What Happened to Malenia, Blade of Miquella? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Most Infamous Boss
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is arguably the most iconic and challenging boss in Elden Ring. Her story is one of both tragic affliction and immense power. Ultimately, Malenia faces a Tarnished in combat near the roots of the Haligtree, where after two grueling phases, she is defeated. Throughout the battle, she succumbs repeatedly to the Scarlet Rot that festers within her, blossoming into a Scarlet Aeonia, a physical manifestation of the rot and her inner pain. Even in defeat, the rot remains a part of her existence, a permanent curse and a testament to her resilience.
The Tragedy of a Goddess
Malenia’s life is defined by the Scarlet Rot, a debilitating disease that has plagued her since birth. This affliction caused her limbs to rot away, necessitating the use of prosthetics. Despite this immense suffering, Malenia rose to become one of the greatest warriors in the Lands Between, a testament to her indomitable will. Her brother, Miquella, attempted to cure her and even halted his aging in the process, but these efforts ultimately proved futile. The rot remained, a ticking time bomb within her.
The Shattering, the war that erupted after the Elden Ring was broken, saw Malenia clash with Starscourge Radahn. The battle, fought in Caelid, was a cataclysmic event. Unable to defeat Radahn through conventional means, Malenia unleashed the full force of her Scarlet Rot, transforming into the Scarlet Aeonia and devastating the surrounding landscape. While the rot poisoned Caelid, it also left Malenia in a coma. She was rescued by Cleanrot Knight Finlay and carried back to the Haligtree.
After recovering, Malenia awaited the return of her brother, Miquella. But, Miquella was abducted by Mohg, Lord of Blood. A Tarnished eventually reaches Malenia in the Haligtree. Their battle triggers Malenia’s transformation once again. After depleting her first health bar, she blossoms into the Scarlet Aeonia, gaining new, devastating Scarlet Rot-based attacks. Despite the Tarnished’s victory, even in death, Malenia’s fate remains intertwined with the Scarlet Rot, a tragic end to a legendary warrior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malenia
Here are some frequently asked questions and concise answers about Malenia’s story and lore, offering greater context.
Did Malenia survive her battle with Radahn?
No, not exactly. While she didn’t die permanently, she fell into a deep coma after unleashing the Scarlet Rot in Caelid. She was eventually rescued by Cleanrot Knight Finlay, who carried her back to the Haligtree.
What were Malenia’s last words?
Malenia’s last words are: “The mark…of a true Lord… O, dear Miquella… O, dearest Miquella, my brother… I’m sorry, I finally met my match…” These words reveal her concern for her brother and a sense of acceptance of her defeat.
Why did Malenia turn into a flower?
Malenia’s transformation into the Scarlet Aeonia is triggered by extreme stress or trauma. This blooming grants her immense power, but it also dramatically increases the levels of Scarlet Rot within her body, making her more dangerous and accelerating her affliction.
What is the reward for killing Malenia?
Defeating Malenia rewards the player with a significant amount of Runes (480,000), the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess, and Malenia’s Great Rune. The Remembrance can be used to acquire powerful weapons or spells, while the Great Rune provides a substantial boost to attack power after being restored at a Divine Tower.
What is Malenia’s weakness?
Malenia is particularly vulnerable to Frost and Fire damage. Inflicting Frostbite deals a percentage of her maximum health as damage, and following it with fire damage resets the Frostbite build-up, allowing for repeated application. She is also susceptible to Bleed damage.
Why did Malenia succumb to the Scarlet Rot?
The Scarlet Rot is an intrinsic part of Malenia’s being, present from birth. While she managed to keep it at bay for a time, using her will and swordsmanship to control its spread, moments of extreme stress, such as the battle with Radahn and the final fight with the Tarnished, cause her to lose control and succumb to its power.
Is Miquella a girl?
No, Miquella is Malenia’s twin brother. He is a powerful Empyrean and possesses the ability to manipulate minds and control others. His ultimate goal was to create a perfect, uncorrupted world within the Haligtree.
Is Millicent a daughter of Malenia?
Yes. Because buds are essentially offshoots of a greater plant, this suggests Millicent and her sisters are akin to budding flowers off of the plant that is the Scarlet Aeonia – that is Malenia. In turn, Millicent is essentially both a daughter and extension of Malenia.
How tall is Malenia?
According to size charts created by fans, Malenia is estimated to be around 256 cm (8 feet 4 inches) tall, making her one of the taller characters in Elden Ring.
Did Malenia poison Caelid on purpose?
Malenia did not intentionally set out to poison Caelid. The spread of the Scarlet Rot was an unintentional consequence of her battle with Radahn. Desperate and unable to defeat him conventionally, she resorted to unleashing the rot as a last resort, devastating the region and afflicting herself in the process.
What weapon is effective against Malenia?
Weapons that inflict Bleed or Frostbite are highly effective against Malenia. Examples include the Bloodhound’s Fang, katanas like Rivers of Blood and weapons that can be infused with Frost. The Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War is also useful for dodging her Waterfowl Dance.
What talismans are useful when fighting Malenia?
Useful talismans include the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman (for physical damage reduction), the Greatshield Talisman (for enhanced blocking), and talismans that increase equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor without fat-rolling. The Ritual Shield Talisman can also be helpful.
What is the best summon to beat Malenia?
Several Spirit Ashes can be effective against Malenia. Black Knife Tiche is a popular choice due to her dodging ability and cursed blade attacks, which deal significant damage. Mimic Tear is also a great choice.
Why did Malenia lose her arm?
Malenia’s limbs rotted away due to the effects of the Scarlet Rot, which has afflicted her since birth. This progressive degeneration forced her to rely on prosthetic limbs to maintain her combat prowess.
Is there DLC coming for Elden Ring?
Yes, FromSoftware is currently developing DLC for Elden Ring. While details are limited, fans are eagerly anticipating new content and lore expansions.
Want to learn more about the game design aspects of Elden Ring and games in general? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.