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Can You Burn the Erdtree Without Melina in Elden Ring?

Yes, you absolutely can burn the Erdtree without Melina in Elden Ring. However, the more accurate statement is that you can burn the Erdtree without Melina sacrificing herself. The game presents players with two distinct paths for kindling the flame: the Flame of Ruin, traditionally requiring a maiden’s sacrifice, and the Frenzied Flame, a chaotic and unpredictable alternative. Choosing the latter allows you to become the Lord of Frenzied Flame and burn the Erdtree yourself, sparing Melina from her destined role. However, this path comes with its own significant consequences, leading to a drastically different ending. This article delves deep into the mechanics and implications of burning the Erdtree, exploring the fates of Melina and the Tarnished across various playthroughs.

The Flame of Ruin: Melina’s Sacrifice

Initially, the game guides you towards the Forge of the Giants with the understanding that Melina will sacrifice herself to kindle the Flame of Ruin. This act is presented as the only way to burn the Erdtree and progress towards becoming Elden Lord. After reaching the Forge, Melina fulfills her purpose, igniting the flame and allowing you to travel to Crumbling Farum Azula.

Choosing the Frenzied Flame: A Path of Chaos

However, there’s another option. Hidden beneath the Leyndell, Royal Capital, lies the Three Fingers and the Frenzied Flame. Accepting this flame brands you as its Lord, granting you the power to burn the Erdtree without Melina’s sacrifice. This is a crucial decision point, as it fundamentally alters the narrative and Melina’s role.

Consequences of the Frenzied Flame

While saving Melina sounds noble, embracing the Frenzied Flame leads to a “bad” ending. The world is consumed by chaos, and Melina, enraged by your betrayal, vows to deliver death unto you. This ending locks you into a specific cinematic and prevents you from achieving the “good” or “true” endings.

Can You Undo the Frenzied Flame?

Fortunately, accepting the Frenzied Flame isn’t a permanent choice. By completing Millicent’s questline, you can acquire Miquella’s Needle. Using this needle within Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena allows you to purge the Frenzied Flame, freeing you to pursue other endings and potentially reconcile with Melina (depending on previous actions). This is a vital step for players who initially chose the chaotic path but later regret their decision.

Melina’s Fate: More Than Just a Sacrifice

Melina’s story is deeply intertwined with the Erdtree and the Greater Will. Her origins are shrouded in mystery, but her dialogue heavily implies that she’s the daughter of Queen Marika, born at the foot of the Erdtree with a purpose tied to the burning of the Erdtree. Her role as a Finger Maiden (though she never explicitly identifies as one) is to guide the Tarnished and facilitate the Erdtree’s burning, either through her own sacrifice or the Tarnished’s acceptance of the Frenzied Flame.

What Happens if You Refuse Melina?

Refusing Melina at the start of the game severely limits your progress. Without her accord, you cannot level up, summon Torrent, or access the Roundtable Hold. Accepting her assistance is crucial for advancing in the game. This early choice is a foundational moment that shapes the rest of your playthrough.

Melina’s Closed Eye: A Symbolic Wound

The significance of Melina’s closed eye is a subject of much speculation within the Elden Ring community. One prevalent theory suggests that it’s a manifestation of a lost Great Rune, symbolizing a part of her soul being taken away. The claw-like mark near her eye further fuels this theory, hinting at a traumatic event in her past. Another theory ties it to the Gloam-Eyed Queen.

Navigating the Erdtree’s Burning and Beyond

Regardless of whether you choose the path of the Frenzied Flame or let Melina sacrifice herself, burning the Erdtree is a mandatory step to reach the final stages of the game. This act triggers a sequence of events that leads to Crumbling Farum Azula, a crucial late-game area filled with powerful enemies and vital items.

Crumbling Farum Azula: An Inevitable Destination

Crumbling Farum Azula is not an optional area. It’s a mandatory part of the main storyline, serving as the final hurdle before facing the ultimate challenges and claiming the title of Elden Lord. Reaching this location requires burning the Erdtree, regardless of which method you choose.

