Elden Ring Lore | Godfrey and the Tarnished

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Who are the Tarnished? To understand this question we must analyse the greatest of their number; Godfrey First Elden Lord. Join me this week as we analyse Godfrey, Serosh and the Tarnished.
Editor: Creators Studio - creatorsstudio.co.uk/
Intro: 0:00
Serosh and Stormveil: 3:17
The Roundtable: 34:33
First Elden Lord: 44:59
Age of Plenty: 1:00:44
The Tarnished: 1:11:01
Guided by Grace: 1:25:38
This is an extremely expansive video that not only looks at Godfrey and the Tarnished but also covers the following subjects: Serosh, The Beasts, Placidusax, The Ancient Dragons, The Stormlord, Stormveil, The Erdtree, Hoarah Loux, The Golden Lineage, Grace, The Bad Lands, The Shattering, Godwyn, Flame of Ruin, War of the Giants, Golden Order, rune of death, vargram and more!
Subscribe to my second channel: @smoughburgh
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REFERENCES
Tarnished Archaeologist on Godfrey: • The secret story behin...
Tarnished Archaelogist on Serosh: • Godfrey and Serosh | E...
Lore Hunter on Stormveil: • ELDEN RING Lore | The ...
Eredin on Golden Lineage: • Elden Ring Lore: The G...
Last Protagonist Stormlord: • Fear the Old Lore - Th...
Vaati Vidya Secrets video: • 15 Marvelous Secrets i...
SmoughTown on Fire Giants: • Elden Ring Lore | The ...
Screen Rant Miyazaki Quotes: screenrant.com/elden-ring-cha...
Reddit post with Miyazaki quote: / miyazaki_on_immortalit...
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CREDITS
Commission Thumbnail art by Sami: / 00osamio00
Thumbnail layout by BrightSparkIV: / brightsparkiv
Please subscribe for more future Elden Ring Lore content!
Follow me on Twitter: / smoughtown
Images used from Fextralife Wiki: eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com
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Soundtrack is Demon's Souls, Dark Souls, Sekiro and Elden Ring
I do not own the rights to Elden Ring, all rights to FromSoftware
#eldenring #eldenringlore #gaming

[@SmoughTown]

Get up to 35% OFF your Displates using code SMOUGHTOWN or link: displate.com/promo/smoughtown/?art=5f9962209770d Thank you all for watching the video, please let me know your thoughts on Godfrey and the Tarnished below

[@TheAnomaly00]

So I somewhat disagree with the Placidusax = Storm Lord idea. As a fellow Tarnished Archeologist enjoyer you are familiar with his theory of the "Saint and Tree Empire" that ruled The Lands Between and worshipped the Great Tree before the time of the Crucible and later the Erdtree. My personal theory is that Farum Azula was lifted into the sky long before even the rise of the Ancient Dynasty on the earth below and was already amongst the clouds by the time the first human societies formed. The Ancient Dragons watching over the world from on high and guarding the Elden Ring within their grand city would almost entirely resolve any inconsistencies surrounding there being no mention of any Elden Lord other than Placidusax before the age of the Erdtree, even though we know for a fact many, many civilizations, some even spanning the whole of the Lands Between, rose and fell during this unfathomable stretch and time. None of them could have even _considered_ taking the Elden Ring for themselves, as it was simply out of reach for that entire span of time.

[@FilmAcolyteReturns]

Displate is awesome! You can even anonymously send creepy clown art to your friends.

[@aramkaizer7903]

If Marika banished the Tarnished knowing that they would return and claim the Elden Ring, then maybe she did actually plan the Night of the Black Knives along with Ranni? Considering that she's implying that she intended the Shattering and the eventual war for the Elden Ring

[@Skyfan76]

Hey SmoughTown, I found this strange poem called, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Their are similarities to Fia, her quest line, enemy names, ect. I’m not sure there’s enough to make a KZbin video, but it is still a rather interesting coincidence. Perhaps some inspiration for Goldwyn and the Mark of Destined Death. Or perhaps I’m reading to far into it.

[@SmoughTown]

@@Skyfan76 Hmm very interesting! Thanks for the heads up! I'll give this a look

[@TheL0ngbeard]

It just dawned on me... Godfrey a massive strong warrior defeated the Lion beast and kept it on his shoulders, could be inspired by Heracles, who defeated the Nemean lion and wore it's skin as cloak

[@ArrakisHeir88]

nobody ever remembers george martin wrote this lore any more the royal line is a massive massive massive nod to lannisters, who it's said rode dire lions into battle in ancient times

[@Mr-Onesimus]

@@ArrakisHeir88 Godwyn also gives me Rhaegar Targaryen vibes. Also, nice name

[@ArrakisHeir88]

@@Mr-Onesimus I don't really see a strong Rhaegar parallel in Elden Ring, though it's possible I've not yet looked hard enough. I've mostly been looking at symbology since the game came out, rather than trying to draw character associations. Rhaegar is really difficult, because we've never seen him actually alive, his mannerisms, stuff like that. We only have what other people say about him.

[@Pizzifrizzo]

Yes, and his relationship with Serosh is the same as that of Cyrus the Great with Croesus.

[@popkhorne5372]

I thought the reference was obvious. Herakles himself was known to be at his strongest bare handed, and he had the raw physical strenght to overcome anything, if used correctly. Herakles is also a typical demi god of greek mythology : he is not just a destroyer, he also founds cities and such(the founding myth). Similar again to godfrey.

[@atheonmordy1244]

Godfrey: A beast in a human flesh. Serosh: A wiseman in a beast flesh.

[@courier6640]

Radahn: A massive fanboy in lion cosplay.

[@indio4-215]

​@@courier6640 To be fair, this IS Godfrey the good General is emulating here, who's (Godfrey) clearly inspired by Hercules/Heracles, so if there's anyone Radahn is to look up to, who better than Godfrey himself, the warrior-king. 💪

[@azazelsiad3601]

@@indio4-215he looked up to both Radagon and Godfrey for their heroism. And even made himself one. I’m sorry say what you want about either, neither of them took on space AND WON, and while holding space in place like the chad that he is took on a woman with super aids who never lost a sword fight or battle and beat her into a standstill forcing her to pull out godmode. And learned an entire school of magic just so he could ride his horse. I’d say he lived up to their standards. It’s no wonder men revere him just as greatly.

[@bartsimpson8002]

@@azazelsiad3601hahahahaha “super aids”

[@agm5424]

"Godfrey is the penicle of what it means to be Tarnished" That's why he's the last hurdle before the final boss, you need to beat the og Tarnished turned Elden Lord before you yourself attempt to go from Tarnished to Elden Lord.

[@SmoughTown]

Totally agree!

[@sunlightsage2982]

You must face Man at his greatest, before you face God at his lowest.

[@shay-dh6oh]

@@sunlightsage2982 profound asf my guy

[@saeyabor]

@@sunlightsage2982 "...where the Fallen Angel meets the rising ape."

[@TheAnomaly00]

If you look towards the bridge between Marika's bedchamber and the throne there are grace lines coming from the both the Elden Throne and the Queen's Bedchamber sites of grace. And if you look carefully, you'll notice that the grace lines are pointing towards eachother. It's definitively either you or Godfrey. No one else comes close.

[@thebigm8192]

The fact that Gigachad Loux needed a lion to reign him in, because otherwise he was too much of an animal, is probably the single chadest lore bit fromsoft ever made...

