Does Rennala Count as a Great Rune? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring Lore
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Yes, Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, does indeed bestow a Great Rune upon her defeat. It’s called the Great Rune of the Unborn, and while it functions differently from other Great Runes found throughout the Lands Between, it absolutely counts. This rune, unlike others, cannot be equipped or activated with a Rune Arc. Instead, it grants you the unique ability to respec your character at the Raya Lucaria Grand Library.
Understanding Rennala’s Great Rune: More Than Just a Stat Boost
The Great Rune of the Unborn stands apart from its counterparts like Godrick’s or Radahn’s. These latter runes offer direct stat boosts, enhancing your Tarnished’s raw power. Rennala’s rune, however, provides a more utilitarian benefit: the power of Rebirth.
This Rebirth mechanic is crucial for players looking to experiment with different builds or correct mistakes made during their leveling journey. By consuming a Larval Tear, a relatively rare item found throughout the game, you can completely reallocate your attribute points, effectively transforming your character’s strengths and weaknesses.
This feature highlights a key difference between Rennala and other Shardbearers: Her Great Rune isn’t about brute force, but about the potential for transformation and adaptation. This aligns perfectly with Rennala’s lore as a powerful sorceress deeply connected to the concept of rebirth and the study of the cosmos.
Unlocking the Power of Rebirth
After defeating Rennala and acquiring the Great Rune of the Unborn, returning to her chamber in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library will reveal a new option when interacting with her. Instead of initiating another boss fight, she now offers the service of Rebirth.
Each Rebirth requires one Larval Tear. These tears are typically found in areas associated with transformation or illusion, often dropped by enemies that undergo dramatic changes or are hidden behind deceptive facades. Finding these Larval Tears becomes a mini-quest in itself, adding a layer of exploration and puzzle-solving to the character customization process.
The Significance of the Unborn
The name “Great Rune of the Unborn” is itself significant. It ties directly into Rennala’s obsession with the concept of rebirth and her desire to restore her family and the Raya Lucarian Academy to their former glory. The amber egg she clutches during the fight is symbolic of this desire, representing the potential for new life and new beginnings. Some speculate that the egg contains malformed scholars, further reinforcing the unsettling themes of rebirth and obsession that permeate Rennala’s character.
The Ranking of Great Runes: Where Does Rennala’s Stand?
While tier lists are subjective, the Great Rune of the Unborn is generally considered to be lower on the ranking compared to runes like Godrick’s, Radahn’s, or Malenia’s. This isn’t because it’s “bad,” but because its utility is situational. Direct stat boosts are consistently beneficial in combat, while Rebirth is only useful when you want to change your build. The article you provided notes that it is often listed as 5th out of 7, which can be a little misleading.
However, for players who value experimentation and flexibility, the Great Rune of the Unborn is invaluable. It allows for risk-free exploration of different playstyles, enabling players to adapt to challenging encounters and fine-tune their builds for optimal performance.
Connecting with the Community: Exploring Game Mechanics and Learning
Understanding the nuances of game mechanics, like the purpose and usage of Great Runes, enhances the overall player experience. This level of engagement allows for more strategic decision-making and fosters a deeper appreciation for the game’s intricate design.
The Games Learning Society champions the power of games as tools for learning and exploration. This is especially true for complex games such as Elden Ring. By embracing mechanics like Rennala’s Great Rune, we unlock new possibilities for creativity, strategy, and problem-solving. For more information, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rennala and the Great Rune of the Unborn
1. What happens if I kill Rennala?
Defeating Rennala rewards you with 40,000 Runes, the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen, and the Great Rune of the Unborn.
2. Can I equip the Great Rune of the Unborn?
No, the Great Rune of the Unborn cannot be equipped. It’s a passive rune that grants you access to the Rebirth mechanic.
3. Do I need a Rune Arc to activate the Great Rune of the Unborn?
No, you do not need a Rune Arc to use the Great Rune of the Unborn. Its effect is always active once you possess it.
4. How do I respec my character in Elden Ring?
You can respec your character by speaking to Rennala in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library after defeating her and consuming a Larval Tear.
5. Where can I find Larval Tears?
Larval Tears can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, often in areas associated with transformation, illusion, or death. Some are dropped by specific enemies, while others are hidden in chests or obtained through questlines.
6. How many times can I respec my character?
You can respec as many times as you have Larval Tears.
7. Is Rennala weak to bleed?
Yes, Rennala is particularly vulnerable to bleed attacks, especially during the first phase of the fight.
8. What is the best strategy for fighting Rennala?
During the first phase, focus on quickly identifying and attacking the singing scholars throwing books. In the second phase, be mindful of her powerful sorceries and try to maintain a moderate distance. Summons can be helpful for distracting her.
9. Should I sell the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen?
It’s generally not recommended to sell the Remembrance. Instead, take it to Enia at the Roundtable Hold to acquire powerful sorceries or weapons.
10. What happens if I use the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen?
Using the Remembrance directly will grant you 20,000 Runes, but you’ll miss out on the opportunity to acquire unique items from Enia.
11. What should I do after defeating Rennala?
After defeating Rennala, you can continue exploring Liurnia, progress the main story, or pursue the quests of various NPCs in the region and beyond.
12. Where do I go after Raya Lucaria Academy?
The main story path typically leads players to the Altus Plateau after Raya Lucaria Academy.
13. Why does Rennala have an egg?
The amber egg represents Rennala’s desire for rebirth and renewal, both for her family and the Raya Lucarian Academy. It’s a symbol of her obsession with recreating what she has lost.
14. Is Rennala a mandatory boss?
Yes, Rennala is a mandatory boss in Elden Ring. Defeating her is required to progress the main storyline.
15. What is the best class to start with for an Intelligence build?
For an Intelligence-focused build, the Astrologer or Prisoner classes are generally considered to be the best starting options.