Understanding the Blessing of Despair: Unpacking the Dung Eater Ending in Elden Ring
The Dung Eater ending in Elden Ring, also known as the Blessing of Despair ending, is one of the game’s multiple possible conclusions. Achieving it involves completing the Dung Eater’s questline and using the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse on the fractured body of Marika after defeating the final boss. This results in the Lands Between being cursed for eternity, a bleak and undoubtedly “bad” ending where the world and its inhabitants are subjected to the Dung Eater’s twisted vision.
Delving into the Depths of Despair: The Dung Eater’s Questline
The Dung Eater’s quest is not for the faint of heart, as it involves morally questionable actions and an unsettling narrative. It begins with finding the Dung Eater in the Roundtable Hold after progressing through a certain point in the story. He will task you with finding Seedbed Curses, which are unique items found on corpses throughout the world, particularly in areas touched by the Dung Eater’s influence.
The Seedbed Curse: A Mark of Corruption
These Seedbed Curses are essential to progressing the quest. You need to collect at least five of them to give to the Dung Eater. Each Seedbed Curse represents a victim of the Dung Eater, and handing them over signifies your willingness to participate in his plan to corrupt the Erdtree and the world.
Unlocking the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse
Once you’ve provided five Seedbed Curses to the Dung Eater (trapped in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital, after giving him the first Seedbed Curse), he will reward you with the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse. This rune is the key to unlocking the Blessing of Despair ending. Remember, this is a crucial point of no return, signifying your commitment to this particular ending.
The Choice at the End: Embracing Despair
After defeating the final boss and interacting with the fractured Marika, you’ll be presented with the option to “Use Mending Rune of the Fell Curse.” Choosing this option triggers the Blessing of Despair ending, showcasing a bleak future for the Lands Between under the Dung Eater’s curse.
Thematic Significance: Exploring the Depths of Evil
The Dung Eater’s ending serves as a commentary on the nature of evil and the potential for corruption. Unlike other endings that offer hope or a different perspective on the world, the Blessing of Despair is unapologetically bleak. It highlights the consequences of succumbing to darkness and the destructive power of hatred.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Dung Eater
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dung Eater and his infamous ending in Elden Ring:
1. What exactly is the Seedbed Curse, and where can I find them?
Seedbed Curses are unique items found on corpses throughout the Lands Between. They are primarily located in areas associated with the Dung Eater’s influence, such as Leyndell, Royal Capital, and Volcano Manor. They represent the victims of his heinous acts.
2. How many Seedbed Curses do I need for the Dung Eater’s quest?
You need to collect and give a minimum of five Seedbed Curses to the Dung Eater to receive the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse.
3. Does completing the Dung Eater’s quest lock me into his ending?
Completing his questline and obtaining the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse does not lock you into his ending. You have a choice after the final boss fight which ending you will choose. It simply provides you with the option to choose that ending. You can still pursue other endings by completing other questlines and obtaining their respective runes.
4. Is the Dung Eater a summonable NPC?
Yes, under certain conditions, you can summon the Dung Eater as an Ash Spirit to aid you in combat after freeing him from his cell in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds.
5. Is the Dung Eater ending considered the “worst” ending in Elden Ring?
Subjectivity reigns, but yes, generally speaking, the Dung Eater ending is considered one of the most bleak and undesirable outcomes in Elden Ring due to its themes of corruption and despair. Many players deem it the worst ending due to its utterly hopeless nature.
6. What are the rewards for completing the Dung Eater’s questline?
Besides the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse, completing the Dung Eater’s questline rewards you with his armor set and a powerful weapon.
7. Can I kill the Dung Eater?
Yes, you can kill the Dung Eater at various points throughout his questline. However, doing so will prevent you from obtaining the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse and thus lock you out of his ending.
8. Is the Dung Eater’s questline essential for 100% completion of Elden Ring?
Not strictly. You only need to experience one of the Elden Lord endings, the Age of Stars ending, and the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending to achieve all the game’s achievements. However, some players consider exploring all available content, including the Dung Eater’s questline, as part of a true 100% completion.
9. What does the Blessing of Despair ending actually do to the Lands Between?
The Blessing of Despair curses the Lands Between and its inhabitants, essentially condemning them to an eternity of suffering and corruption. The specifics of the curse are left somewhat ambiguous, but it’s clear that it brings about a dark and twisted age.
10. How does the Dung Eater get his name?
The Dung Eater’s name is a result of a public punishment he endured, where he was covered in dung. This repulsive act left a lasting impression and became his infamous moniker.
11. Is the Dung Eater truly evil, or is there a deeper reason for his actions?
The game suggests that the Dung Eater’s evil actions stem from a fundamental desire to inflict suffering and corruption. He appears to be motivated by a twisted sense of purpose, making him one of the most purely evil characters in Elden Ring.
12. How does the Dung Eater’s ending compare to other “bad” endings in Elden Ring?
While other endings might have negative consequences or involve moral compromises, the Dung Eater’s ending stands out for its sheer bleakness and lack of redeeming qualities. It is arguably the most overtly negative and destructive outcome for the Lands Between.
13. Is there any lore or connection between the Dung Eater and other characters in Elden Ring?
While not directly connected through blood or allegiance like some characters, the Dung Eater represents a chaotic force that contrasts with the other factions vying for control of the Elden Ring. His existence highlights the potential for corruption and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
14. Does the Dung Eater questline affect other endings in any way?
No, the Dung Eater’s questline does not directly impact the other endings. However, its presence and the choice it offers contributes to the overall narrative complexity and player agency in Elden Ring.
15. Where can I find more scholarly discussions on the themes and lore of Elden Ring?
For deeper analysis of Elden Ring’s narrative, thematic elements, and potential applications in education, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org for articles, research, and community discussions related to gaming and learning.
Conclusion: A Grim Choice in a Tarnished World
The Dung Eater ending, with its Blessing of Despair, offers players a challenging and morally ambiguous choice in Elden Ring. While it’s undoubtedly a “bad” ending, it provides a unique perspective on the game’s themes of corruption, despair, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Whether you choose to embrace this path or seek a more hopeful future, the Dung Eater’s questline offers a compelling and unforgettable experience.