Were Godwyn and Fortissax Friends?

Yes, Godwyn the Golden and Fortissax the Dragon, were undeniably friends, forming a profound bond that transcended the typical animosity between humans and dragons in the Lands Between. Their relationship is a cornerstone of the lore of Elden Ring, deeply influencing events leading up to and following the Shattering. Their friendship offers a glimmer of hope amidst the grimdark fantasy setting, showcasing the possibility of understanding and kinship in a world rife with conflict.

The Golden and the Dragon: A Unique Bond

Godwyn, son of Queen Marika the Eternal and the first Elden Lord Godfrey, was a figure of immense charisma and virtue. He was revered as a hero, known for his strength, wisdom, and unwavering sense of justice. Dragons, on the other hand, were often perceived as monstrous beasts, ancient and powerful threats to humanity. However, Godwyn saw beyond this simplistic view.

Fortissax, one of the most powerful of the ancient dragons and a close confidante of Dragonlord Placidusax, possessed an immense understanding of the world and a sense of honor that resonated with Godwyn. It was through shared battles, mutual respect, and perhaps a shared understanding of the burdens of power, that their unlikely friendship blossomed.

The exact circumstances of their initial meeting are shrouded in mystery, but lore suggests it began on the battlefield. Instead of continuing a needless conflict, Godwyn sought parley with Fortissax, leading to a truce and eventually, a genuine connection. They fought side-by-side against common enemies, further solidifying their bond. This alliance was a testament to Godwyn’s unique ability to bridge divides and forge unlikely alliances.

The Tragedy of the Night of the Black Knives

Their friendship, however, proved to be a fragile bulwark against the tide of fate. The Night of the Black Knives, orchestrated by Ranni the Witch, saw Godwyn assassinated, his soul slain while his body remained alive. This act unleashed the power of the Rune of Death upon the Lands Between, leading to the Shattering of the Elden Ring and the ensuing war.

The death of Godwyn devastated Fortissax. He, along with many others, was unable to comprehend such a cruel act against a being so inherently good. The corruption emanating from Godwyn’s soulless body, now a festering root beneath the Erdtree, drew Fortissax towards it, where he became intertwined with the Prince of Death. He became Lichdragon Fortissax, consumed by deathblight, a tragic testament to the devastation of losing a close friend.

Fortissax’s transformation and corruption serve as a potent symbol of the wider consequences of the Night of the Black Knives. It underscores not only the loss of a powerful dragon, but also the loss of hope and the corruption of noble ideals. The fact that a creature so close to Godwyn could be twisted into something so corrupted highlights the profound tragedy at the heart of the Elden Ring narrative.

Evidence in the Game

Several in-game clues support the deep friendship between Godwyn and Fortissax:

• Fortissax’s Remembrance: The Remembrance of the Lichdragon Fortissax describes his connection to Godwyn and his grief over his death. It details how he was drawn to the Deathblight emanating from Godwyn’s corpse.
• The Dragon Cult: Godwyn fostered acceptance of dragons within the Golden Order, creating the Dragon Cult. This showed his respect and admiration for the dragons, further emphasizing his positive relationship with Fortissax.
• Deathblight: The presence of Deathblight in Fortissax’s arena and his transformation into a Lichdragon directly links him to the death of Godwyn. The connection is too profound to be mere coincidence; it speaks of a desperate attempt to remain close to his fallen friend.
• Dialogues: Certain NPC dialogues hint at the past friendship and the profound impact of Godwyn’s death on the dragons and the Lands Between.

The Legacy of Their Friendship

While their story ends in tragedy, the friendship between Godwyn and Fortissax leaves a lasting legacy. It demonstrates the potential for harmony between different races and the power of genuine connection. The corruption of Fortissax is a constant reminder of the devastation caused by the Night of the Black Knives, but it also serves as a testament to the profound depth of their bond. The player’s eventual triumph over Lichdragon Fortissax, though bittersweet, represents a release from the torment caused by the Prince of Death and a symbolic closure to their tragic story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Was Godwyn the Golden a god?

Godwyn was not a god in the same vein as Queen Marika the Eternal. He was a demigod, a child of Marika and the first Elden Lord Godfrey, inheriting divine power but not possessing the full status of an outer god or empyrean.

2. What is Deathblight?

Deathblight is a unique affliction in Elden Ring associated with the Rune of Death and the soulless body of Godwyn. It causes instant death to those afflicted by it and is a powerful force of corruption.

3. Who was Dragonlord Placidusax?

Dragonlord Placidusax was the Elden Lord before Marika, ruling from Farum Azula. He was a powerful dragon who served an outer god, and Fortissax was one of his closest companions.

4. What caused Fortissax’s transformation into a Lichdragon?

Fortissax was drawn to the Deathblight emanating from Godwyn’s soulless body after the Night of the Black Knives. The Deathblight corrupted him, transforming him into the Lichdragon Fortissax.

5. Why did Ranni orchestrate the Night of the Black Knives?

Ranni orchestrated the Night of the Black Knives to discard her flesh and escape the influence of the Two Fingers and the Greater Will, choosing her own destiny.

6. What is the significance of the Dragon Cult?

The Dragon Cult represents Godwyn’s efforts to foster understanding and cooperation between humans and dragons. It allowed humans to learn dragon communion and harness their power.

7. What are the implications of Godwyn’s soulless body?

Godwyn’s soulless body is a festering source of Deathblight, corrupting the lands and creating a source of immense suffering. It represents the imperfect nature of the Golden Order.

8. Can Fortissax be saved?

In the game, the player ultimately defeats Lichdragon Fortissax, freeing him from the corruption of Deathblight, though this is a bittersweet victory as he is ultimately destroyed. Whether this constitutes a “saving” is open to interpretation.

9. What other dragons are significant in Elden Ring lore?

Other significant dragons include Dragonlord Placidusax, Greyoll, and numerous lesser dragons found throughout the Lands Between, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the game’s lore.

10. What is the role of dragons in the Golden Order?

Initially, dragons were enemies of the Golden Order. However, Godwyn’s influence led to the integration of some dragons into the Golden Order through the Dragon Cult, fostering a more harmonious relationship.

11. What happens if you complete the Fia’s questline?

Completing Fia’s questline leads to the creation of the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince, which allows the player to mend the Elden Ring with the concept of Destined Death, potentially impacting the balance of life and death in the Lands Between and granting Godwyn a proper death.

12. How does Godwyn’s appearance differ from other characters?

Godwyn’s corpse, seen in various locations such as Deeproot Depths, is characterized by grotesque, fish-like features, a stark contrast to his previously noble and handsome appearance. This emphasizes the corrupting nature of Deathblight.

13. What is the connection between Godwyn and the Prince of Death?

Godwyn’s soul was slain on the Night of the Black Knives, but his body remained alive and became the host for the Prince of Death. This created a paradoxical state where life and death were intertwined, leading to the spread of Deathblight.

14. Is there any hope for reconciliation between humans and dragons in Elden Ring?

While the conflict between humans and dragons is a recurring theme, the friendship between Godwyn and Fortissax suggests that reconciliation is possible. However, the events of the game highlight the difficulty of achieving lasting peace.

15. Where can I learn more about the lore of Elden Ring?

You can learn more about the lore of Elden Ring by playing the game, exploring its world, reading item descriptions, listening to NPC dialogues, and engaging with online communities dedicated to lore analysis and discussion. Many excellent content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch offer in-depth lore breakdowns.