Unmasking the Fury: Who is the Woman at the End of the Frenzied Flame Ending in Elden Ring?
The chilling climax of the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending in Elden Ring is punctuated by a single, unforgettable image: Melina, her eye finally open, vowing to deliver “Destined Death” upon the player. The woman at the end of the Frenzied Flame ending is undoubtedly Melina, the enigmatic finger maiden who guides the Tarnished on their quest to become Elden Lord. However, in this twisted conclusion, she’s no longer a guide but a vengeful enemy, her purpose irrevocably altered by the player’s embrace of chaos. The implications of this encounter are vast and reverberate throughout the lore of the game, raising questions about Melina’s true nature, her connection to the Greater Will, and the very fate of the Lands Between.
The Transformation: From Guide to Nemesis
Throughout the majority of Elden Ring, Melina serves as the Tarnished’s unwavering companion. She offers guidance, level-up assistance, and ultimately, the promise of burning the Erdtree to pave the way for a new Elden Lord. However, choosing to inherit the Frenzied Flame before fulfilling her intended purpose at the Forge of the Giants is a betrayal she cannot forgive. This act fundamentally changes Melina. She abandons the Tarnished, deeming them “no longer fit” to become Elden Lord. The final cutscene of the Frenzied Flame ending reveals a transformed Melina, her once-closed eye now open, revealing a deep blue hue often associated with the Gloam-Eyed Queen, and her resolve hardened. This is no longer the Melina who sought to aid the Tarnished; this is a Melina driven by vengeance and determined to bring an end to the madness unleashed by the player.
Understanding Destined Death
Melina’s promise to deliver “Destined Death” is not an idle threat. Destined Death is the power to kill even the gods, a power once held by Maliketh and sealed away within him. Melina’s ability to wield this power suggests a deeper connection to the Golden Order and potentially, even to Marika herself. Her declaration signifies that she is willing to shatter the very foundations of reality to undo the damage caused by the Frenzied Flame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions providing valuable information for readers about Melina and the Frenzied Flame ending:
1. What is the Frenzied Flame and why is it considered a “bad” ending?
The Frenzied Flame is an outer god that seeks to undo all creation, returning everything to a state of chaotic potential. The Frenzied Flame ending is considered a “bad” ending because it leads to the utter destruction of the Lands Between and all its inhabitants. There is no salvation, no new order, only annihilation.
2. Why does Melina leave the Tarnished if they inherit the Frenzied Flame?
Melina views the Frenzied Flame as an antithesis to her purpose. Her goal is to guide the Tarnished to become Elden Lord and restore order to the Lands Between. Inheriting the Frenzied Flame means embracing chaos and destruction, directly opposing her intended path.
3. What is the significance of Melina’s open eye in the Frenzied Flame ending?
The opening of Melina’s eye is a significant visual cue. It signifies a change in her character and potentially reveals a hidden aspect of her identity. The deep blue color is often linked to the Gloam-Eyed Queen, a powerful figure with ties to Destined Death. This connection suggests that Melina possesses the power to challenge even the gods and restore order, albeit through a potentially destructive means.
4. Who is the Gloam-Eyed Queen and how is she related to Melina?
The Gloam-Eyed Queen is a mysterious figure from Elden Ring’s history, known for wielding the power of Destined Death. While her exact identity remains ambiguous, the similarity in eye color between Melina and the Gloam-Eyed Queen in the Frenzied Flame ending has fueled speculation that they are connected. Some theories suggest that Melina may be an avatar or vessel of the Gloam-Eyed Queen, awakened by the Tarnished’s embrace of the Frenzied Flame.
5. Does Melina ever appear again after the Frenzied Flame ending?
No, Melina only appears in the final cutscene of the Frenzied Flame ending to deliver her ominous vow. She does not appear as a boss fight or in any other capacity.
6. Is it possible to prevent Melina from abandoning the Tarnished?
Yes, to prevent Melina from abandoning the Tarnished you must either: 1) Do not inherit the Frenzied Flame.
2) Inherit the **Frenzied Flame** and then use **Miquella's Needle** to suppress the flame before facing the final boss. 7. Is there any way to reconcile with Melina after choosing the Frenzied Flame ending?
