Can You Become a God in Elden Ring? Unveiling the Truth Behind Ascension
The Lands Between, a shattered realm steeped in myth and lore, beckons players with the promise of unimaginable power in Elden Ring. A burning question thus arises: Can you, the Tarnished, truly become a god? The short answer is nuanced, but leans towards no, not exactly in the traditional sense. While you can achieve god-like power and influence, surpassing even the most powerful demigods, you don’t become a capital-G God akin to the Outer Gods or even Queen Marika. You become something… more. You shape the very destiny of the Lands Between, wielding the power of the Elden Ring to usher in a new age under your chosen ideology.
You can become Elden Lord by collecting the great runes from the demigods, repairing the Elden Ring, and selecting an ending that sees you as a consort of a new god. You can then wield immense power, like Marika’s Elden Lord Godfrey, wielding unparalleled authority in the Lands Between. You can replace Marika with Ranni by choosing the Age of the Stars ending, which puts you in the role of Ranni’s consort, who governs the Lands Between as a deity. This does give you the ability to shape the fate of the world.
Think of it as replacing a broken system. You’re not inherently divine, but you’re instrumental in enabling a new form of divinity to take root, and, as its chosen champion, you benefit tremendously from that relationship. You are more akin to an empowered vessel, a conduit for change rather than a deity in your own right.
Becoming a Vessel of Power
The game hinges on the concept of Outer Gods, cosmic entities wielding influence over the Lands Between. Marika, though possessing immense power, was ultimately a vessel for the Greater Will. Becoming Elden Lord or consorting with a nascent god (like Ranni) essentially positions you as a crucial element in the plan of another, powerful being. You’re not creating divinity ex nihilo, but aligning yourself with existing divine forces and facilitating their influence.
The Nuances of Godhood in Elden Ring
Elden Ring challenges conventional notions of godhood. It’s not about intrinsic, inherent divinity, but rather about wielding power, shaping the world, and influencing the very fabric of reality. The Tarnished, through their actions, can usher in radical changes, shifting the balance of power and determining the fate of the Lands Between. Whether that constitutes “godhood” is a matter of perspective.
Ultimately, Elden Ring does not grant you true godhood, but the power you can wield and the consequences of your actions are so profound that they may be just as fulfilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Godhood in Elden Ring
Here are some FAQs that go deeper on how godhood is approached in Elden Ring.
1. What does it mean to become a lord in Elden Ring?
To become a lord in Elden Ring means assuming a position of immense power and authority, most notably the title of Elden Lord. Historically, the Elden Lord was the consort of Queen Marika the Eternal, acting as her right hand and wielding significant influence over the Lands Between. The Tarnished, through their journey, can also claim this title by repairing the Elden Ring and choosing a suitable ending.
2. Did Malenia turn into a god?
Yes, the game heavily suggests Malenia achieved godhood during the boss fight. In her second phase, her name changes to Malenia, Goddess of Rot, indicating her ascension to a divine state powered by the Scarlet Rot. This transformation showcases the potential for beings within the Lands Between to achieve godhood through specific circumstances.
3. Who can be Elden Lord?
Historically, the Elden Lord was the consort of Queen Marika. However, the Shattering and the Guidance of Grace opens the door for the Tarnished to claim the title. By collecting Great Runes, repairing the Elden Ring, and choosing an appropriate ending, the Tarnished can become the new Elden Lord.
4. Are there demigods in Elden Ring?
Absolutely. The Lands Between are teeming with demigods, offspring of Marika and other powerful beings. These demigods, like Godwyn the Golden, Radahn, Ranni, and Malenia, possess immense power and play crucial roles in the game’s story.
5. How does one become Elden Lord?
A Tarnished becomes the Elden Lord by following these steps: receiving the Guidance of Grace, collecting Great Runes from defeated Demigods, reforging the Elden Ring, and then choosing one of the available endings that results in claiming the title of Elden Lord.
6. Who is the strongest demigod in Elden Ring?
This is a hotly debated topic. General Radahn is often cited as the strongest due to his sheer power and control over gravity. However, other contenders like Malenia (especially in her Goddess of Rot form) and Morgott possess formidable abilities. The “strongest” demigod often depends on the specific circumstances and the player’s build.
7. Is Ranni a demigod?
Yes, Ranni the Witch is undeniably a demigod. She is the daughter of Queen Rennala of Caria and Radagon, making her a descendant of powerful figures in the Lands Between. Ranni also plays a pivotal role in the Age of the Stars ending.
8. Who is the main god in Elden Ring?
The concept of a “main god” in Elden Ring is complex. The Greater Will is a powerful Outer God with significant influence, but other Outer Gods, like the Goddess of Scarlet Rot, also play a role. Queen Marika, as the vessel of the Elden Ring, is another important figure in the divine hierarchy.
9. What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
While difficulty is subjective, Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is generally considered the most challenging boss in Elden Ring. Her aggressive attacks, ability to heal with each strike, and the devastating Waterfowl Dance make her a formidable opponent.
10. What kills Malenia? Is Malenia immune to Scarlet Rot?
Malenia has a very high resistance to Scarlet Rot, but she is not immune. She can be brought down by strategies that exploit her weaknesses, like staggering her with colossal weapons, using knockdown weapon abilities, and applying Scarlet Rot. Colossal weapons and Gravity spells can disrupt her attacks and keep her prone.
11. Whose child is Malenia?
Malenia is one of the demigod children of Queen Marika the Eternal and her King Consort Radagon of the Golden Order. She and her twin brother, Miquella, were chosen as Empyreans, candidates to succeed their mother as ruler of the Lands Between.
12. Which Elden Ring ending is best?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on player preference. However, the Age of the Stars ending, which involves aligning with Ranni, is often considered the most hopeful and thought-provoking. It breaks away from the cycle dictated by the Greater Will and ushers in an age of freedom guided by the moon.
13. Why did Godfrey get banished?
Godfrey was exiled by Marika after he lost his Grace. Once the wars against the Giants ended, and there were no enemies, Marika banished Godfrey from the Lands Between.
14. How does a tarnished become Elden Lord?
The Tarnished must first gain the Guidance of Grace, urging them to seek the Great Runes held by the demigods. They must then collect these Great Runes, defeat the Elden Beast, and choose an ending that results in them becoming the Elden Lord.
15. Does the Tarnished marry Ranni?
The Tarnished becomes Ranni’s consort in the Age of Stars ending. This means they rule alongside Ranni, who ascends as a new deity serving the Moon. There is no Elden Lord under Ranni’s reign, and the Tarnished and Ranni rule together.
Exploring the Games Learning Society
Elden Ring is more than just a game; it’s a complex tapestry of lore, character development, and strategic gameplay that offers rich opportunities for learning. To explore the educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society delves into how games can be powerful tools for education and cognitive development.
In conclusion, while you may not become a god in the strictest sense of the word, Elden Ring offers the opportunity to wield god-like power, shape the destiny of the Lands Between, and leave an indelible mark on the world. Whether you choose to become Elden Lord, consort with a new god, or forge your own path, the power to influence the divine is ultimately in your hands.