Why Do the Tarnished Crave the Elden Ring? Unraveling the Lore of Ambition
The question of why the Tarnished relentlessly pursue the Elden Ring in FromSoftware’s epic, Elden Ring, is multifaceted, rooted in a potent blend of destiny, ambition, and the beckoning call of Grace. In essence, the Tarnished seek the Elden Ring for two primary, intertwined reasons: they are summoned by the lost Grace emanating from the shattered Elden Ring and the fractured Erdtree, and they are driven by an inherent desire to become Elden Lord, restoring order (or imposing their own) upon the desolate Lands Between. The allure of the Elden Ring is not simply about power, it’s about fulfilling a deeply ingrained purpose, a legacy etched in the very fabric of their being, despite their history of exile.
The Beckoning of Grace: A Divine Summons
The Shattered Ring and the Lost Grace
The breaking of the Elden Ring, orchestrated by Queen Marika the Eternal, plunged the Lands Between into chaos. With the Ring shattered, its divine influence, channeled through the Erdtree as Grace, began to dissipate. This Grace, once bestowed upon the inhabitants of the Lands Between, was withdrawn from many, resulting in their banishment and the moniker “Tarnished.” However, the shattering also sent forth fragmentary divine light, a lost Grace, that beckoned these very Tarnished back from exile. This summons isn’t merely an invitation; it’s an almost irresistible impulse, a deeply embedded directive compelling them towards the source of their former blessing and current suffering.
The Role of the Finger Maidens
Adding another layer of complexity, the Tarnished require the assistance of Finger Maidens to truly harness the power of the Great Runes, fragments of the shattered Elden Ring, and convert them into tangible strength. Finger Maidens are servants of the Greater Will, the cosmic entity behind the Golden Order, and they interpret the Guidance of Grace to lead the Tarnished on their path. The relationship between the Tarnished and their Maiden is crucial, not just for progression, but also for understanding the complex web of divine influence and political machinations that define the Lands Between. Without a Maiden, a Tarnished is largely directionless, unable to truly ascend to Elden Lord.
The Ambition of the Elden Lord: A Legacy Restored (or Reinvented)
Restoring the Golden Order (or Defying It)
The primary objective presented to the Tarnished by the Two Fingers is to seek the Great Runes held by the Demigods, descendants of Marika, and use them to restore the Golden Order, becoming the Elden Lord in the process. This narrative provides a clear goal, a traditional heroic quest that motivates many players. However, Elden Ring is far from a straightforward tale of good versus evil.
The Tarnished are granted a great deal of player agency and they have the option to restore the Golden Order as it once was, to simply change the existing order, or to completely subvert it with one of the other available endings. They can choose a new Empyrean to rule over the Lands Between, or take on that role themselves, with the help of Ranni, and establish a new cosmic order. The desire to become Elden Lord isn’t just about inheriting power; it’s about wielding the power to shape the future of the Lands Between, for better or for worse.
The Tarnished: Hero or Villain?
The narrative thrust suggests that the Tarnished are meant to be heroes, destined to mend the fractured world. However, the game masterfully explores the ambiguity of morality. Many of the endings, even those seemingly “good,” come at a cost. As the article you provided states, “Every Elden Ring Ending Still Makes The Tarnished A Villain.” The Tarnished can perpetuate cycles of oppression, embrace destructive forces, or simply maintain the status quo. This moral ambiguity adds significant depth to the Tarnished’s motivations, making their quest for the Elden Ring less about inherent goodness and more about the choices they make along the way. This directly challenges the player to think about morality. The Games Learning Society may have thoughts on morality and the player’s role within a game. You can explore their views at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, the Tarnished desire the Elden Ring because they are both compelled by fate and driven by personal ambition. They are pawns in a cosmic game, yet possess the agency to defy expectations and forge their own destinies. This complex interplay of divine will and individual choice is what makes the Tarnished’s quest so compelling and their motivations so deeply resonant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Tarnished and the Elden Ring
1. What exactly is the Elden Ring?
The Elden Ring is a source of fundamental laws and order that governs the Lands Between. It is a physical manifestation of the Greater Will’s influence and its shattering unleashed catastrophic consequences, leading to war and the rise of the Demigods.
2. Who banished the Tarnished in the first place?
The Tarnished were banished by Queen Marika the Eternal as their Grace faded. They were once inhabitants of the Lands Between, but lost their connection to the Erdtree for various reasons.
3. How did the Tarnished lose their Grace?
The exact reasons for losing Grace vary, but generally, it involved straying from the Erdtree’s path or being deemed unworthy by Marika. The loss of Grace resulted in exile and the title “Tarnished.”
4. Are all Tarnished the same?
No, the Tarnished are a diverse group with different backgrounds, motivations, and allegiances. Some seek to restore the Golden Order, while others pursue their own agendas.
5. Why do some Tarnished NPCs not respawn like the player?
This is related to the lore of the Lands Between. Those born under the Erdtree are recognizable by their golden eyes. These characters are not able to revive the way the player’s Tarnished character can. This makes the player’s Tarnished unique, as they were not born under the Erdtree.
6. What are Great Runes?
Great Runes are fragments of the shattered Elden Ring, each imbued with a portion of its power. They are held by the Demigods and must be collected by the Tarnished to claim the title of Elden Lord.
7. Is becoming Elden Lord the only ending possible?
No, Elden Ring features multiple endings, each determined by the Tarnished’s choices and allegiances. The Tarnished can restore the Golden Order, usher in an Age of Stars, or embrace other, more unconventional destinies.
8. What is the Greater Will?
The Greater Will is a powerful cosmic entity that governs the Golden Order and exerts influence over the Lands Between through the Elden Ring and the Two Fingers. It’s the main antagonist in the game.
9. Who is Queen Marika the Eternal?
Queen Marika is the ruler of the Lands Between and the vessel of the Elden Ring before its shattering. She is a complex and enigmatic figure with a central role in the game’s lore.
10. Is Elden Ring connected to the Dark Souls series?
While Elden Ring shares similar gameplay mechanics and themes with the Dark Souls series, it is a standalone game with its own unique lore and world.
11. Why are Finger Maidens important?
Finger Maidens are crucial for the Tarnished because they interpret the Guidance of Grace and transform Great Runes into power. They are essential for the Tarnished’s progression towards becoming Elden Lord.
12. Is there going to be an Elden Ring 2?
While there is no official confirmation of Elden Ring 2, there have been hints from FromSoftware, as noted in the provided article, that the studio may be considering it. The success of Elden Ring makes a sequel a likely possibility in the future.
13. Why does Ranni want to usher in the Age of Stars?
Ranni seeks to sever the influence of the Greater Will and establish a new cosmic order, free from divine intervention. Her Age of Stars ending represents a rejection of the established power structure.
14. Is Melina a Finger Maiden?
Melina is not a Finger Maiden, however, she does offer aid to the Tarnished. Melina is a daughter of Queen Marika, making her a demi-god, and sister to Ranni.
15. What is the DLC Shadow of the Erdtree about?
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a major post-launch expansion that will likely explore new regions, characters, and storylines within the world of Elden Ring, potentially shedding light on the mysteries surrounding the Erdtree and the Lands Between’s history.