Ranni’s Fate: Unraveling the Age of Stars Ending in Elden Ring

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At the culmination of Ranni the Witch’s intricate questline in Elden Ring, she embarks on a radical transformation. After the Tarnished defeats the Elden Beast and becomes Elden Lord, players choosing the Age of Stars ending actively participate in Ranni’s grand plan: they become her consort and assist her in ascending to godhood, effectively replacing Queen Marika as the vessel for the Elden Ring. This ascent involves Ranni ushering in a new era, one bathed in the light of the moon, aiming to liberate the lost souls trapped within the influence of the Erdtree. Her ultimate goal is to establish a new order, guided by the cold, distant, and ultimately liberating influence of the stars, a stark contrast to the Golden Order’s rigid control.

Delving Deeper into the Age of Stars

Ranni’s quest isn’t just about claiming power; it’s a philosophical departure. She seeks to sever the influence of the Greater Will and the Erdtree from the Lands Between, allowing beings to determine their own destinies without divine intervention. The Age of Stars represents a cosmos-driven paradigm where fate is not dictated by a singular, unwavering divine entity, but rather by the vast, unknowable expanse of the universe.

The Tarnished’s Role: Consort and Co-conspirator

Your role, as the Tarnished, is paramount. By choosing to become Ranni’s consort, you pledge allegiance to her vision and actively participate in the reshaping of the Lands Between. You become a pivotal figure in this cosmic shift, not merely a bystander to a god’s ascent, but an active agent in dismantling the old order. This commitment is reflected in Ranni’s own words, where she refers to you as her “lord” and “dear consort,” highlighting the depth of the bond forged throughout your shared journey.

The Meaning of Moonlight

The act of bathing the Lands Between in moonlight is symbolic. Moonlight, in Elden Ring, often represents the cold, distant, and intellectual aspects of the cosmos, opposing the warm, life-giving, yet also restrictive light of the Erdtree. It’s a cleansing force, washing away the ingrained dogmas and predetermined paths enforced by the Golden Order. It signifies a future where individuals are free to explore, question, and chart their own courses without the constraints of imposed divinity.

The Cathedral of Manus Celes

The journey culminates deep within the Cathedral of Manus Celes, located in the Moonlight Altar region. This location, accessed after defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is where the final act of the ritual unfolds. It’s within this ancient, hidden cathedral that the connection between Ranni and the Dark Moon is solidified, paving the way for her transformation and the dawn of the Age of Stars. You place the Dark Moon Ring on her finger, sealing your bond and setting in motion the events that will reshape the world.

Ranni’s Moral Ambiguity: Good, Evil, or Something Else?

The question of whether Ranni is “good” or “evil” is a complex one. She orchestrated the Night of the Black Knives, a pivotal event that involved the theft and use of the Rune of Death, resulting in the death of Godwyn the Golden, one of Queen Marika’s children. This act plunged the Lands Between into turmoil.

However, Ranni’s motivations aren’t purely malicious. She seeks liberation, an escape from the deterministic control of the Greater Will. Her actions, while undeniably causing significant chaos and suffering, are driven by a desire to create a future where beings are free to choose their own destinies, even if that freedom comes at a cost. This moral ambiguity makes her a compelling and nuanced character, far from a simple “good” or “evil” categorization. As Julianna Swickard of CBR argues, Ranni’s ending, despite its morally grey origins, presents the “best possible outcome” for the Lands Between.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ranni and the Age of Stars

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the details and implications of Ranni’s ending in Elden Ring:

1. Is the Age of Stars ending truly a “good” ending?

   The concept of a “good” ending is subjective in Elden Ring. While Ranni’s ending aims to liberate the Lands Between from divine control, it also involves significant upheaval and an uncertain future. Whether it’s “good” depends on your interpretation of freedom versus order and the acceptance of potentially unforeseen consequences.

2. What are the other endings, and how do they compare to Ranni’s?

   Elden Ring features several endings, including the Age of Fracture (the standard ending), the Age of Order, the Duskborn Ending, the Blessing of Despair Ending, and the Lord of Frenzied Flame Ending. Each ending offers a different vision for the future of the Lands Between, ranging from maintaining the status quo to complete and utter destruction. Ranni’s ending is unique in its explicit rejection of the Greater Will’s influence.

