Who is the Canon Tarnished?
The Tarnished is the playable character and protagonist of Elden Ring, compelled by the Flame of Ambition to brandish the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. The Tarnished is a unique entity, described as “Dead who have yet to live“, which makes them immortal and unable to truly die, earning them the title of Asebito, or Faded Person, in Japanese.
Understanding the Tarnished
Background and History
The Tarnished are individuals who were once inhabitants of the Lands Between, a kingdom ruled by the Greater Will through its Elden Ring vessel, Queen Marika the Eternal. They were punished by the Erdtree for straying too far from the path, resulting in the loss of their Grace and subsequent banishment from the Lands Between.
Characteristics and Traits
The Tarnished are characterized by their immortality, which sets them apart from other inhabitants of the Lands Between. They are also driven by the Flame of Ambition, which fuels their desire to become the Elden Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Tarnished
- Who was the first Tarnished?: The first Tarnished was Godfrey, the first Elden Lord and husband of Queen Marika.
- What is the Tarnished’s goal?: The Tarnished aims to become the Elden Lord by mending the Elden Ring and brandishing it.
- Is the Tarnished immortal?: Yes, the Tarnished are immortal, unable to truly die due to their unique state of being “Dead who have yet to live“.
- Who else is Tarnished?: Other known Tarnished include Knight Bernahl, Bloody Finger Nerijus, Dung Eater, Eleonora, Violet Bloody Finger, Fia, Deathbed Companion, Sir Gideon Ofnir the All-Knowing, and Goldmask.
- Does the Tarnished have a name?: The Tarnished are also referred to as Asebito, or Faded Person, in Japanese.
- Who does the Tarnished marry?: In one of the game’s endings, the Tarnished is taken by Ranni as her consort, ruling together without an Elden Lord.
- Is the Tarnished a good guy?: No, the Tarnished is not necessarily a good guy, as their actions can lead to the defilement of the world or the breaking of the curse of immortality, causing more death.
- Does Ranni love the Tarnished?: In the Age of the Stars ending, Ranni refers to the Tarnished as her “lord” and “dear consort“, indicating a deep affection for them.
- Why do Tarnished need maidens?: The Tarnished need the help of a Finger Maiden to guide them and turn rune fragments into strength.
- Who revived the Tarnished?: The Erdtree’s grace revived the Tarnished when the Elden Ring was shattered.
- How did the Tarnished lose grace?: The Tarnished lost their grace due to the Erdtree’s punishment for straying too far from the path.
- Does the Tarnished become God?: No, the Tarnished does not become a god, but rather rules alongside Ranni in one of the game’s endings.
- Who was the Tarnished before Elden Ring?: The Tarnished were once inhabitants of the Lands Between, living under the rule of Queen Marika and the Greater Will.
- How tall is the Tarnished?: The Tarnished is approximately 1.75 meters (or 5.7 feet) tall, which is average human height.
- Is the Tarnished a hero?: No, the Tarnished is not necessarily a hero, as their actions can have negative consequences, making them more of a complex, nuanced character.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tarnished is a complex and intriguing character in the world of Elden Ring, driven by the Flame of Ambition and seeking to become the Elden Lord. Through their unique characteristics and traits, the Tarnished navigates the Lands Between, interacting with other characters and shaping the fate of the world. By understanding the Tarnished and their role in the game, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich lore and storytelling of Elden Ring.