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Why Did Marika Abandon Godfrey? The Complex Motives of the Shattered Queen

The question of why Queen Marika the Eternal abandoned Godfrey, First Elden Lord, is a central mystery in the lore of Elden Ring. There isn’t one simple answer, but rather a confluence of strategic, pragmatic, and deeply personal reasons. The core reason is that Godfrey and his Tarnished warriors had fulfilled their purpose. They had conquered the Giants, quelled rebellions, and brought a period of relative peace to the Lands Between. However, this very success was their undoing. Marika needed a champion who could potentially become a vessel for the Elden Ring, and Godfrey, having lost the grace of the Greater Will after conquering all worthy foes, was no longer deemed suitable for that ultimate role. In essence, he had become too successful in his role as a warrior, surpassing his usefulness to Marika’s grand design. She saw him, along with his Tarnished warriors, as having lost their grace and therefore, their purpose within the Golden Order.

The Strategic Calculation Behind Marika’s Decision

Marika’s actions are rarely sentimental; they are almost always driven by a long-term strategy for the Lands Between and its relationship with the Greater Will. Exiling Godfrey was a calculated move to:

Prepare for the Shattering: Marika likely foresaw the coming conflict triggered by her own actions – shattering the Elden Ring. Exiling Godfrey and the Tarnished was a way to remove a powerful force from the equation, only to later call them back as potential champions to repair the Elden Ring in her own designed way. The Tarnished served as the ideal agents to challenge the status quo and, potentially, forge a new order.
Maintain the Cycle of Ambition and Struggle: The Golden Order, as established by Marika, seems to require constant conflict and ambition to fuel its power. With Godfrey having conquered all known threats, the Lands Between were becoming stagnant. The exile introduced a new dynamic – the return of the Tarnished seeking the Elden Ring, igniting fresh conflict and challenges.
Instigate a Test: Marika might have intended Godfrey’s exile as a trial. Could he, stripped of his grace, find a new path to power and perhaps even surpass the limitations she had placed on him? This would align with the recurring theme of characters in Elden Ring being tested and shaped by adversity.
Remove a Roadblock: Godfrey, as the perfect embodiment of the Golden Order’s might, could have been a roadblock to Marika’s future plans. If she intended to subvert or alter the Golden Order, Godfrey’s unwavering devotion and immense power would have made him a significant obstacle.

The Loss of Grace and its Implications

The most cited reason, and perhaps the most immediate trigger for Marika’s decision, is the loss of Godfrey’s grace. After defeating all worthy foes, the Greater Will seemed to withdraw its blessing. This is represented in-game by the departure of the golden light in Godfrey’s eyes.

The Significance of Grace: In the world of Elden Ring, grace is more than just a blessing; it’s a connection to the Greater Will and the source of the Elden Ring’s power. Without grace, Godfrey was no longer considered a suitable vessel for the Elden Ring and was essentially cast out of the Golden Order’s favor.
The Tarnished and Lost Grace: The term “Tarnished” refers specifically to those who have lost the grace of the Greater Will. This loss is a recurring theme and a central plot point. Marika exiling Godfrey and his warriors effectively turned them all into Tarnished, sending them to the Lands Between to seek their destiny.
A Forced Removal: There is some implication that this removal wasn’t natural. Marika seemed to have influenced the Greater Will and the Elden Ring to force his grace to leave, turning the previously mighty Godfrey into the wandering tarnished that the protagonist follows in the game.

The Unspoken Motivations: A Deeper Dive

Beyond the strategic and practical considerations, there might have been more personal and nuanced reasons for Marika’s decision.

