Elden Ring Lore - The Fallen Hawks Soldiers

Who are the Fallen Hawk Soldiers, and why do they roam the Eternal City below the surface of the Lands Between?
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[@daltonkidd2589]

Damn I thought they were a band of the Hawk reference

[@andrew-rn9ui]

Well I mean, elden ring is basically a love letter to the fallen Miyazaki , as well as lord of the rings and cosmic stuff

[@KurwaRomek]

You have to love the Berserk references

[@joshryan8430]

Hidetaka Miyazaki always pulls references from the manga berserk. They are based from Griffith even down to where they are located at. Griffith was locked away with only a helm on his head in the forgotten city known as the enteral city. He was also the leader of the band of the hawk.

[@andrew-rn9ui]

With how many berserk references there are, and how similar elden ring is to dark souls / other from soft games I really wonder how much George Martin actually wrote of the series and have been thinking they just paid him to use his name to sell a crazy amount of copies cause of game of thrones popularity 😂 I think when it was announced that season 8 hadn't been released yet so no one knew it was gonna be absolute garbage (not George's fault)

[@kingepicface4355]

​@andrew-rn9ui he wrote a history before the shattering these likely happen after the shattering

[@NickCombs]

Given that these guys were basically just exiled, I don't think they were tasked with finding anything particular. They might be digging for more bones to burn for the ghostflame.

[@KosOrSomeSayKosmo]

Excellent video, some really interesting connections made in this one. The bleak story of the Fallen Hawk Soldiers and the pitiable state we find them in I think is one of the many tales that underscores how extreme and dire the situation in the Lands Between currently is, but also how ages of conquest, colonization, subjugation, and abuse preceded the Shattering of the Elden Ring. It's an extra layer of tragedy that all of that bloodshed and misery lead to the establishment of the Golden Order, an Order doomed to fail regardless.

[@childofcascadia]

I love the concept of the fallen hawks. They are one of the things I wish they had fleshed out the lore of a little more. I dont think they were down there before the eternal cities fell. There may not have been a path in game to the city they are found in before the stars started moving again, but that doesnt mean there wasnt tunnels not rendered in game, or that collapsed over time or from the meteor hit. I think like you said they were the remains of the soldiers of the deposed leader of stormveil and were not willing to swear loyalty to the new ruler. Enslaved by the new ruler as slave soldiers, they had something like the prisoners mask bolted to their skulls as a mark of shame. They were then given the option, go explore deep underground on a most likely suicidal mission or be tortured and executed. If they completed their mission, they would be freed. I think they were geas'ed (a geas is a magic spell or oath that compels someone to do something, from celtic myth) to find something the stormveil ruler wanted and they couldnt stop searching until they found it. Those that accepted were given arms and armor, including the inverted hawk shield. They went underground. On the surface, they were forgotten as whoever set them down there was deposed and demigods fought and the land was thrown into upheaval. But still they are compelled by magic to eternally search for whatever the thing that long ago ruler wanted.

[@TheMagicienWorld]

Damn, I thought you were gonna mention how their idle animations make them dig through the ground , explaining the bloody hands, showing that even in this state, they are still looking for the goal of their mission

[@sk8legendz]

I dont know if Miyazaki intended this but The fallen hawks were a defeated army whom following their defeat sought refuge in underground cities Once there they undertook a process that would condemn them to being dwellers of the underground eternally This origin story along with their aesthetics, is pretty much an exact play by play Nod/easter egg reference to The fate of the Snow Elves in Skyrim and how once defeated they sought out the dwemer below ground and then became the ghoulish falmer

[@alpacaofthemountain8760]

Oh cool! I love this idea.

[@Michael-dy7zp]

Maybe they are looking for the Finger Slayer blade so the Golden Order can keep it out if the hands of anyone who is against the Golden Order.

