The World Beyond: Exploring What Lies Outside the Lands Between in Elden Ring
The Lands Between, the sprawling and treacherous realm of Elden Ring, is just one part of a much larger world, a fact often hinted at through lore, item descriptions, and the very existence of foreign cultures like the Land of Reeds. So, what exactly exists outside this realm dominated by the Erdtree and the fractured Elden Ring? The answer is complex, nebulous, and deliberately mysterious, yet crucial to understanding the wider context of the game’s narrative. Beyond the familiar landscapes of the Lands Between, lies a world populated by diverse cultures, foreign lands, and potent forces that ultimately influence the events transpiring within the game’s primary setting. It’s a realm of immense potential, only partially unveiled, leaving players and theorists yearning for further exploration.
The Broader World and Its Significance
While we primarily experience the game within the confines of the Lands Between, evidence suggests the existence of several other nations and cultures, many of which bear their own distinct histories, customs, and even deities. These lands aren’t merely flavor text; they actively contribute to the political and cultural tapestry of the Elden Ring universe. The items, weapons, and armor originating from these foreign territories offer valuable clues about the broader world and its influences on the Lands Between.
The Land of Reeds: A Samurai Culture
Perhaps the most frequently referenced land outside the Lands Between is the Land of Reeds. Described as a nation mirroring Japan during its Warring States period, this land is the source of the samurai-inspired weapons and armor found throughout the game. The lore suggests the Land of Reeds is a realm of constant conflict, marked by brutal wars of royal succession between rival clans, a theme resonant with the civil war that tore the Lands Between apart following the Shattering. It demonstrates that the strife and chaos seen in the Lands Between are not unique and may be a recurring theme in this broader world.
Nomadic Merchant Origins
Beyond named locations, the nomadic merchants that traverse the Lands Between also offer glimpses of a diverse world. Their attire, goods, and even their dialects, hint at various far-off lands and cultures, suggesting a bustling network of trade and travel beyond the immediate confines of the game map. They act as a constant reminder of the greater world, offering players insights into forgotten traditions and regions.
The Influence of Outer Gods
The lore of Elden Ring also hints at the existence of Outer Gods, cosmic entities that wield considerable power and often exert their influence on the Lands Between. These deities, residing beyond the realm of the Erdtree and the Greater Will, are depicted as sources of both immense power and profound corruption. They suggest the existence of other realms or planes beyond the physical lands where these entities hold sway.
Other Possible Lands
While the Land of Reeds stands out with its detailed background, the game’s universe is likely populated by many more unnamed lands. Some hints within the lore and items may point to these. For example, some armors suggest a distant land to the north, perhaps more akin to traditional European medieval settings, while other mentions may point to vast deserts. The possibilities are as limitless as the imaginations of the game’s creators and fans.
Why Focus On The World Beyond?
The exploration of what exists beyond the Lands Between enriches the narrative of Elden Ring and adds a layer of depth to its world-building. It serves not just as a backdrop to the current narrative, but to suggest that this is a far larger universe with a long history. It makes the conflicts seem greater, the stakes higher, and raises more questions that fans continue to explore and debate. The mere presence of other nations and powers beyond the Lands Between implies that the battles and the quest for Elden Lord are a part of a grander conflict, perhaps even a cycle. This understanding adds weight to the player’s journey and emphasizes that the fight for control of the Elden Ring is only one piece of a complex, multifaceted puzzle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the world outside the Lands Between, designed to offer further insights and clarity for fans of Elden Ring:
1. Are there any other major powers outside of the Lands Between?
Yes, the existence of Outer Gods and foreign nations like the Land of Reeds implies the presence of significant powers beyond the Lands Between. These entities often have their own agendas and may attempt to influence events in the Lands Between.
2. How does the Land of Reeds differ from the Lands Between?
The Land of Reeds is depicted as a feudal society with a strong martial culture, heavily influenced by Warring States-era Japan. In contrast, the Lands Between is a divine-ruled land under the influence of the Erdtree and the Elden Ring.
3. Are the nomadic merchants from other lands?
While it’s not explicitly stated that all nomadic merchants are from other lands, their diverse origins and the goods they sell strongly suggest that they hail from a wide range of far-off places.
4. Do the Outer Gods have any influence in the Lands Between?
Yes, the Outer Gods exert significant influence through cults, curses, and even the very essence of some in-game locations. They are often viewed as opposing forces to the Greater Will and its influence.
5. Why is the Land of Reeds so often referenced?
The Land of Reeds is likely referenced so often because it provides an easily understood parallel of a society in constant conflict, making it a good way to frame the chaos of the Lands Between post-Shattering. Also the samurai aesthetic is very appealing.
6. Are there other versions of the Elden Ring in these other lands?
This is unknown. It’s possible that other lands could have their own versions of the Elden Ring, or perhaps other sources of immense power, but this has not been confirmed by the lore.
7. Do these other lands play a role in the DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree?
While the full extent is not yet known, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC appears to focus more on the internal conflicts and history of the Lands Between. However, given the connections between the Lands Between and other lands, future content may explore these regions.
8. Is the concept of immortality unique to the Lands Between?
The concept of immortality through the absence of the Rune of Destined Death is largely unique to the Lands Between. Whether other lands have similar issues or have found alternate ways to control life and death is unknown.
9. Could players visit other lands in future Elden Ring installments?
It is possible. If a sequel is made or if future DLCs are developed for Elden Ring, the developers could expand the playing area beyond the Lands Between.
10. How does the shattering impact the world beyond the Lands Between?
It is likely that the Shattering impacted the world beyond the Lands Between, disrupting trade and causing conflicts, but the game mostly focuses on the Lands Between’s immediate impact.
11. What is the significance of these lands being “outside”?
The idea of lands being “outside” the Lands Between reinforces the notion that the game’s world is not the center of all things and that the events within are part of a larger universe.
12. Is there a map of the world outside the Lands Between?
No, there is no official map of the world outside of the Lands Between. Its existence is primarily hinted at through lore and item descriptions.
13. Do the inhabitants of these foreign lands know about the Lands Between?
It is likely that some people from these foreign lands know of the Lands Between, due to trade and migration, but the extent of their knowledge and the events of the Shattering are unclear.
14. Are there other “Tarnished” from beyond the Lands Between?
While there is no specific lore indicating other Tarnished originating from outside, it is implied that some came from distant shores, suggesting that they may not all be natives.
15. Is there a unifying culture beyond the Lands Between?
There is no indication of a single, unified culture across the broader world. Instead, it appears to be populated by a wide variety of unique societies, each with its own customs and beliefs, and potential conflicts.
The world of Elden Ring extends far beyond the confines of the Lands Between. Through snippets of lore, items, and hints dropped here and there, the game suggests a vast, complex world waiting to be further explored. By understanding these hints, we can begin to grasp a clearer picture of the larger Elden Ring universe and how the Lands Between fits into this far more expansive setting.