Is Volcano Manor Good or Evil? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Morally Grey Faction
Volcano Manor, nestled within the fiery depths of Mount Gelmir in Elden Ring, presents a complex moral quandary. The answer to whether it’s “good” or “evil” is definitively evil, though the nuances of its depravity deserve exploration. It is a hub of blasphemy, assassination, and the deliberate seeking of power through horrific means, making it an organization that actively contributes to the Lands Between’s suffering, despite some characters potentially having understandable motivations.
The Blasphemous Underbelly of Volcano Manor
Volcano Manor, led by the serpent god Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is unequivocally a force of darkness. Its primary objective is to oppose the Erdtree and the Golden Order, not out of some noble desire for reform, but out of a lust for power and a nihilistic rejection of the established order. This rejection manifests in horrifying ways.
Defiling the Golden Order
The Manor actively engages in blasphemy by consuming demigods and harnessing their power to fuel Rykard’s ambition. This act is inherently evil within the context of the Lands Between, where the Erdtree, despite its flaws, represents a source of life and order. Their rejection isn’t a reasoned critique, but a violent overthrow motivated by self-serving desires.
The Art of Assassination
Volcano Manor operates as a hub for assassins, tasking Tarnished with eliminating individuals who pose a threat to their agenda. These assassinations are often brutal and indiscriminate, targeting not just powerful figures but also innocent individuals caught in the crossfire. This reliance on violence and deception as a means to achieve their goals firmly places them on the evil side of the moral spectrum.
Embracing Monstrosity
The Manor’s pursuit of power leads them down a path of grotesque experimentation and transformation. They willingly embrace monstrosity, both literally and figuratively, sacrificing their humanity in the pursuit of strength. This descent into depravity is a clear indicator of their moral corruption. The amalgamation of human and serpent flesh speaks volumes about the group’s disregard for natural life.
Understanding Individual Motivations: Does Context Matter?
While the Manor as a whole is evil, some of its members might have understandable, even sympathetic, motivations. For example:
- Tanith, the lady of the Manor, seems genuinely devoted to Rykard and believes in his cause. Her motivations might stem from a desire for belonging and purpose, even if those are found in a destructive ideology.
- Some of the Tarnished who join Volcano Manor might do so out of desperation, seeking power or a place to belong in the harsh and unforgiving world of the Lands Between.
However, even if individual members have sympathetic motivations, their participation in the Manor’s activities makes them complicit in its evil deeds. Good intentions do not excuse the consequences of their actions.
Ultimately, Action Defines Morality
While complex motivations and character backstories can add depth to the narrative, they do not absolve Volcano Manor of its evil. Their actions – the blasphemy, the assassinations, the embrace of monstrosity – speak for themselves. They actively contribute to the suffering of the Lands Between and seek to usurp the Erdtree for their own selfish gain. Therefore, Volcano Manor is definitively an evil organization within the context of Elden Ring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Volcano Manor
1. What exactly is Volcano Manor’s goal?
Volcano Manor’s primary goal is to overthrow the Erdtree and the Golden Order. They seek to establish a new world order based on Rykard’s vision, which seems to involve a rejection of all established authority and a celebration of chaos and blasphemy.
2. Who is Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy?
Rykard is the head of Volcano Manor. He is a demigod and son of Queen Rennala and Radagon. He’s consumed the God-Devouring Serpent, becoming a grotesque hybrid creature and embodying the Manor’s core principles of blasphemy and rebellion.
3. Is Tanith evil?
Tanith is a complex character. While she shows unwavering loyalty to Rykard and actively participates in the Manor’s activities, her motivations might stem from a genuine belief in his cause and a desire for belonging. However, her complicity in the Manor’s evil actions makes her morally culpable.
4. Can I join Volcano Manor?
Yes, players can join Volcano Manor by accepting Tanith’s offer after reaching the Manor. Joining allows players to access the Manor’s questline and participate in their assassination contracts.
5. What are the benefits of joining Volcano Manor?
Joining Volcano Manor grants access to:
- Unique weapons and armor: Completing assassination contracts rewards players with unique items.
- New areas: The Manor provides access to otherwise inaccessible areas of Mount Gelmir.
- Lore and story insights: The Manor’s questline provides valuable insights into the world of Elden Ring and the motivations of Rykard.
6. Are there any consequences for joining Volcano Manor?
Joining Volcano Manor will lock you out of certain questlines and character interactions that are aligned with the Golden Order. Also, players who value “good” alignment will find conflict because of the “evil” associated activities they need to take part in.
7. Can I betray Volcano Manor?
Yes, players can betray Volcano Manor after progressing far enough in their questline. This often involves siding with a character who opposes Rykard’s ambitions.
8. What happens if I defeat Rykard?
Defeating Rykard completes the Volcano Manor questline and effectively dismantles the organization. Tanith will be found later, attempting to…consume Rykard? This is what makes the story so interesting.
9. What kind of enemies will I face in Volcano Manor?
Volcano Manor is home to a variety of enemies, including:
- Man-Serpents: Grotesque human-serpent hybrids created through the Manor’s experiments.
- Abductor Virgins: Imposing machines used to capture and transport victims to the Manor.
- Tarnished assassins: Other players (or NPCs designed similarly) who are completing their contracts.
10. Is Volcano Manor a mandatory area to explore?
No, Volcano Manor is not a mandatory area in Elden Ring. However, exploring it unlocks unique content and rewards, making it a worthwhile destination for many players.
11. Does Volcano Manor affect the ending of the game?
While not directly tied to the “main” endings, the choices you make within Volcano Manor, especially regarding Rykard, can subtly influence the narrative context and your understanding of the world, which in turn can affect how you interpret the different ending options. No direct ending, but indirect effects.
12. Is there any redemption for the members of Volcano Manor?
Redemption is subjective. Some might argue that certain members, driven by desperation or misguided loyalty, could find redemption by abandoning the Manor’s evil ways. However, given the gravity of their actions, true redemption is unlikely for many. The game doesn’t overtly offer a “redemption” path.
13. How does Volcano Manor relate to the other factions in Elden Ring?
Volcano Manor is in direct opposition to the Golden Order and other factions that support the Erdtree. They are a rebellious force seeking to disrupt the established order and seize power for themselves, putting them at odds with various other groups and individuals in the Lands Between.
14. What is the “blasphemy” that Volcano Manor espouses?
The “blasphemy” of Volcano Manor refers to their rejection of the Greater Will, the Erdtree, and the Golden Order. They actively defile these sacred institutions, seeking to replace them with a new order based on their own twisted ideals.
15. Is it possible to complete Volcano Manor’s quests without committing evil acts?
No. In order to progress the Volcano Manor questline, the player must engage in assassination contracts and work toward the goals of the Lord of Blasphemy, which necessarily involve committing evil deeds. There is no way to complete these tasks by being “good”.