[@desgyulabalogh3429]

Certainly almost at the same level as Learning gravity magic so you dont crush your childhood horse to death :D

[@user-gs1lz2pw9v]

Now Havel wielding dragon weapons and being as strong as mythical beasts. Not to mention radahn riding a meteor?

[@monsterboomer8051]

Nah, it is definitely Goldmask. T-posing vs Greater will outer god and then fixing the World without refusing to elaborate further? Absolute giga chad. Won without a single swing of a weapon. Only by sheer of his will.

[@themasquerader101]

It represents the suppression of masculine aspects within the human psyche. Because this whole story is based off of Jungian psychology (look it up)

[@azazelsiad3601]

@@monsterboomer8051dude never elaborated to begin with he literally solved every world problem without uttering a word, that’s got to be a massive jab at politicians lmao.

[@josephwang8589]

The crazy thing is that these people must have lived for at least hundreds or even thousands of years to be able to interact with all these events

[@SmoughTown]

Yeh defo

[@etinarcadiaego7424]

Well, remember, time no longer properly passes in the Lands Between and even death no longer functions.

[@oatmeal8274]

​@@SmoughTownare you Australian

[@FLITT]

Something I've been saying since launch... Listen to how the bosses speak (in olde English) compared to most NPCs. They are from a different era, long ago.

[@Joshuani]

@@oatmeal8274 Pretty sure he’s Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mateuszsotys3912]

1:30:35 Roderika never saw the Grace (confirmed directly by the Crimson Hood). So she probably wasn't resurrected, she just came there, sent by her family who just wanted to get rid of her for some reason, convinced her she was a hero and hoped she just died

[@dalakhsarothal9624]

That's what I thought too.

[@SmoughTown]

Great shout - that answers that one

[@TOUGHEYES]

Some families don't deserve their virtuous children.

[@jarltryggvi]

Note about the Roundtable and Arthurian Legend. When the Roundtable would meet the members would lay their weapons on the Table to show they give up their weapons so they can speak freely and not threaten each other in the old myths

[@alfalldoot6715]

Godfrey is definitely one of my favorite characters in the game. He's hyped up as the biggest legend in the Lands Between yet when you first meet him in the flesh he's mourning his dead son in one of the few really "human" moments we see of the characters in-game. His children are also some of my favorite characters as well.

[@SmoughTown]

Same - I feel the moment we meet him, you are genuinely in awe to be facing the man who forged the Erdtree order through battle

[@Kawatsume]

It's also such a significant gesture, with how little love Morgott got. It made me wonder how ultimately powerless such a strong man was against the politics of the lands between.

[@Laudhcris]

Yeah, He and Morgot are some of the only Characters that seem somewhat honerable.

[@adameltassi1268]

yeah I get the feeling he instilled a sort of honor in his child morgott and he really seems to have a moment of solace while holding his son

[@liamwright2510]

@@LaudhcrisRadahn and Godwyn are also honourable.

[@jstar3382]

I think Maliketh and Serosh's armor show a clear beast people that had a whole culture, one that Maliketh lived among at some point. He was Marikas shadow, but clearly he had a major part in it. He was their Clergyman, likely teaching the ways of the Erdtree or of the beasts

[@SmoughTown]

Defo agree. I think a full ‘Beasts’ video is on the cards

[@alfalldoot6715]

​@@SmoughTown I'd love that, the beasts have become a big curiosity of mine in the lore.

[@SmoughTown]

@@alfalldoot6715 Same, especially after researching this video

[@saeyabor]

Or teaching the ways of the Erdtree TO the beasts.

[@dvdivine1962]

@@SmoughTown ah please do, we even have vargram who shows its possible to ascend beasthood. Blaidd was most likely human before he became a beast too.

[@aesothoth1432]

I find it interesting that marika had many "normal" children but 2/3 of Godfrey's children were omens and the third one took on some animalistic characteristics after his death. Maybe Godfrey has the crucible in his DNA

[@pinip_f_werty1382]

Mogh and Morgot were born when he was Hoarah Loux( before he took Serosh on his back to block the Formless Mother's hold.) . Godwyn was born after he was Godfrey and the FM was blocked, which is why he's not an omen. Godfrey even goes into a blood-soaked madness when he kills Serosh, which is very similar to what is described in the Land of Reeds. (Which is directly controlled by The FM). Both of his omen children chose 1 of the 2 sides of Godfrey. (With Mohg siding with the FM and Morgott with the Erdtree.) His final child was the physical embodiment of perfection in the lands between and would have likely made the greatest lord in history. He's the lord that never was.

[@s8theninjawarrior916]

Only one of Marika's children is Normal, Morgott and Mohg are Omens while Miquella and Malenia are cursed from birth, one with eternal childhood, the other with scarlet rot, aka ever decaying... but I think the twins are cursed because lf Radagon while the omen brothers were cursed because of Godfrey, so you are probably right about Godfrey carrying the crucible. Godwyn was the only normal child of Marika, he became what we see of him because he died only in soul and his body tries to revive him to no avail, making him grow and grow and grow ever more, reviving everyone around instead of himself, which is the cause of the death blight

[@pinip_f_werty1382]

@@s8theninjawarrior916 Godwyn was the opposite of cursed, he was blessed. He was in no way normal, he was the literally embodiment of perfection in the lands between. His title is literally "The Golden". He made no mistake, every action he took was the right one, and he had endless raw power at his disposal(as evidence by thwarting and befriending the dragons). His parentage (and methods to prevent him from being curse) were the peak in the lands between.

[@nanomachines140]

@@pinip_f_werty1382 It's also interesting that, considering the naming scheme of Godwyn, Morgott, and Mohg, it implies that Marika may be the source of the Omen curse in the latter two, while Godwyn the Golden, oddly, is associated with Godfrey. Fromsoft has loved to use these types of naming schemes as far back as Dark Souls 1. It's even more odd since you'd think that Marika, the literal god of the Lands Between, should be associated with her children's positive qualities as opposed to her lord consort/former badlands chieftain. The last thing the golden god-queen would be associated with is the Omen curse, right? Ranni, Rykard, and Radahn all share naming schemes based on Radagon, and none of them were "cursed", unless one considers inheriting Radagon's affinity for fire a curse. On the other hand, Miquella and Malenia were both cursed (though in different ways than Mohg and Morgott), and also have naming schemes linking them to Marika. I know that by the time Radagon married Rennala, he was likely now sharing a body with Marika, but I feel like the lack of connections between his first 3 children and Marika, combined with the fact that they were not born cursed, still implies something about Marika's nature.

[@pinip_f_werty1382]

@@nanomachines140 Miquella and Malenia are cursed because they're only half a person, just like Renna and Melina.(which is what is symbolized by the butterflies). Merika's connection with the children is primarily their status as a demigod, I'm sure the father also plays a role. We don't hear anything about Merika and the FM (who's directly linked to the omen curse), however we do see Horaoh Loux succumb to bloodsoaked-madness after ridding himself of Serosh(which Serosh let him act as a Lord, just as Godwyn personifies the perfect lord).

[@jakubchalupa8510]

Man, I absolutely get Godrick fanboying over Godfrey.

[@liamwright2510]

Radahn represents the normal fan boy and Godrick represents the toxic obsessive fan boy 😂😂

[@eddyh5]

​@@liamwright2510 Was going to say, Radahn is the real fanboy, done right haha.