Unfortunately, there is no way to reconcile with Melina after choosing the Frenzied Flame ending and not quelling the flame. Her declaration of “Destined Death” signifies an irreversible break.
8. What are the other possible endings in Elden Ring and how do they differ from the Frenzied Flame ending?
Elden Ring features several other endings, each with its own unique implications for the Lands Between. These include:
* **Age of Fracture (Standard Ending):** The Tarnished becomes Elden Lord and mends the Elden Ring, restoring order, but leaving questions about the future unresolved. * **Age of Order:** The Tarnished, with the guidance of Goldmask, perfects the Golden Order to a higher ideal. * **Age of Duskborn:** The Tarnished brings death to the Lands Between to make life and death continuous, with the guidance of Fia. * **Age of Stars:** The Tarnished embraces Ranni's vision, ushering in an age of the stars and abandoning the influence of the Greater Will. * **Blessing of Despair:** The Tarnished releases the Dung Eater's curse upon the Lands Between. Each of these endings offers a different perspective on the future of the Lands Between, contrasting sharply with the utter destruction promised by the Frenzied Flame.
9. Does the Frenzied Flame ending have any impact on a New Game Plus playthrough?
No, the Frenzied Flame ending does not have any impact on a New Game Plus playthrough. The player starts a new game with their character and collected items, but the narrative choices from the previous playthrough do not carry over.
10. Is there a “canon” ending to Elden Ring?
FromSoftware has not explicitly stated which ending, if any, is the “canon” ending. However, some clues in the marketing material for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC suggest that the Frenzied Flame ending is not canon, and is instead one of the other neutral or good endings. Players are free to interpret the lore and choose the ending that resonates with them the most.
11. What is Miquella’s Needle and how does it relate to the Frenzied Flame?
Miquella’s Needle is a powerful artifact that can be used to quell the Frenzied Flame. It is obtained through a challenging questline involving Millicent and Malenia. Using the needle after inheriting the Frenzied Flame allows the player to break free from its influence and pursue a different ending.
12. Are Ranni and Melina connected in any way?
There are theories suggesting a connection between Ranni and Melina, particularly the fact that they both have one eye closed. One common theory is that Melina is Ranni’s forgotten sister. Both are spirits who seemingly relate to Queen Marika and the Greater Will.
13. How does inheriting the Frenzied Flame change the gameplay experience?
Inheriting the Frenzied Flame unlocks the “Lord of Frenzied Flame” ending, granting the player a unique cinematic sequence. However, it does not significantly alter the gameplay experience itself.
14. What happens to the Erdtree in the Frenzied Flame ending?
In the Frenzied Flame ending, the Erdtree is completely destroyed, consumed by the chaos of the Frenzied Flame. This signifies the complete annihilation of the existing order and the ushering in of a new, albeit terrifying, era.
15. What is the role of the Three Fingers in the Frenzied Flame ending?
The Three Fingers are the agents of the Frenzied Flame, guiding the Tarnished to embrace its power. They represent the chaotic force that seeks to undo all creation. By interacting with the Three Fingers, the Tarnished accepts the Frenzied Flame and sets in motion the events leading to the destructive ending.
Delving Deeper into Melina’s Lore
The questions surrounding Melina’s identity and motivations extend far beyond the Frenzied Flame ending. Her spectral nature, her connection to the Erdtree, and her potential ties to figures like the Gloam-Eyed Queen all contribute to her mystique. Understanding her role requires a careful examination of item descriptions, character dialogue, and environmental storytelling.
Consider the possibility that Melina is not merely a guide, but a fragment of Marika herself, sent to ensure the Elden Ring is either restored or destroyed, depending on the Tarnished’s choices. Her willingness to sacrifice herself to burn the Erdtree and her sudden transformation into a vengeful force suggest a complex and multifaceted character with hidden depths.
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Conclusion: A Vow of Vengeance Echoing Through the Ages
The woman at the end of the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is Melina, but she is not the same Melina who began the journey with the Tarnished. She is a figure transformed by betrayal, driven by vengeance, and wielding the power of Destined Death. Her final vow is a chilling reminder of the consequences of embracing chaos and a testament to the enduring power of the Greater Will, however twisted its manifestations may be. The true meaning of her words, and the fate that awaits the Lord of Frenzied Flame, remain open to interpretation, forever etched in the annals of the Lands Between.