The Eternal Sin: Why Nokron Was Banished in Elden Ring

Nokron, Eternal City, stands as a testament to defiance in the sprawling world of Elden Ring. Banished by the Greater Will for what is described as “high treason,” Nokron’s fate is inextricably linked to its ambition and the secrets it sought to uncover. In essence, Nokron was banished for resisting the Greater Will’s control and potentially attempting to forge its own destiny, an act deemed a transgression worthy of eternal punishment. The details of this “high treason” are not explicitly stated, but the evidence points toward the Nox attempting to interfere with the established order and the power structure dominated by the Greater Will and the Golden Order.

The Treasonous Acts of the Nox

While the exact nature of Nokron’s treason remains shrouded in mystery, we can piece together a compelling narrative from the game’s lore and item descriptions. Several key factors contribute to understanding the Nox’s downfall:

• Resistance to the Greater Will: The Nox, unlike many other factions in the Lands Between, actively resisted the influence and control of the Greater Will. This is evidenced by their desire for a “Lord of Light” to usher in the age of stars, suggesting a rejection of the Erdtree and the Golden Order.
• The Fingerslayer Blade: The most damning piece of evidence is the Fingerslayer Blade, the “Hidden Treasure of Nokron.” This blade is capable of slaying the Two Fingers, the emissaries of the Greater Will. The very existence of such a weapon demonstrates a clear intention to oppose and potentially overthrow the ruling cosmic force.
• Desire for Independence: The Nox sought to carve their own path and establish their own age, free from the dictates of the Greater Will. This desire for independence directly challenged the established order and was seen as an unacceptable act of rebellion.
• Connection to Outer Gods: The lore suggests potential ties between the Nox and other Outer Gods, entities that rival the Greater Will in power and influence. Aligning with such forces would be considered a grave threat to the Greater Will’s dominance.

The combination of these factors paints a picture of a civilization actively working against the established order, seeking to usurp the power of the Greater Will and forge its own destiny. This blatant defiance resulted in the cataclysmic punishment of banishment and the destruction of their city.

The Aftermath: Eternal Night and Waiting

The banishment of Nokron was not merely a relocation; it was a complete uprooting and a descent into an artificial darkness. Forced to live beneath the surface, the Nox created a false night sky, a pale imitation of the celestial wonder they had been deprived of. The Eternal Darkness spell, described as “the despair that brought about its ruin made manifest,” highlights the psychological impact of this loss.

Despite their fall, the Nox did not surrender their ambition. They await the arrival of a “Lord of Light” who will lead them out of the darkness and usher in the age of stars, a testament to their enduring hope and their unwavering defiance of the Greater Will. This hope fuels their continued existence and makes Nokron more than just a ruined city; it is a symbol of resistance and a beacon for those who dare to challenge the cosmic order.

The Role of Astel, Naturalborn of the Void

While the Greater Will ordered the banishment, the physical destruction of Nokron is attributed to Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This terrifying creature, possibly summoned or drawn to the city by its defiance, tore through its structures, leaving behind a landscape of crumbling ruins and cosmic horror. While some speculate Astel destroyed Deeproot Depths, evidence points to Astel being used as a weapon by the Greater Will to decimate the city.

Lessons from Nokron’s Fall

The story of Nokron serves as a cautionary tale within the world of Elden Ring. It highlights the dangers of challenging the established order and the devastating consequences that can arise from defying powerful cosmic entities. However, it also celebrates the spirit of resistance, the desire for independence, and the enduring hope that can persist even in the darkest of times. The Nox’s defiance, though ultimately punished, inspires others to question the status quo and to strive for a better future, even if that future seems impossibly distant.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly does “high treason” mean in the context of Elden Ring?

In the context of Elden Ring, “high treason” refers to acts of rebellion or defiance against the Greater Will and the Golden Order. It encompasses any action that threatens the established power structure and the dominance of the Greater Will’s influence over the Lands Between. This could include seeking to overthrow the Golden Order, aligning with rival Outer Gods, or developing weapons capable of harming the Two Fingers.