[@beelzboob6076]

this video has only further enhanced my love for Godfrey as a character. your little footnote near the end mentioning how it feels like a great honor to be respected by him for our strength truly does feel like a brilliant moment of catharsis

[@SmoughTown]

That's so incredible to hear - and yeh I certainly feel that Godfrey's battle with us is like us proving ourselves worthy of his mantle.

[@thedom2753]

The Long March is probably the most interesting part of the lore to me so this is very nice to see! Love the lore of Hoarah Loux and the tarnished warriors being GW/Marika's plan B for when the demigods got a little too wacky

[@Zepimo123]

Godfrey is hands down my favorite character in Elden Ring.

[@SmoughTown]

Defo one of mine too

[@Vendacator]

Same, I pray one day I can fight like him

[@bengough6772]

Mines a toss up between Godfrey FIRST ELDEN LORD AND MMA CHAMPION OF THE WORLD and Starscourge Radahn CHAD AND ALL ROUND BRO

[@strannyi_chelovek]

Not only my favourite character, but also my favourite fight in the entire game

[@UltraTaka1]

Definitely some of the goofiest dialogue in the game tho also tbh lmao

[@jamesnorman9160]

Throughout the whole journey, nearly every other character you come up against looks down on you for just being Tarnished, treating you as being less than dirt and that you don't even deserve to have a chance at sitting the Elden Throne...but Godfrey recognises the trials and tribulations you have faced in coming this far and is determined to give you an even match: he is the first of the Tarnished, after all. And if he manages to defeat you in his first phase he actually compliments you on your fighting skills. Then by second phase, you're actually proving you can stand against him so he reverts to his 'real' persona because you're probably the first real challenge he's had in his life for a long time, so there's no excuse for him to hold back. Plus the contrast between the noble lord he first faces you as and the blood-soaked beserker he reverts to is fairly shocking, but makes it clear why he was First Elden Lord: to crush Marika's enemies. And his cry of 'A crown is warranted with strength!' is Hoarah Loux's own way of urging you to try and try again, as one of you is fated to take the throne. Also fitting that Hoarah Loux has no fancy title like many of the major bosses, he's just known as 'Warrior', as that's what he started as, and what he died as.

[@sirgideonofnirtheall-knowi7863]

Ah Godfrey the first Elden Lord. A strong and honorable warrior. The fact that he's no demigod nor any magical or any elemental affinity yet his strength can match even the giants. Keep up your journey in pursuit of knowledge my fellow smoughtown the all knowing.

[@115UndeadAnarchy115]

I think demigodhood was technically bestowed upon him when he became Elden Lord, however.

[@CenteredTarnished]

Yeah, he's demigod: Godrick's Great Rune The first demigods were The Elden Lord Godfrey AND his offspring, the golden lineage.

[@ul.biggit217]

I mean tarnished are canonically stronger than any demigod. Even the "Godess" of Rot cannot withstand the power of tarnished

[@frolicsomgaiety]

Agree- but wasn’t he the second Lord? Let’s not be racist against the dargons

[@kaiserdetectivegolden2735]

@@frolicsomgaiety that was before the age of the erdtree the elden lords before this age weren't called "elden lords" but he is a one

[@JustinZode]

I love the long-form videos most of all. A two hour deep dive, citing all your references and other members of the community, building on each others theories? Fantastic.

[@SmoughTown]

Cheers Justin, I know my content isnt for everyone but kind comments like this keeps me going.

[@jacobcrowley1675]

It really warms my heart how cooperative the Elden ring and Souls community is

[@lilstamp08]

Same

[@lilstamp08]

@@jacobcrowley1675 just like Papa Miyazaki always wanted 🥲

[@NO-LIVAS]

That's why he's our man

[@jacobcrowley1675]

I started the Game as a Hero of the Badlands having no idea what that meant then I met Nepheli and started to understand ( then I watched your starting class video) and the anticipation of meeting this Horah Loux my Chieftain builds, then you see him have this touching moment with his son(who I believe he was forced to abandon) and you see the pain released by Seroshes Roar, Godfrey speaks elegantly and you have a epic fight reminding you that all of those bad ass Crucible Knights this is their Boss and then HE RIPS SEROSH OFF OF HIS BACK losing all pretense of being a Lord his entire manner of speaking changes and he started beating your ass with his Bare Hands then he congratulates you even in his more Feral state and I honestly almost teared up.

[@mateuszsotys3912]

1:08:10 I haven't finished the video yet, but Vyke used to be a Dragon worshiper favored by dragons from Leyndell. It suggests that he was one of the original Tarnished and might imply that the war (and the establishment of the Cult) happened under Godfrey. Unless ofc Vyke returned to the Lands Between when they were in a far better state than when we return and just joined the cult

[@asostheflowerforged8403]

On the axe bit, I think it was actually Sarosh's axe. It's a double axe made in the same vein as beast men. But it's broken to be as it is seen now. I think it's trophy of sorts.

[@qwormuli77]

The axe broke during his tarnished exile from lordship. During his reign it was whole. I agree, though, that it's either Serrosh's axe and/or given by him.

[@mr.ashenfire2624]

Okay. Having it pieced together that Godfrey took the Banished Knights and other forces under his banner tells me that Godfrey, and probably also Hoarah Loux, gave his foes a chance to follow him in battle. The man lived to fight the most powerful enemies worthy of his strength. What future is there for a man whose sole purpose was to wage war? What words did Godfrey say to Marika when she banished him and we, his loyal fellow Tarnished?

[@greyworld6242]

This dude is BADASS! Also technically he would be the second elden lord if you count placidusax. And technically if you go for any of the erdtree endings you are technically the 4th elden lord. It’s very cool how you get to fight all the previous elden lords to really prove your worth as the next successor. You should do a video on on rennala next.

[@the1384]

This Explains Rannis 4 Hands because the Player is the 4th Elden Lord😮

[@wowitsfrostygames155]

I think he’s the first of the new age. It’s similar to a “the last giant” situation in DS2. He is verifiably not the last giant, but it’s not referring to him as the last giant in the world, rather the last giant left alive in a particular battle.

[@FardeenRiyadh16]

@@the1384 ?????

[@txmpoix]

The elden lord came about with the golden lineage it doesnt state placidusax was elden lord but the equivalent in of elden lord in his time during his reign

[@ashesunderneath5761]

This low key just makes me want to fight serosh alone, without Godfrey. I imagine him having some bomb ass incants.

[@blainehale556]

hopefully the dlc has this

[@theprophet4660]

I love the idea of a beast tempering man's bloodlust, it harkens to Bloodborne and that game's deep relationship with beasthood and godhood being a spectrum of humanity, while also subverting the trope. It is a thematic melody of all fromsoft's inspiration and creativity.

[@superdoombro]

​@@theprophet4660 In a way it makes sense. A beast generally kills to feed itself, or defend its young or mating rights. Beasts kill until they have enough food and safety to sustain. However some men will kill and conqueror until there is nothing left that they do not own, killing for excess wealth and power, far more then they'll ever need.

[@portalmanHUN]

Bomb ass incants like throwing small rocks, and throwing one big rock.

[@ashesunderneath5761]

@portalmanHUN I mean unique ones, like wind based stuff or something.

[@eamonmcandrews7707]

ON your point about roderika coming by boat, her hood says "Roderika never once saw the guidance of grace."

