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Does the Tarnished Die in the Frenzied Flame Ending of Elden Ring?

The answer to whether the Tarnished dies in the Frenzied Flame ending is complex, but essentially, no, not in the traditional sense. While the world around them is consumed by the Frenzied Flame, the Tarnished’s immortality, granted by Grace, continues to exist. However, their existence becomes fundamentally altered. They become the embodiment of chaos, the Lord of Frenzied Flame, and the instrument through which the world is reset to a state “before order.” The Tarnished doesn’t cease to be, but rather transforms into something beyond mortal comprehension, eternally linked to the consuming flame. This “death” is more of a complete transformation and assumption of a new role than a cessation of existence. Their purpose as a vessel for the Greater Will and the Erdtree has ended, replaced by an embodiment of utter, all-consuming chaos.

The Nature of Immortality in the Lands Between

The concept of death and immortality is a crucial theme throughout Elden Ring. The Shattering of the Elden Ring and the theft of the Rune of Death have fundamentally altered the natural order. Tarnished, those who have been touched by Grace, are caught in this ambiguous state of being “dead who yet live.”

This means that even when defeated, the Tarnished returns, fueled by the lingering Grace and their burning ambition to become Elden Lord. The Frenzied Flame ending doesn’t negate this Grace. Instead, it redirects it towards a completely different purpose, one that is antithetical to the order established by the Greater Will and the Erdtree.

The Lord of Frenzied Flame: A Transformation, Not an End

Becoming the Lord of Frenzied Flame involves a deep and irreversible transformation. The Tarnished accepts the Three Fingers’ embrace, allowing the Frenzied Flame to consume them. This isn’t merely an acceptance of power; it’s a complete surrender of self to the chaotic will of the Frenzied Flame.

While the world ends in fire, the Tarnished exists within this fire as its lord and master. This is a horrifying prospect, not a peaceful release. The Tarnished isn’t released from their immortal bind. Instead, they are tethered to it in the most destructive and chaotic way possible.

Melina’s Reaction and Destined Death

The severity of this choice is highlighted by Melina’s reaction. She abandons the Tarnished and vows to deliver Destined Death upon them. This is a powerful declaration, implying that even within the fiery chaos, the concept of death, even for the Tarnished, isn’t entirely extinguished. She represents the last vestige of the order the Tarnished is actively destroying, and she intends to restore balance, even if it means ending the Tarnished’s existence.

A Canonically Unclear Fate

The canonical implications of the Frenzied Flame ending are intentionally ambiguous. Does Melina succeed in delivering Destined Death? Does the Frenzied Flame eventually consume even the Tarnished? These are questions that remain unanswered, leaving the player to contemplate the full consequences of their actions.

Is the Frenzied Flame Ending Really a “Bad” Ending?

The overwhelming consensus is that the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is the “bad” ending, but this categorization oversimplifies the complexities of Elden Ring’s narrative. While it undeniably results in widespread destruction and the potential end of all life as we know it in the Lands Between, it also represents a complete rejection of the oppressive order of the Greater Will.

From a certain perspective, the Frenzied Flame offers a liberation from the cycle of suffering and control. It’s a chaotic reset, a promise of a new beginning, albeit one born from fire and destruction. Whether this is truly “bad” depends on one’s interpretation of the state of the Lands Between and the perceived tyranny of the Golden Order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Frenzied Flame ending and related aspects of Elden Ring’s lore:

How do you trigger the Frenzied Flame ending?

To trigger the Frenzied Flame ending, you must complete Hyetta’s questline, culminating in accepting the Three Fingers’ embrace deep beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. This requires navigating the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds and finding the Frenzied Flame Proscription.
Does the Frenzied Flame ending lock you out of other endings?

No, the Frenzied Flame ending doesn’t inherently lock you out of other endings unless you inherit the Frenzied Flame before using the Flame of Ruin at the Forge of the Giants. However, there is an option to use Miquella’s Needle within Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena to remove the Frenzied Flame from yourself, allowing you to choose another ending.
What happens to the Lands Between in the Frenzied Flame ending?

