What are Trolls in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive into the Giants’ Descendants
Trolls in Elden Ring are large, humanoid enemies that are commonly encountered throughout the Lands Between. They are not true giants, but rather descendants of the giants who once waged war against the Erdtree. These creatures serve various roles, acting as guards, knights, and even beasts of burden, showcasing their diverse presence in the game’s landscape. Their large size and sturdy build make them formidable opponents, but they are distinct from the actual giants, like the Fire Giant, who is a remnant of that earlier era. These descendants are generally referred to as Lesser Giants in the lore of Elden Ring.
The Legacy of the Jotuns: Giants, Trolls, and More
The lore of Elden Ring presents a fascinating hierarchy concerning these massive beings. The term “Jotun” encompasses both giants and trolls, acting as an umbrella term for these colossal humanoid species. Giants and trolls, while related, are distinct subsets of the Jotun. Some trolls can attain giant size, but not all trolls reach that height. Similarly, some giants may be considered trolls, but not all giants are trolls. This distinction highlights the intricate lineage and diversity among these imposing figures in the game’s world.
Descendants of Giants
The trolls that players encounter are not the original giants who fought in the ancient wars. The actual giants were largely eradicated during the war against the Erdtree, leaving behind only a few remnants, most notably, the Fire Giant. The trolls are the descendants of these giants, born from the surviving members of that initial conflict. While sharing similar features with their forebears, the trolls exhibit smaller stature and lack the fiery power of their ancestors. They inherited a great strength and a powerful body that can be very dangerous in battle.
Trolls’ Betrayal
A critical aspect of troll lore in Elden Ring is their betrayal of the giants. During the War against the Giants, the trolls, descendants of the giants, switched allegiances and fought for the Erdtree under the banner of Queen Marika. To demonstrate their loyalty, they were given gilded swords. This act of treachery intensified the conflict, and the giants responded with their devastating powers of roars, avalanches, and flames. The trolls, thus, stand as a constant reminder of the complex conflicts that shape the world of Elden Ring.
The Mysterious Stomach Cavity
One of the most striking characteristics of trolls in Elden Ring is their large, gaping hole in the stomach region. The purpose of this cavity is never explicitly stated, but it has led to much speculation among players. Some theories suggest this area was ripped away during war, while others believe it may serve a purpose relating to slavery, or even some hidden connection to nature. The truth behind this peculiar feature remains one of the more enigmatic aspects of their design.
Combat and Weaknesses
Trolls in Elden Ring are generally slow but incredibly powerful opponents. They often use brute force attacks, which makes it critical for players to carefully plan their strategies before engaging them.
How to Beat a Troll
When fighting a troll in Elden Ring, certain strategies are more effective than others:
- Magic: If you possess magical abilities, using them against trolls can be quite effective.
- Blunt Weapons: If you are lacking magic capabilities, blunt weapons can be used for a significant amount of damage.
- Leg Tactic: During their running attacks, it’s best to roll between their legs to avoid damage.
- Overhead Attack: Be very careful with their heavy overhead attack, as its reach is greater than it seems.
Weaknesses
As with many enemies in Elden Ring, trolls do have their weaknesses. It is rumored that they share the same weaknesses that mythical trolls have.
- Sunlight: Like the trolls of folklore, they have a weakness to the sun. In the game, trolls have no specific sunlight weakness but this can help to explain their underground dwellings in lore.
FAQs: More About Trolls in Elden Ring
1. Are trolls undead?
No, the trolls players encounter in Elden Ring are not undead. They are descendants of the giants, who were defeated and largely killed off. The trolls represent the surviving lineage of the giants, not resurrected beings.
2. How tall are trolls compared to giants?
The Fire Giant, one of the last true giants, stands at 24 meters tall, whereas trolls typically measure around 8.4 meters, making them significantly smaller.
3. What is the best weapon to use against trolls?
Blunt weapons are highly effective against trolls in Elden Ring. Magic is another excellent counter to their strong physical defenses.
4. Do trolls have a religion or gods?
Yes, trolls in Elden Ring have their own pantheon of gods including Ghworg, the God of Kill, Ghnomb, the God of Eat, and Schlee, the God of Ice.
5. Why are some trolls pulling carriages?
Some trolls are often found towing large carriages with treasures inside. These trolls are typically unarmed and are bound by a chain and spike through their midsections. They are essentially slaves or beasts of burden.
6. Where are trolls commonly found?
Trolls can be found throughout the Lands Between, from Limgrave to the Consecrated Snowfield, often guarding specific locations or routes.
7. What do trolls eat?
In Elden Ring there is no direct information given about what the Trolls specifically eat. In mythical lore, it is often stated that they are fond of seafood, which they typically consume raw.
8. How did the giants fall?
The giants were defeated in a war against Queen Marika and her Golden Order. Marika, fearing the giants’ flame would threaten the Erdtree, struck down their Fell God, greatly diminishing the giants’ power and leading to their downfall.
9. Is the Fell God truly dead?
Though Queen Marika is said to have slain the Fell God, its power is still present in the Fire Giant, which indicates that the entity may be lurking within.
10. What is the Troll’s Hammer?
The Troll’s Hammer is a Colossal Weapon in Elden Ring that scales with Strength, Faith, and Dexterity. It’s effective for dealing physical and fire damage, making it a good option for players who enjoy using colossal weapons.
11. What is the scariest enemy in Elden Ring?
While fear is subjective, enemies such as Wormfaces, Fingercreepers, and Royal Revenants are often cited as some of the most disturbing and terrifying encounters in Elden Ring.
12. What are some of the most powerful ranged weapons?
The Lion’s Greatbow, when paired with Radahn’s Spear Greatarrows, is considered one of the most powerful ranged weapons in Elden Ring, capable of delivering high damage with its skill, Radahn’s Rain.
13. Which weapon does the highest damage?
The Heavy Giant-Crusher is considered one of the highest damage strength weapons in the game. The weapon has an attack rating of 947.
14. Are trolls used for food in Elden Ring?
While they are not shown to be eaten in the game, there are references to other games in which similar creatures are used as a source of food, indicating their potential for this role.
15. Are trolls good for farming runes?
Trolls can provide a decent amount of runes, especially early in the game. However, there are better rune farming spots later on.
Trolls in Elden Ring are much more than just hulking brutes; they are part of a rich and detailed lore that adds depth to the game’s world. Understanding their background, weaknesses, and place in the hierarchy of the Jotun can enhance a player’s overall experience and appreciation for Elden Ring‘s complex tapestry.