[@SoldierOfGodwyn]

There's a lot more lore to these guys than I thought. Thanks for another amazing video

[@themadgamer1217]

I think the answer to what exactly are they digging for is simple: Bones. Perhaps by acquiring the cold Ghostflame, they gained the attention of the Twinbird, and see it as their new lord to protect and serve - and part of that service to the Twinbird is burning the remains of the dead in Ghostflame.

[@TRACTOOOOOOOOOR]

The hawks are a nightmare. Amazing video as always! Do we have something on the demi humans?

[@square-table-gaming]

I don't believe we've discussed the demi-humans yet outside of our video on Boc

[@TRACTOOOOOOOOOR]

@@square-table-gaming I'm hoping I can see more about them and their apparent link to Caria in a video somewhere. Thanks for the content!

[@NickCombs]

There is a theory about them being descended from beastmen. I'm not entirely sold on it, but that might be an interesting angle to dig into.

[@minespatch]

@@square-table-gaming Three queens would be a nice topic to explore. There's also a queen in Fort Height.

[@Wolfspined]

These guys are me after nearly 1700 hours playing Elden ring....😅

[@keonakel9678]

Your consistency and research is to be commended, we appreciate your hard work guys! Can’t wait to see what you cover when the DLC drops

[@FatalLeaf]

I almost quit because of those hawks

[@daniellowery5942]

Amen. Between the hawks and that Banished Knight with his a$$hole friend my first run through Stormveil tested my resolve.

[@Crit-Multiplier]

they teach you to time or space jumping attacks. or gravity spells are dumb against airborne enemies. or that using the flame barrels to your adventage is a smart decision.

[@opheliacofficial]

I definitely think that they were searching for the fingerslayer blade, as none can be found on nights sacred ground unlike the rest of the city where they are located everywhere. This is probably due to a banishment by marika to the eternal cities as she must have been informed of the fingerslayer blade or perhaps it was used before and she needed her hands on it? Either could work

[@Asterati]

I love the shield boys, they're right up there with the mimic tear for my most useful summons. They're an impenetrable phalanx when upgraded fully. I also like giving them nicknames. Judeau, Corcus, and Gaston.

[@alpacaofthemountain8760]

Amazing video! I think that the Nox might've had some role in their transformation, besides being skilled in the art of transformation magic (IE the Mimics), there are statues of gaunt, screaming ghouls that pepper Nokron. Maybe those soldiers who didn't bend to the will of their underground masters?

[@doctorae724]

Very good presentation, even down to the speed at which you read your material. Didn't feel like you were off to the races, requiring me to reduce the playback speed, which would make it sound like you were drunk. Appreciated that. Automatic sub and like.

[@itsthatsvee]

I appreciate this series so much! Thanks yall!

[@square-table-gaming]

Thanks for watching!

[@ezal8372]

Oh that’s where the band of the hawk ended up

[@RetroVideoGamer23]

I thought they were looking for the finger slayer blade

[@NickCombs]

Why would they want that?

[@VintageMidiMusic]

​@@NickCombs to show it off to their gfs

[@NickCombs]

@@VintageMidiMusic Woah they have maidens?! Lucky bois

[@VintageMidiMusic]

@@NickCombs 😅

[@TitleDotJpeg]

It’s absurd how underrated you are

[@square-table-gaming]

Thank you, much appreciated

[@TitleDotJpeg]

@@square-table-gaming likewise

[@isaacsudduth1574]

Damn. Talk about getting the shaft. I feel sorry for those poor buggers. But since you mentioned that the hawk soldiers were looking for something, maybe they were looking for the fingerslayer blade, or ought the Lord of eternal night to remove a potential enemy of the golden order. Just a few thoughts off the top of my head.

[@whiskeygrave6361]

@Square Table Gaming These guys have such a depressing back story. Like you said, hopefully our tarnished character put them to peace.

