Unveiling the Epic Mysteries of Elden Ring's Erdtree Lore: Everything You Need to Know!

Captivating lore development is crucial for the success of RPGs, and Elden Ring surpasses this requirement with its abundant cast of intriguing characters, each with a hidden backstory. Few games have captivated audiences as Elden Ring did upon its release, thanks to its otherworldly mechanics and excellent storytelling. Every element in The Lands Between, from the formidable Melania to the commanding Erdtree, contributes to a lore-rich narrative that intricately weaves into the main plot. It can be a challenge to unravel the meticulously crafted details by FromSoftware. The Erdtree, in particular, has earned its place as a renowned landmark in the gaming world, but behind its majestic appearance lies a hidden history of darkness.

In Elden Ring, players cannot overlook the presence of the Erdtree, which looms over The Lands Between, serving as a constant reminder of the Golden Order's dominance. However, not everything that glimmers is gold, as the Erdtree harbors a sinister essence beneath its dazzling golden radiance. There are subtle connections between the tree and the Old Gods, which players can uncover through gameplay, offering surprising revelations about the origins of the Erdtree.

The Erdtree's Parasitic Nature is Harming The Lands Between

The Root Resin item reveals the ancient history of the Great Tree, which existed before the Erdtree and was home to the Crucible, the vital source of life in The Lands Between. It is implied that the Erdtree merged with its predecessor, imbuing the Crucible with the power of the Elden Ring and giving certain parts a more organic appearance instead of the usual ethereal glow. The transition to the Erdtree was not without conflict, as wars of conquest were waged to impose the new symbol of order on all cultures.

In line with FromSoftware's signature style, death is a prominent theme in Elden Ring, and the Erdtree plays a crucial role in the game's funeral rites. After Marika established the Golden Order, the tree replaced older customs such as Death Rite Birds incinerating the deceased and Ancestral Worship. According to the philosophy of Destined Death, every soul apart from Merchants and the Tarnished is brought back to the Erdtree through the numerous catacombs upon their demise. The Erdtree acts as a parasite, absorbing the energy of the deceased souls - much like the Greater Will, which operates in a similar manner.

Adding to the parasitic nature of the Erdtree is the presence of Godwyn's corpse. Godwyn, who was the demigod son of Marika and the first Elden Lord, was murdered during the Night of The Black Knives. His body was then buried at the roots of the Erdtree in Leyndell's capital. The roots of the tree are interconnected, causing his corpse to infect the rest of the realm, gradually gaining influence in The Lands Between. As a result, Marika rejects the Outer Gods, leading to the rebellion that shatters the Elden Ring and leaves the tree vulnerable.

As a consequence of the Shattering, Golden Seeds spread throughout The Lands Between. They propagate in certain locations, giving rise to Minor Erdtrees that contain fragments of the main tree's power. These fragments are known as tears and are used in the Wondrous Physick. The Erdtree Avatars closely guard these tears. Marika's actions trigger the downfall of the Golden Order, as the Erdtree is no longer able to envelop the world in its golden aura of Grace. Ultimately, the fate of the world lies in the hands of Elden Ring players, who can either preserve the Greater Will's Order or ignite the Erdtree, liberating the realm from the bondage of the parasitic tree.

Elden Ring is available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Series X/S.