Elden Ring, FromSoftware's magnum opus, has captivated millions with its intricate world-building and lore. While internet memes may jokingly suggest the game is set in Ohio, the truth is far more fantastical. Let's embark on an epic journey through The Lands Between, the mystical realm where Elden Ring unfolds.
The Lands Between: A Realm of Wonder and Conflict
The Lands Between serves as the stage for Elden Ring's grand narrative. This vast, interconnected world is a tapestry of diverse biomes, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges. From the verdant fields of Limgrave to the scarlet rot-infested wastes of Caelid, every area tells a story of beauty and decay.
The Erdtree: The Cosmic Axis
At the heart of The Lands Between stands the Erdtree, a colossal golden tree visible from nearly every corner of the map. More than just a landmark, the Erdtree is a manifestation of the cosmic order that governs this realm. Its roots extend throughout the world, connecting all life and serving as a conduit for Grace, the metaphysical force that guides the Tarnished.
The Erdtree's prominence in the game world is not just aesthetic. It serves as a constant reminder of the player's ultimate goal and the source of the conflict that has torn The Lands Between asunder. The tree's golden leaves and ethereal glow create a stark contrast with the often bleak and war-torn landscapes, symbolizing hope amidst despair.
The Elden Ring: Cosmic Keystone
The titular Elden Ring is not a physical object, but a cosmic concept that once maintained order in The Lands Between. Represented in-game as a series of interlocking golden rings, the Elden Ring governed the fundamental laws of reality in this world. Its shattering set in motion the events of the game, plunging the realm into chaos and conflict.
The concept of the Elden Ring draws inspiration from Norse mythology, particularly the idea of the World Tree and the cosmic order it represents. This blend of mythological influences with high fantasy creates a unique cosmology that sets Elden Ring apart from other fantasy worlds.
The Fractured Realms: Demigods and Their Domains
The Lands Between is divided into several distinct regions, each ruled by a demigod who claimed a shard of the Elden Ring. These areas serve as the main "levels" of the game, each with its own aesthetic, enemies, and narrative threads.
Limgrave: The Tarnished's First Steps
Ruled by Godrick the Grafted, Limgrave serves as the starting area for most players. Its rolling green hills and crumbling ruins provide a relatively gentle introduction to the harsh world of Elden Ring. The imposing Stormveil Castle looms on the horizon, serving as the first major challenge for many players.
Liurnia of the Lakes: Realm of Sorcery
Overseen by Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, Liurnia is a vast, watery region dotted with islands and dominated by the imposing Raya Lucaria Academy. This area emphasizes the magical aspects of Elden Ring's world, with a focus on sorceries and the cosmic nature of the game's universe.
Caelid: The Scarlet Rot Wasteland
Perhaps the most visually striking area in the game, Caelid is a nightmarish landscape corrupted by scarlet rot. Ruled by the mighty Starscourge Radahn, this region challenges players with its hostile environment and powerful enemies. The barren, red landscape and monstrous creatures create a palpable sense of dread and contamination.
Mt. Gelmir and Volcano Manor
Controlled by Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, this volcanic area represents the more occult and transgressive elements of The Lands Between. The Volcano Manor questline delves into themes of sacrifice and the lengths some will go to for power, adding moral complexity to the player's journey.
Altus Plateau and Leyndell, Royal Capital
The golden heartland of The Lands Between, the Altus Plateau is home to Leyndell, the royal capital. Ruled by Morgott, the Omen King, this area represents the pinnacle of the old order and the last vestiges of the Golden Age. The towering spires and grand architecture of Leyndell contrast sharply with the decay seen elsewhere in the world.
Mountaintops of the Giants: A Frozen Conflict
This harsh, snowy realm has ties to an ancient conflict that predates even the Age of the Erdtree. The challenging environment and powerful enemies make this one of the most difficult areas in the game, testing all the skills players have developed on their journey.
The Rich Tapestry of History in The Lands Between
To truly understand where Elden Ring takes place, we must delve into the rich history of The Lands Between. The game's lore is deep and often cryptic, requiring players to piece together information from item descriptions, environmental details, and sparse NPC dialogue.
The Age of the Erdtree: A Golden Era
Long ago, The Lands Between was visited by an outer god known as the Greater Will. This cosmic entity bestowed the Elden Ring upon the realm and established the Golden Order, a system of laws and beliefs that would govern the world for ages.
Queen Marika the Eternal was chosen as the vessel for the Elden Ring, ascending to godhood. She ruled over The Lands Between alongside her consort Godfrey, the first Elden Lord. This era, known as the Age of the Erdtree, was a time of relative peace and prosperity.
The concept of outer gods and their influence on the world adds a cosmic horror element to Elden Ring's lore, reminiscent of Lovecraftian themes. This blending of high fantasy with cosmic horror is a hallmark of creator Hidetaka Miyazaki's work, adding depth and mystery to the world.
The Shattering: Fall of the Golden Order
For reasons not fully understood, Queen Marika shattered the Elden Ring, an act that threw The Lands Between into turmoil. The demigods, children and step-children of Marika, fought amongst themselves for the shards of the ring in a conflict known as The Shattering.
