Elden Ring‘s Shadow of the Erdtree tells stories that players otherwise never explored in the base game. Characters like Miquella and Marika have made an impactful mark in the game’s narrative, and players are still trying to understand everything that’s going on.
Hidden in these fragments of vague storytelling, Messmer’s tale is a violent exploration of a demigod’s wrath. Players continue to wonder what led the character against important people like the Hornsent and how they couldn’t survive the demigod’s cleansing crusade.
Elden Ring Fans Are Curious About the Hornsent’s Fight Against Messmer
In a post made by QuitteQuiett on Reddit recently, the tale of the Hornsent and its fight against Messmer takes the spotlight. Elden Ring’s DLC has introduced many new lore fragments to the game, and the Hornsent happened to be one of the earliest people to occupy the Land of Shadow.
However, these people could never truly make this realm their own because of characters like Marika and Messmer. In fact, even some of the strongest fighters (as pointed out by the user) belonging to the Hornsent couldn’t make it through Marika’s acrimony.
How the hell did Messmer’s Army steamroll the Hornsent so easily if the Hornsent had these guys?
byu/QuitteQuiett inEldenring
The comment section is occupied by theories that support Messmer’s strong army. These include superior fighters like Death Knights, who happen to be one of the most powerful beings in the Land of Shadow.
Comment
byu/QuitteQuiett from discussion
inEldenring
The Hornsent’s history is nothing short of oppressive leadership and acts of sheer violence. However, Marika’s own child made sure that this kind of legacy doesn’t survive. But, the question remains: “Why?“
Marika and Messmer – The Hornsent’s Worst Fears
Originally, Marika’s people (the Numen) were the ones who settled in the Land of Shadow’s Shaman Village. Unfortunately, the Hornsent people weren’t too happy about this and had different plans.
From what we know, they were oppressed and tortured, and Marika had no choice but to leave the Land of Shadow. She soon ascended into godhood (from an Empyrean). As you may have guessed already, this gave her the power to act against the Hornsent.
Messmer the Impaler soon became a product of Marika’s hate and violence, making sure that the Land of Shadow went through a cleansing crusade that engulfed the Hornsent in flames. Or rather, in his “embrace”.
One may call this “plot armor” and admit that the Hornsent may have better, more brutal fighters… but, Marika is the one who is the antagonist (and protagonist, for some) here and the game’s narrative revolves around her will.
What are your thoughts on this part of the game’s lore? Do you think it makes sense? Let us know in the comments below.