The Mystery of the Maiden’s Demise: Unraveling the Death of the Finger Maidens in Elden Ring

The presence of a dead maiden at the start of Elden Ring is a narrative hook, a grim introduction to the game’s desolate world and the Tarnished’s seemingly hopeless quest. While the game doesn’t explicitly state who killed the maiden, or even definitively confirm that the player character’s specific maiden was murdered (as opposed to dying of natural causes or simply abandoning their post), the narrative context heavily implies a violent end orchestrated to sabotage the Tarnished’s journey. White Mask Varré, an early NPC encounter, gives insight into the reason behind this sabotage. Varré implies that the Lord of Blood, Mohg, needs the blood of maidens to further his own ambitions, which include awakening his slumbering half-brother, Miquella, and defying the Two Fingers. Thus, the death of maidens serves as both a resource for Mohg and a strategic blow against the Greater Will’s influence in the Lands Between, preventing new Tarnished from becoming Elden Lords and potentially allowing Mohgwyn Dynasty to prevail.

The Tarnished’s Maidenless Journey

The term “maidenless” is a derogatory label in Elden Ring, denoting a Tarnished who lacks a Finger Maiden – a spiritual guide traditionally assigned to each Tarnished to interpret the guidance of the Two Fingers and aid them on their path to become Elden Lord. The absence of a maiden is a significant disadvantage. Without one, the Tarnished struggles to convert runes into strength, hindering their progress. Melina steps in to fulfill this role for the player character, offering her services in exchange for being taken to the Erdtree. Her offer reveals how crucial maidens are for progression.

Who Killed the Maiden? Unveiling the Suspects

While it is not definitively stated who killed the maiden at the start of the game, circumstantial evidence points to a few possibilities.

• Varré and the Mohgwyn Dynasty: As mentioned earlier, Varré’s connection to Mohg and his need for maiden’s blood make him a prime suspect. His explicit goal of sabotaging the Tarnished’s journey aligns with the act of eliminating their maidens.
• Other Factions: Considering the political intrigue and power struggles within the Lands Between, other factions vying for control could have targeted Finger Maidens to weaken their rivals. The assassins of the Night of the Black Knives, infamous for killing Godwyn the Golden, may also have been involved, as their actions were intended to disrupt the Golden Order.
• The Greater Will (Indirectly): One of the more esoteric theories is that the Greater Will, or its agents (like the Two Fingers), indirectly caused the death or disappearance of the maidens. Perhaps the maidens were deemed unsuitable or their guidance was perceived as a threat, leading to their removal.
• Natural Causes or Abandonment: While the game’s overarching narrative implies a more sinister explanation, we can’t completely discard the possibility that some maidens died of natural causes, deserted their Tarnished, or were killed by the hostile creatures roaming the Lands Between.

Finger Maidens: More Than Just Guides

Finger Maidens are more than just guides. They are interpreters of the Two Fingers’ will, spiritual partners, and sources of strength. They are integral to the Tarnished’s journey, and their absence represents a significant handicap. The fact that many Tarnished are “maidenless” speaks to the fractured state of the Lands Between and the collapse of the Golden Order. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of narrative and character development in video games, showing the impact of the Finger Maidens as a reflection of the world state.

The Symbolism of the Maiden’s Death

The death of the maiden at the beginning of Elden Ring serves as a potent symbol of several themes:

• Loss and Despair: The game immediately throws the player into a world of loss, echoing the broader theme of a fallen world desperately trying to reclaim its former glory.
• Broken Guidance: The absence of clear direction and the corruption of the Golden Order are exemplified by the dead maiden. The path to becoming Elden Lord is no longer straightforward or divinely ordained.
• The Tarnished’s Isolation: Being “maidenless” emphasizes the Tarnished’s outcast status and their struggle to find purpose and belonging in a hostile world.
• A World in Decay: The state of the Lands Between, much like the dead maiden, is one of decay and corruption. The once-sacred figures are no longer protected, symbolizing the breakdown of the Golden Order.
• Subversion of Expectations: By presenting the player with a dead maiden, Elden Ring immediately subverts the traditional RPG trope of a benevolent guide. It signals that this journey will be different and that the Tarnished must forge their own path in a world devoid of clear answers.
• The Corrupted Order: The death of the maiden is a key element of what’s wrong with the world. It is an assault on the order of the Lands Between, and a reason why everything feels “off.” It is a world in need of fixing, and the player has a choice in how to mend or break it further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Maidens in Elden Ring

