Why is it called Tarnished?

The term Tarnished originates from the idea of something that was once pure and valuable becoming corrupted and diminished, much like how tarnish forms on metal when it reacts with oxygen or sulfur dioxide, causing it to lose its luster and strength. In the context of the Elden Ring, the Tarnished refers to individuals who have lost the grace of the Erdtree and were consequently banished from the Lands Between by Queen Marika the Eternal.

Understanding the Concept of Tarnished

The concept of Tarnished is deeply rooted in the lore of the Elden Ring, where individuals who have lost their way and strayed too far from the Erdtree’s grace are punished and banished from the Lands Between. This banishment is a result of the Erdtree’s judgment, which strips the individual of their grace and leaves them tarnished.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What is a Tarnished in Elden Ring?: A Tarnished is an individual who has lost the grace of the Erdtree and was consequently banished from the Lands Between by Queen Marika the Eternal.
2. Why are they called Tarnished?: They are called Tarnished because they have lost their grace and have been corrupted by their actions, much like how tarnish forms on metal.
3. What is the origin of the term Tarnished?: The term Tarnished originates from the idea of something that was once pure and valuable becoming corrupted and diminished.

Character-Specific Questions

4. Who was the first Tarnished in Elden Ring?: Godfrey was the first Tarnished in Elden Ring, who was banished by Queen Marika after he lost his grace.
5. Why did Godfrey become Tarnished?: Godfrey became Tarnished after he lost his warrior spirit and his grace was stripped from him.
6. Is the Tarnished immortal?: The Tarnished are considered “Dead who have yet to live”, which means they cannot truly die and are looked down upon by the living.

Lore-Related Questions

7. What is the Erdtree’s role in the Tarnished?: The Erdtree plays a crucial role in the concept of Tarnished, as it is the source of grace and the one that banishes individuals who have lost their way.
8. What is the significance of the Lands Between?: The Lands Between are the realm where the Tarnished are banished to, and it is a place where the Erdtree’s influence is weak.
9. What is the role of Queen Marika in the Tarnished?: Queen Marika is the one who banishes individuals who have lost their grace and become Tarnished.

Game-Related Questions

10. Can Tarnished revive?: Tarnished NPCs in Elden Ring frequently talk about how they’ve lost the ability to see the guiding light of grace, and with it, their ability to resurrect in both spirit and body.
11. How does one become a Tarnished in the game?: In the game, one becomes a Tarnished by losing their grace and being banished from the Lands Between.
12. What are the consequences of being Tarnished?: The consequences of being Tarnished include losing one’s grace, being banished from the Lands Between, and being looked down upon by the living.

Miscellaneous Questions

13. What is the relationship between Melina and Queen Marika?: Melina is the daughter of Queen Marika, making her a demi-god and Ranni’s sister.
14. Why is Radahn so tall?: Radahn grew to a massive size due to his demigod status and his step-mother Marika’s influence.
15. What is the strongest being in Elden Ring?: The Elden Beast is theorized to be the strongest being in Elden Ring, as it is stronger than a god who is stronger than demigods.