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Are There Any Peaceful Villages in Elden Ring? A Guide to Serenity (and Its Absence) in the Lands Between

The short answer is a qualified yes. While Elden Ring is largely a world steeped in conflict, decay, and monstrous adversaries, there is one location that comes closest to qualifying as a peaceful village: Jarburg. However, the definition of “peaceful” is relative in the Lands Between, and even Jarburg has its caveats. This article will explore the nuances of peacefulness in Elden Ring, examining Jarburg and other areas that offer respite, while also delving into the reasons why true, idyllic villages are largely absent from the game’s narrative.

The Allure and Reality of Jarburg

Jarburg stands out as a unique and memorable location in Elden Ring. Nestled on the eastern cliffs of Liurnia of the Lakes, this village is inhabited primarily by Living Jars, sentient, animate pottery filled with the remnants of deceased warriors and other beings.

Why Jarburg Appears Peaceful

Several factors contribute to Jarburg’s apparent tranquility:

Non-Aggression: The majority of the Living Jars in Jarburg are non-hostile towards the player. They will not attack unless provoked. This is a significant departure from the standard enemy behavior in most of the Lands Between.
Gentle Atmosphere: Jarburg features a scenic setting, with waterfalls cascading down the cliffside and a community of jars tending to their gardens. The overall atmosphere is serene and calming, a welcome contrast to the bleakness of many other areas.
Friendly Dialogue: Several Living Jars, most notably Jar Bairn, offer friendly dialogue and insights into their culture. Their innocence and desire for peace contribute to the village’s inviting atmosphere.
Limited Threats: While not entirely devoid of danger, Jarburg presents relatively few immediate threats to the player, especially compared to the monster-infested areas that surround it. This is until you advance Jar Bairn’s quest line, then things change.

The Underlying Tension

Despite its surface-level tranquility, Jarburg is not entirely free from conflict or unease:

Poachers: The village is vulnerable to poachers who seek to exploit the Living Jars and their unique properties. These invaders represent a constant threat to the community’s safety and well-being.
The Tarnished Threat: While the jars are generally friendly, the player character themselves, as a Tarnished, presents a potential threat. The Living Jars are aware of the dangers posed by outsiders, adding a subtle layer of tension to interactions.
The Fate of Jars: Given what the contents of the Jars are, they are clearly filled with lost souls and beings. It’s questionable whether what goes on in Jarburg is right and peaceful for those inhabitants within the Jars.

In conclusion, Jarburg offers a semblance of peace, but it is not an idyllic, carefree village. It is a fragile community struggling to survive in a hostile world, constantly threatened by external forces and the inherent dangers of the Lands Between.

Other Areas of Relative Peace

While Jarburg is the closest Elden Ring has to a peaceful village, other areas offer temporary respite or a sense of calm:

Sites of Grace: These locations offer moments of safety and reflection, allowing players to rest, level up, and prepare for their next adventure. They are generally free from enemy encounters.
Roundtable Hold: This hub area serves as a sanctuary for Tarnished, providing access to merchants, blacksmiths, and other friendly NPCs. However, even the Roundtable Hold is not immune to tragedy.
Isolated Merchant Locations: Scattered throughout the Lands Between are isolated merchants who offer goods and services without posing any threat. Interacting with them can provide a brief moment of calm amidst the chaos.
Certain sections of Liurnia of the Lakes: The vastness and beauty of Liurnia, particularly areas like the Liurnia Highway South, can provide a temporary sense of peace and tranquility.
Some caves and tunnels: There are some locations that have no enemies and thus provide at least a moment of peace.
Churches: Many of the churches found throughout the Lands Between are free of enemies and offer safe spots to rest.

However, it’s important to remember that these areas of respite are often temporary and surrounded by danger. Elden Ring rarely allows players to relax completely, constantly reminding them of the challenges that lie ahead.

