Unraveling the Mystery: What Happens to the Tarnished When They Die in Elden Ring?

The world of Elden Ring is steeped in mystery, and one of its most compelling enigmas revolves around the fate of the Tarnished upon death. Unlike typical video game protagonists who simply reload from a checkpoint, the Tarnished’s resurrection is deeply intertwined with the game’s lore, the Greater Will, and the concept of Grace. When a Tarnished dies in the Lands Between, their soul isn’t extinguished. Instead, they are recalled to life by the Erdtree’s Grace, manifesting at a nearby Site of Grace or a Stake of Marika. This cycle of death and rebirth is not simply a gameplay mechanic; it’s a fundamental aspect of the Tarnished’s existence, driven by their purpose to mend the shattered Elden Ring and become Elden Lord. This immortality is not absolute, however. Each death takes a toll, subtly eroding the Tarnished’s will and connection to Grace, hinting at a potential for permanent demise.

Delving Deeper: The Lore Behind the Tarnished’s Resurrection

The Tarnished are described as “Dead who yet live,” individuals who were once banished from the Lands Between but were summoned back after the Shattering of the Elden Ring. This return is fueled by the Erdtree’s Grace, which acts as a beacon guiding them and enabling their resurrection. The opening cinematic clearly depicts the revival of key Tarnished NPCs, highlighting the Erdtree’s active role in this process.

Furthermore, the existence of Sites of Grace is crucial. These locations serve as anchor points, imbued with the Erdtree’s Grace, allowing the Tarnished to return to the world. However, the lore suggests that not all Tarnished can see or utilize these sites. The ability to perceive and interact with Grace seems to diminish over time, explaining why some Tarnished remain permanently dead. This loss of Grace is not simply about physical death, but a spiritual disconnect from the Greater Will and the Erdtree.

The Burden of Immortality

While the ability to resurrect seems like a blessing, the lore subtly implies a cost. Each death chips away at the Tarnished’s resolve and connection to Grace. The questline of Rogier exemplifies this. He gradually succumbs to a mysterious affliction, losing his will to live, which echoes the fate that awaits the Tarnished if they repeatedly die without progressing towards their goal. This suggests that the Tarnished’s immortality is not infinite or without consequence.

The ultimate fate of the Tarnished depends on their choices. They can either embrace their destiny and become Elden Lord, choose to forge a different path, or succumb to the endless cycle of death and rebirth, eventually fading into oblivion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Tarnished and Death

Here are some frequently asked questions about the fate of the Tarnished upon death in Elden Ring, exploring various facets of their existence and purpose.

Why do Tarnished NPCs not respawn like the Player?

This is a crucial point. The Tarnished, especially the player, are not born under the Erdtree and are considered “Dead who yet live.” This unique status allows them to return from death in a way that those born under the Erdtree, often identified by their golden eyes, cannot. Tarnished NPCs that do not respawn typically have completed their questlines or have met a definitive, lore-driven end. Their death is a permanent narrative event, unlike the player’s cyclical resurrection.

What is the Role of Grace in the Resurrection Process?

Grace is the will of the Greater Will, manifested through the Erdtree. It guides the Tarnished and enables their resurrection. Sites of Grace act as focal points for this power, allowing the Tarnished to return to the world. However, the ability to perceive and utilize Grace can be lost, leading to a permanent death.

How did the Tarnished lose Grace in the First Place?

The Tarnished were originally banished from the Lands Between for various reasons, often related to their perceived lack of purpose or their failure to uphold the tenets of the Golden Order. This banishment resulted in the loss of Grace, marking them as “Tarnished.”

Who was the First Tarnished?

According to the lore, Godfrey, the first Elden Lord, was the first Tarnished. After his war against the Giants ended, he lost the Grace of the Erdtree and was banished from the Lands Between by Queen Marika.

Is the Tarnished immortal?

The Tarnished are not immortal in the traditional sense. They can die, but they are resurrected by the Erdtree’s Grace. However, this resurrection is not guaranteed, and each death takes a toll. It’s more accurate to describe them as “deathless” rather than immortal.

Why do Tarnished need Maidens?

Finger Maidens serve as conduits for the Greater Will, guiding the Tarnished and helping them channel the power of runes into strength. A maidenless Tarnished is essentially cut off from this vital connection, hindering their progress.

What happens if a Tarnished repeatedly dies?

The lore implies that repeated deaths erode the Tarnished’s will and their connection to Grace. While the exact consequences are not explicitly stated, it suggests a potential for a permanent death or a loss of purpose.

Why can’t other Tarnished see Sites of Grace?

The ability to perceive and utilize Sites of Grace appears to be linked to the strength of one’s connection to the Greater Will and the Erdtree. As Tarnished stray further from their path or lose faith, their ability to interact with Grace diminishes.

Does the Tarnished become a God at the End of Elden Ring?

The answer to this depends on the ending achieved. While some endings elevate the Tarnished to a position of great power, they do not necessarily become a god in the traditional sense. They may become the new Elden Lord, wielding the Elden Ring’s power, but their status remains distinct from that of the Outer Gods who influence the Lands Between. Sir Gideon Ofnir states that “A man cannot kill a god…”, implying a clear distinction between mortal and divine.

What is the Canon Ending for the Tarnished?

There’s no definitively stated canon ending for Elden Ring. FromSoftware games usually leave the interpretation open to the player. Each ending offers a unique vision for the future of the Lands Between, and the choice is ultimately left to the player. However, judging from the narrative implications, the “Age of Stars” ending seems to be the favored direction.

Is the Tarnished a Good Guy or a Bad Guy?

The Tarnished’s morality is ambiguous. Elden Ring offers multiple paths, and the Tarnished can choose to embrace darkness or strive for a more benevolent outcome. Ultimately, their actions and choices determine their alignment. Even the best endings carry a weight of sacrifice and potential consequences.

How Tall is the Tarnished?

Based on comparisons with other characters like Blaidd, the Tarnished is estimated to be around 5.7 feet (1.75 meters) tall.

Is Queen Marika Immortal?

Queen Marika and her children were immortal because she acquired the rune of death.

What are Stakes of Marika?

Stakes of Marika are smaller, alternative resurrection points found near challenging encounters. They offer a more convenient respawn location than Sites of Grace, allowing players to quickly retry difficult sections.

What is the Greater Will?

The Greater Will is an Outer God that influences the Lands Between. It is the source of the Erdtree’s Grace and the power behind the Golden Order. Its motives are largely unknown, but its influence is undeniable.

Final Thoughts

The fate of the Tarnished upon death is a complex and fascinating aspect of Elden Ring’s lore. It highlights the interconnectedness of death, rebirth, Grace, and the pursuit of purpose. Understanding this cycle is crucial to appreciating the depth and richness of the game’s world. The game effectively uses game mechanics in combination with deep lore elements to keep the player hooked. To learn more about game design, game-based learning and gamification, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.