Summary
FromSoftware’sElden Ringis a masterpiece of environmental storytelling, weaving arich tapestry of lore, mythology, and tragedy within its vast open world. At the heart of this epic dark fantasy are thevarious charactersthat are often complex and flawed.
These figures are shaped by the events that have unfolded in the Lands Between, with many of them suffering for the part that they never played in the grand scheme of the Golden Order. The following examples are the most tragic figures inElden Ringthat continue to tell a tale of struggle, loyalty, and rebellion in a world that’s beyond saving.
1Blaidd, The Half-Wolf
A Loyal Blade Bound By Fate
Blaidd is a prominent figure inElden Ring,created by the Two Fingers to serve as Ranni the Witch’s protector. He was meant to both safeguard Ranni and turn against her if she ever defied the Greater Will. However, fate had different plans for both Blaidd and Ranni, forging them into loyal companions instead.
As players pursue Ranni’s quest, they learn of her deep trust in Blaidd, referring to him as her “sword” and “shadow.” Despite knowing that Ranni seeks to defy the Greater Will and kill the Two Fingers, Blaidd remains steadfast and loyal to Ranni. However, after Ranni slays her Two Fingers, the conflicting forces within Blaidd drive him to madness. The next time the player meets Blaidd, they find him lamenting his inability to protect Ranni, before being consumed by rage and madness. In the end, the player must reluctantly fight and kill Blaidd to free him from his sorrow.
2Starscourge Radahn
A Mighty & Compassionate War General
TheElden Ringcommunity holds immense respect forStarscourge Radahn,not only for his sheer strength but also for his ability to hold back the very stars despite his affliction from the Scarlet Rot. Radahn was seen as an honorable general,admired by his soldiers and enemies alike.
As Radahn grew in size,he decided to master Gravity Magic to continue riding his trusty horse, Leonard. This act of care humanized one of the most fearsome demigods in the game, making him relatable to players. After being afflicted by the Scarlet Rot, Radahn’s soldiers wished to see their beloved general fall honorably in battle rather than waste away from the disease. Despite losing nearly everything to the rot, Radahn somehow manages to ride his horse and maintain his grasp on the stars.
3Kale, The Nomadic Merchant
The Silent Suffering Of The Nomadic Merchant
Kale is most likely the first nomadic merchant that players will encounter inElden Ring. At first, players see Kale and the other nomadic merchants as simple NPCs who assist with trade. However,their tragic story is unveiled when players descend into the Subterranean Shunning-Groundsand discover countless bodies of nomadic merchants.
These merchants were shunned by the Golden Order foralleged heresy and their supposed connection to the Frenzied Flame, leading to their banishment from Grace. Their suffering and sorrow, in turn, further fuel theFrenzied Flame. Cut voice lines from Kale also reveal his furious reaction upon learning the fate of his tribe and the pain of an outcast. While not a central figure inElden Ring’s main plot, Kale’s story is no less tragic than most prominent figures.
4Rennala, Queen Of The Full Moon
The Sorrow Of The Carian Queen
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, is the ruler of the Carian Royal Family, and when players first meet her, she is in a state of despair. Rennala was married to Radagon,who inexplicably abandoned her for Marika the Eternal. Overcome by grief, Rennala cradled her runic Amber Egg and sought respite in her endless ritual of rebirthing cycle.
Rennala is so heartbroken that she barely retaliates against the player’s attacks in the first phase of her boss fight. However, her former power is revealed in the illusory battle conjured by Ranni, Rennala’s daughter. Rennala’s story is one of heartbreak, grief, and loss—showcasing how even the most powerful individuals can be emotionally incapacitated by sorrow.
5Godrick, The Grafted
The Desperation Of The Grafted Lord
Godrick, the Graftedis the firstrune bossin the game, and from sight alone,players can tell that he has gone too far to redeem himself. Despite being a descendant of the Golden Lineage, Godrick lacked the strength and authority to be considered a potential successor to the Golden Order.
Humiliated and rejected by his kin,Godrick took to the grotesque art of body grafting to appear strong and mighty. After his pitiful death, players can find Gatekeeper Gostoc stomping on Godrick’s corpse and shaming his feeble rule. Godrick’s story is a reference to how rejection and humiliation can push people to extreme lengths in trying to prove their worth.
6Morgott And Mohg - The Omen Twins
Morgott and Mohg are the cursed twin brothers, born to Godfrey and Marika. Due to their omen curse, both brothers were shunned from the Golden Order and Erdtree’s grace. While Mohg chose to establish his empire as the Lord of Blood in opposition to the Golden Order, Morgott continued to devote himself to the Erdtree despite being an outcast.
Like Godrick the Grafted, the Omen Twins’ story reflects how individuals respond to rejection. While Mohg defied the Erdtree in pursuit of his own path, Morgott sought acceptance through unwavering devotion.
7Messmer The Impaler
The Forgotten Son Of Marika, The Eternal
Messmer the Impaleris one of the main bosses in theShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion. He is one of Queen Marika’s children,yet his existence was mysteriously erased from history. Messmer was born with an evil and cursed abyssal serpent inside, which threatened to consume him. This potential threat looming over Messmer was impeded by Marika’s seal of grace, but she also hid her son from the Golden Lineage and commanded him to wage war in the Land of Shadow.
Even after following his mother’s commands, Messmer was ultimately unacknowledged and hidden from the world. Marika lingers in Messmer’s final thoughts, yet he curses her before perishing at the hands of the Tarnished.
8Millicent
A Story Of Unyielding Will
Players meetMillicentin Caelid, and her quest is a story of determination in the face of death. Afflicted with the Scarlet Rot,Millicent is determined to journey to the Haligtree in search of her purpose. Despite her resilience and unbreakable will, she ultimately succumbs to the Scarlet Rot just a few steps away from meeting Malenia.
Millicent’s story is one of resilience and the will to move forward despite life’s worst challenges. Even though players obtain theUnalloyed Gold Needlewith hopes of slowing down the Scarlet Rot from spreading, it isn’t enough to save Millicent from succumbing to her affliction. Millicent’s tragic story is a grim reminder of how life works in odd ways despite one’s best efforts.
