Is the Elden Beast a God? Unraveling the Divine Enigma in Elden Ring
The answer, like much of Elden Ring’s lore, is nuanced and depends on your definition of “God.” The Elden Beast isn’t a God in the traditional sense of an Outer God like the Greater Will or the Formless Mother. Instead, it functions as the Greater Will’s vassal, an emissary, or a proxy. Think of it as the physical manifestation of the Elden Ring’s Order and a direct instrument of the Greater Will’s influence upon the Lands Between. It’s less a deity itself and more a tool wielded by one.
The Nature of the Elden Beast: More Than Just a Monster
A Vessel for the Greater Will
The Elden Beast is inextricably linked to the Greater Will, an Outer God that seeks to maintain its control over the Lands Between. The Greater Will doesn’t directly intervene in the world but operates through intermediaries. The Elden Beast, which arrived in the Lands Between as a falling star, became the physical embodiment of the Elden Ring’s order, a symbol of the Greater Will’s dominion.
The Embodiment of Order
The Elden Beast represents the established order of the Elden Ring. It defends the Erdtree and prevents the Tarnished from disrupting the existing power structure. In this sense, it acts as a divine enforcer, upholding the Greater Will’s vision for the Lands Between. It’s the ultimate guardian, a celestial creature tasked with preserving the established cosmic order.
A Complex Relationship
The relationship between the Greater Will and the Elden Beast isn’t one of equal partnership. The Elden Beast is a tool, a weapon even, in the Greater Will’s arsenal. It’s a powerful entity, undoubtedly, but ultimately subservient to the higher cosmic power.
Why the Confusion? Unpacking the Terminology
The term “God” is used loosely in Elden Ring’s world. We have Outer Gods, like the Greater Will, which are cosmic entities with immense power and influence. Then we have beings like Marika, who wield the power of the Elden Ring and are considered divine. The Elden Beast fits somewhere in between. It possesses immense power derived from the Greater Will but lacks the autonomy and cosmic scope of a true Outer God.
Therefore, labeling the Elden Beast as simply “God” is misleading. It’s more accurate to describe it as a divine construct or a vassal of an Outer God, an extension of the Greater Will’s influence in the Lands Between. It represents the will made manifest, an instrument of cosmic power rather than a self-determining deity. This is a subtle but important distinction that sheds light on the intricate power dynamics within Elden Ring’s lore.
FAQ: Decoding the Elden Beast
1. Is the Elden Beast holy or lightning?
The Elden Beast is neither holy nor lightning. It’s a unique entity with its own damage profile. Ironically, it’s healed by Holy damage, so avoid using Holy-based attacks against it. It also has significant resistance to Magic, Fire, and Lightning.
2. How powerful is the Elden Beast in Elden Ring lore?
In terms of lore, the Elden Beast holds immense power as the embodiment of the Greater Will. It demonstrates this through its torture of Marika and its ability to wield the power of the Elden Ring. However, its power is ultimately derived from the Greater Will, making it a powerful vassal rather than an independent god.
3. What creature is the Elden Beast?
The Elden Beast is a divine entity, a celestial being that arrived in the Lands Between from outer space. Its exact nature is not fully explained, but it appears to be intrinsically linked to the Elden Ring and the Greater Will.
4. What is the Elden Beast weakest to?
The Elden Beast is generally considered weak to Strike damage and Fire damage. Aiming for its glowing belly will deal additional damage. Standard weapon damage is also effective.
5. Can the Elden Beast be defeated quickly?
Yes, some players have managed to defeat Radagon and the Elden Beast in incredibly short times by optimizing their builds and exploiting the boss’s weaknesses. Skillful players using optimized builds can melt the Elden Beast’s health bar surprisingly fast.
6. Why does the Elden Beast emerge from Radagon?
After defeating Radagon, the Elden Beast emerges from his body, transforming Radagon into a large sword. This symbolizes the Elden Beast’s control over the Elden Ring and its role as the ultimate defender of the Greater Will’s order.
7. What kills the Elden Beast?
Strategically, spells with a wide area of effect (AOE) or multi-projectile spells are effective against the Elden Beast due to its large size. Melee builds should focus on dealing Strike damage to its belly.
8. Is the Elden Beast evil?
The Elden Beast’s morality is a matter of perspective. From the Tarnished’s point of view, it’s an antagonist standing in the way of their ambition to become Elden Lord. However, from the Greater Will’s perspective, it’s a loyal servant upholding the established order. It serves a purpose within the grand cosmic narrative of the game, challenging the player’s ambitions.
9. Who is the strongest demigod in Elden Ring?
While there are varying opinions, General Radahn is often considered the strongest demigod in Elden Ring. His immense strength and control over gravity make him a formidable opponent.
10. Who is the most powerful Outer God in Elden Ring?
The Greater Will is arguably the most powerful Outer God in Elden Ring, wielding significant influence over the Lands Between through the Elden Ring and its vassals.
11. What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely considered the hardest boss in Elden Ring due to her aggressive combat style and life-stealing abilities.
12. What is the best armor against the Elden Beast?
The Crucible Tree Armor offers excellent protection against Holy damage, which can be beneficial during the Elden Beast fight to mitigate some of its attacks, despite the fact it heals the boss with Holy damage.
13. What is a god in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, “God” can refer to various types of beings, from Outer Gods with cosmic influence to individuals who wield the power of the Elden Ring. The Outer Gods are mysterious entities influencing the Lands Between, while those who possess the Elden Ring wield immense power over the world.
14. Why do players dislike fighting the Elden Beast?
Players often find the Elden Beast fight frustrating due to its constant teleportation and large arena, which can lead to a lot of chasing. The fight’s mechanics can feel unbalanced and frustrating.
15. Is the Elden Beast immune to status effects?
Yes, the Elden Beast is immune to all status effects, including bleed, poison, scarlet rot, and frostbite. This makes weapons and builds that rely on status effects less effective against it.
The Elden Beast is a complex and fascinating part of Elden Ring’s lore, acting as the physical manifestation of the Greater Will and the protector of the Erdtree. Understanding its role and weaknesses is crucial for any Tarnished seeking to claim the title of Elden Lord. Further research into the mechanics of game based learning can be found at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org. By delving deeper into the game’s narrative and understanding the power dynamics between the Outer Gods and their vassals, players can fully appreciate the intricate world that FromSoftware has created.