Melina’s Fate in the Frenzied Flame Ending: A Comprehensive Analysis
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Melina’s journey in Elden Ring is intrinsically tied to the player’s choices, and her destiny takes a particularly dramatic turn if you embrace the Frenzied Flame. In the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, Melina, if still alive, appears in a short cutscene after you’ve become the Lord of Frenzied Flame. Far from offering congratulations, she vows to deliver the Destined Death upon you, the Tarnished, for choosing to engulf the world in chaos. This confrontation highlights the deep consequences of your actions and the tragic fate that befalls those who stand against the Frenzied Flame. The cutscene serves as a chilling reminder of the sacrifices made and the relationships broken on the path to becoming Elden Lord, especially when that path leads to universal destruction.
Understanding Melina’s Role
Melina is more than just a Finger Maiden; she is a key figure in the narrative, deeply connected to Queen Marika and possessing a purpose she struggles to remember. She serves as your guide, offering you the means to level up and progress through the game. However, her own goals become increasingly intertwined with your journey, particularly when the Erdtree needs to be burned.
The Significance of the Frenzied Flame
The Frenzied Flame is a powerful force residing deep beneath Leyndell. Accepting it allows the Tarnished to burn the Erdtree without sacrificing a maiden, including Melina. This choice, however, comes at a steep price: it dooms the world to chaos and destruction. Embracing the Frenzied Flame is a path of utter annihilation, driven by the outer god of frenzy.
Melina’s Reaction and Why She Vows Revenge
Melina pleads with the player not to accept the Frenzied Flame, understanding the catastrophic consequences it will unleash. When the Tarnished ignores her pleas and embraces the destructive power, Melina is left with no choice but to oppose them. Her vow to deliver the Destined Death signifies her commitment to restoring order, or at least ending the reign of chaos the Tarnished has initiated. This represents a complete breakdown of the bond formed throughout the game, transforming Melina from ally to vengeful adversary.
Is Melina Dead or Alive?
Melina’s state of being is complex. Her body was burned long ago, leaving her as a spirit-like entity. However, the important distinction is whether she was sacrificed to burn the Erdtree or not. If you burn the Erdtree using the Frenzied Flame, you spare her sacrifice, and she survives in some form. This survival allows her to appear at the end of the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending. If she burns the Erdtree in the traditional manner, she ceases to appear altogether. Therefore, in the Frenzied Flame ending, she is alive, or rather, exists as a spirit driven by purpose and vengeance.
What is Destined Death?
Destined Death is a powerful force capable of killing even immortal beings. It’s tied to the Rune of Death, which was once part of the Elden Ring. The ability to wield Destined Death gives Melina the potential to truly end the Tarnished’s reign as Lord of Frenzied Flame, making her vow a significant threat. The game also mentions the Gloam-Eyed Queen, who once commanded the Godskin Apostles and wielded Destined Death. There is a popular fan theory that Melina is the Gloam-Eyed Queen. This connection may explain her ability to eventually wield such a potent force.
FAQs: Melina and the Frenzied Flame
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Melina and the Frenzied Flame in Elden Ring:
1. How is Melina alive in the Frenzied Flame ending?
Melina survives because the Frenzied Flame allows you to burn the Erdtree without sacrificing her. The traditional method requires a maiden’s sacrifice, but the Frenzied Flame provides an alternative.
2. Who is the girl at the end of Lord of Frenzied Flame ending?
That’s Melina. If you embrace the Frenzied Flame against her wishes, she appears at the end, vowing to deliver Destined Death upon you.
3. What happened to Melina in Elden Ring?
Melina’s physical body was burned long ago. She exists as a spirit-like entity searching for her purpose, which is tied to the guidance given to her by her mother.
4. Why does Melina have one eye closed?
The closed eye is theorized to be related to the loss of a Great Rune, symbolizing a part of her soul being taken. This is similar to Ranni, who also has a closed eye.
5. Are Ranni and Melina connected?
There are theories suggesting a connection between Ranni and Melina, possibly as forgotten sisters due to their shared relation to Queen Marika and their spiritual nature.
6. Why is Melina not a finger maiden?
Melina is not a typical Finger Maiden because she is the daughter of Queen Marika, making her a demigod. Her powers are derived from her heritage, not from serving the Greater Will directly.
7. Who kills Melina in Elden Ring?
While not a direct kill, the player can indirectly cause Melina’s death by using the Fire’s Deadly Sin incantation near her, causing her HP to deplete. However, this is not a required or typical event.
8. Is Ranni good or evil?
Ranni’s morality is debated. While she opposes the Greater Will, her actions are seen by some as creating a better future. Her ending is often considered one of the best outcomes despite its complexities.
9. Is Melina Radagon’s Daughter?
No, Melina is not confirmed to be Radagon’s daughter. Malenia and Miquella are the children of Queen Marika and Radagon. Melina’s parentage is only specified as being the daughter of Queen Marika.
10. Does removing Frenzied Flame bring back Melina?
If you accept the Frenzied Flame and then remove it, Melina is gone. She leaves you once you embrace the Frenzied Flame, and quelling it doesn’t bring her back. You won’t see her again for the rest of the game.
11. Is Frenzied Flame the worst ending?
Many consider the Frenzied Flame ending the worst, as it results in the complete destruction of the Lands Between. It is a path of total annihilation.
12. Can you fight Melina after Frenzied Flame ending?
No, you cannot directly fight Melina. She appears in a cutscene and threatens you, but there is no boss fight associated with this encounter.
13. Is Melina The Gloam-Eyed Queen?
This is a popular theory, but it remains unconfirmed. The Gloam-Eyed Queen wielded Destined Death, and Melina’s threat to deliver it suggests a possible connection.
14. What is the hardest ending in Elden Ring?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is considered one of the most difficult due to its obscure and esoteric questline. Many players might not even discover it during a standard playthrough.
15. Can you speak to Melina after curing the Frenzied Flame?
No. Once Melina departs after you embrace the Frenzied Flame, she is gone for good, even if you later cure yourself of it. There is no way to interact with her after that point.
Conclusion
Melina’s fate in the Frenzied Flame ending is a tragic consequence of the Tarnished’s choices. Her vow of revenge underscores the severity of embracing the Frenzied Flame and the irreversible damage it inflicts on relationships and the world. Understanding Melina’s role and her connection to the larger narrative is crucial for appreciating the complexities of Elden Ring’s story and the impact of your decisions. The choices you make in Elden Ring truly matter, shaping the destinies of those around you and ultimately determining the fate of the Lands Between.
For more insights into gaming and its impact on learning, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.