[@vincenzobulla113]

I thank you infinitely for making Sabaku no Maiku's work known to the international Souls community in your videos, I'm sure that soon he will bring even more quality content that sheds light on the still unsolved mysteries of Elden Ring and other FromSoftware works . Thanks so much for your work.

[@SmoughTown]

His work was very insightful to me so it was my pleasure

[@jamesn3122]

I think Demi-Humans and Misbegotten remain the most interesting area for further exploration. What is their relationship with beastmen? Where do they actually come from?

[@titaniumteddybear]

When Godfrey kills Serosh it looks as if he is absorbing the beasts claws. And when he fights he certainly acts as if he has claws.

[@jacquesbonhomme8198]

I think the remembrance of Hoarah Loux is also talking about you, the player. The long march is the game, he divests his name as Godfrey in his battle with you, explicitly. You end the real long march of the tarnished.

[@leohirtsche8341]

Thats great, never thought of this. But it fits to some rare other item descriptions that are somewhat presenting a fact about the present or future rather than the past. Like the lone wolf ashes or the relic sword.

[@andrewjmichael]

Great video. I think the bit about Godfrey returning to being Hoarah Loux after the Long March is a bit of an assumption. Hoarah Loux's remembrance states "[a]fter the Long March of the Tarnished came to an end, Godfrey divested himself of kingship, becoming a simple warrior once more." Nowhere does it say the he returned to being Hoarah Loux, only that he divested himself of kingship [lordship] and became a simple warrior. Serosh remained 'at his side' until both he and Godfrey died before the events of Elden Ring, as evidenced by the opening cinematic of the game which depicts Godfrey and Serosh chained and impaled in front of a tree. Though the voice-over calls him "Hoarah Loux, cheiftain of badlands," Serosh's very presence in the scene indicates that the depiction in question is Godfrey. As we personally witness when fighting Godfrey, his transformation back into Hoarah Loux requires Serosh's death. Once the demigods are laid low during the Shattering and grace is given anew to the tarnished, Godfrey and his followers are brought back to life and called back to the Lands Between. When the player encounters Godrey in the game's penultimate boss fight, Godfrey is still kept in check by Serosh (in phantom form, because Serosh had been slain and was not tarnished, hence not resurrected in the flesh as Godfrey had been). Only after the player has defeated Godfrey/Serosh does he finally return to being Hoarah Loux in a) a last ditch effort to best the player and again become Elden Lord himself, or b) to ensure that the player is truly strong enough to bear the burden of lordship by defeating him at his full strength as Hoarah Loux. In any case, Serosh being in phantom form during phase one of the fight raises all kinds of interesting questions. In short, Godfrey is Godfrey as long as Serosh keeps him in check, whether he is the Elden Lord or not. Godfrey only 'regresses' back into Hoarah Loux when he breaks his pact with Serosh whilst fighting the player character. If his name/persona of Godfrey only applied while he was Elden Lord, he would have simply been called Hoarah Loux during his boss fight (because he was not Elden Lord at the time of the fight). This is further evidenced by the axe of Godfrey, which reads: "Weapon of Godfrey, Elden Lord. It was broken in a battle fought as leader of the Tarnished during the Long March. This weapon is symbolic of Godfrey's vow to conduct himself as a lord, later becoming an emblem of the golden lineage. In the days of the past, a crown was warranted with strength." Godfrey, as a Tarnished, still wielded the axe and led his people through battles during the Long March, despite having lost the title of Elden Lord to Radagon. Cast aside by Marika, Godfrey still held on to both his pact with Serosh and the principles he'd held during his reign as he helped establish the Golden Order's hegemony. There is no Axe of Hoarah Loux, because as we have seen Hoarah Loux solely uses brute strength and kinetic energy-- the old ways. 'In the days of the past, a crown was warranted with strength.' Godfrey returns to face the player character as Godfrey, subdued by Serosh's bite, and wielding his axe. His last act as Godfrey before killing Serosh is laying the Axe of Godfrey down for good. Godfrey/Hoarah Loux fit perfectly into Elden Ring's theme of dual identities. (Marika/Radagon, Miquella/St. Trina, Rani/Renna, Morgott/Margit, etc.) I could also argue that of the badlands/chiefdom period mentioned came before Godfrey was Elden Lord, but this comment is already plenty long. Regardless, I hope this seems like less of a nitpick, and more of an earnest effort to nail down the timeline of one of Elden Ring's most interesting characters. The hard work and dedication you put into your videos is evident, and greatly appreciated.

[@leohirtsche8341]

Thanks for that comments, spars me the time of tipping one myself. Totally agree.

[@SmoughTown]

Great points my friend - defo agree that it may well be an assumption and even if it refers to him as 'Hoarah Loux' in the intro, he is certainly more 'Godfrey' in spirit and temperance. Not a nitpick at all! Thanks for the thoughtful comment

[@andrewjmichael]

@@SmoughTown cheers!

[@sunlightsage2982]

And it looks like the first Elden Lord is going down, let’s see if Radagon puts up more of a- OH MY GOD PEOPLE, HERE COMES HOARAH LOUX WITH THE STEEL CHAIR

[@etinarcadiaego7424]

"WATCH OUT! WATCH OUT! WATCH OUT!"

[@SmoughTown]

hahahahah

[@idiotcube]

OOOHH YEAH! I'VE GIVEN THEE COURTESY ENOUGH, BROTHERR!

[@gagesienerth4022]

@@idiotcube fucking gold😂 I read this in hogans voice and I’m dying

[@theiberianbadger0123]

Thy tireless work befits a crown.

[@SmoughTown]

You humble me

[@veritasome5965]

Godfrey: Alas, I have returned to be granted audience once more! Me: Awesome! Go for it. Godfrey: I-wait, what? Me: Dude, you were the first Elden Lord, why would I wanna fight you when you totally deserve it most? You were and still are our king, without you Marika would have had nothing. Godfrey: *tears up* It’s nice being appreciated… Me: *hugs* I know Papa Bear, I know. Gideon: I too would like to- Me: Shut up ‘all knowing,’ don’t you have a daughter to fail? Gideon: Hey! She betrayed me! Me: Maybe you should find a good Albanauric woman and start over then huh? Gideon: …now you’re just being mean. Godfrey: I’m so confused.

[@SmoughTown]

hahaha - defo should be an ending

[@veritasome5965]

@@SmoughTown Godfrey: I kinda feel like I should be mad at you for, you know, killing my son though. Me: Well to be fair, he basically stalked and tried to murder me 3 times now so from a legal standpoint I feel like I can justifiably call it self defense. Godfrey: Got me there.

[@SonOfSparda03]

​@@veritasome5965we killed 2 of his sons, but the other one just seems a bit.... Weird

[@Mikethehamham]

Something to maybe consider as well with the storm hawk king vs. The storm lord. In dark souls there was a distinction between Lord's and Kings. With those who held the title of Lord being at the apex of any hierarchy and having some significant role in the formation of the age of Fire (gwyn, WoI, Nito), age of dark (Lord of man), or age of hollows (the lord of hollows)

[@theultimatetactician1712]

To this day after so many years of watching your videos, listening to them when I sleep. I'm still amazed at how good they are, truly my favourite souls(ring) lore youtuber. Great job man, all the best.