2. How are the Nox related to other races or groups in the Lands Between?

Some theories suggest the Nox are descendants of Numens, an ancient race from another world. There is also evidence connecting them to the Black Knife Assassins, who played a crucial role in the Night of the Black Knives.

3. What is the significance of the “Lord of Light” the Nox are waiting for?

The “Lord of Light” represents a figure who will lead the Nox out of their subterranean exile and usher in the age of stars, an era free from the influence of the Greater Will and the Erdtree. This figure symbolizes hope and a return to their former glory.

4. Could Nokron’s banishment have been avoided?

Potentially. If the Nox had remained compliant with the Greater Will, they might have avoided their fate. However, their desire for independence and their active resistance made conflict inevitable.

5. What is the purpose of Nokron’s artificial night sky?

The artificial night sky serves as a replacement for the stars they lost upon being banished underground. It is a reminder of their former life and a symbol of their enduring hope for a future under the true stars.

6. Is there any way to restore Nokron to its former glory?

The game does not offer a definitive way to restore Nokron. However, Ranni’s questline, which involves the Fingerslayer Blade found in Nokron, suggests that a new age of stars is possible, potentially offering a chance for the Nox to reclaim their place in the world.

7. Why are there two Astel bosses in Elden Ring?

The existence of two Astel bosses may indicate that these creatures can be summoned or drawn to areas of great cosmic significance or turmoil. It could also suggest that Astel is not a unique being but rather a type of creature from the void.

8. What is the role of the Silver Tears in Nokron?

Silver Tears are artificial lifeforms created by the Nox, possibly as guardians or experiments. They are often found guarding important locations and items within the city.

9. How does Marika’s rebellion relate to Nokron’s banishment?

Marika’s own defiance of the Greater Will, evidenced by the shattering of the Elden Ring, could be seen as a parallel to Nokron’s rebellion. Both represent acts of resistance against the established cosmic order, though Marika’s actions had far-reaching consequences for the entire Lands Between.

10. Are there any other Eternal Cities besides Nokron and Nokstella?

Yes, there is mention of a Nameless Eternal City, hinting at a history of rebellions against the Greater Will.

11. What happens if the Nox are successful in ushering in the age of stars?

The consequences of ushering in the age of stars are not explicitly stated, but it would likely involve a significant shift in the power dynamics of the Lands Between, potentially diminishing the influence of the Greater Will and the Erdtree.

12. Can players influence the fate of the Nox in any way?

By completing Ranni’s questline, players can indirectly influence the future of the Nox by helping to usher in the age of stars, fulfilling their long-held hope.

13. What does the despair that brought about the ruin of Nokron made manifest, and does it have a connection to deathblight?

The Eternal Darkness spell, described as “the despair that brought about its ruin made manifest,” likely represents the collective grief and loss experienced by the Nox after being banished and losing their connection to the stars. This despair could have manifested as a form of spiritual or magical corruption that further contributed to the city’s decay. As for a connection to Deathblight, there is no direct evidence in the lore to explicitly link the two.

14. What is the significance of the Regal Ancestor Spirit boss fight in Elden Ring?

The Regal Ancestor Spirit boss fight is significant because it represents the lingering connection of the Nox to the Erdtree and the world above. By lighting all of the obelisks within Nokron, players gain access to the boss which allows them to discover more about the Nox and their relationship to the world around them.

15. Is there any connection between the Nox and the Lake of Rot?

While there isn’t a direct connection, Malenia is the Goddess of Rot. She was born with it inside and the divine essence of an outer god is sealed away in that land. This means that the area is touched by the influence of an Outer God. Since the Nox sought to break free from the Greater Will and were potentially in contact with other Outer Gods, it’s possible the Nox were somehow involved with the events that led to the creation of the Lake of Rot. This connection is speculative, but it aligns with their overall goal of defying the Greater Will and seeking alternative power sources.