[@redheadsilver8041]

Marika ordered them to explore the eternal cities and uld/uhr ruins so that they could give her the stone tablets, which she would use to better understand the elden ring through it's information by creating fundamentalism. Fundamentalism was Marika's method to get a tool to keep faith and trust in her Golden Order, after the erdtree no longer provided blessings but, also her way of better understanding the elden ring and how it worked, in order to break the elden ring. All in preparation for the shattering.

[@square-table-gaming]

Love this theory, wish we had something concrete to attach to it.

[@cameranwall]

In tarot, when a card or image is inverted, it means that it is inaccessible. Just thought I’d point it out

[@ChunkyDunker]

One topic I think would be great to cover is the bewitching branch and it’s connection to Miquella. I was under the impression that the bewitching branch- formed by Miquella’s lily and sacramental bud- and how it could actually show Miquella’s evil side. Miquella was favored by many in the Lands Between, but it’s also possible he went too far and was willing to sacrifice many for his own power and possibly undo the curse of eternal youth. The branch makes you a temporary ally and was possible these were used to guide those not accepted by the Erdtree and given “sanctuary”. I believe Miquella wanted to use this sacrifice to garner power as an adult then reform a tree in the spirit world, kill Godwyns soul, and bring about a coming age away from the guidance of grace.

[@KosOrSomeSayKosmo]

Yeah, there's definitely a degree of ambiguity introduced about Miquella's character and how he "compels" affection.

[@ChunkyDunker]

@@KosOrSomeSayKosmo I would say in the beginning his intentions were pure. But his ambition was greater than the interest of others. He might have already been corrupted before Mogh captured him and Mogh thought it would be a perfect opportunity.

[@ChunkyDunker]

@@KosOrSomeSayKosmo or Miquella accepted Mogh’s accord. Idk there’s so much to uncover.

[@andrewgpisme]

I have a hard time believing they would explore the eternal city out of compulsion. They could have been slave soldiers like Mamluks or Janissaries. There’s got to be something they’re looking for, something they value.

[@Admiralofthedeeps]

Considering there is no real reason to go to Nockron for anything other than the finger slayer blade I am not surprised that they were sent there to search for loot or whatever treasure they could find. I imagine it was something similar to the start of the Solomon Kane movie where his band are picked off by eldritch horrors one by one.

[@alexandergeorge857]

Anything you can do for all dung beatles? Why they gather ashes and flask refills?

[@drakmendoa]

I would say they are diggin for the same reason the nobels on the overworld are also diggin everywhere in the ruins. But I am unsure what it is they are searching. Maybe something of the rune of death

[@coraline2770]

I always liked these dudes when i saw them the great shield ones are prob my fav

[@Cricket0021]

they're kinda like the wandering noblemen, they are always digging for something

[@zenebean]

I love bringing out the greatshield fallen hawk soldier ashes. Banging shields, tossing fire made from burning bones- my own metal band

[@akshitsingh3752]

Hey man. I'm fan of these elden lore videos but on top of that I really love those art thumbnails you put on each videos.

[@square-table-gaming]

That's our artist Pat Gee. Look him up or check out one of our streams! He and his wife do the majority of our streams.

[@akshitsingh3752]

@@square-table-gaming alright will do.

[@momzilla2010]

agagin this is an AWESOME video

[@rat_king_the_ratining]

the rat king approves of this lore and my council echos my thoughts 🐀 🐀 🐀 🐀 🐀 🐀 🐀 🐀

[@square-table-gaming]

Thank you king

[@shadowlegend6995]

A strange thing is that the noble are also digging, like them.

[@SumaTJessT]

Can you do a video about the screaming crucified people?

[@MichaelRains-s6s]

Damn, you're good. This is perfect 😎

[@whatsnewbois9814]

Question: Do they agro the Crucible Knight? If not that could mean that the Crucible Knights went with them to watch over them so that they wouldnt run away. But if they do they wouldnt be sent by the Erdtree Forces, why kill your slaves that you have sent away to explore?