The Lands Between are consumed by the Frenzied Flame. Everything is reduced to ash, signifying the end of the current cycle of existence.
Is there a way to reverse the Frenzied Flame after accepting it?

Yes, you can reverse the Frenzied Flame by completing Millicent’s questline and obtaining Miquella’s Needle. Using this needle within Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena will remove the Frenzied Flame.
What is the significance of the Three Fingers?

The Three Fingers are servants of an outer god associated with chaos and destruction. They seek to return all things to a state of primordial unity, free from the constraints of order and individuality. They are the antithesis of the Two Fingers and the Greater Will.
Why does Melina abandon the Tarnished in the Frenzied Flame ending?

Melina abandons the Tarnished because inheriting the Frenzied Flame makes them a vessel for chaos, antithetical to her purpose of guiding the Tarnished towards becoming Elden Lord. She sees the Tarnished as having betrayed their destiny and embraces destruction instead.
Is the Frenzied Flame ending the “true” ending of Elden Ring?

There is no definitively “true” ending. Elden Ring is designed to be ambiguous, allowing players to interpret the lore and consequences of their choices. Each ending offers a different perspective on the world and its future.
What role does Hyetta play in the Frenzied Flame ending?

Hyetta is a blind maiden who guides the Tarnished towards the Three Fingers. She represents the influence of the Frenzied Flame, subtly manipulating the Tarnished towards embracing chaos. She ultimately serves as a vessel for the Frenzied Flame itself.
How does the Frenzied Flame ending relate to the themes of order and chaos in Elden Ring?

The Frenzied Flame ending embodies the theme of chaos, representing a complete rejection of the Golden Order and the Greater Will’s imposed structure. It’s a destruction of the existing world, a potential for a new beginning free from the constraints of the past, even if that beginning is built on ash.
Are the Three Fingers necessarily evil?

Whether the Three Fingers are “evil” is a matter of perspective. They represent a force of chaos, but chaos isn’t inherently evil. From their perspective, the existing order is oppressive and unjust, and the Frenzied Flame is a necessary means of liberation, even if it comes at a terrible cost.
What are the consequences of becoming Lord of Frenzied Flame?

The primary consequence is the destruction of the Lands Between and the potential end of all life. The Tarnished, as Lord of Frenzied Flame, becomes the embodiment of this destruction, forever bound to the consuming chaos.
Does the Frenzied Flame ending affect the possibility of DLC or a sequel?

The impact on potential DLC or a sequel is debatable. While the ending is destructive, it also leaves room for a new beginning. The charred remains of the Lands Between could be the setting for a story of rebuilding or a struggle against the lingering influence of the Frenzied Flame.
What is the significance of the Frenzied Flame Proscription?

The Frenzied Flame Proscription is a hidden area deep beneath Leyndell that holds the Three Fingers’ seal. Accepting the Frenzied Flame requires removing your armor and allowing the Three Fingers to brand you, signifying your complete submission to their will.
How does the community perceive the Frenzied Flame ending compared to other endings?

The community generally views the Frenzied Flame ending as the “bad” ending, but it also acknowledges its thematic significance and the complex moral questions it raises. Some players find it the most compelling ending due to its radical nature and the complete rejection of the established order.
What kind of player is most likely to choose the Frenzied Flame ending?

Players who are drawn to themes of rebellion, chaos, and the rejection of authority are more likely to choose the Frenzied Flame ending. It appeals to those who question the established order and are willing to embrace destruction in the pursuit of a new beginning, even if it’s a terrifying one. Those who prefer a “clean slate” and are disillusioned with the Golden Order might also find this ending appealing.

The rich narrative of Elden Ring and its intricate plot offer many interesting discussion topics. The Games Learning Society studies games and their implications for learning. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Does the Tarnished die in frenzied flame?