Starscourge Radahn: A Demigod’s Descent into Madness
General Radahn, also known as Starscourge Radahn, was once considered the strongest demigod in the Lands Between. However, his destiny took a tragic turn during the Shattering, a brutal war among Queen Marika’s offspring for control of the Elden Ring. Radahn was infected with the Scarlet Rot by Malenia during their infamous battle, which has since driven him to insanity. Because the Rune of Death had been stolen, Radahn could not die, and the rot consumed him from the inside out, eating away at his psyche. He was reduced to a mindless beast roaming the Wailing Dunes, forever feasting on the flesh of friend and foe alike, a grim testament to the devastating power of the Scarlet Rot and the futility of immortality without death.
The Battle of Aeonia: A Turning Point
The pivotal event that sealed Radahn’s fate was the Battle of Aeonia against Malenia the Severed. This clash was a cataclysmic showdown of two titans, both vying for dominance during the Shattering. While the battle resulted in a stalemate, it left a lasting scar on Caelid, transforming it into a ravaged wasteland. More importantly, it marked the beginning of Radahn’s tragic decline. During the battle, Malenia unleashed the full force of her Scarlet Rot, a weapon she was cursed to wield. The rot washed over Radahn, infecting him with a debilitating disease that would slowly consume him.
The Rune of Death and Eternal Torment
The theft of the Rune of Death played a critical role in Radahn’s tragic story. This Rune, once part of the Elden Ring, governed the natural cycle of life and death. With its removal, death became an unnatural and often impossible phenomenon. As the Scarlet Rot took hold, Radahn should have succumbed to its effects. However, the absence of true death meant he was trapped in a state of perpetual suffering. The rot continued to ravage his body and mind, driving him to insanity while preventing him from finding release.
The Wailing Dunes: A Feral Existence
Following the Battle of Aeonia, Radahn retreated to the Wailing Dunes of Caelid, a fitting landscape for his shattered state. The rot had completely overwhelmed his mind, reducing him to a feral beast driven by primal hunger. He lost all semblance of his former self, a brilliant general and revered warrior. Now, he indiscriminately devoured anything in his path, a horrifying parody of the noble figure he once was. This is the tragic state in which the player encounters him in Elden Ring.
Love Endures: The Bond with Leonard
Despite his descent into madness, one flicker of his former self remained: his love for his loyal steed, Leonard. In-game lore reveals that Radahn had used gravity magic to lighten his own weight so he could continue riding Leonard, even after growing too large for the horse to carry him naturally. Even as the Scarlet Rot consumed his mind, Radahn’s subconscious desire to protect Leonard persisted. This enduring bond offers a poignant reminder of the man he once was and the depths of the tragedy that befell him.
The Aftermath of Radahn’s Defeat
Defeating Radahn has huge implications in Elden Ring. Radahn’s defeat triggers a celestial event, causing a star to fall and open the way to Nokron, the Eternal City. This hidden area is crucial for progressing several questlines, including Ranni the Witch’s storyline. His defeat also allows players to access Leyndell, the Royal Capital, opening up new areas and challenges. Players can also claim Radahn’s Remembrance and Great Rune, granting them powerful abilities and enhancing their character’s power. FromSoftware masterfully weaves Radahn’s fate into the larger narrative, making his downfall a catalyst for further exploration and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Radahn and the events surrounding his tragic fate:
1. Why did Radahn go insane?
Radahn was infected with Scarlet Rot during his battle with Malenia. Because he couldn’t die due to the stolen Rune of Death, the rot consumed his mind and body, driving him to insanity.
2. What did killing Radahn do?
Killing Radahn opens paths to Nokron, progresses questlines, grants entry to Leyndell, and allows players to acquire Radahn’s Remembrance and Great Rune.
3. What happens to Radahn after the Scarlet Rot infection?
The Scarlet Rot consumes Radahn’s mind, turning him into a feral beast roaming the Wailing Dunes, indiscriminately devouring anything in his path.
4. Did Radahn love his horse?
Yes, Radahn deeply loved his horse, Leonard. Even in his madness, he used gravity magic to ensure Leonard could still carry him, showcasing a lasting bond.
5. Is Malenia stronger than Radahn?
At the time of their battle, they were on equal footing. Radahn could have become more powerful with more of the Great Rune, which would have threatened Miquella’s life, which Malenia wanted to protect.
6. Why did Radahn lose his legs?
The Scarlet Rot is widely believed to be the cause of Radahn’s missing feet, as it is known to cause decay and rot of the flesh.
7. Who is the strongest demigod in Elden Ring?
Radahn is generally considered the strongest demigod, although the intro cinematic suggests Morgott may have defeated him at some point.
8. Why is Radahn’s horse so small?
Radahn learned gravity magic to lighten his own weight so he could continue riding Leonard, despite outgrowing the horse.
9. What hurts Radahn the most in battle?
Radahn is particularly vulnerable to bleed and Scarlet Rot effects, which can deal significant damage to him.
10. Can you still do Ranni’s quest after killing Radahn?
Yes, but you should trigger Ranni’s quest before killing Radahn, so that you do not miss out on any important NPC interactions.
11. Is Radahn weak to Holy damage?
Radahn has a resistance to Holy damage. Players are better off using Lightning or Fire.
12. Is Radahn strong again after the patch?
Yes, Radahn was accidentally nerfed in a previous patch, but FromSoftware restored him to his full strength.
13. What did Radahn want?
Radahn loved stories about heroes and likely saw his actions as a way to be a hero by protecting Ranni and bringing honor to the Carian royal family.
14. Who is the weakest demigod in Elden Ring?
Godrick the Grafted is widely considered the weakest demigod, having suffered numerous defeats in the Shattering.
15. How does Radahn not crush his horse?
Radahn uses his gravity magic to lighten his own weight, ensuring he doesn’t crush Leonard.
Radahn’s story is a classic example of the tragic hero, beloved by many in the Elden Ring community. For more information on how games like Elden Ring can be used in education, please visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.