Why Was Malenia Cursed with Scarlet Rot? Unraveling Elden Ring’s Most Tragic Tale
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is undoubtedly one of Elden Ring’s most iconic and challenging bosses. Her skill with a blade is legendary, but equally defining is the Scarlet Rot that consumes her from within. The short answer is: Malenia was cursed with Scarlet Rot at birth by an Outer God, an entity beyond the influence of the Greater Will and the Erdtree. This curse wasn’t random; it was a deliberate act targeted at Empyreans, individuals chosen as potential vessels to become a new god or Elden Lord. The Outer God likely sought to establish its influence within the Lands Between, using Malenia as a conduit for its power, a living weapon of rot and decay. This wasn’t simply bad luck; it was a calculated move in the cosmic power struggle that defines the world of Elden Ring.
The Outer Gods and Their Influence
What are Outer Gods?
In Elden Ring, Outer Gods are cosmic entities of immense power existing beyond the Lands Between and its immediate sphere of influence. They are not directly present in the world, but their influence is felt through curses, manipulation of existing forces, and the empowerment of champions. They often vie for control over the Lands Between, each with their own agenda and methods. The Scarlet Rot is one such method, a divine disease capable of corrupting the land and its inhabitants.
The Scarlet Rot as a Tool of Influence
The Scarlet Rot is more than just a disease; it’s a manifestation of an Outer God’s will. It’s a weapon, a transformative force capable of reshaping the landscape and the beings within it. By cursing Malenia, the Outer God gained a foothold in the Lands Between, a potential agent of chaos and corruption. Malenia, despite her strength and skill, became a vessel for this destructive force, forever bound to the will of the Outer God that cursed her. The Lake of Rot, with the divine essence of an outer god sealed away, is a good example of how that area of the Lands Between was affected.
Malenia and Miquella: Empyrean Twins
The Significance of Empyreans
Empyreans are individuals with the potential to become gods. They are born with the capacity to inherit the Elden Ring and establish a new order. Marika, the Eternal, was herself an Empyrean. Malenia and her twin brother, Miquella, were also Empyreans, making them targets for both the Greater Will and other, rival Outer Gods. Their potential to ascend to godhood made them valuable assets in the cosmic power struggle.
The Curses: A Countermeasure?
Both Malenia and Miquella were cursed at birth. Malenia with Scarlet Rot, and Miquella with eternal youth, preventing him from maturing into adulthood. Some theorize that these curses weren’t solely the work of rival Outer Gods, but also a preemptive measure by Marika, or even the Greater Will, to prevent either twin from fully inheriting the Elden Ring and potentially challenging the established order. The curses ensured that neither twin could easily fulfill their destiny as Empyreans, maintaining the status quo.
The Tragedy of Malenia
A Warrior Defined by Her Curse
Malenia’s life is a constant struggle against the Scarlet Rot. She’s forced to fight not only external enemies but also the disease that consumes her from within. Despite this, she becomes a legendary warrior, honing her skills to an unparalleled degree. Her fight against Radahn, a fellow demigod, is a testament to her strength, even though it resulted in the widespread devastation of Caelid.
The Scarlet Bloom
The Scarlet Bloom is a transformation Malenia undergoes when pushed to her limits. Each bloom advances the Rot, bringing her closer to becoming a true vessel of the Outer God. The first bloom occurred during her battle with Radahn, unleashing the Scarlet Rot upon Caelid. The second occurs during her boss fight in the Haligtree, transforming her into the Goddess of Rot. The blooms represent both her resilience and her tragic fate, a constant reminder of the power that controls her.
The story of Malenia is one of tragedy and resilience. Cursed at birth by an Outer God, she fights not only for survival but also for control over her own destiny. Her struggle against the Scarlet Rot and the cosmic forces that seek to control her makes her one of the most compelling characters in Elden Ring. To better understand the deeper themes and narrative structure of Elden Ring, consider exploring resources available through the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Malenia have Scarlet Rot?
Malenia was cursed with Scarlet Rot at birth by an Outer God, who wanted to gain influence in the Lands Between by using her as a vessel for the Rot. She was targeted because she was an Empyrean, a potential candidate to become a new god.
2. How did Malenia survive Scarlet Rot?
Malenia’s survival is attributed to her incredible willpower, the intervention of her brother Miquella, and the care of her Cleanrot Knights. Finlay, a Cleanrot Knight, carried her comatose body to Miquella’s Haligtree after the battle with Radahn.
3. Is Malenia affected by Scarlet Rot?
Yes, Malenia is significantly affected by the Scarlet Rot. It ravaged her body, causing her to lose limbs and her sight. The Rot also dictates her actions, as she is compelled to unleash it when pushed to her limits.
4. Did Malenia cause the Lake of Rot?
No, Malenia did not create the Lake of Rot. It is a place where the divine essence of the Outer God of Rot is sealed away. Malenia’s presence and power as the Goddess of Rot likely amplify the Rot’s influence in that area.
5. Why did Malenia lose her arm?
The Scarlet Rot gradually consumed her body, leading to the loss of her limbs. She replaces them with prosthetic limbs made of gold, crafted by Miquella.
6. Is Malenia immune to Scarlet Rot?
No, Malenia is not immune to Scarlet Rot. However, she possesses a very high resistance to it. Players can inflict Scarlet Rot on her, but it requires building up a significant amount of the status effect.
7. Why does Malenia have no eyes?
The Scarlet Rot claimed her eyes, leaving her blind. Her body is also visibly affected by the disease, particularly her torso.
8. Is Melina immune to Scarlet Rot?
Melina is a different character from Malenia, and it is implied she is immune to Scarlet Rot. There is no information that supports Melina being affected by the Rot.
9. Is Millicent a Malenia?
Millicent is not Malenia, but rather an “offshoot” or daughter of Malenia, potentially created through the influence of the Scarlet Rot. Millicent’s questline explores the nature of her connection to Malenia and the Rot.
10. Is Malenia stronger than Radahn?
The battle between Malenia and Radahn was essentially a stalemate. However, it is generally considered that Radahn was the stronger combatant before the battle, especially with the use of his Great Rune. However, Malenia blooming as a goddess released the Rot that poisoned Caelid, ending the fight as a draw.
11. Did Malenia poison Caelid?
Yes, Malenia unleashed the Scarlet Rot during her battle with Radahn in Caelid. The Rot corrupted the land, turning it into a wasteland and infecting many of its inhabitants.
12. Why is Caelid rotten?
Caelid is rotten because of the Scarlet Rot released during the battle between Malenia and Radahn. The Rot spread throughout the region, transforming it into a desolate and diseased landscape.
13. Why did Malenia bloom?
Malenia blooms in times of extreme stress or when she is near death. The bloom represents the advancement of the Scarlet Rot within her and her transformation into the Goddess of Rot.
14. Are Radahn and Malenia related?
Yes, Radahn and Malenia are half-siblings. They are both children of Marika, but have different fathers. Radahn’s father is Godfrey, while Malenia’s father is Radagon, who is later revealed to be Marika herself.
15. Is Radahn weak to Scarlet Rot?
Yes, Radahn is vulnerable to Scarlet Rot. Players can exploit this weakness during his boss fight by using Rot Pots or arrows coated in Scarlet Rot. The status effect can significantly damage him, even in phase two.