This war reshaped the landscape of The Lands Between, leaving behind the ruins and battlefields that players explore during the game. The demigods, corrupted by the power of their ring shards, retreated to their own domains, becoming twisted shadows of their former selves.
The Shattering serves as the central historical event that sets the stage for the player's journey. Its effects are visible throughout the game world, from the scattered ruins to the lingering animosities between factions.
The Tarnished: Exiles Returned
Into this broken world come the Tarnished – exiles who were once banished from The Lands Between but have now been called back. As a Tarnished, the player's goal is to traverse this dangerous realm, defeat the demigods, claim their Great Runes (the shards of the Elden Ring), and ultimately become the Elden Lord.
This quest will take you through every corner of The Lands Between, from the depths of underground cities to the heights of divine towers. Along the way, you'll uncover the secrets of this world's past and shape its future.
The concept of the Tarnished adds a layer of complexity to the player's role in the world. As both outsider and potential savior, the Tarnished's journey raises questions about belonging, destiny, and the nature of power.
The Cosmic Nature of The Lands Between
While The Lands Between may seem like a traditional fantasy setting at first glance, it's important to note its cosmic connections. The influence of outer gods, the presence of fallen stars, and the existence of underground eternal cities all hint at a universe much larger and stranger than it initially appears.
Nokron and Nokstella: The Eternal Cities
Hidden beneath the surface of The Lands Between lie the Eternal Cities of Nokron and Nokstella. These underground realms, with their starry skies and otherworldly architecture, hint at ancient civilizations and cosmic mysteries. The presence of these cities adds vertical depth to the game world and expands the lore in intriguing ways.
The Cosmic Forces at Play
Throughout the game, players encounter evidence of cosmic forces far beyond the scope of The Lands Between. From the meteorite sorceries to the alien-like Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, the game constantly reminds us that this world is but a small part of a vast and incomprehensible universe.
This cosmic aspect of the lore adds a sense of scale and mystery to the game, elevating it beyond typical fantasy tropes. It also ties into themes of knowledge, evolution, and the place of humanity in the grand scheme of the universe.
Exploring The Lands Between: A Dynamic World
As you journey through The Lands Between, pay close attention to the environmental storytelling. Every crumbling ruin, every strange monument, and every enigmatic NPC has a tale to tell about this world's rich history.
The Roundtable Hold: A Gathering of Tarnished
The Roundtable Hold serves as a hub area for the player, existing outside of the physical realm of The Lands Between. This otherworldly gathering place for Tarnished emphasizes the liminal nature of the player's existence in this world.
Stormveil Castle: A Fallen Dynasty
This imposing fortress that guards the way to Liurnia tells the story of Godrick the Grafted and the lengths he went to cling to power. The castle's architecture and the grotesque enemies within paint a picture of desperation and decay.
Raya Lucaria Academy: Seat of Sorcery
The grand academy in Liurnia showcases the importance of knowledge and magic in The Lands Between. Its connection to the stars and the cosmos further emphasizes the blend of fantasy and science fiction elements in the game's lore.
Volcano Manor: House of Blasphemy
The bizarre home of those who worship the serpent god delves into the darker, more transgressive elements of The Lands Between. It raises questions about the nature of the gods and the costs of seeking power.
Leyndell, Royal Capital: The Fading Golden Order
The seat of the Erdtree and former center of power, Leyndell embodies the grandeur and tragedy of The Lands Between. Its golden spires and grand architecture stand in stark contrast to the decay and conflict that now plague the realm.
Farum Azula: Secrets of the Ancient Dragons
This crumbling city in the sky holds keys to understanding the history of The Lands Between before the Age of the Erdtree. Its timeless nature and connection to the ancient dragons add another layer of mystery to the game's lore.
The Ever-Changing Nature of The Lands Between
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Lands Between is how it changes based on the player's actions and the passage of time. Certain quests and events can dramatically alter parts of the landscape, reflecting the impact of your journey on this world.
For example, the fate of characters like Ranni the Witch or Fia the Deathbed Companion can lead to significant changes in certain areas of the map. These dynamic elements encourage exploration and remind us that The Lands Between is not just a static backdrop, but a living, breathing world that responds to the player's choices.
Conclusion: A World Beyond Imagination
The Lands Between is far more than just a setting for Elden Ring – it's a character in its own right, with a rich history, complex inhabitants, and countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. From the golden boughs of the Erdtree to the starry underground of Nokron, every corner of this realm tells a story.
As you traverse The Lands Between, remember that you're not just playing through a game, but exploring a fully realized world with its own laws, conflicts, and mysteries. It's this depth and attention to detail that makes The Lands Between one of the most compelling settings in modern gaming.
So no, Elden Ring doesn't take place in Ohio – it unfolds in a realm far more wondrous and perilous. The Lands Between awaits, Tarnished. Will you heed its call and unravel its mysteries? The journey through this fantastical world promises not just challenges and victories, but a deeper understanding of a universe where cosmic forces shape the destiny of all.
