What is the Elden Ring?

The Elden Ring is made up of Great Runes and is the source of the Golden Order’s power. Read on for lore on what the Elden Ring is, and how it connects to the Erdtree, Golden Order, and the Greater Will.

What is the Elden Ring?

The Elden Ring is comprised of Great Runes and is the foundation of the Golden Order's power. Whoever is in possession of the Elden Ring earns the right to the title of Elden Lord, and obtains power over the Lands Between.

However, the Elden Ring was shattered by Queen Marika after her son, Godwyn, was assassinated by the Black Knives. Now the Great Runes of the Elden Ring are each held by separate Demigods with their own goals and agendas.

The Shattering

The Shattering was a power struggle between the Demigods that ensued after the Elden Ring was shattered by Queen Marika. War broke out across the Lands Between as each Demigod sought the Great Runes hoping to attain more power for themselves, while Queen Marika and and King-consort Radagon were imprisoned within the Erdtree.

Connection to the Erdtree

The Elden Ring is housed within the Erdtree, and is also where Queen Marika is imprisoned because of her role in the Shattering. Located in Leyndell, the Royal Capital, it is visible from almost anywhere in the Lands Between.

The Erdtree along with the Elden Ring are the two main symbols of the Golden Order. Those who can still see the guidance of grace are guided by the Erdtree throughout the Lands Between.

Connection to the Golden Order

The Elden Ring, along with the Erdtree wherein it is housed, gave rise to the Golden Order. Through the wielding the power of the Elden Ring, the Golden Order was formed.

The Golden order is a belief system adopted by many in the Lands Between, and this belief system is centered on the Erdtree, the Elden Ring, and the Greater Will. The Finger Readers commune with the Greater Will through the Two Fingers, and this will is enforced and carried out by Queen Marika and the Golden Order.

The Great Runes

When all of the Great Runes overlap, the Elden Ring takes shape. Only three Great Runes are needed to form the most basic shape of the Elden Ring and become Elden Lord, but there are eight in total.

The Rune of Death

The Rune of Death or Destined Death was plucked from the Elden Ring and imbued in Maliketh's blade. This is the reason why nothing can truly die in the Lands Between, and instead returns to the Erdtree.

A Bigger Elden Ring?

In Crumbling Farum Azula, you can see a motif on the wall depicting the Elden Ring with more rings than it currently has, with many roots trailing below it.

While nothing has been said in the lore about this larger Elden RIng, there is some speculation that it hints that we can possibly collect more Great Runes in the future.

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