Should I Tell Hyetta They Are Human Eyes? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Moral Quandaries
In the labyrinthine world of Elden Ring, choices matter. Often, the path you choose hinges on shades of grey, forcing players to confront uncomfortable truths and weigh the consequences of their actions. One such moral dilemma revolves around Hyetta, the blind maiden, and the Shabriri Grapes she seeks. The question is: should you tell Hyetta they are human eyes?
The answer, like much of Elden Ring, isn’t straightforward. Telling Hyetta the truth, while seemingly cruel, ultimately allows her to make a more informed decision about her destiny. While she will be initially disgusted, this revelation propels her forward on her path to becoming a Finger Maiden touched by the Frenzied Flame. Keeping her in the dark, while seemingly kinder, denies her agency and perpetuates a lie. Consider your character’s moral compass and the potential consequences of your actions. Do you prioritize short-term comfort or long-term understanding, even if that understanding brings pain? The choice is yours, Tarnished, and its ramifications resonate throughout your journey.
Hyetta’s Questline: A Path Paved with Eyes
Hyetta’s questline is intertwined with the Frenzied Flame, one of Elden Ring’s more chaotic and morally ambiguous endings. She seeks the distant light, guided by the Shabriri Grapes, which are, in fact, the eyes of other Tarnished. As you progress, you must decide whether to perpetuate this deception or reveal the horrifying truth.
The Weight of Truth
Telling Hyetta the Shabriri Grapes are human eyes triggers an immediate negative reaction. She’s understandably repulsed, retching in disgust. However, this experience doesn’t deter her. After resting at a Site of Grace and speaking to her again, she reveals she has come to terms with the revelation, understanding it as a confirmation of her destiny to become a Finger Maiden. This acceptance, while unsettling, suggests that the truth, however painful, is necessary for her to fully embrace her role.
The Allure of Deception
Choosing to remain silent might seem kinder on the surface. However, it condemns Hyetta to ignorance. She continues blindly consuming the Shabriri Grapes, unaware of their true nature and the implications of her actions. This path, while seemingly less harsh, raises ethical questions about autonomy and informed consent. Are you protecting her, or simply shielding yourself from the discomfort of her reaction?
Embracing the Frenzied Flame
Ultimately, Hyetta’s questline leads to her becoming a vessel for the Frenzied Flame. This culmination is a significant step toward achieving the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, where you essentially burn the Erdtree and usher in an age of chaos. Whether you choose to embrace this path is another moral crossroads in Elden Ring, but understanding Hyetta’s role is crucial to making an informed decision.
FAQs About Hyetta and the Shabriri Grapes
1. Who is Hyetta?
Hyetta is a blind NPC in Elden Ring who seeks a distant light. She’s encountered after completing Stormveil Castle and plays a significant role in the Frenzied Flame ending. She believes she is destined to become a Finger Maiden, but requires the Shabriri Grapes to achieve this. Lightseeker Hyetta is her full designation.
2. What are Shabriri Grapes?
Shabriri Grapes are actually human eyes. They are presented as a food source to Hyetta, guiding her towards the distant light. They are found on corpses and in areas associated with the Frenzied Flame.
3. How many Shabriri Grapes are needed for Hyetta’s quest?
You need at least three Shabriri Grapes to progress through the initial stages of Hyetta’s questline. More may be required to fully complete it.
4. What happens if I give Hyetta all the Shabriri Grapes?
Giving Hyetta the Shabriri Grapes progresses her questline, ultimately leading her to become a Finger Maiden at the Mohgwyn Palace. This is necessary if you intend to pursue the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending.
5. Is Hyetta the same person as Irina?
Yes, Irina and Hyetta have the same character model and clothing. This connection is left somewhat ambiguous within the lore but suggests a deeper connection between the two. Irina is found earlier in the game in the Weeping Peninsula.
6. Is telling Hyetta the truth necessary to complete her quest?
No, telling Hyetta the truth isn’t technically required to complete her quest, but it does change her dialogue and provides a clearer understanding of her destiny. She still proceeds along her journey regardless of whether you tell her they are eyes.
7. Does completing Hyetta’s quest lock me into the Frenzied Flame ending?
No, completing Hyetta’s quest does not automatically lock you into the Frenzied Flame ending. You still need to embrace the Frenzied Flame at the Three Fingers beneath Leyndell. However, her quest is a necessary step if you want to achieve that ending.
8. Can I reverse the Frenzied Flame ending after completing Hyetta’s quest?
Yes, you can reverse the Frenzied Flame ending by completing Millicent’s questline, defeating Malenia, and using Miquella’s Needle in Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena.
9. What is the “distant light” Hyetta seeks?
The “distant light” Hyetta seeks is the Frenzied Flame, an Outer God that represents chaos and destruction. She believes that by becoming a Finger Maiden, she will bring about the end of suffering by returning everything to a single, unified state.
10. Is Shabriri evil?
Shabriri is generally considered an antagonist in Elden Ring. He’s a fervent worshipper of the Frenzied Flame and advocates for chaos and destruction. He manipulates others, including Hyetta, to further his goals.
11. Why does Shabriri possess Yura’s body?
After completing Yura’s questline, his body is taken over by Shabriri. This is likely because Yura was a powerful warrior who resisted the Frenzied Flame, and Shabriri seeks to exploit his strength and influence.
12. Where can I find Shabriri Grapes?
Shabriri Grapes can be found in various locations throughout the game. One is dropped by Edgar in Revenge at the Revenger’s Shack, other are found on the path near the Frenzied Flame Village. Generally, they are found in areas connected to the Frenzied Flame.
13. What are the consequences of embracing the Frenzied Flame?
Embracing the Frenzied Flame locks you into the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, where you burn the Erdtree and bring about an age of chaos. This ending is generally considered the most destructive and least desirable by most players.
14. Can I still do Hyetta’s quest after beating the game?
Yes, Hyetta’s quest can still be completed after beating the game, as long as you haven’t locked yourself into a specific ending. The world state doesn’t significantly impact her questline.
15. Is there any way to “save” Hyetta?
While you can’t prevent Hyetta from embracing her destiny as a Finger Maiden and ultimately dying at the end of the questline, some argue that by revealing the truth, you give her the agency to make an informed choice. Whether that constitutes “saving” her is a matter of perspective.
Elden Ring constantly pushes players to grapple with moral ambiguity. The Hyetta questline, with its unsettling implications and difficult choices, perfectly embodies this theme. Whether you choose to tell her the truth or shield her from it, your decision will have consequences, shaping not only Hyetta’s fate but also your own path through the Lands Between.
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