What is the Lands Between in Elden Ring?
The Lands Between in Elden Ring is a vast and intricately designed open-world realm serving as the primary setting for the game. It’s a place steeped in history, mythology, and conflict, characterized by its breathtaking landscapes, diverse biomes, and imposing ruins. Essentially, the Lands Between was once a realm blessed by the Elden Ring and the Erdtree, symbols of order and life itself. The land was ruled by Queen Marika the Eternal, who acted as the guardian of the Elden Ring. However, this golden age was shattered by a cataclysmic event known as the Shattering, leading to the current state of chaos and decay. The Lands Between is far more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, driving the narrative and challenging players at every turn. Its ruined cities, towering castles, and hidden pathways tell a story of a once-prosperous civilization now plagued by war, madness, and the insatiable hunger for power. The Lands Between are segmented into several vast regions, each under the dominion of powerful demigods, children of Marika, further adding to the complex political landscape and dangers that the player must navigate. Ultimately, the Lands Between is a world ripe for exploration, riddled with secrets, and waiting for a champion to either restore its former glory or forge a new path entirely.
The Setting and its Significance
A Land of Contrasts
The Lands Between are not uniform; they are a collage of diverse environments. From the lush green meadows of Limgrave to the fiery landscapes of Caelid, from the snow-capped peaks of the Mountaintops of the Giants to the shimmering swamps of Liurnia, every region offers a unique visual experience and challenges. This diversity contributes to the game’s sense of wonder and keeps the player constantly engaged, never allowing the environment to become monotonous. These contrasting landscapes are not just aesthetic choices; they are integral to the lore and reflect the impact of the Shattering on the land.
Ruined Civilizations and Lost Grandeur
The Lands Between are littered with the remnants of what was once a great civilization. Imposing structures like Leyndell, the Royal Capital, now stand as hollow husks of their former selves, serving as a testament to the glory and ultimate fall of this world. Exploring these ruins provides clues to the history of the land and the events that led to its current fractured state. The sense of a lost golden age permeates the atmosphere, adding to the tragic beauty of the setting and urging the player to understand what went wrong.
The Demigod Domains
Each of the five major areas within the Lands Between is ruled by a powerful demigod, offspring of Marika, who holds a fragment of the shattered Elden Ring. These demigods include characters like Godrick the Grafted, Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, and Radahn the Starscourge, each wielding immense power and deeply affected by the Shattering. These domains reflect the personalities and agendas of their rulers and present varied and imposing challenges to players, requiring different combat styles and approaches. Overcoming these demigods becomes essential to progressing through the game’s narrative.
The Lore Behind the Lands Between
The Shattering
The current state of the Lands Between, marked by ruin and chaos, was triggered by the event known as the Shattering. This was a cataclysmic conflict that occurred after Marika shattered the Elden Ring. Her children, the demigods, then fought amongst themselves for control over the fragments of the Ring, each trying to become the next Elden Lord. This war plunged the land into chaos, leaving behind fractured territories and immense destruction.
The Elden Ring and the Erdtree
The Elden Ring, the source of the world’s order, once resided within the Erdtree, a colossal golden tree that symbolizes life and prosperity. Its shattering by Marika fundamentally altered the laws of the Lands Between, causing widespread chaos and strife. The player’s journey is ultimately driven by the desire to either restore the Elden Ring or fundamentally alter the established order.
The Numen and Beyond
The origins of individuals like Queen Marika are also shrouded in mystery. The game reveals she is a member of the Numen race, described as “long-lived but seldom born” and coming from beyond the Lands Between. This detail suggests the existence of lands and histories beyond what the game directly presents, hinting at the vastness of the lore and further contributing to the sense of intrigue. The Numen’s mysterious background implies a complex cosmic history connected to the Lands Between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who created the Lands Between?
George R. R. Martin, famed author, is credited with inventing the name the Lands Between and creating the initial impetus for the world’s deep mythos and history, collaborating with Hidetaka Miyazaki, director of Elden Ring.
2. Why is the Lands Between in ruins?
The Lands Between are in ruins due to the Shattering, a massive civil war triggered by the breaking of the Elden Ring and the subsequent infighting between demigods, the offspring of Queen Marika.
3. How do you get to the Lands Between?
In the context of the game, the player, as a Tarnished, returns to the Lands Between through the Guidance of Grace. To access Miquella’s Haligtree, a secret region, you must utilize the Grand Lift of Rold with a secret medallion.
4. What happened in the Lands Between that caused the civil war?
The demigods fought each other in an attempt to claim the title of Elden Lord for themselves following the shattering of the Elden Ring, which led to the Shattering civil war.
5. Were the Lands Between always war-torn?
The game hints that the Lands Between were once a peaceful place, with functional cities and states before the shattering of the Elden Ring and the ensuing civil war.
6. Why is it called the Lands Between?
The name suggests that the Lands Between is a central point in Elden Ring’s lore, connecting it to all other “lands,” yet remaining distinct from other nations mentioned in the game.
7. Is everyone in the Lands Between immortal?
Due to the removal of the Rune of Destined Death from the Elden Ring, which was responsible for the life and death cycle, most beings in the Lands Between have effectively become immortal, unable to die permanently.
8. Who inhabits the Lands Between?
The Lands Between is home to a wide range of beings including the demigods, various humanoids, and creatures like Marika (a Numen), all affected by the events that transpired after the shattering of the Elden Ring.
9. Are there safe cities or settlements in Elden Ring?
There are no truly safe cities in the Lands Between, save for the Roundtable Hold, a sanctuary for NPCs, however, even that harbors underlying dangers.
10. Is Elden Ring set in Purgatory?
The Lands Between are often described as a corrupted purgatory due to the world’s broken state and the altered laws after the Elden Ring was shattered.
11. Are Sekiro and Elden Ring connected?
While not directly connected, Elden Ring shares design DNA with Sekiro, stemming from their overlapping development, and features shared mechanics such as stance systems.
12. Is there DLC for Elden Ring?
Yes, a DLC expansion titled “Shadow of the Erdtree” is in development, further expanding the Lands Between and its lore.
13. Who is considered the main evil in Elden Ring?
While there are many villains, the Dung Eater is considered one of the most horrifying characters in the game, known for his monstrous actions.
14. What happens to the Tarnished in Elden Ring?
The Tarnished, including the player character, return to the Lands Between from exile, guided by grace, to become the new Elden Lord.
15. What is the final boss of Elden Ring?
The final boss of Elden Ring is the Elden Beast, fought after defeating Radagon of the Golden Order.