Is Greyoll the Mother of All Dragons in Elden Ring? Unraveling the Lore

Yes, according to the in-game description of the “Greyoll’s Roar” incantation, Greyoll is explicitly stated to be the mother of all dragons in the world of Elden Ring. This makes her a pivotal, albeit stationary, figure in the lore, representing a bygone era when dragons held dominion over the Lands Between. Let’s delve deeper into Greyoll’s significance and explore the wider context of dragons in Elden Ring’s rich narrative.

Greyoll: A Sleeping Giant of Lore

The Immobilized Matriarch

Greyoll’s most striking feature is her utter immobility. Found in the Dragonbarrow region of Caelid, she lies prone, surrounded by her Lesser Dragon offspring. Players encounter her as an enormous, ancient, white dragon who is physically unable to attack, leaving her vulnerable.

The “Greyoll’s Roar” Connection

The incantation “Greyoll’s Roar” is the primary piece of evidence solidifying her maternal status. This incantation, acquired by defeating her or one of her offspring, allows the player to unleash a powerful dragon roar. The description explicitly mentions her position as the mother of all dragons, linking her directly to the origin and lineage of dragonkind.

A Symbol of a Bygone Era

Greyoll symbolizes the ancient era when dragons reigned supreme. Before the reign of Queen Marika and Lord Godfrey, dragons were a powerful force in the Lands Between. The decline of the dragons marks a significant shift in the power dynamics of the world, setting the stage for the events of Elden Ring.

Dragons in Elden Ring: A Diverse Bestiary

Ancient Dragons and Their Power

Elden Ring features a diverse array of dragons, from Lesser Dragons to the formidable Ancient Dragons. These beings are remnants of a time before the Erdtree, a time some believe belonged to The Crucible in its primordial state. The Ancient Dragons possess unique powers, often associated with red lightning, and are far more powerful than their lesser counterparts.

Notable Dragons Beyond Greyoll

While Greyoll is the matriarch, other dragons play crucial roles in the lore and gameplay:

• Placidusax: Once an Elden Lord of Farum Azula, Placidusax is a many-headed Ancient Dragon who ruled before the Erdtree’s influence. He remains a powerful, optional boss.

• Gransax: This colossal dragon attacked Leyndell, Royal Capital, leaving a massive lightning bolt embedded in the city.

• Lesser Dragons: These dragons inhabit various regions and serve as formidable enemies.

The Scarlet Rot and the Fall of Caelid

Malenia vs. Radahn: A Cataclysmic Conflict

The horrifying scarlet rot that plagues Caelid is a direct consequence of the battle between Malenia the Severed and Starscourge Radahn. Their clash unleashed the scarlet rot, transforming the landscape and corrupting its inhabitants.

The Impact on Greyoll and Her Kin

While not explicitly stated, it’s reasonable to assume that the scarlet rot has affected Greyoll and her offspring. The state of Caelid, with its decaying environment, likely contributed to Greyoll’s weakened and immobile state, making her a prime target for opportunistic Tarnished seeking power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Greyoll’s Roar the strongest dragon incantation?

No, while Greyoll’s Roar is a powerful incantation, it is generally not considered the strongest. Incantations like Placidusax’s Ruin and Ekzykes’s Decay are often favored for their higher damage output and status effect application.

2. How do I defeat Greyoll?

Greyoll can be defeated simply by attacking her until her health bar is depleted. Due to her stationary nature, this can be achieved relatively easily, though it will alert the Lesser Dragons nearby. Bleed and Frostbite build-up are effective strategies.

3. What runes do I get for killing Greyoll?

Killing Greyoll rewards the player with approximately 50,000 runes. This is a substantial amount early in the game, but there are more efficient rune farming methods available later on.

4. Is it worth killing Greyoll?

Whether or not it’s “worth it” depends on your perspective. The runes are helpful early on, and the “Greyoll’s Roar” incantation is useful. However, some players feel that killing her is morally questionable, as she poses no threat.

5. Who is the strongest dragon in Elden Ring?

Determining the absolute strongest dragon is subjective, but Placidusax is generally considered one of the most powerful due to his unique abilities and lore significance. Gransax’s immense size also makes him a contender.

6. Where is Placidusax located?

Placidusax is located in Farum Azula. To reach him, you must lie down in a specific spot within the crumbling ruins to be transported to his arena.

7. What are Dragon Communion Incantations?

Dragon Communion Incantations are spells in Elden Ring that allow the player to channel the power of dragons, often involving breath attacks and draconic transformations. These are acquired by trading Dragon Hearts at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion or the Church of Dragon Communion.

8. What is the significance of Farum Azula?

Farum Azula is an ancient, crumbling city floating in the sky. It is the home of the Ancient Dragons and a place of immense power. It plays a crucial role in the endgame events of Elden Ring.

9. What is the Erdtree?

The Erdtree is a massive, golden tree that dominates the skyline of the Lands Between. It is the source of grace and the symbol of the Golden Order.

10. Who is Queen Marika?

Queen Marika the Eternal is a powerful figure in Elden Ring’s lore. She is the vessel of the Elden Ring and the ruler of the Lands Between.

11. What is the Elden Ring?

The Elden Ring is a mysterious object of immense power that governs the laws of reality in the Lands Between. Its shattering sparked the events of the game.

12. Is Gransax bigger than Placidusax?

While Gransax is visually larger when encountered in Leyndell due to the scale of the environment, lore suggests that Placidusax, in his prime, could have been comparable or even larger.

13. What are some good early-game weapons for fighting dragons?

Weapons that inflict bleed or frostbite are particularly effective against dragons. Examples include the Uchigatana (bleed) and weapons with the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War (frostbite).

14. What is the Crucible?

The Crucible is considered the primordial form of the Erdtree and is believed by some to be the era when the Ancient Dragons held absolute power.

15. How does the lore in Elden Ring contribute to gameplay?

Elden Ring’s deep and intricate lore informs the game in numerous ways, influencing enemy designs, level layouts, and the motivations of characters. Understanding the lore enhances the player’s investment in the world and adds layers of meaning to their actions. Consider engaging with resources and communities like the Games Learning Society to continue learning about how games like Elden Ring contribute to how we learn and perceive new information. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to get involved today!