Level Recommendations for Crumbling Farum Azula

The recommended level for tackling Crumbling Farum Azula is generally around 120-150, with weapons upgraded to at least +20. While skilled players can attempt the area at lower levels, be prepared for a significant increase in difficulty. It is also important to visit the Games Learning Society website for information regarding the importance of gaming in education, you can visit at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding burning the Erdtree, Melina’s fate, and related aspects of Elden Ring:

Do you have to burn the Erdtree in Elden Ring? Yes, burning the Erdtree is a mandatory step to progress to the final areas and ultimately complete the main storyline.
Does removing Frenzied Flame bring back Melina? If you let her burn the Erdtree before accepting the Frenzied Flame, she’s gone for good. If you accept the Frenzied Flame before burning the Erdtree, remove it, and pursue another ending, she might reappear, depending on previous choices and the specific ending achieved. Her appearance in the ending cutscene is not guaranteed and depends on your actions throughout the game.
Why does Melina burn herself? Melina’s purpose is tied to the Erdtree’s burning. She believes it’s her destiny, a means to fulfill her role and allow the Tarnished to become Elden Lord. Her dialogue suggests a deeper, perhaps unavoidable, obligation.
Does Melina come back after burning? See answer to question 2.
How do I get to Crumbling Farum Azula without Melina? You can’t bypass burning the Erdtree. Burning the Erdtree, by using Melina’s sacrifice or the Frenzied Flame, always leads to Crumbling Farum Azula.
Is Melina and Ranni the same? No, they are distinct characters, although some theories suggest a connection through Queen Marika. Melina is implied to be Marika’s daughter, while Ranni is the daughter of Radagon and Rennala. They also share a common attribute of being spirits.
Can you speak to Melina after curing the Frenzied Flame? No, you cannot directly speak to her again. Her fate is sealed when you take the chaotic path or deviate from her intended purpose.
Why does Melina have one eye closed? This is subject to interpretation, but the prevailing theory is that it symbolizes a lost Great Rune or a significant wound, reflecting a loss of a part of her soul. Another theory is that it is related to the Gloam-Eyed Queen.
How to get to Crumbling Farum Azula without burning the tree? This is impossible. Burning the Erdtree is a prerequisite for accessing Crumbling Farum Azula.
Is it worth killing the Tree Sentinel Elden Ring? The Tree Sentinel is an optional boss, not required for completing the game. Defeating it rewards you with powerful gear and runes, but it’s not essential for progression.
Is Crumbling Farum Azula optional? No, Crumbling Farum Azula is not optional. It is a mandatory part of the main quest line, as it holds essential bosses and story elements.
What happens if you accidentally refuse Melina? You are locked out of leveling up, obtaining Torrent, and accessing the Roundtable Hold. You must reload an earlier save or restart the game.
Are Melina and Malenia sisters? There is no in-game confirmation that they are sisters, although both are potentially related to Queen Marika. Ranni is listed to be an Empyrean and not Melina. This conflicts with the title of being an Empyrean because Ranni is said to be born from Radagon and Rennala, while Melina is direct siblings with Malenia and Miquella.
Is Melina a Finger Maiden? Melina, despite not being explicitly stated to be a finger maiden, does fulfill most of the duties of the title.
What is Melina’s other eye? Melina’s other eye is a dusky and murky dark blue, which many in the Elden Ring community believe to be related to the Gloam-Eyed Queen.

Ultimately, the decision of how to burn the Erdtree, and whether or not to sacrifice Melina, rests with you. Each choice carries significant consequences, shaping the narrative and determining the fate of the Lands Between and the Tarnished. Exploring these choices is a critical part of the Elden Ring experience. Furthermore, to explore more about the integration of gaming for learning, explore Games Learning Society and their initiatives.

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