Navigating Morality in the Lands Between: Finding the Least Evil Ending in Elden Ring
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The question of “good” and “evil” in Elden Ring is far from straightforward. FromSoftware games are notorious for their morally ambiguous narratives, where every path is paved with shades of gray. However, if forced to choose, the “least evil” ending is arguably the Age of Order ending, achieved by completing Goldmask’s questline and using the Mending Rune of Perfect Order after defeating the Elden Beast. While no ending is without its drawbacks, the Age of Order strives for a world governed by stricter rules and defined roles, aiming to prevent the chaotic conflicts and suffering that plague the Lands Between. This ending, while potentially restrictive, aims to instill a sense of stability and predictability, qualities often sorely lacking in the world of Elden Ring.
Understanding Morality in a Shattered World
Before delving into the specifics of the Age of Order, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent subjectivity of morality in Elden Ring. What constitutes “good” or “evil” is often a matter of perspective, influenced by individual values and the specific circumstances of the Lands Between. The Shattering of the Elden Ring has unleashed chaos, and each ending represents a different attempt to restore order – or create a new one.
The Golden Order, the dominant faith of the Lands Between, is itself morally complex. While it strives for unity and control, its rigid structure can stifle individual freedom and lead to oppression. Alternative paths, such as Ranni’s Age of Stars, propose radically different visions for the future, but they too carry potential risks.
The choice, therefore, is not between “good” and “evil,” but rather between different approaches to mitigating suffering and establishing a lasting, albeit imperfect, peace. The Age of Order, with its focus on defined roles and stricter rules, offers a path that minimizes chaos, even if it comes at the cost of some personal liberty.
Why the Age of Order Stands Out
Several factors contribute to the argument that the Age of Order is the “least evil” ending:
- Focus on Stability: The primary goal of the Golden Order is to maintain stability and prevent the kind of widespread suffering caused by the Shattering. The Mending Rune of Perfect Order aims to reinforce this stability by clarifying the laws of the world.
- Minimizing Chaos: Other endings, such as the Lord of Frenzied Flame, embrace chaos and destruction. The Age of Order actively opposes this, seeking to contain and control forces that could destabilize the Lands Between.
- Potential for Long-Term Peace: While the Golden Order has its flaws, its emphasis on established hierarchies and rules provides a framework for long-term peace and prosperity. The Age of Order reinforces this framework, aiming to prevent future conflicts and power struggles.
It’s important to reiterate that this ending is not without its potential downsides. The strict adherence to order could lead to oppression and the suppression of individual expression. However, compared to the alternative endings, which involve either perpetuating the cycle of conflict or embracing utter chaos, the Age of Order offers a comparatively less destructive path forward.
Contrasting the Age of Order with Other Endings
To further illustrate why the Age of Order can be viewed as the “least evil”, consider the other available endings:
- Age of Fracture: This is the default ending, where the player simply mends the Elden Ring without making any significant changes. While seemingly neutral, it perpetuates the existing power structures and the potential for future conflict. The Lands Between remain vulnerable to another Shattering.
- Age of Stars: This ending involves aiding Ranni in ushering in an age of the stars, where the influence of the Greater Will is diminished. While this could lead to greater freedom, it also carries the risk of plunging the world into uncertainty and chaos. Ranni’s actions are also based on her own ambition and not necessarily the welfare of all inhabitants. Some might consider her actions selfish or at least questionable.
- Blessing of Despair: This ending involves spreading the curse of the Dung Eater throughout the Lands Between, ensuring that future generations will be born cursed. This is arguably the most unequivocally “evil” ending.
- Age of Duskborn: This ending involves restoring the Rune of Death to the Elden Ring, granting Those Who Live in Death true life. This ending is neutral, but some may view it as a negative thing because it brings death back into the Lands Between.
- Lord of Frenzied Flame: As mentioned before, this ending involves embracing chaos and destruction, burning the Erdtree and plunging the world into madness. It is widely considered the “bad” ending.
Each of these endings has its own implications, but the Age of Order stands out as the one that actively seeks to minimize chaos and promote stability, even if it comes at a cost.
