The Enigma of Rot: Unraveling the Sealer of the Outer God
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The question of who sealed away the Outer God of Rot in Elden Ring is one shrouded in mystery, yet the available lore points overwhelmingly to one individual: the Blind Swordsman. This enigmatic figure, a master of a unique flowing sword style, is repeatedly alluded to in item descriptions and character dialogues as the one who vanquished the concept of rot and, most importantly, mentored Malenia, Blade of Miquella. While the specifics of the sealing remain vague, the evidence strongly suggests he played a crucial role in containing the Outer God’s influence, a feat that directly precedes and enables the eventual formation of the Lake of Rot.
Understanding the Context: The Outer God and Its Influence
Before diving deeper into the Blind Swordsman’s involvement, it’s crucial to grasp the significance of the Outer God of Rot and its relationship to key figures like Malenia and the Lake of Rot. The Outer Gods are cosmic entities, powerful beings who exert influence upon the Lands Between, often with devastating consequences. The Scarlet Rot, a disease that corrupts and decays, is a manifestation of this particular Outer God’s power.
Malenia, born with the rot within her, serves as a vessel for this Outer God’s influence. She struggles to contain it, but when overwhelmed, she “blooms,” unleashing the rot’s full potential. This is most dramatically seen in her battle, where she transforms into Malenia, Goddess of Rot, highlighting her connection to the Outer God.
The Lake of Rot is a testament to the Outer God’s power and its containment. The map description explicitly states that the “divine essence of an Outer God is sealed away in this land.” The prevailing theory is that the Blind Swordsman’s actions led to this sealing, effectively confining the Outer God’s influence to this isolated location.
The Blind Swordsman: Mentor and Vanquisher of Rot
The lore paints a picture of the Blind Swordsman as a key figure in the fight against the Outer God of Rot. He is described as:
- A mentor to Malenia: He taught her the flowing sword style, a fighting technique that utilizes swift, precise movements.
- A defeater of rot: Multiple item descriptions allude to his victory over the concept of rot itself, suggesting he possessed unique knowledge or abilities to counter its influence.
- A figure of mystery: His identity and origins remain unknown, adding to the intrigue surrounding him.
The connection between the Blind Swordsman, Malenia, and the Lake of Rot is crucial. It’s believed that his training helped Malenia control the rot within her, at least to some extent. His earlier act of sealing the Outer God’s essence in the Lake of Rot is not confirmed but is implied due to the events. This containment likely weakened the Outer God’s influence, making it possible for Malenia to manage her affliction and become the formidable warrior she is known as.
While the exact method the Blind Swordsman used to seal the Outer God remains unknown, he had to have been a powerful warrior with some connection to the gods or a strong will to combat the outer gods.
Evidence in Item Descriptions and Dialogue
The following pieces of evidence further support the theory of the Blind Swordsman as the sealer of the Outer God of Rot:
- Item descriptions related to Malenia’s armor and weapons often mention her training under a blind swordsman.
- Millicent’s questline hints at the connection between Malenia and the rot, further emphasizing the significance of its containment.
- The very existence of the Lake of Rot and its map description point to an entity responsible for sealing the Outer God’s essence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Malenia the Outer God of Rot?
No, Malenia is not the Outer God itself, but rather a vessel for its influence. She was born with the Scarlet Rot and struggles to contain it. When she blooms, she embodies the Outer God’s power, but she is not the Outer God itself.
2. Did Malenia create the Lake of Rot?
No, Malenia did not create the Lake of Rot. The Lake of Rot was likely formed as a result of the Blind Swordsman’s efforts to seal away the Outer God of Rot’s essence. The map description states the region is where an Outer God’s essence was sealed away.
3. Who was Malenia’s mentor?
Malenia’s mentor was the Blind Swordsman, a mysterious figure who had previously defeated the concept of rot. He taught her the flowing sword style and helped her develop her fighting skills.
4. Did Placidusax serve the Greater Will?
Some theorize that Placidusax, as an Elden Lord, served the Greater Will. However, his dragon god fled, suggesting a different allegiance or a conflict with the Greater Will. The game does not explicitly state his allegiances.
5. Who killed Placidusax?
Placidusax is defeated by the Tarnished, the player character, in Crumbling Farum Azula.
6. Is Crumbling Farum Azula the end of the game?
No, Crumbling Farum Azula is not the end of the game, but it is the final Legacy Dungeon encountered in the main storyline before the final boss encounters.
7. What is Malenia weak against?
Malenia is resistant to most status effects, including rot itself, but is vulnerable to specific builds and strategies. Frostbite and Bleed builds work well against her.
8. Why is there a flower after killing Malenia?
The giant blooming flower that appears after Malenia’s death is a Scarlet Aeonia, a manifestation of her connection to the Outer God of Rot. It’s also significant to Millicent’s questline.
9. What were Malenia’s last words?
Malenia’s last words are a lament for her brother, Miquella, and an acknowledgement of her defeat: “The mark…of a true Lord… O, dear Miquella… O, dearest Miquella, my brother… I’m sorry, I finally met my match…”
10. How did Malenia lose her hand?
Malenia’s Scarlet Rot caused her limbs to rot away, necessitating the use of prosthetic limbs.
11. Is Melania immune to rot?
Malenia is not immune to rot, but she has a very high resistance to it. It requires a significant buildup of Scarlet Rot to trigger the status effect on her.
12. Who carried Malenia back to the Haligtree after the battle with Radahn?
Finlay, one of Malenia’s Cleanrot Knights, carried her back to the Haligtree after she unleashed the rot during her battle with Radahn.
13. Is Millicent a daughter of Malenia?
Millicent is a clone or offshoot of Malenia, created by Gowry. She shares a connection to the Scarlet Rot and possesses similar abilities.
14. Are Maliketh and Gurranq the same person?
Yes, Maliketh and Gurranq are the same person. Maliketh, the Black Blade, assumed the identity of Gurranq to consume Deathroot and eventually assist in D’s crusade against Those Who Live in Death.
15. Where can I learn more about the concepts in video games?
You can learn more about game design, the impact of games on society, and much more at the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
In conclusion, while the precise details of the sealing remain a mystery, the Blind Swordsman stands out as the most likely candidate for the individual who sealed away the Outer God of Rot, paving the way for the existence of the Lake of Rot and influencing Malenia’s fate. His story, though largely untold, is a crucial piece of the intricate lore of Elden Ring.