Unraveling the Mystery: Why Did Marika Banish the Tarnished in Elden Ring?
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Marika’s decision to banish the Tarnished is one of the most pivotal and complex events in Elden Ring’s lore, a decision steeped in political maneuvering, the ebb and flow of divine grace, and perhaps even a hint of betrayal. In essence, Marika banished the Tarnished, individuals who had lost the grace of the Erdtree, because they no longer served a purpose in her grand design for the Lands Between. Specifically, her husband Godfrey, once her loyal champion, was the first Tarnished. After his war against the Giants concluded and he, along with his warriors, lost the guidance of grace, Marika exiled him. This act suggests that Marika’s use of Godfrey was purely pragmatic; once his martial prowess was no longer needed to maintain her power, he was discarded. Subsequent banishments followed a similar pattern, demonstrating a cold, calculated approach to governance and divine power. The banishment ultimately paved the way for the Shattering of the Elden Ring and the subsequent return of the Tarnished, beckoned by lost grace to either restore or reshape the world.
The Fall From Grace: Understanding the Tarnished Banishment
The Loss of Grace and Its Implications
The loss of grace is the key element that defines a Tarnished. Grace, in the context of Elden Ring, represents the Erdtree’s divine light and guidance, bestowed upon those deemed worthy by Marika. When individuals lost this grace, they were effectively cut off from the Erdtree’s blessings and exiled from the Lands Between. This loss was not necessarily due to any moral failing on the part of the individuals. It seems to be connected with fulfilling one’s role.
Godfrey’s Exile: A Case Study
The exile of Godfrey, the first Elden Lord, is particularly illuminating. As Marika’s consort and a fearsome warrior, Godfrey led the Golden Order’s armies to numerous victories. However, once the wars subsided and Godfrey’s purpose as a conqueror was fulfilled, he and his warriors lost their grace. Marika, driven by a long-term vision, exiled Godfrey and his kinfolk, effectively transforming them into the first Tarnished. This strategic removal demonstrated Marika’s priorities: power and control above personal loyalty.
Marika’s Strategic Vision
Marika’s actions weren’t arbitrary. She seemingly had a broader plan in motion. By exiling the Tarnished, she may have been planting seeds for a future event. The subsequent Shattering and the beckoning of the Tarnished back to the Lands Between suggests that Marika anticipated the chaos and intended for the Tarnished to play a crucial role in its resolution, or possibly its perpetuation, depending on their individual choices. The Games Learning Society likely has several members with intriguing views of this topic.
The Return of the Exiles: A New Purpose
The Shattering and the Beckoning
The Shattering of the Elden Ring and the subsequent dispersion of its shards among Marika’s demigod offspring created a power vacuum and plunged the Lands Between into chaos. It was during this tumultuous period that the grace of the Erdtree began to call back the Tarnished. This beckoning suggests that Marika, even in her fragmented state, still had a role for the Tarnished to play, whether it was to restore the Elden Ring, seize power for themselves, or usher in a new age.
The Tarnished’s Agency
Upon their return, the Tarnished are presented with multiple paths, each leading to a different ending for the game. They can choose to mend the Elden Ring and become the new Elden Lord, ushering in an era of order (or a continuation of the old order). Alternatively, they can choose to break the existing system entirely, paving the way for a new, potentially more chaotic, future. This element of player choice underscores the complexity of Marika’s plan and the agency granted to the Tarnished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Tarnished Banishment
1. Why are they called “Tarnished”?
The term “Tarnished” refers to individuals who have lost the grace of the Erdtree. It signifies their diminished status and their exile from the Lands Between.
2. What did the Tarnished do to deserve banishment?
Banishment was not necessarily due to any wrongdoing. As demonstrated by Godfrey’s example, individuals were banished when they no longer served Marika’s purpose, regardless of their past service.
3. Was everyone banished a warrior like Godfrey?
No, not all Tarnished were warriors. The Tarnished comprised individuals from various walks of life within the Lands Between, all united by their loss of grace and subsequent exile.
4. Did all the Tarnished return after the Shattering?
Not all Tarnished are explicitly shown returning, but the game’s narrative focuses on a select group of Tarnished who are beckoned back by the Erdtree’s grace to contend for the title of Elden Lord.
5. Were the Tarnished aware of Marika’s plans?
It is unlikely that the Tarnished were fully aware of Marika’s overarching plans. Their actions are driven by their individual motivations, guided by the fragmented grace of the Erdtree and the various factions vying for power in the Lands Between.
6. Could the Tarnished refuse the call to return?
The narrative strongly suggests that the Tarnished are compelled to return by the Erdtree’s grace, although the extent to which they can resist this call is not explicitly stated.
7. What is the Erdtree’s role in the banishment and return?
The Erdtree is the source of grace and the symbol of the Golden Order. It plays a pivotal role in both the banishment of the Tarnished, by withdrawing its grace, and their subsequent return, by beckoning them back to the Lands Between.
8. Did Marika anticipate the Shattering and the Tarnished’s return?
Many theories suggest that Marika deliberately orchestrated the Shattering as part of a larger plan, making the return of the Tarnished an anticipated event. However, the full extent of her foresight remains ambiguous.
9. How does the banishment of the Tarnished affect the game’s story?
The banishment of the Tarnished is a central plot point that sets the stage for the events of Elden Ring. It provides the justification for the player’s journey and shapes the political landscape of the Lands Between.
10. Is there any way to prevent the banishment in the game?
No, the banishment of the Tarnished is a historical event that has already occurred before the start of the game. The player’s actions focus on the consequences of this event and the choices available to them in its aftermath.
11. Does the player character become a Tarnished?
Yes, the player character is a Tarnished, beckoned back to the Lands Between to either restore the Elden Ring or forge a new path.
12. What are the different endings available to the Tarnished?
The Tarnished can achieve various endings, including becoming the Elden Lord, ushering in an age of stars, or embracing chaos. Each ending reflects a different interpretation of Marika’s will and the future of the Lands Between.
13. How does the Tarnished’s journey reflect themes of betrayal and redemption?
The Tarnished’s journey is rife with betrayal, as they navigate the machinations of gods, demigods, and other factions. Their choices offer opportunities for redemption, both for themselves and for the Lands Between.
14. What is the significance of the Long March?
The Long March was the pilgrimage undertaken by Godfrey and his warriors after their exile. It symbolizes their transition from honored warriors to disgraced Tarnished and their search for purpose beyond the Lands Between.
15. How does Marika’s race, the Numen, factor into the story?
Marika’s lineage as a Numen, a race of long-lived individuals from another world, is significant. Her Numen heritage grants her unique abilities and may influence her perspective on the events unfolding in the Lands Between. It positions her as a figure capable of manipulating divine forces, and ultimately, impacting the fate of the world.
The story of the Tarnished’s banishment and return is a cornerstone of Elden Ring’s intricate narrative, highlighting themes of ambition, betrayal, and the enduring struggle for power. It is precisely these types of complex themes that are often discussed at the Games Learning Society as they relate to immersion and engagement with game stories. Check out more information about the group at GamesLearningSociety.org.