1. What is a Finger Maiden in Elden Ring?

A Finger Maiden is a spiritual guide assigned to a Tarnished. Their primary role is to interpret the guidance of the Two Fingers, the emissaries of the Greater Will, and to aid the Tarnished in their quest to become Elden Lord.

2. Why are some Tarnished “maidenless”?

Tarnished are considered “maidenless” because they lack a Finger Maiden. This can be due to the maiden’s death, disappearance, rejection of the Tarnished, or other unknown reasons.

3. Is Melina a Finger Maiden?

No, Melina is not a Finger Maiden in the traditional sense. She is a mysterious spirit who offers to act as the Tarnished’s guide in exchange for being taken to the Erdtree. Despite not being a “true” maiden, she fulfills many of the functions of one.

4. Why does White Mask Varré want maiden’s blood?

White Mask Varré serves the Lord of Blood, Mohg. Mohg requires maiden’s blood to try and awaken his slumbering half-brother, Miquella. Additionally, Mohg despises the Two Fingers and uses the act of killing maidens to defy their authority.

5. Who are the Two Fingers?

The Two Fingers are emissaries of the Greater Will, the outer god believed to have imposed the Golden Order upon the Lands Between. They communicate the will of the Greater Will to the Finger Maidens, who then guide the Tarnished.

6. What is the significance of the Erdtree?

The Erdtree is a massive, glowing tree that represents the Golden Order and the source of life and power in the Lands Between. It is the ultimate destination for the Tarnished seeking to become Elden Lord.

7. Who is Mohg, Lord of Blood?

Mohg is a demigod and one of the offspring of Queen Marika the Eternal. He is a powerful figure who seeks to establish his own dynasty, the Mohgwyn Dynasty, and challenges the authority of the Golden Order.

8. What is the Golden Order?

The Golden Order is the established religious and political system in the Lands Between, based on the principles of the Greater Will and enforced by the Elden Ring.

9. What is the Shattering?

The Shattering is the event that fractured the Elden Ring, leading to chaos and war among the demigod offspring of Queen Marika. It marked the beginning of the Tarnished’s return to the Lands Between.

10. Who is Queen Marika the Eternal?

Queen Marika the Eternal is the ruler of the Lands Between and the vessel of the Elden Ring. Her actions are central to the game’s lore and the events that led to the Shattering.

11. What is the role of runes in Elden Ring?

Runes are the currency and experience points in Elden Ring. They are used to level up the Tarnished’s character and purchase items. Finger Maidens, or those fulfilling their role like Melina, help Tarnished convert runes into strength.

12. What are Great Runes?

Great Runes are fragments of the fractured Elden Ring, held by the demigod offspring of Queen Marika. Collecting these runes is essential for becoming Elden Lord.

13. Is it possible to complete Elden Ring without Melina?

No, it is not possible to complete Elden Ring without Melina. She is essential for progressing the main story and accessing key areas.

14. Are there other ways to gain strength besides a Finger Maiden?

No, there are no other ways to level up your character besides Melina’s service, which is a parallel to the traditional Finger Maiden. Without her, one cannot become stronger.

15. What is the significance of the adjective “maidenless”?

The term “maidenless” highlights the Tarnished’s lack of guidance and connection to the Golden Order. It emphasizes their outcast status and the fractured state of the Lands Between. It also serves as a derogatory term often used to belittle the player character.

The complex world-building in Elden Ring adds depth to the themes presented in the game, highlighting the importance of understanding the world around you.