Why is Roundtable Hold Empty in Leyndell? Unveiling the Mystery of Elden Ring’s Lost Sanctuary
The question of the empty Roundtable Hold in Leyndell is a poignant one for players of Elden Ring. It speaks to the game’s core themes of loss, decay, and the tragic consequences of war. The direct answer is this: the Roundtable Hold, as we experience it, is not physically located in Leyndell. The Roundtable Hold in Leyndell, the capital city, was destroyed during the Shattering, the cataclysmic war between demigods that tore the Lands Between asunder. The Roundtable Hold we access through fast travel is a spectral, safe haven created by Marika, existing in a different realm, a pocket dimension outside the physical world. It serves as a sanctuary for Tarnished, a refuge from the conflict plaguing the Lands Between, but it is not the original Leyndell location.
The original Roundtable Hold in Leyndell was meant to be a place of unity and peace, a gathering place for the champions of the Golden Order. This version, however, met a grim fate, falling victim to the devastation of the Shattering. The destruction of the physical Roundtable Hold is a silent testament to the futility of the conflict and the collapse of the once-prosperous Golden Order. It highlights the depth of the world’s corruption and the profound impact of the war. The current, spectral Roundtable Hold, therefore, is a bittersweet echo of a lost era, a constant reminder of what was and what might have been. This explains why when you explore Leyndell, you will not find the familiar layout of the hub area you frequent.
The Significance of Two Roundtable Holds
The existence of two Roundtable Holds – the destroyed one in Leyndell and the spectral sanctuary – reveals layers of storytelling within Elden Ring. The original location reflects the historical significance of Leyndell as the capital and center of power. It underscores that the conflict and chaos present in the Lands Between have deep roots, affecting even the most sacred places. The creation of the spectral hold demonstrates the Greater Will’s attempts to maintain order and purpose through the Tarnished, even when the physical realm is fractured. It’s a safe haven, existing outside of the war, for those who are summoned to become Elden Lord. This distinction explains why the familiar NPCs like Roderika, Hewg, and the others are not found in Leyndell despite references of it being within the capital. They are in the spectral version of the Hold.
This division between the physical and the spectral is also important because it highlights the fragility of order in the Lands Between. Even with divine intervention to create a safe haven, the shadow of the destroyed, original Roundtable Hold in Leyndell looms large, reminding players that even the most carefully crafted sanctuaries can be compromised. This also reinforces the sense that the Lands Between is a place forever scarred, and the Tarnished, even when successful, are merely attempting to patch it up as opposed to returning it to its original state.
The Lore Implications
The lore of Elden Ring also deepens the understanding of why the Roundtable Hold is empty in Leyndell. Marika, the Eternal Queen, seemingly designed the spectral Roundtable Hold to guide and support the Tarnished in their quest to repair the Elden Ring. This highlights the desperation in the situation, given the original gathering place for her champions is completely gone and a replacement has to be used. However, the destruction of the original location implies an earlier, more unified Golden Order, before the shattering and the war between the demigods. The ghostly presence of the Roundtable in a different realm also highlights the game’s focus on duality, the idea of both the present state and the remnants of what has come before. It reinforces that nothing in the world, even something designed to be a sanctuary, is free from the effects of the chaos that has overtaken the Lands Between.
The fate of the original Roundtable Hold also reflects the game’s overarching narrative of decay and the futility of human ambition. Even the most magnificent of places, built to unite the greatest champions, are not safe from the ruinous effects of conflict. The emptiness of the Hold in Leyndell serves as a constant reminder of the price paid during the Shattering and the monumental task the player faces in attempting to restore a fragmented world. The spectral hold, therefore, is not just a gameplay hub but a narrative element, a beacon of hope tinged with a profound sense of loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I access the Roundtable Hold?
You unlock access to the Roundtable Hold after encountering Melina for the first time. This usually occurs after defeating Margit, the Fell Omen, and resting at a Site of Grace afterwards. Melina will then offer you passage to the Roundtable Hold. This area is accessible through fast travel and is not a physical location in the main world.
2. Is the Roundtable Hold in Leyndell still accessible?
No. The original Roundtable Hold in Leyndell was destroyed during the Shattering. The current location players access is a separate, spectral realm. There is no accessible, physical Roundtable Hold within the city itself.
3. Does the Roundtable Hold get destroyed in the game?
Yes, but only in the spectral realm. In the late game, it becomes engulfed in flames, symbolizing the escalating chaos within the Lands Between. Despite this, the important NPCs remain within. This destruction in the pocket realm is not the physical destruction the original Hold faced.
4. Why is Roderika not at the Roundtable Hold?
If Roderika is not at the Roundtable Hold, she may still be at Stormhill Shack. You need to speak to her and advance her quest line by talking to Master Hewg, the blacksmith, about her and then speaking with Roderika again. After this she will typically be found by Hewg at the Roundtable Hold.
5. Why can’t I find the Dung Eater at the start of the game?
The Dung Eater does not appear in the Roundtable Hold until you progress further into the game and reach Leyndell, Royal Capital. Once there, a room next to the Twin Maiden Husks will open, revealing his red apparition.
6. Who is the NPC that invades the Roundtable Hold?
Mad Tongue Alberich is the NPC invader found within the Roundtable Hold. He invades the first large chamber when you first gain access to it. He is a challenging fight for low level players. Later on, Ensha of the Royal Remains will also invade after the player acquires the first half of the Haligtree Medallion.
7. Why are there two Roundtable Holds in Elden Ring?
There is technically only one Roundtable Hold, the one we visit and interact with via fast travel. The original Hold, in Leyndell, was destroyed by the Shattering. The current one is a replica placed in a different realm to keep a safe haven for Tarnished.
8. Where can I find the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell?
You can access the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds by descending into a well located northwest of the Avenue Balcony Site of Grace in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
9. Is Leyndell the final area of the game?
Yes, Leyndell, Ashen Capital, is the final major area in Elden Ring and is where the final boss fight is located. It is the final major area players will go through before the very end.
10. What happens if I let Fia hold me?
Allowing Fia to hold you will give you Baldachin’s Blessing, an item that temporarily boosts your Poise, but this comes at the cost of a minor, temporary HP debuff until used.
11. Who are the Two Fingers at the Roundtable?
The Two Fingers are vassals of the Greater Will, tasked with choosing Empyrean candidates and guiding the Tarnished.
12. Is Roderika a Tarnished?
Yes, Roderika is a Tarnished noblewoman who becomes a Spirit Tuner. She has come to the Hold in the same fashion as the player.
13. Can Master Hewg leave the Roundtable Hold?
No. Master Hewg is trapped in the pocket dimension and, as such, is unable to leave. He is, however, not bothered by this situation as he is committed to serving those who require his blacksmithing skills.
14. Should I let the Dung Eater out of his cell?
If you wish to complete his questline, you should let the Dung Eater out of his cell. You will need to speak with him to progress. Killing him there will end his questline early.
15. What is the significance of the empty Roundtable Hold in Leyndell?
The empty Roundtable Hold in Leyndell signifies the destruction caused by the Shattering and the failure of the Golden Order’s attempt to maintain unity. It highlights the consequences of the demigod war and the decay that has overtaken the Lands Between, leaving the original gathering place for the champions of the Golden Order in ruins.