FromSoftware’s Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a huge game with complex characters and convulsive storylines. In the midst of it all, some things remain a common and constant struggle for those associated with them, and Scarlet Rot happens to be that common denominator.
One of the biggest portrayals of Scarlet Rot’s effects in the game was shown by Malenia, and the game tried to convey its dangers to players who dared brave the Lands Between. However, the expansion isn’t leaving its meaning behind, especially in the context of Miquella.
Note: Minor spoilers for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
Miquella’s Importance in the Scarlet Rot Narrative
At the beginning of Shadow of the Erdtree, there are a handful of NPCs the Tarnished is introduced to, and one of them goes by the name of Freyja. Portrayed as a powerful soldier with the courage to go against some of the most daunting foes in the game, she remembers the Tarnished as a warrior who went against Starscourge Radahn.
She mentions how, if it weren’t for Miquella, she would have been consumed by the dangerous nature of Scarlet Rot and wouldn’t have survived. However, thanks to his kindness and empathetic actions, she owes her life to him and trusts his guidance.
This may come as a surprise to many fans, as Miquella’s only connection with the Scarlet Rot disease was mostly explored by his sister’s portrayal. Malenia is shown to be a victim of this unforgiving sickness and eventually loses parts of herself as she waits for her brother’s return.
While the lore does suggest that he helped many people, and the Haligtree is often a symbol of his principles, the game itself seldom shows his actions being portrayed or talked about by NPCs. Fortunately, expansion is likely shifting that narrative.
Scarlet Rot’s Significance in Shadow of the Erdtree
Based on the mechanics in the game, Scarlet Rot is often seen as a status effect every time the player encounters a certain place and enemy that can afflict this kind of damage. Based on the lore, this disease eats away at a living being’s physical as well as psychological selves.
In the expansion, some of the characters already have a history with this disease and it’s likely that the narrative doesn’t stop here. Throughout the base game, it is portrayed how several characters, like Malenia and Sir Gideon Ofnir are known to inflict Scarlet Rot on players.
Similarly, it won’t be surprising to see the DLC explore this connection with more bosses and enemy types as players navigate the newly introduced Land of Shadow. Maybe there is another ruthless character like Malenia hidden in the expansion after all.
What are your thoughts on this newfound connection? Let us know in the comments below.
