The Tarnished: Unraveling the Mystery of Their Banished Status in Elden Ring

The world of Elden Ring is steeped in lore, intrigue, and the echoes of a shattered past. At the heart of this tumultuous saga lie the Tarnished, exiles returning to the Lands Between after a period of banishment. But why were they banished in the first place? The answer, as with many things in Elden Ring, is multifaceted and deeply intertwined with the game’s core narrative. In essence, the Tarnished were banished because they lost the grace of the Erdtree, marking them as unworthy in the eyes of Queen Marika the Eternal and the Greater Will, the outer god influencing the Lands Between.

The Loss of Grace and Marika’s Decree

The Erdtree’s grace is more than just a visual guide; it’s the literal divine favor bestowed upon individuals by the Erdtree, the massive, glowing tree that serves as the source of power and life in the Lands Between. This grace is what allowed certain individuals, including Godfrey, the first Elden Lord, to wield immense power and influence.

However, grace is not guaranteed forever. As the article notes, “Essentially, all of the Tarnished in the Lands Between originally became exiled because they’d fallen from grace in one way or another.” When an individual lost this divine favor, they became Tarnished, marked as outcasts. This loss of grace was seen as a failure, a sign that they no longer served the purpose deemed necessary by Marika and the Greater Will.

The exact reasons why individuals lost grace vary. In Godfrey’s case, the text indicates he lost it after his last enemy fell. This could imply that his role as a warrior was fulfilled, and Marika no longer had use for him in that capacity. The article highlights that either Godfrey started using his powers in a way that didn’t serve the people of the Lands Between, or Marika wanted him gone because he no longer benefitted her reign. Regardless, with his purpose seemingly fulfilled and grace diminished, Marika banished him and, by extension, all others who had similarly lost their divine favor.

The Breaking of the Elden Ring and the Beckoning of the Tarnished

The landscape changed drastically when Marika shattered the Elden Ring. This act, whether born of desperation or rebellion, fundamentally altered the rules of the Lands Between. With the Elden Ring broken, its influence waned, and a new era began.

Paradoxically, the shattering of the Elden Ring also served as a catalyst for the Tarnished’s return. The shattered pieces of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes, scattered across the Lands Between, drawing the Tarnished back. They were “beckoned by lost grace, fragmentary divine light from the Erdtree, to return.” They were summoned to claim these Great Runes and potentially become the new Elden Lord, inheriting the power once held by Marika and the Elden Ring. This beckoning shows the complex, cyclical nature of power and destiny within Elden Ring. Though once exiled for their lack of grace, the Tarnished were now called upon, their past sins seemingly forgiven, to restore order to the shattered world. This also provides insight into Games Learning Society, because such intricate narratives highlight the inherent value and power of video game storytelling.

The Tarnished as Agents of Change

The return of the Tarnished is not simply a restoration of the old order; it’s an opportunity for change. The Tarnished are presented with numerous paths and endings, each representing a different vision for the future of the Lands Between. They can choose to embrace the Greater Will’s agenda, defy it entirely, or forge a new path altogether. They can defile the world, burn it down, break the curse of immortality, or restore the old, tumultuous order. This choice empowers the player and allows them to shape the future of the game’s world based on their moral compass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Tarnished

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Tarnished’s background and role in Elden Ring:

1. What is the goal of the Tarnished in Elden Ring? The primary goal is to claim the Great Runes, repair the Elden Ring (or otherwise influence the Lands Between through alternative endings), and ultimately become the Elden Lord.

2. Why do Tarnished need maidens? Tarnished need Finger Maidens, such as Melina, to help guide them and turn rune fragments into strength. Maidens serve the Greater Will and facilitate the Tarnished’s journey by interpreting grace and empowering them.

3. Why did Godfrey become Tarnished? Godfrey lost his grace after his war against the Giants ceased, and the immediate threat to Marika’s throne vanished. Marika then banished him, marking him as Tarnished.

4. Why did Queen Marika banish the Tarnished? Queen Marika banished the Tarnished because they lost the grace of the Erdtree and no longer served her purpose. Either they began using their powers in ways that didn’t benefit her reign, or she simply no longer needed them.

5. Who brought the Tarnished back to life? The Erdtree’s grace, weakened but still potent, resurrected the slain Tarnished after the Elden Ring was shattered, beckoning them back to the Lands Between.

6. What does maidenless mean in Elden Ring? “Maidenless” refers to a Tarnished without a Finger Maiden to guide them, which leaves them at a significant disadvantage. It signifies a lack of direction and support in their quest.

7. What happens if you refuse the first maiden in Elden Ring? You can initially refuse Melina’s accord, but she will continue to offer it each time you rest at a Site of Grace until you accept.

8. Are the Tarnished good or bad? The Tarnished are morally ambiguous. Their actions and choices determine whether they are perceived as good or bad. Each ending presents a different moral outcome, highlighting the Tarnished’s capacity for both destruction and salvation. The nuances of good and evil explored in Elden Ring highlight some of the reasons why the study of games and learning are important. The GamesLearningSociety.org is at the forefront of this.

9. Why did Queen Marika shatter the Elden Ring? Queen Marika shattered the Elden Ring as a response to Godwyn’s death during the Night of Black Knives, or perhaps to free herself from the Greater Will. The article indicates that Marika broke it to keep it from the assassins and their benefactor.

10. Why does Morgott hate the Tarnished? Morgott hates the Tarnished because he seeks to prevent any of them from becoming Elden Lord, viewing them as a threat to his own (albeit illegitimate) claim to the throne. He also considers his demi-god siblings “traitors.”

11. Can a Tarnished become a lord? A Tarnished can become an Elden Lord.

12. Does the Tarnished become Marika’s consort? In certain endings, becoming Elden Lord can position the Tarnished as Marika’s new consort, effectively ruling the Lands Between in her name, though her influence is lessened due to imprisonment within the Erdtree.

13. Who is the main god in Elden Ring? The Greater Will is the most prominent Outer God in Elden Ring, wielding significant influence through Marika.

14. Why did Godfrey lose grace? When his last enemy fell, it is said that the hue of Godfrey’s eyes faded. At the end of his campaign, although his golden armies were unvanquished and unbowed, he found his Grace lost, tattered and faded.

15. Who broke the Elden Ring? In response to Godwyn’s death, his mother, Queen Marika the Eternal, shattered the Elden Ring using her hammer, after which Radagon, Marika’s consort and second Elden Lord, attempted to repair it using the same hammer but was unsuccessful.

The Legacy of the Tarnished

The story of the Tarnished is a testament to the intricate world-building and rich lore of Elden Ring. Their banishment, return, and the choices they make have profound consequences for the Lands Between. They are not simply heroes or villains but complex characters shaped by their past and driven by the beckoning grace of a shattered destiny. Their journey highlights themes of ambition, redemption, and the cyclical nature of power, offering players a captivating experience filled with both challenge and profound meaning. Through choices and gameplay, they demonstrate the many ways that video games serve as effective methods of games learning society.