Does the Tarnished Marry Ranni in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive

Yes, in one of Elden Ring’s multiple endings, the Age of the Stars ending, the Tarnished essentially marries Ranni the Witch. While the game doesn’t feature a traditional wedding ceremony with cake and flower arrangements, the conclusion of Ranni’s questline unequivocally establishes a consort relationship where the Tarnished becomes her lord and partner. This union signifies a new era for the Lands Between, one free from the influence of the Greater Will and guided by Ranni’s vision of a cold, dark, and distant order. It’s a partnership in the truest sense, a ruling alliance forging a path towards a destiny unbound.

Understanding the Consort Relationship

The concept of “marriage” in Elden Ring is multifaceted and often intertwined with political and cosmic power dynamics. Think of Radagon and Marika. Their union wasn’t driven by simple romance, but rather a merger of opposing forces to maintain the Elden Ring. Ranni’s relationship with the Tarnished shares similarities, but it’s also profoundly different.

• Power Dynamic: Unlike becoming the Elden Lord, where the Tarnished simply inherits a pre-existing system, partnering with Ranni involves actively shaping a new world order together. The Tarnished is not just a figurehead; they are an integral part of Ranni’s grand design.

• Mutual Acknowledgment: Ranni’s dialogue at the end is crucial: she acknowledges the Tarnished as her “lord” and “dear consort”. The term “consort” implies not just a political alliance, but a personal one. This signals a level of intimacy and partnership beyond a simple power grab.

• End Goal: Becoming Elden Lord typically involves restoring or modifying the Elden Ring. Ranni, however, aims to cast aside the influence of the Greater Will and forge a destiny determined by mortals, with the Tarnished as her steadfast ally.

Is it Really Marriage?

It boils down to semantics. Elden Ring isn’t a dating simulator. There are no candlelit dinners or romantic strolls through Liurnia of the Lakes. However, the game utilizes symbolic language and narrative cues to establish a bond between the Tarnished and Ranni that is deeper than mere servitude. It’s a partnership, a commitment to a shared vision, and a bond recognized by the cosmos itself. Therefore, yes, in the context of Elden Ring’s lore, it can absolutely be considered a marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who does the Tarnished marry in other endings?

The Tarnished doesn’t traditionally “marry” anyone in the other endings, at least not in the same explicit way as with Ranni. Some endings involve becoming the Elden Lord and potentially taking on the role that Marika held, but these are primarily political or cosmic ascensions, not necessarily romantic partnerships.

2. Is Ranni good or evil?

Ranni is a morally gray character. She orchestrated the Night of Black Knives, which led to the death of Godwyn the Golden and the shattering of the Elden Ring. However, her motivations are rooted in a desire to escape the influence of the Greater Will and forge her own destiny. Whether her actions are justified is up to the player’s interpretation.

3. Who is the true villain in Elden Ring?

There’s no clear-cut villain in Elden Ring. Many characters have compelling reasons for their actions, and their motives are often rooted in understandable desires. The Greater Will, Marika, and even the Tarnished themselves can be seen as contributing to the tragic state of the Lands Between.

4. Who killed Ranni the Witch?

Ranni orchestrated her own death in body during the Night of Black Knives. She used the stolen Rune of Death to kill herself physically, allowing her to transfer her spirit into a doll, thus escaping the control of the Two Fingers.

5. Is Melina the same person as Ranni?

While there are theories about Melina and Ranni being related or even the same person, there’s no definitive proof. Some theories suggest Melina is Ranni’s forgotten sister, also a child of Queen Marika.

6. Is there romance in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring doesn’t have traditional romance options like those found in RPGs with dialogue choices and affection meters. However, the game features deep relationships with several characters, and the ending with Ranni implies a strong bond and partnership.

7. Where is Ranni after you “marry” her?

After triggering the Age of the Stars ending, Ranni departs on a journey, inviting the Tarnished to join her on a millennium of cosmic travel and change in the dark expanse of space. Her presence will be felt as a guiding power. Her actual physical location is unknown, symbolizing the new era of freedom and detachment from the Erdtree’s influence.

8. Who is the strongest demigod in Elden Ring?

General Radahn is often considered the strongest demigod. His mastery of gravity magic and his sheer martial prowess are legendary. However, strength is not the only factor in Elden Ring, and other demigods wield significant power in their own right.

9. What race is Ranni the Witch?

Ranni is the last princess of the Carian royal family. This lineage gives her a connection to both magic and political power within the Lands Between.

10. Why did Ranni assassinate Godwyn?

Ranni orchestrated the death of Godwyn the Golden as part of her plan to reject the Greater Will’s control. By killing Godwyn’s soul while simultaneously killing her own body, she aimed to sever her connection to the Erdtree and forge her own destiny.

11. Is the Tarnished immortal?

The Tarnished are described as “Dead who yet live.” This suggests a form of quasi-immortality, as they are resurrected repeatedly to fulfill their purpose. The nature and limits of their immortality are never fully explained.

12. Who revived the Tarnished?

The Tarnished were revived by the grace of the Erdtree in response to the shattering of the Elden Ring. This resurrection was intended to bring forth individuals capable of claiming the title of Elden Lord and restoring order to the Lands Between.

13. Does Ranni love the Tarnished?

The game never explicitly states that Ranni loves the Tarnished in a romantic sense. However, her reliance on the Tarnished, her dialogue in the Age of the Stars ending, and the very nature of their partnership suggest a deep bond and a level of affection that transcends mere utility. It is a soul partnership.

14. Is Ranni the real villain?

Ranni’s actions triggered a chain of events that plunged the Lands Between into chaos. However, her motives are not purely malicious. She seeks freedom from the Greater Will’s control, even if it means disrupting the established order. Whether she’s a villain depends on one’s perspective.

15. What is the significance of the Age of the Stars ending?

The Age of the Stars ending represents a departure from the established order of the Lands Between. It marks the beginning of an era where the influence of the Greater Will is diminished, and the fate of the world rests in the hands of mortals and the Outer Gods. It is an era of change, freedom, and potentially, profound darkness, all guided by Ranni and her consort, the Tarnished.

In conclusion, the relationship between the Tarnished and Ranni is complex and layered. It defies easy categorization, blending elements of political alliance, cosmic partnership, and perhaps even something akin to love. It reflects the game’s overall theme of ambiguous morality and the lack of simple answers in a world steeped in lore and conflict. For more insights into the narrative complexities and learning aspects of video games, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.