Unveiling the Enigmatic Elden Ring Storyline: Secrets Concealed in Plain Sight

After the completion of the main story, Elden Ring offers plenty of engaging activities for its dedicated fan base. With an expansion pass called Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, FromSoftware intends to release new content to further captivate the players. Although limited details have been disclosed, fans eagerly speculate about the expansion's contents based on an accompanying illustration. While the recognizable Tarnished's Spirit Steed, Torrent, is depicted, the rider remains ambiguous, potentially being Miquella or Marika.

While analyzing the provided illustration, Elden Ring enthusiasts diligently search for any subtle clues that might indicate what awaits them in the upcoming expansion. However, amidst all the theories and conjectures, one significant hint may be easily overlooked. It is plausible that the expansion's name, Shadow of the Erdtree, hints at the inclusion of the Shadowbound Beasts concept, which may be more straightforward than players anticipate.

Shadow of the Erdtree Could Focus on the Empyrean's Shadows

In Elden Ring, players will encounter two intriguing characters, Maliketh the Black Blade and Blaidd the Half-Wolf. These individuals hold a significant role in relation to other NPCs, who themselves are closely tied to the game's pivotal events. Their connection lies in their duty as shadows to god-like figures, assigned to them by the Two Fingers. Like the other notable characters in Elden Ring, Maliketh and Blaidd possess a rich lore, yet certain plot elements may intentionally remain unresolved.

While Maliketh and Blaidd bask in the spotlight, there is a pressing question regarding their origins and their bond with Marika and Ranni, respectively, which classifies them as brothers. Although it is understood that the shadows are custom-made for the Empyrean they serve, and Blaidd sees himself as part of Ranni's essence, the vague references and embellished language surrounding the nature of shadows may leave fans craving more information. Here is where the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC may provide answers.

The Potential Truth in Shadow of the Erdtree

To better comprehend shadowbound beasts and Baleful Shadows, FromSoftware's elaboration on Elden Ring's lore could provide insight into the granting and birth of shadows. This exploration would offer fans a deeper understanding of how shadows function, particularly in relation to Blaidd's rebellion against the Two Fingers, who brought him into existence. Additionally, unveiling the process of a Baleful Shadow's creation could be of interest. However, opportunities to showcase this aspect of the story are limited.

Fortunately, there is a compelling fan theory regarding the Shadow of Erdtree DLC that could facilitate this endeavor. Considering FromSoftware's inclination towards time travel and delving into the past of their narratives in expansion packs, some fans speculate that the DLC might revolve around Queen Marika and the untold aspects of her story. This implies the possibility of witnessing the transformation of Maliketh into Marika's shadow. Regardless of FromSoftware's chosen approach, the addition of DLC to Elden Ring has the potential to enhance the game by unraveling longstanding mysteries within its lore. Exploring Marika's narrative could offer numerous answers all at once.

Elden Ring is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.