[@SmoughTown]

That means the world to me my friend, I am so lucky to have support like yours

[@popkhorne5372]

Isn't nepheli not related by blood to godfrey ? My memory is blurry but i thought i recalled reading somewhere an implication saying that the name "loux" is the name taken by members of a clan of warriors within the tarnished, remember, hoarah is a chieftain... they are familly in spirit, not in blood. Which could be one of the reasons why there was no issue in Gideon "adopting" her and becoming a surrogate father. Ofc, i would need to find the source to really put it on the table, but i was wondering if you yourself had any confirmation that they are of the same blood.

[@letsrunahypothetical8734]

This is the one we've been waiting for. Godfrey, the first eldenchad!

[@SmoughTown]

hahaha! Enjoy it

[@BaalFridge]

You have no idea how much this video completely 180'd my mood. Thanks.

[@SmoughTown]

That's amazing to hear. Thank you and hope you have a nice evening

[@kvnty943]

This inspires me to make many new characters based on the lore of the starting classes, more than the starting classes video did. Thank you

[@SmoughTown]

My pleasure! Really glad it’s inspired you to make new characters!

[@thevo4100]

If you look at Gurranq during the boss fight he actually wields a Cinquedea of his own.

[@Ducksinlatex]

you are a masterful scholar. I find myself completely absorbed into all your videos, regardless of the topic. I find Godfrey to be the most tame part of Elden's lore, but I can't stop listening to what you have to teach us about him.

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks Henry, you are too kind - I am so lucky to have support like yours

[@lardplowsmen2891]

Usually, I find the lore of from software games incredibly hard to follow, and scrolling through item descriptions isn’t how I enjoy stories(nothing wrong with it, it’s just not for me), but it’s always so well done and enthralling whenever I do catch a piece. Thank you for making such an amazing world and story more accessible

[@SmoughTown]

That's great to hear Lard, thank you for the kind words and I really appreciate you supporting my content!

[@pinip_f_werty1382]

Next FromSoft game, try this: Every time you pick up an item, you should read it since you're going to check it out in your inventory anyway.

[@resultedchutoy3353]

You know, I've always interpreted the line of "when the last worthy opponent fell, The hue from Lord Godfrey's eyes faded" as After that last battle, He more or less lost His will to will to live, a loss of purpose and meaning. I somewhat take the guidance of grace, much like hollowing from Dark Souls, to be much more literal and something internal rather than external.

[@eddiemangum2326]

When you put it that way, being defeated in glorious battle by a great warrior must've been the death he would've wanted.

[@pandamygdala]

I am here, ready for another lore goldmine, and - good lord - almost 2 hours of content. This is perfect!🎉 Thank you for the hard work!

[@SmoughTown]

Hahaha it's a big one! I hope you enjoy

[@Jrockk999]

Godfrey is one of my favorite characters in Elden Ring. Him being the pinnacle what it means to be Tarnished is such a great fight symbolically and in gameplay. However I always assumed Placidusax was already defeated and gone by the time Godfrey/Hoarah Loux was chosen by Marika to aid her in taming the Lands Between. Placidusax himself is never given the title of Stormlord or even having the castles and fortresses that come to bear the Storm name, and while I don't doubt that Placidusax could easily be given that title. Titles have a very clear level of importance within Elden Ring, for some characters they are introduced by title first and then the name follows with many continuing to use the titles rather than the name. Something else I thought was that Marika's rule began with the era of the Crucible where she waged war to crush opposition and bring the people and creatures under heel, and given the more warring nature of the Crucible Era, we know many societies stood against her at first. Well regardless, even the idea of Placidusax and Godfrey going head to head is an epic battle I wish we could see. I imagine that Godfrey himself didn't walk away unscathed given Placidusax's power. Something I do have trouble deciding is when was Godfrey forced to leave. Godfrey was pretty much Marika's ultimate weapon next to Maliketh and yet he is never mentioned having taking place in the battle with the sorcerers. In fact Marika seemed to want Radagon to handle the battles as he became the new champion by which most came to idolized. He isn't even mentioned when the dragons attack the capital, instead his son Godwyn is the one to be credited with victory and befriended a dragon. We know Marika had always planned for Godfrey and his warriors to return to the Lands Between and to take the Elden Ring. I think personally Godfrey left around some time after Radagon and Rennala married, but before the attack by the dragons. Godfrey's grace was taken when the last of his great enemies were defeated, but we don't exactly know what Godfrey would consider a worth opponent. Given his strength and barbarian nature, it is possible that he chose not to personally take his axe against Liurnia as he didn't think of them as worthy enemies or perhaps he was ordered not to since Marika would have Radagon take to the field and then marry Rennala.

[@dantoki6371]

I doubt it was the Crucible's emergence that kickstarted Marika's campaign to reach godhood. No life could have existed before the Crucible, (except the Elden Beast if we can call it that) it is primordial, wich means it's really really ancient, probably predates everything in the Lands Between except the Elden Beast ofcours. The Crucible is also referred to as the Crucible of Life and it's red tinged gold also said to be close in nature to life itself. So probably life emerged thanks to the crucible. There is no way Marik, Godfrey or even Placidusax predates that.

[@sinisterwombat3128]

Yes, it sounds like the crucible is more of the essence of life, like stardust in the big bang right before the universe existed. As Selen teaches us, the fate of mortals and gods is found within the stars, after all.

[@dantoki6371]

​@@sinisterwombat3128 Yeah, Sellen also says that "Glintstone is the amber of the cosmos, golden amber contains the remnants of ancient life and houses its vitality". The Greater Will sent the Elden Beast with a Golden Star. So that's probably the first thing that ever happened in the Lands Between. Then the Crucible comes to be, where ALL life once blended together and it's red tinged gold is close in nature to life itself. It seems like a fairly logical assumption that the Golden Star was the seed, then it created the Crucible, from wich life originates.(the Erdtree incantations shows us this crononology) Even the Elden Beast's design is kinda Crucible-esque, it has wings, fins, human like hands and a dragon like body.

[@2ndWanderingSage]

Very nice including the small details especially the one about grace guiding Godfrey to us when we arrive. I didn’t think many people caught that.

[@sariathebrave5259]

This is your first video I’ve seen and I was blown away. I am very deep into the lore and you pointed out stuff I never thought about as well show items I’ve never known about. I thought I knew everything about this game. Instant subscriber.

[@C-OBrien]

No magic, no special weapon, no element, just pure chadishness. Beat placidusax, beat the giants, unified the lands between. Just goes to show no matter how good you are, she can still leave you and take the kids

[@hugo-pg5tv]

Never even saw Placidusax mate and he never fought a dragon. Placidusax is not the stormlord that is the stormhawk king. Nothing supports Placidusax being the stormlord at all only cuz him being in the heart of the storm beyond time doesn't mean anything since he is litterly in storm.

[@Adelesprings]

Just a nit-pick from me, when you call the vessel held by depictions of Marika and other statues an amphora, I believe it looks closer to an oenochoe or a protocorinthian jug. Those vessels are made for pouring, serving and offering liquids, whereas amphoras are more of a commercial vessel

[@SmoughTown]

Awesome! Thanks for the info

[@MorizonPlays]

1:30:40 the description of roderikas hood says Roderika NEVER saw the guidance of grace, that explains why she came here with cohorts while the guidance of grace brought us

[@sinisterwombat3128]

But it doesn't explain how she was invited to Roundtable. Did she die and then was touched by grace? Is grace not needed to join the Roundtable?