Why True Peaceful Villages Are Rare

The scarcity of true peaceful villages in Elden Ring is directly tied to the game’s narrative and world design:

The Shattering: The cataclysmic event known as the Shattering has plunged the Lands Between into chaos and conflict. This event has shattered society and led to the collapse of civilization, making the existence of peaceful villages virtually impossible.
The Influence of the Greater Will: The influence of the Greater Will and its associated forces has corrupted and distorted the Lands Between, leading to the rise of monstrous creatures and tyrannical rulers.
The Tarnished’s Purpose: The player character, as a Tarnished, is tasked with restoring order to the Lands Between, often through violent means. This inherently conflicts with the idea of peaceful coexistence.
Thematic Consistency: The absence of true peaceful villages reinforces the game’s themes of decay, loss, and the struggle for survival. It creates a bleak and unforgiving world that challenges players at every turn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Jarburg completely safe?

No, Jarburg is not completely safe. It is vulnerable to poachers and other external threats. Additionally, the Tarnished (player) themselves represents a potential danger to the community.

2. Are there any other friendly jar creatures besides those in Jarburg?

Yes, there are other friendly jar creatures. The most notable example is Iron Fist Alexander, a warrior jar who becomes a valuable ally throughout the game.

3. Can I build my own peaceful village in Elden Ring?

No, Elden Ring does not feature any village building or management mechanics. Players are limited to exploring and interacting with the existing world.

4. Are there any friendly NPCs in Elden Ring who live in a village setting (besides Jarburg)?

No, not really. Most friendly NPCs are found in isolated locations or within the Roundtable Hold. There aren’t really any other places that qualify as villages.

5. Can I permanently protect Jarburg from attackers?

While you can defeat the poachers who threaten Jarburg during Jar Bairn’s questline, you cannot permanently guarantee its safety. The world is full of unexpected threats that can appear later.

6. Is there any way to restore peace to the Lands Between?

That is the ultimate goal of the game. Whether the Tarnished achieves this depends on the player’s choices and the ending they pursue. However, even the “good” endings leave room for interpretation and doubt.

7. Are there any children in Elden Ring?

Jar Bairn is basically a child as it grows. Other than that, there are no regular human or demi-human children in Elden Ring, further emphasizing the shattered state of society.

8. What is the significance of the Living Jars?

The Living Jars represent a unique form of life in the Lands Between, embodying the remnants of fallen warriors and other beings. Their existence raises questions about life, death, and the nature of consciousness.

9. Are there any peaceful quests in Elden Ring?

While most quests involve combat and conflict, some focus on exploration, dialogue, and problem-solving, offering a more peaceful experience. Certain sections of Ranni’s and Goldmask’s questlines would qualify.

10. What is the role of the Games Learning Society in understanding game worlds like Elden Ring?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) studies how people learn through games. Their research can help us understand how game design choices, like the scarcity of peaceful villages, impact player experience and learning about the game’s lore and themes.

11. Can I play Elden Ring without engaging in combat?

While it is possible to minimize combat, it is virtually impossible to complete the game without engaging in it at all. Elden Ring is fundamentally an action RPG that relies heavily on combat mechanics.

12. What is the most beautiful area in the game?

Beauty is subjective, but many players find areas like the Siofra River, Liurnia of the Lakes, and Crumbling Farum Azula to be particularly visually stunning. These locations offer moments of awe and wonder amidst the darkness.

13. Are there any rewards for being peaceful in Elden Ring?

While there is no specific “peaceful” reward, choosing to spare certain NPCs or making specific dialogue choices can lead to positive outcomes, such as new quests, items, or alliances.

14. What happens if you kill all the merchants in Elden Ring?

Killing merchants provides access to their Bell Bearings, allowing you to purchase their goods from the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold. However, you lose the ability to interact with them directly and potentially miss out on future quests or dialogue.

15. Why is Elden Ring so difficult?

Elden Ring‘s difficulty is a deliberate design choice that aims to challenge players and reward skill, patience, and strategic thinking. The game’s difficulty contributes to its overall sense of accomplishment and immersion.

Are there any peaceful villages in Elden Ring?