Unveiling the Formless Mother: Who is the Mother of Truth in Elden Ring?
The Formless Mother, also referred to as the Mother of Truth, is an Outer God in Elden Ring that was discovered by Mohg, Lord of Blood, deep within the subterranean reaches of the Lands Between. Almost nothing is known about this mysterious entity except that Mohg pledges allegiance to her, and she has promised to make him a lord.
Delving into the Lore of the Formless Mother
The Formless Mother represents a fascinating and unsettling element of the Elden Ring universe. Unlike other prominent Outer Gods like the Greater Will or the Frenzied Flame, the Formless Mother exists largely in the shadows. Her influence is primarily felt through Mohg and his Dynasty, who seek to establish a new order based on her power. The limited information we have suggests a god deeply connected to blood, pain, and the subversion of the Golden Order.
The Promise of Power: Mohg and the Dynasty
The core of the Formless Mother’s influence revolves around Mohg’s ambition. He seeks to create a new dynasty, a bloody and violent alternative to the Golden Order. The promise of the Formless Mother is crucial here. She offers Mohg the power and authority to realize this vision, potentially even making him an Elden Lord of sorts, albeit one ruling over a drastically different and far more sinister dominion.
Blood as a Conduit: The Sacramental Rite
The focus on blood is a key aspect of the Formless Mother. Mohg’s incantations and attacks are all centered around blood magic, highlighting the central role it plays in his relationship with her. He believes performing the Sacramental Rite will elevate Miquella to godhood, and in turn, solidify his path towards becoming a lord. His attacks are a key part of the Formless Mother’s presence in The Lands Between.
The Formless Nature: An Absence of Defined Form
The name “Formless Mother” itself suggests a being without a defined physical presence. Unlike the Greater Will, which is often associated with the Elden Ring and the Erdtree, the Formless Mother lacks a clear visual representation. This elusiveness adds to her mystique and makes her a compelling and frightening Outer God.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the lore of the Formless Mother and related topics within Elden Ring:
1. Who is Mohg, Lord of Blood?
Mohg, Lord of Blood, is one of the demigod children of Queen Marika and Godfrey. He is an Omen, born with cursed blood, and was imprisoned in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. There, he discovered the Formless Mother and became her devoted follower, seeking to create his own dynasty with the kidnapped Miquella.
2. What is an Outer God?
In Elden Ring, Outer Gods are powerful cosmic entities that exert influence over the world of the Lands Between. They are often associated with specific ideologies or forces, such as order, chaos, or, in the case of the Formless Mother, blood and pain. They are not necessarily benevolent or malevolent, but rather driven by their own inscrutable goals.
3. What is the significance of blood in Elden Ring’s lore?
Blood holds significant importance in Elden Ring’s lore, particularly in relation to the Formless Mother and the Omen curse. Blood is often associated with power, lineage, and sacrifice. Mohg’s blood magic, derived from the Formless Mother, is a prime example of blood’s corrupting and empowering influence.
4. Who is Miquella?
Miquella is another demigod child of Queen Marika, known for his youth and powers of unalloyed gold and stasis. He attempted to create his own Haligtree to defy the influence of the Erdtree. Mohg kidnaps Miquella in his cocoon form, seeking to raise him as a god under the influence of the Formless Mother.
5. What are Omens?
Omens are individuals born with cursed blood and horns, often seen as abominations. They are feared and ostracized in the Lands Between. Mohg and Morgott are prominent examples of Omens. The Omen curse is tied to the Crucible, a primordial form of the Erdtree.
6. How is the Formless Mother different from other Outer Gods like the Greater Will?
The Formless Mother differs from other Outer Gods, such as the Greater Will, in her obscurity and the methods by which she exerts influence. While the Greater Will is associated with the Elden Ring and the Golden Order, the Formless Mother operates through more shadowy and violent means, using blood and pain to achieve her goals.
7. What is the Dynasty Mohg seeks to create?
Mohg seeks to create a new dynasty ruled by himself and Miquella, one that stands in opposition to the Golden Order. This dynasty would be founded on the power of the Formless Mother and the principles of blood and pain.
8. Is the Formless Mother evil?
Whether the Formless Mother is inherently “evil” is a matter of perspective and interpretation. Her influence is undeniably violent and destructive, but her motives remain largely unknown. Like other Outer Gods, she may simply be driven by forces beyond human comprehension.
9. How does Mohg obtain his power?
Mohg obtains his power through his devotion to the Formless Mother and his mastery of blood magic. He performs rituals and sacrifices to gain her favor, allowing him to wield powerful incantations and control blood.
10. What is the Sacramental Rite?
The Sacramental Rite is a ritual performed by Mohg involving the blood of the Formless Mother. It is intended to empower Miquella and pave the way for the creation of Mohg’s dynasty.
11. What is the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds?
The Subterranean Shunning-Grounds is a vast network of tunnels and sewers beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. It serves as a prison and dumping ground for outcasts and unwanted individuals, including Omens like Mohg.
12. What role does the Erdtree play in relation to the Outer Gods?
The Erdtree is a symbol of the Greater Will’s influence in the Lands Between. It acts as a conduit for the Elden Ring’s power and represents the established order. Outer Gods, such as the Formless Mother, often seek to subvert or replace the Erdtree’s influence with their own.
13. Where can players find Mohg in Elden Ring?
Players can find Mohg, Lord of Blood, in the Mohgwyn Palace, a region accessible through a portal in the Consecrated Snowfield or through Varre’s questline.
14. How does defeating Mohg impact the lore?
Defeating Mohg halts his plans to establish his dynasty with the Formless Mother. While it does not eliminate the Outer God’s influence entirely, it removes a major source of power and disruption in the Lands Between.
15. What other Outer Gods are present in Elden Ring?
Besides the Formless Mother and the Greater Will, other notable Outer Gods in Elden Ring include the Frenzied Flame, associated with chaos and destruction, and potentially the Rot Goddess, associated with Malenia and the Scarlet Rot.
Understanding the Formless Mother and her influence is crucial for grasping the complex tapestry of Elden Ring’s world. The implications of her existence and her relationship with Mohg contribute significantly to the game’s narrative and overall atmosphere. By exploring these lore elements, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and mysterious world of the Lands Between.
For more information on game studies and learning through games, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.