Who Was the Real First Elden Lord?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of who was the real first Elden Lord in Elden Ring isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While Godfrey is often considered the first, the nuances of the lore surrounding the Golden Order and the roles of the Greater Will and Marika the Eternal make the answer more complex. The true “first” depends on how you define the Elden Lord’s role and relationship to the Elden Ring. In most interpretations, Godfrey rightly holds the title. However, a deeper dive suggests other possible, albeit less conventional, candidates or perspectives on the matter.
Unpacking the Title: What Does Elden Lord Mean?
Before definitively naming the “first,” it’s essential to understand the implications of the title Elden Lord. An Elden Lord is, fundamentally, the consort of Queen Marika the Eternal, vessel of the Elden Ring, and the ruler of the Lands Between under the Golden Order. He is chosen by the Greater Will (through the Two Fingers) and granted grace, signifying his right to rule. The Elden Lord acts as the enforcer of the Golden Order, maintaining its influence and defending the Elden Ring. This role involves wielding the power bestowed by the Elden Ring to shape the world according to the Greater Will’s dictates.
Godfrey, The First Tarnished and The First Elden Lord
Godfrey, also known as Hoarah Loux, is the most commonly accepted answer. He was a fearsome warrior who led the Golden Order’s armies to victory, conquering and uniting the Lands Between. Marika chose Godfrey to be her consort and the first Elden Lord, granting him grace and establishing the Golden Lineage. Godfrey ruled alongside Marika, representing strength and martial prowess in the burgeoning Golden Order. This period was marked by relative peace and prosperity, built upon Godfrey’s conquests.
However, Godfrey’s reign came to an end when he lost his grace. Without grace, he could no longer feel the call of the Greater Will, rendering him unfit to be Elden Lord. Marika then banished Godfrey and his warriors, the Tarnished, from the Lands Between, tasking them with growing stronger and returning when the time was right. This banishment is critical because it highlights that being Elden Lord is contingent upon possessing grace and fulfilling the will of the Greater Will.
Godfrey’s Predecessor? The Crucible and the Primordial Era
While Godfrey is the first Elden Lord in the generally accepted sense, some argue that the “first” could be viewed through a different lens, relating to the period before the Golden Order. This involves understanding the Crucible, a primordial manifestation of life that existed before the Erdtree and the influence of the Greater Will. Some theories propose that a figure representing the Crucible, perhaps even a dragon ancestor, might be considered a precursor to the Elden Lord, ruling over the Lands Between under a different, older order. However, there’s no clear “title” or documented ruler during that era, making this interpretation more philosophical than factual.
Radagon: A Second Elden Lord or An Extension of Marika?
After Godfrey’s banishment, Radagon, a champion of the Golden Order and a powerful warrior, rose to prominence. He eventually married Queen Marika, becoming the second Elden Lord. This union is significant because Radagon is later revealed to be an alter ego or a second half of Marika herself. This revelation blurs the line of succession. Was Radagon a separate entity, or simply Marika fulfilling both roles – Queen and Consort? This complexity raises questions about the nature of power and identity within the Golden Order.
Tarnished of No Renown: A Chance at the Elden Throne
Ultimately, the story of Elden Ring revolves around the player character, one of the Tarnished called back to the Lands Between after the Shattering of the Elden Ring. The objective is to gather the Great Runes, mend the Elden Ring, and claim the title of Elden Lord. In this sense, the player character, regardless of which ending they achieve, technically becomes an Elden Lord, inheriting the mantle previously held by Godfrey and Radagon. The player’s journey is a testament to the cycle of rise and fall, where new figures emerge to challenge the existing order and shape the future of the Lands Between.
In conclusion, while Godfrey is widely considered the first Elden Lord due to being the first consort of Marika, blessed with grace and wielding the power of the Elden Ring under the Golden Order, the history of the Lands Between and the complex relationship between Marika and Radagon provide avenues for alternative interpretations. Ultimately, the title of Elden Lord is not merely a name, but a reflection of power, destiny, and the ever-shifting balance of the world in Elden Ring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is the Elden Ring?
The Elden Ring is a powerful artifact, representing the fundamental laws of the Lands Between. It resides within the body of Queen Marika and its shattering triggered the events of the game. Whoever mends it can define the new order of the Lands Between.
2. Who is Queen Marika the Eternal?
Queen Marika the Eternal is the vessel of the Elden Ring and the ruler of the Lands Between under the Golden Order. She is considered a god and is revered by many. Later, we understand that she possibly orchestrated much of the game’s conflict.
3. What does it mean to be “Tarnished”?
Tarnished are individuals who have lost the grace of the Greater Will, usually banished from the Lands Between. They are considered unworthy to inherit the Elden Ring until the Shattering causes the Greater Will to call them back.
4. Why was Godfrey banished from the Lands Between?
Godfrey was banished because he lost his grace. Without grace, he was no longer able to serve as Elden Lord or fulfill the will of the Greater Will. Some theories suggest that Marika orchestrated this to prepare for her own plans.
5. What is the significance of the Golden Order?
The Golden Order is the dominant religious and political system in the Lands Between, based on the principles dictated by the Greater Will through the Elden Ring. It dictates social structures, laws, and the role of individuals within the world.
6. Who is Radagon, and what is his relationship to Marika?
Radagon is initially presented as a powerful warrior and champion of the Golden Order who eventually becomes Marika’s consort. Later, it’s revealed that Radagon is a shard of Marika herself, possibly created or split from her.
7. What caused the Shattering of the Elden Ring?
The Shattering of the Elden Ring was caused by Queen Marika, who destroyed it using the Rune of Death. The reasons for this are complex and tied to her rebellion against the Greater Will and her desire to create a new order.
8. What are the Great Runes?
The Great Runes are shards of the Elden Ring, claimed by the demigod children of Marika and Radagon after the Shattering. Each Great Rune grants significant power, and collecting them is essential to mending the Elden Ring.
9. What is the role of the Two Fingers?
The Two Fingers serve as intermediaries between the Greater Will and the inhabitants of the Lands Between. They interpret the will of the Greater Will and guide individuals chosen to become Elden Lord.
10. Who is the Greater Will?
The Greater Will is an outer god, a cosmic entity that exerts influence over the Lands Between through the Elden Ring and the Golden Order. It is the source of grace and the ultimate authority in the world.
11. Are there other Outer Gods besides the Greater Will?
Yes, there are other Outer Gods, each vying for influence in the Lands Between. Examples include the Formless Mother, the God of Rot, and the Frenzied Flame. These entities represent different ideologies and forces that challenge the dominance of the Greater Will.
12. What happens if the Elden Ring is not mended?
If the Elden Ring remains shattered, the Lands Between will descend further into chaos and decay. The influence of the Outer Gods will grow, and the Golden Order will crumble.
13. Is there a “good” or “bad” ending in Elden Ring?
The concept of “good” or “bad” endings in Elden Ring is subjective. Each ending presents a different vision for the future of the Lands Between, reflecting the player’s choices and the influence of various ideologies. Some endings may be considered more benevolent or destructive than others, but none are inherently “good” or “bad.”
14. Who are the most powerful demigods in the game?
Some of the most powerful demigods include Malenia, Blade of Miquella, known for her Scarlet Rot and unwavering combat skills; Radahn, Starscourge, a master of gravity magic; and Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, who merged with the God-Devouring Serpent.
15. What is the Crucible and why is it important?
The Crucible is considered the primordial form of the Erdtree, representing a more chaotic and primal manifestation of life. Understanding it offers insights into the origins of the world and the forces that existed before the Golden Order, and its themes reemerge in some of the game’s endings.