[@MorizonPlays]

@@sinisterwombat3128 grace is not needed to join the roundtable, most of the tarnished there have lost guidance of grace already. Every tarnished is allowed to go to roundtable hold normally, it just takes a while for us because of Melina

[@iggyzeta9755]

Seeing a lot of stuff from the Tarnished Archaeologist here. Glad to see he's made an impact.

[@SmoughTown]

One of the best!

[@ScubaSctimpy]

banished knight armour and armaments can also be found in round table hold...in abundance. i believe the original purpose of the hold was for the banished knights as a sanctum, training and council chamber, knights of the round table style.

[@jean-xaviercaron-aparicio1806]

Wow, you blew my mind on several occasions right here. You made me realize so many things i didn't notice on many locations i have visited countless times. Castle Morne, Stormveil, Roundtable hold, our very beginning into this game as the Tarnished . This game is amazing, even IF this is all speculation, this wolrd seems so organic and rich with stories to tell. Excellent job of research and analysis, i love your channel ! Thank you Fromsoftware and Thank you SmoughTown

[@SmoughTown]

Too kind my friend! Really pleased that you enjoyed the video so much!

[@pinip_f_werty1382]

Miyazaki and GRRM have created a mythological masterpiece that has started to become my IRL religion.

[@retrospect]

Hey man been a bit since I watched you, you're doing freaking great keep it up chief ❤

[@SmoughTown]

Hey my friend great to see you here. Thanks so much dude, I will do!

[@wollins7244]

Another fantastic video! I found TA in the first place due to you so I was expecting a lot of references to their work in this video and I wasn’t disappointed!

[@azeus4749]

In DS3 we are also fighting Storm dragon. It is pretty unusual in design for DS3, but aligns well with the depiction of the Storm King on crests of Stormveil

[@tarnishedarchaeologist]

Fantastic as always, friend.

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks as alway my friend - your work has greatly informed my own

[@whatsnewbois9814]

I sure would love to see the badlands once and learn what mighty foes could give godfrey a run for his axe. But i cant help but feel bad about striking down Godfrey since he is in a way the father of all tarnished (and cut dialogue suggest that he truly loved Marika and hoped to see her again)

[@ul.biggit217]

At least in the end we make him respect us and maybe even be proud of us by defeating him (although we wish it didn't come to that). If we weren't immortal he would regain his crown and rightfully.

[@lilstamp08]

Excellent video as always. I really had never truly considered the nature of the tarnished, and it’s amazing that Godfrey had such a selection of warriors with him. Numen, draconian, and even the ancestors of the night folk whom I think are the mimics

[@krishnansubramoni7801]

I love Godfrey/Horah Loux. His legendary status and amazing feats are littered throughout our journey. We get tiny glimpses of how mighty he was. We go through the game fighting monsters, horrors, madmen and everything in between. Almost everyone treats us either as a tool or as a lesser being. And after all the fighting, when we finally arrive at His arena, the first thing we actually see of Godfrey with our own eyes, is him cradling his dying child/progeny in an act that shows empathy and maybe even love, which is almost unheard of in our journey. And the first thing he tells us is we should rest assured that the Elden Ring is close - which almost sounds like he's on our side. And then when we fight him, he has no elements, no status effects, no insanely delayed attacks, no long combos, no pseudo input reading, and in his second phase, it isn't even a duo fight. He fights us 1 on 1, in what can only be described as "honorable combat". He is not even condescending towards us during or after the fight. He is a Gigachad in lore, character, and actual gameplay. ❤

[@ul.biggit217]

Easily my favourite channel for lore. Unmatched in your strength truely

[@SmoughTown]

You honour me! Thank you

[@krystal7916]

Masterful work as always

[@SmoughTown]

Thank you Krystal!

[@mentosis797]

I’m so excited to see you’ve made a video on Godfrey, my absolute favorite character! As always, your videos are so well made.

[@dylanwarner6035]

Time to start a new run through, love the documentaries man

[@BENIS8D]

LETSGOO, Been waiting on this one for days now! SmoughGeoff dropping yet another BANGER video :D

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks my friend, i Hope you enjoy it! Your support is always appreciated

[@BENIS8D]

​@@SmoughTown Always! Your videos and the work you do is just as appreciated ❤

[@Oger_nation]

Let’s go 🎉. Always love how easy you make all the information to understand and retain . Thank you for all your hard work and keep it up 💪🙏😁

[@SmoughTown]

Thank you so much my friend, I will do. Appreciate kind comments like this

[@azazelsiad3601]

I have a bit to expand upon. The War of the Dragons likely did happen during Godfrey’s reign and it’s said to have been the only time Leyndell was ever nearly fully routed because Gransax was wrecking house. But Godwyn the Golden and Fortisaxx had an encounter that left Fortisaxx and the other dragons not only on peaceful terms with Leyndell but fully willing to become part of Leyndell. Lansseax became a priestess who helped found the Cult of the Dragon as “The worship of the ancient dragons does not conflict with belief in the Erdtree. After all, this seal, and lightning itself, are both imbued with gold.”-Gravel Stone Seal. However Gransax was struck down in battle after the dragons were routed by Godfrey but out of respect for such a powerful enemy and in respect for their new ties they enshrined him and his weapon within their walls. This isn’t like 100% factually what must have happened but judging by the lore we have it had to have occurred while Godwyn was still alive and before the golden order. Fortisaxx became Godwyns closest and most loyal friend and even corrupted himself in an effort to fight back death upon Godwyn. But most of all Ancient Dragons respect strength above all else, they are vain creatures and can’t turn down a challenge once made. But that doesn’t always mean physical strength, it was Godwyns strength of character that was likely made peace possible between them.

[@NathanCassidy721]

Just a random thought while watching this: The entire story of Godfrey is essentially the story of civilization as imagined by Robert E Howard. A barbarian comes in and conquers an old kingdom in decline due to its own decadence. And due to having to earn his crown makes said kingdom prosperous. he then leaves it in the hands of his descendants, who at first are good custodians who slowly decline into decadence over the next generations due to being the dominant superpower. This enviably leads to disaster as one or two events happen where revolt and revolution disrupt order, leaving the door open to the next set of barbarians. There’s even a myth in which the original king will come back to save his people in their darkest hour, to which Godfrey does show up at the end. Mind you, he doesn’t wind up saving anybody.

[@coroarc8423]

very cool video! thank you mate for your ongoing lore deep dives, it's been such a fun journey

[@SmoughTown]

My pleasure my friend. Thank you so much for your support.

[@chip8293]

Damn bro u go so much deeper in the lore details than any other lore channels. Good work , Nice video.

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks my friend, I am really pleased to hear that - I know my content isnt for everyone but so grateful for the support I get

[@AlbertusSalvatierra]

If the statue of the girl kneeling below the Elden Ring flanked by three wolves is representative of an Empyrean of the ancient past, perhaps the humanoid race of Farum Azula were either the Draconian descendants of her and the Dragonlord, or perhaps she and her people lived under the Farum Azula empire like the other races, only in that these humanoids mingled with the dragons - and were among the nobility given the king and queen and child statue imagery. I’ve heard speculation that these people could have very well been Numen. Interesting, isn’t it, how the god of the old empire disappears, and the Elden Ring once held by it is now in the possession of Marika. Greater Will doesn’t play around lmao when choosing vessels it seems. All other known Empyreans have been children of Marika. I know there likely isn’t a successive divine lineage of stewards of the Elden Ring, but it is a thought given Ranni approximates her own reign to 1,000 years. Gives an idea as to how long a God could reign.