3. Can I still access other endings after completing Ranni’s quest?

   Typically, no. Completing Ranni’s quest and triggering the Age of Stars ending locks you into that specific conclusion for your current playthrough. You would need to start a New Game Plus to pursue other endings.

4. What happens to the other characters in Ranni’s questline after the ending?

   The fates of characters like Iji and Blaidd are predetermined and tragic, occurring before the ending. Their sacrifices contribute to Ranni’s journey. Seluvis is killed during the questline. Their memory and the impact of their actions remain, shaping the world that emerges under the Age of Stars.

5. Is Melina still present in the Age of Stars ending?

   No. Melina’s role concludes before the Age of Stars ending. Depending on your choices, she may sacrifice herself to burn the Erdtree, or she may abandon you if you choose the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending. She does not play a role in Ranni’s ascent.

6. What does it mean for the Tarnished to be Ranni’s consort?

   Being Ranni’s consort signifies a deep partnership and shared vision. You are not merely a subservient figure; you are an active participant in shaping the new order. It implies a relationship based on mutual respect and a commitment to the ideals of the Age of Stars.

7. How does the Age of Stars ending affect the Erdtree?

   The Erdtree’s influence is significantly diminished in the Age of Stars. While the Erdtree may still exist in some form, its power over the Lands Between is drastically reduced as the cosmos takes precedence.

8. Is Ranni aware of the Tarnished’s past actions and choices?

   While not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that Ranni is aware of the Tarnished’s journey and their interactions with other characters and factions. Her choice to make you her consort suggests that she trusts your judgment and believes you are aligned with her goals.

9. What is the significance of the Dark Moon Ring?

   The Dark Moon Ring symbolizes the bond between Ranni and the Dark Moon, a celestial entity that represents the cold, intellectual, and liberating aspects of the cosmos. Placing the ring on Ranni’s finger seals your commitment to her vision and allows her to fully embrace her role as the new god of the Age of Stars.

10. What happens to the Elden Ring in the Age of Stars ending?

    The fate of the Elden Ring is somewhat ambiguous. Ranni’s goal is not to mend the ring, but to transcend it. She seeks to establish a new order beyond the influence of the Greater Will, suggesting that the Elden Ring and its associated rules may become less relevant or even obsolete.

11. Does Ranni actually love the Tarnished?

    The nature of Ranni’s feelings for the Tarnished is open to interpretation. Her words, referring to you as her “dear consort,” suggest a level of affection and appreciation. However, her primary focus remains on her grand plan for the Lands Between. Whether her feelings are purely strategic or genuinely romantic is left for the player to decide.

12. Why is Ranni in a doll body?

    Ranni abandoned her original body to escape the influence of the Greater Will and the Two Fingers. She transferred her soul into a doll body, allowing her to act independently and pursue her own goals without being directly controlled.

13. What role did Blaidd, Iji, and Seluvis play in Ranni’s plan?

    Blaidd, Iji, and Seluvis were loyal servants and allies who aided Ranni in her quest. Blaidd was created by the Greater Will to be Ranni’s shadow, but ultimately fought against his programming to remain loyal to her. Iji provided his blacksmithing skills and wisdom, while Seluvis, despite his questionable methods, offered his knowledge of sorcery.

14. What happens if you betray Ranni?

    Betraying Ranni typically leads to the failure of her questline. Attacking her at the end of the quest will lock you out of the Age of Stars ending.

15. Will the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC affect Ranni’s ending?

    It is currently unknown how the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC will impact the existing endings, including Ranni’s. It is possible that the DLC will introduce new context, characters, or events that shed further light on the implications of the Age of Stars or offer alternative paths.

Ranni’s quest, and the subsequent Age of Stars ending, stands as a testament to the complexity and depth of Elden Ring’s narrative. It’s a journey filled with moral ambiguity, philosophical questions, and ultimately, the potential for a new beginning, shaped not by divine decree, but by the choices of mortals. It is a perfect game to study from the Games Learning Society, see more at GamesLearningSociety.org.