Who can become a god in Elden Ring, and How the Tarnished Ascends
In the sprawling and often unforgiving world of Elden Ring, the question of "who can become a god?" is one that resonates deeply with players. The Lands Between is a realm steeped in myth, where demigods rule and the very fabric of reality is dictated by ancient powers. But can an ordinary individual, a mere Tarnished adventurer, truly ascend to godhood? The answer is a resounding, and complex, "yes."
The Nature of Godhood in Elden Ring
Before we delve into the mechanics of becoming a god, it's crucial to understand what "godhood" means within the context of Elden Ring. It's not a simple matter of being powerful or influential. In the Lands Between, godhood is intrinsically linked to the Elden Ring itself, the fundamental force that governs the world and its laws. Those who are considered gods, like the children of Queen Marika the Eternal, wield immense power derived from their connection to the Elden Ring and the Great Runes they possess.
These demigods are not divine in the traditional sense of being all-powerful or omniscient. Instead, they are beings of immense power who have shaped the world through their will and their lineage. Their authority stems from their ability to influence the Golden Order, the cosmic structure established by the Elden Ring.
The Tarnished's Path to Power
The player character, the Tarnished, is an exile who has been stripped of the Grace of the Erdtree. However, the call to return to the Lands Between signifies a chance for redemption and, potentially, a grasp at a power far beyond mortal comprehension. The Tarnished's journey is one of reclaiming lost Grace, defeating the demigods, and ultimately, forging their own destiny.
The "becoming a god" aspect in Elden Ring is not about a literal transformation into a divine entity in the same way as the demigods. Instead, it's about becoming the Elden Lord. The Elden Lord is the supreme ruler of the Lands Between, the one who sits upon the throne and dictates the laws of the world through their mastery of the Elden Ring.
How the Tarnished Achieves Godhood (Elden Lordship)
The path to becoming the Elden Lord, and thus fulfilling the ultimate potential of the Tarnished, involves several key steps:
- Gathering the Great Runes: The most crucial step is to defeat the shardbearers – the children of Queen Marika who hold fragments of the Elden Ring. These fragments are the Great Runes, and by collecting them, the Tarnished gains immense power and the right to attempt to mend the fractured Elden Ring.
- Repairing the Elden Ring: After acquiring the necessary Great Runes, the Tarnished must journey to the Erdtree and attempt to repair the Elden Ring. This is where the player's choices and the fate of the Lands Between truly diverge.
- Becoming the Elden Lord: Upon successfully repairing the Elden Ring, the Tarnished can then ascend to the throne and become the Elden Lord. This act effectively grants them a form of godhood, allowing them to usher in a new age for the Lands Between, dictated by their choices and the ending they achieve.
Different Paths, Different "Gods"
It's important to note that Elden Ring offers multiple endings, and the nature of the Tarnished's "godhood" can vary significantly based on these choices. For instance:
- The Age of Fracture: This is the standard ending where the Tarnished becomes the Elden Lord, ushering in a new era.
- The Age of Stars: Influenced by Ranni the Witch, this ending sees the Tarnished become the consort of the Moon Queen, leading to a vastly different future for the Lands Between, one where the influence of the Greater Will is diminished.
- The Lord of Chaos: Through actions that embrace the Miquella's unalloyed gold and the Frenzied Flame, the Tarnished can become the Lord of Chaos, setting the world ablaze.
Each of these endings represents a different form of ultimate authority, a different "god" that shapes the destiny of the world. The Tarnished doesn't become a literal god in the same vein as Marika, but they inherit the mantle of ultimate power and influence over the Lands Between.
"The Tarnished, stripped of Grace, now finds themselves imbued with a purpose far greater than any mortal could conceive. To mend the shattered Elden Ring, to claim the throne, and to forge a new destiny for a broken world. This is the path to godhood, not through birthright, but through will and trial."
Therefore, while not every inhabitant of the Lands Between can aspire to such power, any Tarnished who proves their worth through immense struggle and the acquisition of the Great Runes can indeed become the Elden Lord, effectively inheriting the role and power of a god.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the Tarnished gain the power to become a god?
The Tarnished gains the power to become a god (Elden Lord) by defeating the shardbearers, collecting their Great Runes, and then using these Great Runes to repair the Elden Ring. This process grants them the authority and power to rule the Lands Between.
Why are the demigods considered gods in Elden Ring?
The demigods are considered gods because they are the offspring of Queen Marika, the former vessel of the Elden Ring. They possess Great Runes, which are pieces of the Elden Ring itself, granting them immense power and influence over the laws and order of the Lands Between.
Can any character in Elden Ring become a god?
No, not any character. The player character, the Tarnished, is specifically chosen and empowered by lost Grace to undertake the quest of becoming the Elden Lord. Other NPCs may have aspirations or unique powers, but the path to ultimate rulership, akin to godhood, is primarily laid out for the Tarnished.