[@FenrisWolfblood]

I think they were a band of soldiers sent to the eternal city in search of the Silver Tears, and left behind when whoever was in charge found what they were looking for. Just speculation obviously, but I think whatever formula makes up the Silver Tears was sought after to be used for experimentation on making super soldiers, if you will. That experimentation resulted in the Albinaurics. The male variant resemble Pidia. So he may have been used as a test subject to see if they could actually make something from the Silver Tears; and once confirmed, Loretta was the soldier chosen for the female variant to be modelled after. The female Albinauric was a success, but with the same affliction of the individual they're modelled after, hence their legs do not work. That is, if Loretta is actually bound to her horse as to actually be mobile. You can't dismount Loretta from her horse, and it is speculated that because of this, her legs do not work.

[@BananasinpajamasIV]

My favorite hawk is mike.

[@salvatoresciortino946]

awesome video man. given anymore thought on making a video of elden ring being a prequel to dark souls? Just fun fan theory one?

[@square-table-gaming]

It'd be fun! Id have to work on it between regular episodes.

[@adriangreen5228]

Gloam Eyed Queen video?💜👀

[@tezereth]

I still don't know why theses guys have no armor Or no clothes at all, for that matter

[@TiberiusRex182]

Damn, Pats art always has such sexy curves XD

[@freemygrandma956]

I’m starting to think Elden ring really is a sequel to ds3 like grrm said I know we trolled it as him not being familiar with the series that well but as the months pass Ive been seeing a lot of parallels with some dialogue and what not

[@HeevaEgo]

It’s a Miyazaki thing to share dialogue/themes across all his games, even Sekiro.

[@freemygrandma956]

@@HeevaEgo that’s what I’m saying they really all could be connected

[@andreasreinhardt.2402]

They looking for the finger slayer blade. Maybe.

[@LTFHXCVI]

Band of the hawk>Fallen hawk? Another berserk reference?

[@Crit-Multiplier]

maybe it has something to do with the ghostflame? more bones to cultivate the flame?

[@michaeljohnston8891]

Ok, tinfoil theory/rant incoming: Recently, content creator Jack is a Mimic made a video that quite convincingly argues the Eternal Cities were submerged after the Shattering, which lines up with some theories from Tarnished Archaeologist, citing the Noxian architecture of Lower Leyndell and the entirely missing stratum of the city that just happens to be right above the Nameless Eternal City. Long story short, the theory goes that the Nox were banished as a result from their conspiracy in the Night of the Black Knives and the crafting of the Finger Slayer Blade from the corpse of Godwyn. There’s even the likelihood that Miquella joined forces with Ranni and the Nox to make this happen, all in a bid to kill the roots of the Erdtree to allow his Haligtree to flourish. However, Miquella’s aims required that Godwyn die a true death, but his plans were thwarted by Ranni where she killed her own body as Godwyn was getting shanked. Miquella then tried to summon the eclipse, the Dark Moon which would swallow the sun, to bring a true death to his half-brother, but failed in this aim due to either Ranni’s own meddlings, or Radahn holding the stars in stasis. Long story short, I believe Miquella was the one who sent the Fallen Hawks into Nokron, both to secure the Prince of Death’s throne, and obtain the Finger Slayer Blade in an attempt to reverse the damage done to his plans. And I think the main line of evidence are the Veteran Commanders, Banished Knights, and Exiled Soldiers. These warriors were obviously once servants of the Storm Lord, but seem to have disbanded after Godfrey’s conquest of Stormveil. Some chose to serve the new Elden Lord and his progeny, others embarked on the path of Dragon Communion, while another group became swords-for-hire. The two main encounters we have with this last group can be found in Aeonia and Castle Sol as spirits summoned by the Veteran Commanders. The implication seems to be that these soldiers were bought and paid for by Miquella. The detachment at Castle Sol are obviously defending that region for Miquella, and I believe the other regiment served under Malenia as she campaigned in Caelid, hoping to relinquish Radahn’s grip over the stars. It seems that the Fallen Hawks were likely the lowest ranking of the bunch, left behind in Limgrave to scout out Nokron as the rest of Malenia’s army marched towards Caelid. It would’ve made sense to leave them behind, as the Twin Prodigies would’ve wanted to secure Nokron while allowing their best troops to challenge the Redmanes. However, it seems the Fallen Hawks were ultimately unsuccessful as well, held back by the Nox and their mimics, as well as the Valiant Gargoyles. Also, the last bit of evidence is a bit circumstantial, but it’s the Ghostflame arrows. These can be found exclusively by looting Fallen Hawks, with the exception of one other place in the overworld where some are found on a corpse. And guess where we find this corpse? In Elphael. This connection becomes even more obvious when we factor in the obvious parallels between Miquella and Griffith from Berserk. So let’s add one more bullet point to that theory: both condemned a group of mercenaries under the banner of a Hawk to a fate worse than death in a dark netherworld

