissax

Boss encounters in Elden Ring are nothing short of epic and memorable. FromSoftware has a reputation for crafting engaging and challenging boss battles, and Elden Ring is no exception. However, players may often overlook the deep lore and engrossing stories behind these bosses, and Lichdragon Fortissax is a prime example of this. While praised for its visual design and tricky mechanics, players may miss the backstory tied to Fortissax, which is a significant part of Elden Ring's lore and explains much of the fight encountered by players.

Lichdragon Fortissax Before the Night of Black Knives

During the pivotal Night of Black Knives in Elden Ring's lore, Godwyn the Golden, son of Marika and Godfrey, was killed by Black Knife Assassins using blades forged from the Rune of Death. This event led to the shattering of the Elden Ring as no other demigod could be chosen to take up the mantle of Elden Lord, resulting in the summoning of the Tarnished, including the player, to the Lands Between and the beginning of the game's events. However, Fortissax's role in the story predates this event, as he fought against Godwyn during the assault of Ancient Dragon Gransax on the capital city of Leyndell. Despite being defeated, Fortissax and Godwyn bonded, with Godwyn learning the Death Lightning incantation from Fortissax. It is believed that this exchange was the first instance of Ancient Dragon incantations in the Lands Between, as suggested by incantation descriptions and lore.

Since Godwyn the Golden was killed by blades that were created using a fragment of the Rune of Death, he was transformed into the Prince of Death, corrupted and consumed by the darkness. Fortissax, who tried to save his friend from the evil, failed in his attempt and was himself corrupted, turning into the Lichdragon Fortissax that players encounter in the game.

Players can encounter Fortissax by completing a quest chain given by a dying companion named Fia. The quest reveals Fia's ultimate plan of freeing Those Who Live in Death, zombie-like creatures created during the Night of the Black Knives. Fia gives birth to the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince by sleeping with Godwyn, now the Prince of Death. As the player ascends to Elden Lord, they can use the rune to break the curse of Those Who Live in Death.

Players who are striving to achieve the ultimate ending in Elden Ring will encounter a formidable obstacle in the form of Lichdragon Fortissax. This fierce opponent stands in the way of players even after they have given Fia the Cursemark of Death. The battle takes place in a dream, which suggests that Lichdragon Fortissax is fighting to protect his longtime friend Godwyn, despite their shared corruption. However, once players manage to defeat Lichdragon Fortissax, they can continue on their quest to unite Fia and Godwyn without any further obstacles. Although it's uncertain whether this marks the end of Fortissax, it's likely that the player's victory over him in the Age of the Duskborn ending will also release him from his corruption.

Elden Ring is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.