The Allure and Absurdity: Understanding the Point of the Frenzied Flame in Elden Ring
The Frenzied Flame, in the context of Elden Ring, represents the ultimate rebellion against the established order, a scorched-earth policy aimed at dismantling the suffering inherent in the world by returning everything to its primordial state. It is not merely about destruction for the sake of destruction, but a radical, albeit extreme, solution to the cyclical nature of pain and control imposed by the Greater Will and its Golden Order. The point is to eradicate all disparity, all suffering, by erasing all things to make them one. The player who chooses to become the Lord of Frenzied Flame embraces this philosophy, becoming a vessel for this absolute reset.
Diving Deeper into the Frenzied Flame
The Lands Between is a world riddled with conflict, divine interference, and the endless pursuit of power. Every faction, every ending, is vying for control or offering a different solution to the shattered state of the Elden Ring. The Frenzied Flame is unique in its total rejection of these solutions. It’s an “burn it all down and start over” approach, fueled by the collective pain and suffering accumulated over millennia.
A Critique of Order
The Golden Order, despite its promises of prosperity and control, is inherently flawed. It creates hierarchies, fosters inequality, and is ultimately self-serving. The Frenzied Flame sees through this facade, recognizing the underlying pain and corruption that permeates the established system.
The Promise of Unity
The core philosophy of the Frenzied Flame isn’t simply about destruction, but about returning all things to a singular, undifferentiated state. It’s an attempt to undo the separation and distinctions that cause suffering. In this context, the “one great” that the Three Fingers speak of isn’t necessarily a benevolent entity, but the absence of any individual entities altogether.
Embracing Chaos
Accepting the Frenzied Flame means embracing chaos as a necessary catalyst for change. The idea is that only through complete annihilation can a truly new beginning emerge, one free from the inherent flaws of the previous order. This is a controversial, and arguably nihilistic, viewpoint, but it offers a dramatic contrast to the other endings, which seek to mend or modify the existing system.
The Player’s Choice
Ultimately, the “point” of the Frenzied Flame ending is to present the player with a radical choice. Do they perpetuate the cycle of order and control, or do they embrace a chaotic reset that offers the potential, however slim, for a better future? This choice forces players to confront the philosophical underpinnings of the game and question the nature of good and evil within the context of The Lands Between. It provides a narrative conclusion where the game’s complex world-building and character motivations culminate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Frenzied Flame
What are the benefits of getting the Frenzied Flame?
Gameplay-wise, the primary benefit is access to a unique ending and the powerful Frenzied Flame Seal, which scales incantations with strength, dexterity, intelligence, and faith. This opens up unique build possibilities, especially for hybrid characters. However, the true “benefit” is a philosophical one: embracing a radical solution to the suffering of the Lands Between.
Does accepting the Frenzied Flame do anything?
Yes. Accepting the Frenzied Flame locks you into the Frenzied Flame ending unless you actively seek to remove it through Millicent’s questline. It also alters certain interactions and dialogues, reflecting your character’s newfound alignment with the Three Fingers. Melina hates it.
Why does the Frenzied Flame have 3 fingers?
The Three Fingers are representatives of the Frenzied Flame, opposing the Two Fingers who serve the Greater Will and the Golden Order. The number “three” likely signifies chaos, a deviation from the established duality (order vs. chaos) and symbolizes the complete rejection of the Golden Order’s principles.
Is Frenzied Flame the worst ending?
Whether it’s the “worst” is subjective. Narratively, it’s arguably the most destructive, resulting in the complete annihilation of the Lands Between. However, some players may view this as a necessary evil, a drastic solution to a deeply flawed system. Morality is up to the player.
Why is the Frenzied Flame evil?
The Frenzied Flame isn’t inherently “evil” in a traditional sense. It’s a force of chaos that seeks to dismantle the established order. Whether that’s considered evil depends on one’s perspective and their view of the Golden Order. Some argue that the Order has become corrupt, justifying the Flame’s destructive methods.
Does removing Frenzied Flame bring back Melina?
It depends. If you allowed Melina to burn the Erdtree before accepting the Frenzied Flame, she is gone for good. If you accept the Frenzied Flame before burning the Erdtree, and then remove the flame, you can potentially achieve other endings. However, if you choose the Frenzied Flame ending, she appears in a cutscene and vows to kill you.
Should you let Melina sacrifice herself?
This is a moral choice. Letting Melina sacrifice herself allows you to pursue other endings, while saving her by accepting the Frenzied Flame comes at the cost of destroying the Lands Between and earning her eternal hatred. There is no inherently “right” answer.
Are the three fingers evil?
Like the Frenzied Flame itself, the Three Fingers are agents of chaos, opposing the established order. Their actions are driven by a desire to alleviate suffering, albeit through destructive means. Whether they are considered evil is a matter of perspective.
Which Elden Ring ending is best?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on the player’s values. The Age of Stars ending is often considered a more hopeful alternative to the Frenzied Flame, as it replaces the Greater Will with Ranni and the Moon, ushering in an age of cold and isolation, but ostensibly with less external influence.
Do you need Dung Eater for Frenzied Flame?
You don’t need the Dung Eater for the Frenzied Flame ending, but completing the first part of his quest is often a quick way to access the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital, where you eventually find the Three Fingers.
What are the consequences of the Frenzied Flame?
In-game, the Frenzied Flame causes madness buildup on both the caster and the target, hindering combat effectiveness in some situations. Narratively, the consequences are the destruction of the Lands Between and the alienation of allies like Melina.
Is Lord of Frenzied Flame a good ending?
Whether it’s “good” is subjective and depends on your interpretation of the narrative. It’s undeniably destructive, but some players may see it as a necessary evil to break the cycle of suffering perpetuated by the Golden Order. There is no single answer.
Can you get other endings after Frenzied Flame ending?
Yes, if you change your mind. You can remove the Frenzied Flame by completing Millicent’s lengthy questline. This allows you to pursue other endings. However, once you’ve defeated the final boss with the Frenzied Flame, you are locked into that ending unless you take steps to remove it before the final boss fight.
What is the hardest ending in Elden Ring?
The Frenzied Flame ending is considered one of the most challenging to trigger, not necessarily in terms of combat difficulty, but in terms of the obscure steps and the strong narrative implications of accepting the Flame.
Why is Melina’s eye closed?
The exact reason for Melina’s closed eye is never explicitly stated, but it is heavily theorized to be tied to her connection to the Dark Moon or a past trauma related to the Frenzied Flame. This is suggested by her relationship to Ranni who also has a closed eye, possibly as a way to mirror the closed eye.
Final Thoughts
The Frenzied Flame in Elden Ring is more than just a destructive force; it’s a philosophical statement. It represents a radical rejection of the established order, a desperate attempt to break the cycle of suffering and create a new beginning, even if that means obliterating everything in the process. It is a challenging, complex, and ultimately, thought-provoking ending that forces players to confront the dark heart of the Lands Between and the difficult choices that must be made to shape its future.
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