What Caused the Rot in Caelid?

The Scarlet Rot that devastated Caelid was a direct result of the legendary battle between Malenia, the Goddess of Rot, and Radahn, one of the most powerful demigods in the Elden Ring universe, with their clash unleashing the disease, which not only destroyed both combatants but also spread the Rot across the land. This catastrophic event was further complicated by Malenia’s innate connection to the Scarlet Rot, which she was born with and which ultimately led to her sacrificing herself and infecting Radahn and the land with the Rot.

Understanding the Cause and Effects of the Scarlet Rot

To delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Scarlet Rot and its impact on Caelid, as well as the characters involved, it’s essential to explore the following frequently asked questions:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Radahn rotting?

• Radahn is rotting due to being infected with the Scarlet Rot by Malenia during their battle, which, combined with his inability to die due to the Rune of Death being stolen, has left him in a perpetual state of decay.

1. Why does Malenia spread rot?

• Malenia spreads Rot because she is the Goddess of Rot, born with the Scarlet Rot inside her, and her actions, including her battle with Radahn and her sacrifice, led to the spread of the Rot in Caelid.

1. Did Malenia create the Lake of Rot?

• Malenia did not create the Lake of Rot; instead, the Lake of Rot was formed when the divine essence of an Outer God was sealed away in the land after being defeated by a blind swordsman, and Malenia’s connection to the Rot inadvertently infected the Haligtree.

1. Why is there a lake of rot in Elden Ring?

• The Lake of Rot exists in Elden Ring because it is where the divine essence of an Outer God is sealed, and the area has been affected by Malenia’s innate Scarlet Rot, causing the land to decay.

1. What is Astel weak against?

• Astel is weak against poison and Scarlet Rot, making these elements crucial for strategies to defeat this formidable foe.

1. Did Malenia poison Caelid?

• Malenia did not intentionally poison Caelid, but her battle with Radahn and the subsequent unleashing of the Scarlet Rot had the effect of poisoning the land, causing widespread destruction and decay.

1. Why is there a flower after killing Malenia?

• After killing Malenia, a flower appears because Gowry suggests that killing her allows her to blossom into a flower of Scarlet Rot, from which she will be reborn as a valkyrie of Malenia.

1. Why did Malenia turn into a flower?

• Malenia turns into a flower, specifically her Scarlet Flower, in times of extreme stress, granting her immense power but also increasing the Rot within her body.

1. How did Malenia lose her arm?

• Malenia lost her arm due to being afflicted with the Scarlet Rot from birth, which ravaged her body and cost her several limbs over time.

1. Is Millicent a Malenia?

   • Millicent is not Malenia but is revealed to be Malenia’s daughter, with Gowry confirming their relationship and suggesting that Millicent will be reborn as a scarlet valkyrie when Malenia is reborn as a goddess.

2. Are Radahn and Malenia related?

   • Radahn and Malenia are related as demigod siblings, with Malenia inheriting her father’s red hair and engaging in a legendary battle with Radahn over their Great Runes.

3. Does Radahn love his horse?

   • Radahn shows affection and care for his horse, Leonard, with their bond being strong enough to somewhat mitigate the effects of the Rot on Radahn’s mind.

4. Who is the strongest demigod in Elden Ring?

   • General Radahn is generally considered the strongest demigod, though his strength is ultimately matched by the devastating consequences of the Scarlet Rot and the challenges posed by other powerful demigods.

5. Why doesn’t Radahn have feet?

   • Radahn lacks feet likely due to the advanced progression of the Scarlet Rot in his body, which has caused significant physical degradation.

6. Did Malenia poison Radahn?

   • Malenia infected Radahn with the Scarlet Rot during their battle, which had the intended effect of severely weakening him, though Radahn’s inability to die due to the stolen Rune of Death prolonged his suffering.