[@Trehzzyy]

You’ve been helping me go to sleep with these videos. Much appreciated for the hard work and depth of these videos. Keep it up!

[@young5395]

So glad that you made another lore video.

[@SmoughTown]

Thank you my friend, as am I. Hope you enjoy this one

[@natoriousthehopeful2786]

I look at characters like Godfrey, Melania, and Radann, and I so badly wish that from the software would actually make a character-driven game where we get to play as the awesome characters instead of just an avatar. And I'm not just saying that because I dislike avatars Amazing work on the video Smough🥇

[@SmoughTown]

That's true - that would be such an amazing experience if they did a full RPG esque game! Thank you so much!

[@dobinzirdo987]

It's called Sekiro

[@747streams]

Your one of my favorite souls tubers! Keep up the awesome content! The time you must put in these is immense!

[@freakshowGH]

Coming to YT and seeing that not only is there a new SmoughTown, but it's about Godfrey and is 100 minutes long? Oh hell yeah, about to settle in for this one!

[@SmoughTown]

Hahaha I swear I'll make shorter videos soon!

[@whiteboideku983]

Thank you so much for your hardwork! You make amazing lore videos

[@SmoughTown]

Thank you my friend! Really appreciate that

[@punishedvenomsnake716]

Oh man, this is such an exciting video and glad it's finally here! I watch your vids quite a bit during cardio and they make the time fly lol. Godfrey, in particular, has to be one of my favorite characters not just because he's total beast as a warrior but also because he's one of the very few FromSoft characters who breaks with the norm of roasting the player but instead treating us with respect as a fellow Tarnished warrior worthy of being addressed with dignity. Hype!

[@SmoughTown]

Honestly it is great to hear how people enjoy my content - thank you so much for letting me know. Yeh his face off is like a final show down between two equals. Such an amazing moment, and one of the most epic throwdowns in from soft history

[@punishedvenomsnake716]

@@SmoughTown Of course, bro! Always happy to share my support and your content is so rich and enjoyable to watch :) Definitely agree as well, the fight is one that I was very excited going into it as a true Elden Lord acknowledging our achievements and honoring us with an epic fight is just awesome. Keep up the great work bro! 🙌🔥

[@verpast]

Perfect timing thank you! :) I need this for my flights tomorrow

[@devinguy]

Every time I watch one of your videos I find a better way to articulate the complex array of stuff we see in this world. Great work, yet again!

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks so much my friend!

[@magpie1466]

I was eagerly awaiting this video as Godfrey/Horah Loux is by far my favorite character in ER! Tarnished Archeologist has gotta be the most interesting lore channel anywhere and is the one ER content channel where you just wind up learning a lot about the real world as well as Elden Ring. Anyone who likes Smough should probably watch Tarnished Archeologist as he has a great cadence and methodology and has an audible reverence for the clever level design- really happy to see them referenced so heavily in this lore vid, great stuff Smough

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks my friend and heartly back up your recommendation of Tarnished Archaeologist!

[@tedminette1205]

Another interesting connection is that Farum Azula is likely (at least partially) named for Farum Brigantium, aka The Tower of Hercules in Galicia, Spain. This Lighthouse not only has mythic connections to Hercules (whom is an obvious inspiration for Godfrey), but also toBreogán, a similar character in Irish Celtic mythology - another major influence on Elden Ring. Analyzing these stories may give us some more context on the history of Farum Azula & Godfrey

[@madalice5134]

I love these videos. Your deep dives into the lore and the way you share and build on theories with other creators is awesome. Plus, it makes work go by much quicker when I have awesome Elden Ring content to listen to. Thanks for always bringing us such in-depth research.

[@SmoughTown]

My pleasure - thank you so much for the kind words. Keeps me going!

[@oldschoolrpg]

Really enjoy your content bro, this game, its lore and world have hooked me completely.

[@jake_]

The Long March reminds me of Xenophon's "Anabasis" of the Ten Thousand, who fought for a Lord and then had to march through a now hostile land until they reached the ships that would take them to safety. Perhaps a lot of the fighting took place inside the Lands Between as they were fleeing. Some did not make it to their ship and were enslaved.

[@bmg6229]

Horah Loux defeats a hard enemy/rival/adversary Let's it live on, becomes its friend or adopts it into his group He is a Shonen Anime protagonist confirmed

[@TOTO-bd4if]

woooowww, I was blown away once more by the quality of your work, words and images choosen so perfectly!

[@SmoughTown]

Thank you so much my friend! Really pleased you enjoyed the content!

[@noamias4897]

Another amazing video that makes something very complex very cohesive and understandable. Godfrey is my favorite Elden Ring character so I was happy to vote for you to make a video on him and I was not disappointed. Such a badass and important character and you totally delivered at telling his story 😊

[@SmoughTown]

You humble me! Thank you so so much for the kind words

[@noamias4897]

@@SmoughTown Hey man you deserve it. While. Vaati makes beautiful movies I strongly believe you make the best and most comprehensive videos on Elden rings's lore. The perfect mix between informative and cinematic. I love Vaati for example but I think with Elden Ring he's focused a lot on the cinematic side of things

[@puzzleheaded6195]

