The Unraveling of Gurranq and the Beast Clergyman: A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Enigmatic Duo

Yes, the Beast Clergyman and Gurranq are indeed the same entity. This is a critical revelation in Elden Ring, unveiled as the player progresses through the game. The seemingly benevolent Gurranq, found within the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid, who hungers for Deathroot, is ultimately revealed to be Maliketh, the Black Blade, Marika’s shadowbound beast and half-brother, encountered as a formidable boss at the end of Crumbling Farum Azula. This duality serves as a poignant example of the tragic figures that populate the Lands Between, warped by fate and the machinations of the gods.

The Dual Identity Explained

Initially, Gurranq presents himself as a simple, albeit monstrous, cleric obsessed with consuming Deathroot. He rewards the player handsomely for each piece of Deathroot brought to him, granting powerful Bestial Incantations and other useful items. This questline lulls the player into a sense of trust, making the later reveal all the more impactful.

As you progress further into the game, specifically to Crumbling Farum Azula, the climatic arena of many fates, you face the Beast Clergyman as a boss. Upon dealing sufficient damage, a cutscene triggers, revealing his true identity as Maliketh, the Black Blade. He transforms into his more ferocious form, wielding the Black Blade, which holds the power of the Rune of Death.

This transformation isn’t merely cosmetic. It’s a manifestation of his inner turmoil and the burden he carries as the keeper of Death. His desperate hunger for Deathroot is not a simple gluttony, but an attempt to contain the destructive power of the Rune, a power that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the Golden Order.

The transition from Gurranq to Maliketh is not simply a character arc; it’s a reflection of the fractured state of the world and the individuals within it. The seemingly kind Gurranq is just a mask, a temporary reprieve from the torment that consumes Maliketh.

Why the Duality?

The question that naturally arises is: why does Maliketh, the powerful Shadowbound Beast, hide under the guise of Gurranq? The answer lies in his self-imposed exile and his duty.

• Containment of Deathroot: After the Night of the Black Knives, where assassins stole fragments of the Rune of Death, Maliketh took on the responsibility of containing the stolen pieces, the Deathroot. Assuming the persona of Gurranq allowed him to focus on this task, using the Tarnished to help him gather the scattered remnants.

• Guilt and Penance: Maliketh blames himself for the theft of the Rune of Death and the subsequent deaths of the demigods. By hiding in the Bestial Sanctum and consuming Deathroot, he punishes himself while simultaneously protecting the world from its full potential.

• A Temporary Refuge: The Bestial Sanctum provides Maliketh with a temporary sanctuary, a place where he can attempt to control his hunger and prevent the Rune of Death from fully consuming him.

The Implications of the Revelation

The revelation that Gurranq is Maliketh has several significant implications for the player and their understanding of the Elden Ring narrative:

• Questioning Appearances: It forces the player to question the true nature of other NPCs and the motivations behind their actions. Nothing is as it seems in the Lands Between.

• Tragedy of Duty: It highlights the tragic nature of duty and the sacrifices made by those who are bound by fate. Maliketh is ultimately a victim of his own loyalty and responsibility.

• The Fragmented World: It reinforces the fragmented state of the world and the fractured identities of those who inhabit it. Everyone is grappling with inner turmoil and hidden agendas.

The interplay between Gurranq and Maliketh is a testament to the nuanced storytelling within Elden Ring. It’s a story of duty, sacrifice, and the corrosive power of guilt, all wrapped within a character who is both a monstrous beast and a tragic hero. It is this depth that allows the analysis on the themes in the game, like the ones provided by the Games Learning Society. You can find related content on their website, GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if you kill Gurranq before fighting Maliketh?

Killing Gurranq before encountering Maliketh in Crumbling Farum Azula doesn’t prevent you from fighting him. You will still encounter him as the Beast Clergyman and subsequently Maliketh, the Black Blade. Gameplay-wise, the Bestial Sanctum version of Gurranq is likely a separate instance.

2. Can you give Deathroot to Gurranq after killing Maliketh?

Yes, you can still give Deathroot to Gurranq after defeating Maliketh in Crumbling Farum Azula. Completing his questline by giving him all nine Deathroots will trigger his departure from the Bestial Sanctum, rewarding you with an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.

3. Why does Gurranq attack me after giving him a certain number of Deathroots?

After giving Gurranq four or five Deathroots, he will become hostile due to the corrupting influence of the Deathroot overwhelming him. You need to reduce his health until he calms down and regains his senses, allowing you to continue the questline.

4. Where can I find all the Deathroot?

Deathroot can be found by defeating Tibia Mariners scattered throughout the Lands Between and at the end of certain Catacombs. There are nine Deathroots in total.

5. What are the rewards for giving Deathroot to Gurranq?

For each Deathroot you give Gurranq, he rewards you with various items, including Bestial Incantations, the Clawmark Seal, and eventually, the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.

6. Is the Beast Clergyman fight optional?

No, the Beast Clergyman fight in Crumbling Farum Azula is not optional. You must defeat him to progress the main storyline and reach Leyndell, Ashen Capital.

7. What level should I be to fight the Beast Clergyman/Maliketh?

It is recommended to be at least level 100+ with a weapon level of +20 to +25 before attempting the Beast Clergyman/Maliketh fight.

8. What are Maliketh’s weaknesses?

Maliketh is particularly weak to frost. Applying frostbite to your weapon can significantly increase your damage output during the fight.

9. How is Maliketh related to Marika?

Maliketh is the half-brother of Queen Marika the Eternal and her Shadowbound Beast, tasked with protecting her and the Elden Ring.

10. What is the significance of the Black Blade?

The Black Blade is Maliketh’s weapon, infused with the Rune of Death. It allows him to steal maximum HP from you and apply a damage over time debuff.

11. What happened during the Night of the Black Knives?

During the Night of the Black Knives, assassins stole fragments of the Rune of Death, using them to kill several demigods, including Godwyn the Golden. Maliketh blames himself for this event, as he was entrusted with guarding the Rune.

12. What are Bestial Incantations?

Bestial Incantations are a type of incantation that relies on Faith and Strength stats. They often involve the manipulation of stone and bestial energies.

13. Is Crumbling Farum Azula in the past?

Crumbling Farum Azula exists outside the normal flow of time. It’s an ancient, crumbling city that has been decaying for an unknown period.

14. What is the significance of the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone?

The Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone is a rare upgrade material that allows you to fully upgrade special weapons to +10.

15. What happens if you use Mohg’s Great Rune in Crumbling Farum Azula?

Using Mohg’s Great Rune in Crumbling Farum Azula grants you the blessing of blood, but it doesn’t have any unique interactions or effects specific to the area. It functions the same as it would in any other location.