The Queen’s Ambition and the Golden Order: Marika’s ultimate goal remains shrouded in mystery. It’s clear she seeks to shape the fate of the Lands Between, but the exact nature of her vision is unclear. Perhaps Godfrey’s rigid adherence to the Golden Order clashed with her ambitions to reshape it or even replace it.
Godfrey’s Limitations: While Godfrey was a mighty warrior, he might have lacked the political acumen or the vision that Marika deemed necessary for an Elden Lord capable of leading the Lands Between into a new era.
Rivalries and Jealousies: Although no direct evidence exists in game, one could infer a desire on the part of Marika to replace Godfrey. By allowing the Tarnished to struggle and compete for the Elden Throne, Marika set in motion a situation where a new, potentially more malleable, Elden Lord could rise to power.

The Legacy of Exile

Godfrey’s exile had profound consequences for both him and the Lands Between.

Godfrey’s Transformation: Stripped of his grace and purpose, Godfrey embraced his inner beast, becoming Hoarah Loux, Warrior. This transformation reflects the pain and rage of being betrayed and discarded.
The Tarnished’s Purpose: The exile of the Tarnished set in motion the events of Elden Ring. Their return to the Lands Between, driven by the call of grace, fuels the conflict and ultimately determines the fate of the Elden Ring.
Marika’s Long Game: Whether Marika’s plan will ultimately succeed remains to be seen. However, her decision to abandon Godfrey was a pivotal moment that shaped the destiny of the Lands Between.

Ultimately, Marika’s abandonment of Godfrey was a complex decision driven by strategic calculations, the limitations of the Golden Order, the need for a champion of a potential different nature, and perhaps even personal ambitions. It was a pivotal moment in the lore of Elden Ring, setting in motion the events that shape the player’s journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Queen Marika the Eternal?

Marika is the vessel of the Elden Ring and the reigning god-queen of the Lands Between. She is a powerful figure who established the Golden Order.

2. Who is Godfrey, First Elden Lord?

Godfrey was the first Elden Lord and Marika’s consort. He led the Golden Order’s armies to conquer the Giants and quell rebellions.

3. What does it mean to be “Tarnished”?

“Tarnished” refers to those who have lost the grace of the Greater Will. They were once blessed but are now exiled and considered unworthy.

4. What is the Elden Ring?

The Elden Ring is the source of power and order in the Lands Between. Its shattering plunged the world into chaos.

5. What is the Greater Will?

The Greater Will is an outer god believed to be the source of the Elden Ring and the Golden Order.

6. What does “Grace” mean in Elden Ring lore?

Grace is a divine blessing from the Greater Will. It grants power and guidance to those chosen by the Greater Will.

7. Why did Godfrey become Hoarah Loux?

Godfrey, stripped of his grace and purpose, embraced his inner beast and savagery, transforming into Hoarah Loux, Warrior.

8. What are the implications of Godfrey’s exile for the Tarnished?

Godfrey’s exile led to the exile of all his warriors, turning them into Tarnished and setting them on a path to seek the Elden Ring.

9. Did Marika have other consorts besides Godfrey?

Yes, after Godfrey’s exile, Marika took Radagon as her second consort. They later become one single body after Radagon leaves Rennala.

10. What is the Golden Order?

The Golden Order is the dominant religious and political system in the Lands Between, established by Marika.

11. What is the role of the Elden Lord?

The Elden Lord is the consort of the vessel of the Elden Ring, and the ruler of the Lands Between.

12. Did Marika shatter the Elden Ring?

Yes, Marika is believed to be responsible for shattering the Elden Ring. The reasons for that act are complex and one of the main drivers for the overall story.

13. What was the War Against the Giants?

The War Against the Giants was a major conflict led by Godfrey to conquer the Giants, who were a threat to the Golden Order.

14. What happened to Godfrey after becoming Hoarah Loux?

As Hoarah Loux, Godfrey travelled and fought constantly, eventually going to the Lands of Reeds and then following the guidance of Grace, before returning to the Lands Between.

15. What is Marika’s ultimate goal?

Marika’s ultimate goal is not entirely clear, but it seems to involve reshaping or replacing the Golden Order, and perhaps even challenging the Greater Will itself.

Why did Marika abandon Godfrey?