The Transformation of Radagon: Unraveling the Mystery of the Elden Beast
Radagon, the champion of the Golden Order and the second Elden Lord, did not simply “turn into” the Elden Beast. Rather, Radagon was the Elden Beast, or more accurately, a vessel for its power. He represents the Greater Will’s attempt to repair the shattered Elden Ring, using a being created (or influenced) by the Greater Will itself: the Elden Beast. Radagon is a construct, a being imbued with the power and purpose of the Elden Beast, ultimately serving as a fail-safe mechanism or a last-ditch effort to maintain the Order imposed upon the Lands Between. His transformation, therefore, wasn’t a sudden event, but a pre-ordained purpose revealed through the shattering of the Elden Ring and the weakening of the Greater Will’s influence.
Understanding the Players
Before diving deeper, let’s clarify the key players involved:
- The Greater Will: An Outer God, the driving force behind the Golden Order. It sent the Elden Beast to the Lands Between.
- The Elden Beast: The physical manifestation of the Elden Ring’s power and the vassal of the Greater Will. It is the vessel for the concept of “Order” itself.
- The Elden Ring: The source of all Erdtree-based power and the fundamental law governing the Lands Between.
- Queen Marika the Eternal: The vessel of the Elden Ring and the ruler of the Lands Between. She shattered the Elden Ring.
- Radagon of the Golden Order: Marika’s second husband and the father of Malenia and Miquella. He is intrinsically linked to Marika and the Elden Beast.
The Core Relationship: Elden Beast, Radagon, and Marika
The pivotal point is the intricate relationship between the Elden Beast, Radagon, and Marika. Many theories suggest that Radagon is an emanation of Marika, specifically created to ultimately contain the Elden Beast. This explains his physical similarities to Marika and his seemingly autonomous will that still acts in accordance with the Greater Will’s goals.
Think of it as a series of nested containers: the Greater Will using the Elden Beast, which in turn inhabits Radagon, who is inherently connected to Marika, the vessel of the Elden Ring. When Marika shattered the Elden Ring, the Elden Beast within Radagon attempted to enforce the Golden Order by preventing anyone from reforging it in a way that deviated from the Greater Will’s plan. This is the resistance we face when battling Radagon as the penultimate boss.
Why the Transformation Manifests
The manifestation of the Elden Beast from Radagon is triggered by the Tarnished’s challenge to the Golden Order. After defeating Radagon, the player confronts the pure form of the Elden Beast, revealing its true nature and the ultimate goal of the Greater Will.
The transformation is, therefore, not a spontaneous event but a calculated unveiling. Radagon served his purpose, weakened by conflict and the shattering. He transitions to the next phase, revealing the Greater Will’s direct influence in the Lands Between via the Elden Beast, attempting to rectify Marika’s act of defiance.
The Deeper Implications
This revelation has profound implications:
- It highlights the limited free will within the Golden Order. Radagon, a seemingly powerful figure, was ultimately a tool.
- It showcases the Greater Will’s manipulative power, using intermediaries like the Elden Beast and Radagon to maintain control.
- It underscores the cyclical nature of power and control within the Lands Between, where Outer Gods exert influence through various avatars and entities.
FAQs: Delving Further into the Radagon & Elden Beast Enigma
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the intricacies of Radagon’s transformation and its significance:
1. Is Radagon truly a separate entity from Marika?
While Radagon possesses a seemingly independent will and history, the prevailing theory suggests he is an emanation or fragment of Marika, possibly created by the Greater Will. Their intertwined existence is heavily implied throughout the game.
2. What evidence supports the theory that Radagon is related to Marika?
Several clues point to their connection, including their near-identical appearance, the phrase “Radagon is Marika” inscribed on the Elden Ring, and the fact that the Elden Ring is located within Marika’s body and must be repaired through Radagon after he is defeated.
3. Why did Marika suddenly decide to remarry Radagon?
Marika’s motives are complex. It is speculated that she was compelled by the Greater Will to consolidate power and further its agenda by uniting the Golden Order and the Carian Royal Family through marriage with Radagon. Or that, through their union, the Greater Will believed a perfect heir to the Elden Ring and Order would be created.
4. Was Radagon aware of his role as a vessel for the Elden Beast?
It’s likely Radagon was at least subconsciously aware of his purpose. His unwavering loyalty to the Golden Order, even when it meant betraying Rannala, and his attempts to repair the Elden Ring suggest a deeper understanding of his destiny. However, the extent of his conscious awareness remains ambiguous.
5. Why does Radagon fight the Tarnished if he wants to repair the Elden Ring?
Radagon fights the Tarnished because they represent a threat to the Greater Will’s vision of the Golden Order. The Tarnished, by seeking to become Elden Lord, could potentially reshape the Elden Ring in a way that deviates from the Greater Will’s predetermined path.
6. What does the Elden Beast represent thematically?
The Elden Beast represents the alien and incomprehensible nature of cosmic forces like the Greater Will. It embodies the concept of “Order” imposed upon the Lands Between and the consequences of blindly adhering to an external power.
7. Is the Elden Beast an Outer God itself?
No, the Elden Beast is not an Outer God. It is a vassal and physical manifestation of an Outer God, the Greater Will. It is a creature specifically created and empowered by the Greater Will to serve its purposes.
8. Does defeating the Elden Beast truly free the Lands Between?
Defeating the Elden Beast doesn’t necessarily guarantee complete freedom. The fate of the Lands Between depends on the Tarnished’s choice of ending, which dictates how the Elden Ring is reforged and the new Order that is established.
9. Is there any way to avoid fighting the Elden Beast?
No, fighting the Elden Beast is a mandatory part of the game’s final sequence. It is the ultimate test of the Tarnished’s strength and resolve in challenging the established order.
10. What are the Elden Beast’s powers and abilities?
The Elden Beast possesses a wide array of powerful abilities, including cosmic energy blasts, teleportation, summoning holy spears, and creating Elden Stars. These powers reflect its connection to the Elden Ring and the Greater Will.
11. Are there other beings like Radagon in the Elden Ring universe?
It’s possible. The existence of Radagon suggests that the Greater Will could create or manipulate other beings to serve its purposes. However, Radagon’s specific role and connection to Marika make him a unique case.
12. What are the implications of Marika shattering the Elden Ring?
Marika’s act of shattering the Elden Ring was an act of defiance against the Greater Will and its imposed order. It plunged the Lands Between into chaos and set the stage for the events of the game.
13. How does the Two Fingers fit into all this?
The Two Fingers are envoys of the Greater Will, guiding the Tarnished towards becoming Elden Lord and restoring the Golden Order. However, their influence diminishes after Marika shatters the Elden Ring.
14. What are the different endings, and how do they relate to Radagon and the Elden Beast?
The different endings reflect different interpretations of the Elden Ring and different visions for the future of the Lands Between. Some endings uphold the Golden Order, while others offer alternative paths, such as the Age of Stars or the Frenzied Flame ending, where the power of the Greater Will is rejected altogether.
15. Was Radagon always intended to be a boss fight or a ‘vessel’ to the Elden Beast?
Storywise, Radagon was always intended to be a vessel to the Elden Beast. The Elden Beast uses Radagon as a defense mechanism against those that would seek to change the order of the Elden Ring. Gameplay-wise, it is unclear at what point in development that Radagon became a boss fight.
The story of Radagon and the Elden Beast is a complex and fascinating one, filled with ambiguity and hidden meanings. By understanding the intricate relationships between the key players and exploring the thematic implications of their actions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and layered world of Elden Ring.