Given how vast Elden Ring is, the game’s lore is notably one of the biggest attractions for both fans of the Soulslike games and newcomers dipping their feet in a world of pain. Regardless of individual experiences, there’s a shared sense of mystery surrounding The Lands Between.
There are characters who never give you a clear answer. There are locations filled with history that came before you, giving rise to the broken world you encounter. Then, there are pieces of legacy spread around in the form of tangible objects across the world. However, here are three of the most curiosity-invoking mysteries in these lands.
Note: Minor spoilers for Elden Ring
The Walking Mausoleums in Elden Ring
Upon first encountering the gorgeous world of Elden Ring, you’ll likely spot massive structures that have legs. Yep, and a bell that constantly rings up, loud enough to shake the ground enough for you. If you’re not careful, you might get stepped on. But what are these?
Apparently, these are the guardians of Marika’s children, who were never wanted to begin with. This indicates that there are several dead demigods in The Lands Between, and there’s no clear answer as to why they still matter or why they are being guarded.
The God-Devouring Serpent and Rykard’s Legacy
Upon completing the Volcano Manor questline or simply exploring the location, you’ll encounter Rykard, the ambitious and monstrous figure who has an appetite for gods. However, the first phase of this boss fight is actually with the Serpent, who houses Rykard’s body. What’s going on here?
Lore suggests that people in The Lands Between actually worshipped this Serpent before the Great Will even took upon itself to lay out any authority. Rykard steps into this ambition and slowly empowers the Serpent to devour anything that gets in the way. Why? Well, that’s something perhaps Shadow of the Erdtree can answer for us.
The Mysterious Death of Iji
If you so choose to follow in on Ranni’s quest, there comes a bitter point where you stumble across Iji’s dead body. Yes, the very gentle beast who helps us with some storyline as well as offers his blacksmith services. Unfortunately, a few forces decided to kill him. The problem is, we don’t know why.
A few theories suggest that a third party worked with Ranni to make this happen, but if Ranni was never there to actually plan any of it, who was behind this awful murder? The Black Knife Assassins may have some involvement, but there’s no clear answer to any of it.
All of these three mysteries have one thing in common: they tie in directly with the game’s events and may involve the Tarnished at some point.
Do you think any of these mysteries will truly be answered in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree? Let us know in the comments below.