The Importance of Perspective
Ultimately, the “least evil” ending in Elden Ring is a matter of perspective. Some players may value freedom and individual expression above all else, and therefore prefer the Age of Stars. Others may believe that the Golden Order is inherently corrupt and irredeemable, and seek to dismantle it entirely.
However, if one prioritizes stability, order, and the minimization of suffering, the Age of Order represents a pragmatic, if imperfect, solution. It is a recognition that true “good” is often unattainable in a world as broken as the Lands Between, and that the best one can hope for is a less destructive path forward. The perspectives of different characters and factions in the game also greatly influences opinions. The Games Learning Society can provide you with further context and help one form their own opinions about Elden Ring and its narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings of Elden Ring:
1. What is the hardest ending to achieve in Elden Ring?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is generally considered the most difficult to achieve due to the extensive requirements and the potential for locking yourself out of other endings.
2. Is there a true canon ending in Elden Ring?
FromSoftware has not explicitly stated which ending is canon, but many believe the Age of Fracture is the most likely candidate, as it is the default ending and does not require any specific side quests.
3. Is Ranni a good or bad character?
Ranni’s morality is highly debated. While she aims to liberate the Lands Between from the influence of the Greater Will, her methods are often questionable, and her actions have far-reaching consequences. Whether she is ultimately “good” or “bad” is a matter of interpretation.
4. Does Melina approve of the Frenzied Flame ending?
No, Melina strongly disapproves of the Frenzied Flame ending and will abandon the player if they embrace the Frenzied Flame. She views it as a path of destruction and chaos.
5. What happens if you refuse Melina’s help?
Refusing Melina’s help early in the game will eventually lock you out of progressing beyond certain points, as she provides essential assistance.
6. Can you reverse the Frenzied Flame ending?
Yes, you can reverse the Frenzied Flame ending by using Miquella’s Needle in Placidusax’s arena before defeating the final boss.
7. Is the Age of Stars ending truly a “good” ending?
The Age of Stars is often seen as a positive ending, but it’s important to recognize that it involves a radical shift in power and the potential for unforeseen consequences. Some might argue that it simply replaces one form of tyranny with another.
8. What is the significance of Miquella’s Needle?
Miquella’s Needle is a powerful artifact that can suppress the influence of outer gods, allowing the player to undo certain choices, such as embracing the Frenzied Flame.
9. Does the Tarnished actually marry Queen Marika in any ending?
No, the Tarnished does not directly marry Queen Marika in any ending. However, in the Age of the Stars ending, the Tarnished becomes Ranni’s consort, effectively becoming her partner in ruling the new age.
10. Who is the Dung Eater and why is his ending considered so evil?
The Dung Eater is a twisted character who seeks to defile the corpses of others and spread a curse throughout the Lands Between. His ending, the Blessing of Despair, is considered evil because it inflicts suffering on future generations.
11. How does Goldmask’s questline lead to the Age of Order ending?
Goldmask’s questline involves investigating the flaws in the Golden Order and ultimately discovering a way to perfect it through the Mending Rune of Perfect Order, which can be used to mend the Elden Ring.
12. Why is stability considered important in the Lands Between?
The Lands Between has been ravaged by war and chaos following the Shattering of the Elden Ring. Stability is seen as essential for preventing further suffering and allowing the world to rebuild.
13. What are the potential downsides of the Age of Order ending?
The Age of Order could potentially lead to oppression and the suppression of individual freedom due to its emphasis on strict rules and defined roles.
14. How does the game’s lore influence the perception of different endings?
The extensive and often ambiguous lore of Elden Ring greatly influences the perception of different endings. Players who delve into the lore are more likely to understand the nuances and complexities of each ending, leading to more informed opinions about which is “good” or “evil”.
15. Where can I learn more about the deeper meanings and implications of the endings in Elden Ring?
You can learn more about game narratives by visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website and exploring available resources.
In conclusion, while the notion of a “least evil” ending in Elden Ring is inherently subjective, the Age of Order, achieved through Goldmask’s questline, stands out as a pragmatic solution that prioritizes stability and aims to minimize chaos in the war-torn Lands Between.