[@jaysondowney7403]

Hey I have a theory about jerren about his mysterious past now what weapons does he use a staff with a spell and a flamberge which scales with strength and dex now what starting class has good strength and dex and has high enough intelligence to wield a staff and cast spells prisoner the prisoner ever starts with that exact same speed

[@diredier]

Great video, love your channel

[@square-table-gaming]

Thank you!

[@SterbiusMcGurbius]

I heard their name is due to their ability to spit snot a long distance.

[@necrogenesis1981]

I didn’t even notice those details, how do you unlock the camera? I’ve heard you need a mod but is it possible on Xbox?

[@square-table-gaming]

Never done it myself, I capture all my footage through my PS5

[@frankiefromky]

I think these guys forgot what they were looking for a long time ago, and now they're entire existance consists solely of searching for a thing that can never be found... much like all the tarnished that came before us. Until we come along and finish the game (eventually lol ) tarnished only knew the search but never the destination. And yes, I believe we are doing them a favor by putting them out of their misery. Miazaki's games relish in the adventure and not the destination, these guys seem to be a perversion of that idea, like... yea, it was the friends we made along the way that really matter... but without a destination in mind, a goal... then all you have are these guys. Digging the ground until they have bloody nubs for fingers... unable to do anything else except the one thing they always did best, fight as a team.

[@dreamsleeper1568]

Amazingly they were sent for the two fingers slayer blade. But never made it.

[@square-table-gaming]

Nothing I'm their lore outright states this but it could make sense.

[@PWNINSWAGMASTER]

Hey, you interested in hearing my ultimate Elden Ring theory that you probably wont hear anywhere else and will get you thinking?

[@square-table-gaming]

Shoot! Or tell our discord

[@PWNINSWAGMASTER]

@@square-table-gaming What’s your discord?

[@square-table-gaming]

@@PWNINSWAGMASTER linked in the vid and on the channel!

[@PWNINSWAGMASTER]

I sent my message.

[@RogerSwabknuckle]

Hi

[@MK-vi2cm]

Hi

[@Carrot-Man1876]

Hello Bletelsnort

[@winterbalm]

why did the skinrot away hy do they look like mummies

[@square-table-gaming]

Many years wandering the underground, no sunlight, exposure to the ghost flame. The nobles aboveground are rotting in a similar way, but they're environment is more hospitable

[@winterbalm]

@@square-table-gaming at least they are not fat

[@Carrot-Man1876]

Greetings from the Carrot-Man 👋🥕

[@square-table-gaming]

My liege

[@soup7850]

I don't know why but I have jealousy guarded my subscription like an douche canoe. you've given me enough knowledge for a sub. I guess I just don't like channels asking for subs

[@soup7850]

I am subbed now btw.

[@square-table-gaming]

Appreciate it! When it comes down to it without subs you really can't survive on the platform. Still I never want to flat out beg people to sub which is why we say "please consider," instead of "DO THIS!"

[@RetroVideoGamer23]

F those hawks,annoying as hell lol