Are the Two Fingers Bad in Elden Ring? Unraveling the Mysteries of Order and Chaos
The answer to whether the Two Fingers are inherently “bad” in Elden Ring is a complex one, deeply intertwined with the game’s narrative of clashing ideologies and moral ambiguity. They are not straightforward villains, but rather representatives of a specific cosmic force: the Greater Will and its imposed Golden Order. Whether this order is beneficial or detrimental is entirely up to the player’s interpretation and actions. The Two Fingers, as interpreters of the Greater Will’s guidance, become tools of that cosmic agenda, which may or may not align with the player’s chosen path or desired outcome for the Lands Between. Their motives are not inherently malicious, but their unwavering commitment to a specific, potentially inflexible, system makes them antagonists in the eyes of those who seek alternative destinies. They represent a rigid system against the possibility of freedom and the potential for a more progressive future for the Lands Between.
The Two Fingers: Agents of the Greater Will
Understanding the Connection
The Two Fingers serve as the primary channel through which the Greater Will exerts its influence upon the Lands Between. These massive, decaying digits found atop the Divine Towers and at the Roundtable Hold are meant to receive and interpret the will of this outer god, guiding the Elden Lord and maintaining the Golden Order. Their stillness, their apparent death, suggests a breakdown in communication, a sign that the Greater Will’s control is faltering and the established order is crumbling.
A Morally Ambiguous Order
The crucial point is that the Golden Order, while aiming for stability, is not necessarily benevolent. It has been established through potentially oppressive means and may not serve the best interests of all inhabitants of the Lands Between. The game presents compelling arguments for alternative ideologies, such as the Frenzied Flame of the Three Fingers, which advocates for the complete destruction of the existing order to usher in a new, albeit chaotic, beginning.
Therefore, judging the Two Fingers solely on their association with the Greater Will and the Golden Order is insufficient. The player must consider the consequences of each path, the suffering inflicted by the Golden Order, and the potential benefits and risks of the alternatives. This is a theme explored across many games and is studied by scholars at places like the Games Learning Society, who delve into the narratives and impacts of games on society. You can learn more about the GamesLearningSociety.org and its work.
The Player’s Choice: Shaping Destiny
Defining Your Own Morality
Ultimately, the “badness” of the Two Fingers rests on the player’s shoulders. As the Tarnished, you are given the freedom to choose your own path, to define your own understanding of justice and order. You can embrace the Golden Order, reject it in favor of the Frenzied Flame, or forge a completely new destiny for the Lands Between through the various alternative endings.
Recognizing the Alternatives
Each ending in Elden Ring represents a different vision for the future, and each requires the player to confront the moral implications of their choices. Embracing the Frenzied Flame might bring about a more equitable world, free from the oppressive control of the Greater Will. The Age of Stars ending, facilitated by Ranni, offers a departure from the influence of the outer gods altogether. Understanding these alternatives is key to evaluating the role of the Two Fingers.
Therefore, the Two Fingers are not inherently evil, but their unwavering loyalty to a potentially flawed system makes them obstacles to those who seek a different future. The decision of whether to trust and follow their guidance lies solely with the player, shaping the destiny of the Lands Between and determining what constitutes true justice and order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further delve into the intricacies of the Two Fingers and their role in Elden Ring:
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What is the purpose of the Two Fingers in Elden Ring?
The Two Fingers act as intermediaries between the Greater Will and the inhabitants of the Lands Between. Their primary purpose is to interpret the Greater Will’s will and guide the Elden Lord in maintaining the Golden Order.
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Are the Two Fingers alive in Elden Ring?
Most of the Two Fingers encountered in the game appear to be deceased, found atop Divine Towers. Their inability to communicate suggests a disruption in the connection to the Greater Will.
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What is the connection between the Two Fingers and the Greater Will?
The Two Fingers are essentially extensions of the Greater Will’s influence, acting as its agents in the Lands Between. They are the physical manifestation of the Greater Will’s desire to maintain order and control.
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How does Ranni kill her Two Fingers?
Ranni uses the Fingerslayer Blade to sever her connection to the Greater Will by killing her Two Fingers. This act allows her to defy her predetermined destiny and pursue her own path.
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What is the significance of the Three Fingers?
The Three Fingers represent an opposing force to the Two Fingers and the Greater Will. They embody the Frenzied Flame, seeking to destroy the existing order and usher in an age of chaos and equality.
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Is the Greater Will an Outer God?
While not explicitly referred to as an “Outer God” in the game, the Greater Will possesses characteristics similar to other Outer Gods in the Elden Ring universe. It is a powerful cosmic entity that exerts influence over the Lands Between.
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What is the Golden Order?
The Golden Order is the dominant religious and political system in the Lands Between, established by Queen Marika and enforced by the Greater Will. It emphasizes order, hierarchy, and the pursuit of perfection.
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Why did the Greater Will abandon the Demigods?
During the Shattering, when the Elden Ring was broken, the Greater Will seemingly turned its back on the Demigods, failing to provide clear guidance or intervention. This abandonment fueled the conflict and chaos that ensued.
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Is Queen Marika a good or bad character?
Queen Marika is a complex and morally ambiguous figure. While she initially established the Golden Order, she later betrayed the Greater Will and shattered the Elden Ring, suggesting a desire for change or rebellion.
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What are the different endings in Elden Ring, and how do they relate to the Two Fingers?
The different endings represent alternative futures for the Lands Between, some upholding the Golden Order (indirectly supporting the Two Fingers’ goals), while others reject it in favor of new paradigms.
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What happens if you tell Varre that the Two Fingers seemed off?
Telling Varre that the Two Fingers “didn’t seem right” unlocks a specific questline associated with the Lord of Blood, Mohg, leading to an alternative path that diverges from the guidance of the Two Fingers.
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What role does Blaidd play in the conflict between the Two Fingers and other factions?
Blaidd, Ranni’s shadow, is bound by the Two Fingers to become hostile if Ranni deviates from her predetermined destiny. His story highlights the controlling influence of the Two Fingers and the struggle for free will.
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Is the Elden Beast a manifestation of the Greater Will’s power?
Yes, the Elden Beast is considered a manifestation of the Greater Will’s power and serves as the final boss, guarding the Elden Ring. Defeating it is necessary to claim the title of Elden Lord.
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Why are hands and fingers so prominent in Elden Ring’s lore?
Hands and fingers are symbolic representations of communication, guidance, and manipulation in Elden Ring. The Two Fingers and Three Fingers use hand gestures to convey messages and influence events in the Lands Between.
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Is there a way to restore communication with the Two Fingers?
While the game doesn’t offer a direct method to revive or restore communication with the deceased Two Fingers, certain endings, such as the Age of Order, suggest a potential restoration of the Golden Order and, by extension, a renewed connection to the Greater Will.
Understanding these questions and their answers allows players to fully grapple with the nuanced morality of the Two Fingers and their role in shaping the world of Elden Ring. Your choices determine the fate of the Lands Between and whether the influence of the Two Fingers will endure or fade away.