11:14 Nepheli’s questline in particular brings up a few questions about the rightful heritage of Stormveil: - The rulers of Stormveil would inevitably be the Golden Order after any such conquest, but the seat of the Golden Lineage would have to Leyndell, where Godrick planned to return as lord “bathed in rays of gold”, not Stormveil. - Since Godrick is a true born direct descendent of the Golden Lineage how could he not be the heir to Stormveil? Kenneth calls Godrick a usurper in Stormveil, and there is something about how Godrick only came to Stormveil after the shattering? How could Godrick be a false usurper unless Godfrey’s descendants weren’t the rightful rulers of Stormveil? - Loux could be a title or an adopted surname. - Gideon only offered guidance for the part of her life past the recall of the tarnished, and some time after that until he found her- the entire time before their exile and during exile she could have had someone else. - Nepheli doesn’t help us anywhere else except Godrick (which was upon instruction from Gideon) - not against any other demigod, or Morgott, or Fire Giant or even Gideon himself. Why would Nepheli Loux appear specifically to kill her “ascendant” Hoarah Loux and recognise you as Elden Lord over her actual father and, in all honesty, rightful Elden Lord. It’s just my theory but I believe Nepheli loux is not Godfreys descendant but shes the last descendant of the stormhawk clan that built Stormveil, of which lineage is the rightful by which Haight supports her claim to rule Stormveil. Not as a descendant of Godfrey - Godfrey was the cause of the terrible massacre she described witnessing as a child whilst he was still untamed by Serosh, her father could’ve been the lone revenger of Castle Morne. I think the answer to the real identity and proper lineage of the Storm is in the Death Lightning description: “ Incantation that channels the power of the ancient dragon Fortissax, now corrupted by Death. Strikes surroundings with a *storm* of Death lightning. Inflicts Death blight upon foes. Charging extends duration of the *storm*. **It said that this golden lightning was wielded by Godwyn**, who befriended Fortissax.“” This golden lightning, which was Godwyn’s trademark is seen wielded by the oldest remnants of the Stormveil culture for example, Commamder Niall and the weapon art in the Stormhawk Axe and is seen even in the “heart of the storm” in Placidusax’s Arena. Going back to Nepheli, the first time you meet her she’s standing over a banished knight with this dialogue: “Be proud. You were a fine warrior. **Your only mistake was your choice of master**. Let the winds lift you, to a higher place.” This further reinforces Godricks illegitimacy because the original allegiance of banished knights served the Storm Lord and Niall being their commander, manifesting golden lightning, and all the evidence in Castle Sol implicate Godwyn the most with their armor containing dragon symbolism and thorns which Godwyn is associated it with judging from him founding the dragon cult and the Marred Leather Shield. Godrick refers to the dragon as a “trueborn heir” and in the Deeproot Depths, the Finger Reader Crone refers to him as “Lord Godwyn - a Scion of the Golden *bough*” The word bough translates to a main part of a tree or in this case “true lineage”. In the Japanese text, the same npc calls Godwyn the “Prince of Gold”, The true heir to the Seat of the Sun aka Farum Azula(evidence being Destined Death being sealed there, all the skeletal Beastmen using the Sun Realm Shield, and of course the Sun being constantly present.) Godwyn was also the founder of the ancient dragon cult which, judging from the prayer book with the oldest dragon cult incantations being found in Farum Azula with the presence of Deathroot, began there. It reads: Ancient Dragon book Prayerbook - “Prayerbook of the capital's ancient dragon cult. **A lost tome that never reached the Lands Between**. Contains red lightning incantations.” It’s also strange that Godfrey is not mentioned once to have participated in the War with the Ancient Dragons with the Sword Monument detailing the routing of the Ancient Dragons being the only one not referred to as a “Defense of Leyndell”. Read these texts: - (Veteran's Armor) “Old armor that has seen many battles. Niall was a lone survivor who commanded spirits to defend his long-passed master. This aging general could not die, nor did he have anywhere to fade away.” - (Veteran’s Prosthesis) “Bladed prosthetic leg enwreathed with the power of lightning, instead attached to the fist. Commander Niall, veteran of Castle Sol, offered this prosthesis in exchange for the lives of defeated knights held prisoner. He went on to lead these men as an army of no nation.” - (Oleg Ashes) One of the two knights known as the Wings of the Storm. After his banishment, he attracted the notice of the Grace-Given Lord and later, having slain a hundred traitors as the Lord's hand, Oleg earned the hero's honor of Erdtree Burial - (Engvall Ashes) One of the two knights dubbed the Wings of the Storm. Despite his banishment, he rejected the invitation of the Grace-Given Lord, instead keeping watch over a masterless castle for many years, gaining renown as a hero of the fringes” Given that Godwyn is the only demigod that fits the description of “long passed”, founded the dragon cult, all the evidence in Castle Sol, and wielded the same Lightning as Niall who lead the banished knights, Who else would Niall and the banished knights originally have had an allegiance to? I’d highly recommend Tarnished’s Archeologists video on Godfrey and the crucible. It shows there is strong evidence that he was not the original master of the Fortified Manor, meaning the Stormveil Architecture had to have been made before his time. Speaking of Stormveil, a lot of people claim that the damage is due to dragons or meteors but the damage or “mottling” seen externally on Stormveil, can be seen internally that tangibly couldn’t have come from the outside. This suggests that Godwyn’s curse(weird skybox in Fortissax bossfight) is manifesting itself on the castle. Mottling is a heavy theme with Godwyn because mottling is what happens to a body before death and usually occurs during the final week of life, although in some cases it can occur earlier. All of this should you believe it paints a picture of Godwyn as the Storm Lord with the Stormhawk king being his regent similar to Serosh and his title of “Lord of Beasts”. Nepheli’s dialogue of “first hawk” and the Stormhawk king heeding summons to anyone reinforces this. I also believe this is why you start to see a storm weather again in the Duskborn ending, because Godwyn has been resurrected.

[@angrybitternerd1832]

I kinda want someone to make a lore video about the appearance presets the draconian, nightfolk and numen respectively

[@darkwolf6879]

Each time I watch/listen to your vids. I learn so much more of the story and lore that I get in depth with my game play

[@cabron1984]

I can’t believe I watched the whole video and was very entertained by you and all the Elden ring lore.

[@t6y6fihu8hy9jjuhi]

I don't think the banished knights served Placidusax. They use dragon communion incantations not dragon cult incantations, if they served Placidusax and the Ancient Dragons, they would use some short of red lightning incantations like the beastmen from Farum Azula. Instead they only use dragon communion, wind and ice storm attacks for what I remember. Their presence in Farum Azula is most likelly associated with their admiration for the dragons, like is common between dragon communion members, I think they are more related to Castle Morne, Stormveil and the The Stormhawk King.

[@SmoughTown]

Yeh the dragon communion aspect is defo a strong argument against them serving the dragons.

[@portalmanHUN]

Maybe they were banished for killing dragons and eating their hearts?

[@shaunflinn1002]

I live the idea of grace in this game. Not just that it is a source of continued life in game but the fact that it's a metaphor for having purpose in real life is a source of vitality and strength to continue and endure.

[@Tridona]

Oh man, cant wait to watch this. Gonna save this gem for when I'm on my cleaning shift. Many thanks, Mr SmoughTown o/

[@carterborin5761]

Awesome video! Godfrey was both my favorite and most difficult character/boss. I was always curious about the purpose of the tarnished and you put it beautifully. Thank you for the great video

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks Carter! Really pleased you enjoyed my take on it

[@MidnightatMidian]

One thing that I think is totally ignored about the relation between Godfrey and Serosh, is that Hoara Loux-Godfrey seems to have been forced against his will, his nature, to take the lion Regent upon his back in spirit form. It is the ONLY spirit except Torrent who can manifest from spirit form to material form. So what we actually see in the cutscene is that Hoara Loux tricked Serosh to manifest into it's material form, to finally have a ''hold'' on him. Indeed that is the real explanation of the cruelty of how he litterally rip his mouth in half. That is not the death you would allow to a loyal comrade or servant, that is the death you would give to a parasite that had took a heavy toll on you.

[@blackhat4206]

One thing I’ve never been clear on: do Marika’s statues in her churches all show her in a hanging position because they were built after her imprisonment in the Erdtree, or did she just hang around like that in the past often enough to inspire that carved position, as well? 🤔

[@leohirtsche8341]

My take on that position comes from a picture inside the roundtable hold, in fias room for example. There we can see Marika painted over the actual erdtree. With her arms spread out like the bough of the tree. As her godhod and the erdtree go hand in hand, and she is like an embodiment of said tree I find it very pleasing to think of that posture as a kind of a glorification.

[@blackhat4206]

@Leo Hirtsche I do like the full circle symbolism of your position, with her ending up restrained in the same pose that she may have once considered dignified as a punishment for the Shattering.

[@SmoughTown]

My speculation has been that nobody knows she is imprisoned (as per the intro where it just says 'Marika has disappeared' so I believe it is just a symbolic pose of her - either representing the Erdtree or her Sacrifices as God

[@blackhat4206]

@SmoughTown Makes sense that the vast majority would be unaware of the goings on of high society in the Lands Between. I always found it odd how she is depicted up until moment she becomes Radagon to fight the Tarnished.

[@dantoki6371]

It looks like she mimicing the shape of the Rune, wich is associated with her.(the one on the Marika's Soreaeal)

[@ThommyofThenn]

Aw yeah bro, this is going to be a most illuminating insight into an individual incredibly important in inheriting insight into intertextual information.

[@SmoughTown]

Thanks my friend - I really hope you enjoy