Unraveling the Mystery: The God of Dragonlord Placidusax in Elden Ring

The question of who Dragonlord Placidusax served as god is one of the most intriguing mysteries in Elden Ring. The answer, while not explicitly stated, is heavily implied to be the Greater Will. Placidusax was an Elden Lord in an era before the Erdtree, before Marika, a time when the influence of the Greater Will was exerted through a different, now shattered, system. His god, having fled, left Placidusax in a state of ruin, echoing the themes of abandonment and decay that permeate Crumbling Farum Azula.

The Ancient Dragonlord: A Relic of a Bygone Era

Dragonlord Placidusax is more than just a boss; he’s a living testament to a past cycle of the Elden Ring’s history. His title, “Dragonlord,” signifies his authority over the ancient dragons, beings closely tied to the very foundations of the world. The fact that he served as Elden Lord positions him as the champion and representative of a specific cosmic order, one governed by his now-absent god.

Evidence for the Greater Will Connection

While the name of Placidusax’s god isn’t directly given, several pieces of evidence point towards it being the Greater Will:

• Elden Ring’s Universal Power: The Greater Will is presented as the prime mover of the Lands Between, sending the Elden Ring and influencing the rise and fall of various civilizations. It’s the power that bestows the title of Elden Lord, even if indirectly.

• The Theme of Abandonment: The fleeing of Placidusax’s god mirrors the general theme of the Greater Will’s fickle nature and its tendency to abandon or replace its chosen vessels when they no longer serve its purpose. This is echoed in Marika’s eventual shattering of the Elden Ring and her defiance of the Greater Will.

• Farum Azula’s Connection to Outer Gods: Crumbling Farum Azula exists outside of the normal flow of time and is implied to be a place of convergence for various outer god influences. This suggests that even in the age of Placidusax, the Greater Will wasn’t the only cosmic power vying for control. Placidusax serving as Elden Lord suggests the Greater Will had dominance at the time.

• The Primordial Crucible: The Crucible, representing the primordial form of the Erdtree, is present in Farum Azula. This links it to the pre-Erdtree era, and the Erdtree is the symbol of the Greater Will’s influence during Marika’s reign. The Crucible’s presence suggests a precursor influence of the Greater Will even during Placidusax’s time.

• Elden Ring Influence: As an Elden Lord, Placidusax was chosen and empowered by the Elden Ring itself. This ring, controlled (or originally controlled) by the Greater Will, indicates his subservience to it.

Implications of a Fled God

The fact that Placidusax’s god fled is crucial. It speaks to a cycle of cosmic power that has been repeated in the Lands Between. An outer god establishes its influence, empowers a champion (the Elden Lord), and then, for reasons unknown, withdraws, leaving the world in a state of disarray. This cycle is mirrored in Marika’s defiance of the Greater Will and the shattering of the Elden Ring.

Placidusax’s existence serves as a warning: even the most powerful figures, chosen by cosmic entities, are ultimately subject to their whims. His crumbling domain and his desperate attempts to repair the Elden Ring are a testament to the fragility of order and the inevitable decay of all things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Placidusax and His God

1. Who was the Elden Lord before Placidusax?

The game doesn’t explicitly state who, if anyone, held the title of Elden Lord before Placidusax. He is described as the earliest known Elden Lord, suggesting that either no one preceded him or that records of earlier rulers have been lost to time.

2. Was Dragonlord Placidusax a god himself?

No, Dragonlord Placidusax was not a god. He was a powerful dragon who served as an Elden Lord, acting as a champion and representative of his god’s will. His power stemmed from his connection to the Elden Ring and the blessings bestowed upon him by his deity.

3. Why did Placidusax’s god flee?

The exact reason why Placidusax’s god fled is not explicitly stated. It is implied it fled after defeat from another outer god (or gods). It is possible that the Greater Will was challenged by another outer god, or that Placidusax failed in his duties, leading to his god’s departure. It is also possible that the Greater Will simply moved on to a new cycle, abandoning Placidusax and his domain.

4. Is Placidusax trying to restore the Elden Ring?

Yes, Placidusax is seemingly trying to restore the Elden Ring, or at least the order it represented. This is evidenced by his location at the heart of Crumbling Farum Azula, a place outside of time, where he seems to be perpetually attempting to repair the shattered fragments of the world.

5. What is the significance of Placidusax’s two heads?

The lore does not explicitly confirm the meaning of his two heads. However, one interpretation is that he possessed two heads, representing both his power as a dragon and his role as Elden Lord. The fact that one head appears wounded could symbolize the loss of his god’s favor and the decline of his era.

6. How does Placidusax compare to Godfrey as an Elden Lord?

Godfrey was the first Elden Lord of the Golden Order, an era defined by the Erdtree and Queen Marika. Placidusax was Elden Lord in a much earlier era, before the Erdtree, representing a different cosmic order. Godfrey was a warrior, while Placidusax was a dragon, reflecting the different values and priorities of their respective eras.

7. What are Placidusax’s weaknesses?

Placidusax is weak to Piercing damage and takes double damage when attacking the head, however, attacking the head is dangerous given the proximity to his deadliest attacks. Furthermore, Scarlet Rot is also very effective against him.

8. Why do all ancient dragon names end in “sax”?

The suffix “sax” in ancient dragon names likely derives from Latin for rock or stone. This signifies the stone-like composition of the ancient dragons’ bodies.

9. Is Dragonlord Placidusax harder than Malenia?

This is subjective and depends on player skill and build. However, generally, Malenia is considered the hardest to reach and defeat. Dragonlord Placidusax is still a very challenging fight.

10. Is there any connection between Placidusax and Fortissax?

While both are dragons, there is no direct connection explicitly stated between Placidusax and Fortissax. Fortissax was befriended by Godwyn the Golden, while Placidusax served as an Elden Lord in a much earlier era.

11. Can Scarlet Rot be used against Placidusax?

Yes, Scarlet Rot is quite useful against Placidusax. Using incantations like Rotten Breath can inflict the Rot and deal significant damage over time.

12. How does Crumbling Farum Azula relate to Placidusax’s story?

Crumbling Farum Azula is a place outside of time, where Placidusax resides. It is implied that it was once a magnificent city that served as his base of power. Its crumbling state reflects the decline of his era and the loss of his god’s favor.

13. Did Placidusax ever leave Farum Azula?

The lore suggests that Placidusax may have left Farum Azula at some point, possibly during a conflict or when his god fled. However, he eventually returned to his crumbling domain, where he remains to this day.

14. What kind of build is recommended for fighting Placidusax?

Builds that utilize Piercing damage or can inflict Scarlet Rot are effective against Placidusax. Melee builds with strong weapon skills and ranged builds with powerful incantations can both be successful.

15. How does the story of Placidusax contribute to the overall themes of Elden Ring?

The story of Placidusax highlights the themes of cycles of power, the fickleness of the gods, and the inevitable decay of all things. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on external forces and the importance of forging one’s own destiny. His existence reminds us that the Golden Order is just one iteration in a long line of cosmic powers vying for control over the Lands Between.

Elden Ring is just one among the many gaming worlds that scholars and enthusiasts explore to understand complex themes, narratives, and player experiences. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society, located at GamesLearningSociety.org, delve into the educational and social aspects of gaming.

In conclusion, the god of Dragonlord Placidusax, while unnamed, is strongly implied to be the Greater Will. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of power and the enduring mystery that lies at the heart of Elden Ring’s lore.