The Irony of Gideon the All-Knowing | Elden Ring Lore

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"Ah, I'd knew you'd come." YEAH, NO SHOT, MR KNOW IT ALL.
Today we dissect The Lands Between's self-proclaimed all-knowing, Sir Gideon Ofnir.
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Credits & Sources
Script, editing and gameplay by me with the exception of the credited parts below.
Please support any content creators below if you like their content:
NPC faces by Zullie the Witch: • Elden Ring - The NPCs ...
Beauty of Elden Ring by Flurdeh: • The Beauty of Elden Ri...
Elden Ring Graphics showcase by DefendTheHouse: • The Beauty of Elden Ri...
Gideon dialogue on shardbears by PrimeraEspada91: • Elden Ring: Gideon Ofn...
Nepheli Summon for Godfrey fight by Cr4v1nDys: • Elden Ring - Godfrey /...
Gideon spells by Garden of Eyes: • How does Gideon Ofnir ...
Comet Azur location by GamePillar: • Legendary Spell Comet ...
Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com
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[@saeed7136]

calls himself the all knowing and tries to sip an empty flask in the middle of a fight

[@mairo4057]

He's not Gideon the all counting.

[@OhDuhEh]

He actually doesn't call himself all knowing. He states he aspires to be all knowing, also admitting in that the fact he is not all knowing right now. It's others that call him all knowing.

[@WobblyPage955]

almost woke up the whole house laughing at this

[@goober13579]

@@OhDuhEh yeah also says that its impossible to reach true wisdom and the search for it is an infinite struggle.

[@mysticalpotato86]

lmao

[@bartmongiello]

The craziest thing to me, is that he is so sure that a man cannot kill a god, yet right under his nose is Hewg forging a weapon to kill a god. All-knowing indeed.

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

I mean. He can't even see Latenna in our pocket.

[@arkhimsanitastupor]

His knowledge only comes from books. Not real life experience. He can't even see what's around him, like literally in front of him. He's too immersed in his fantasy world.

[@Jorge-i3g1c]

I think actually he means, really really kill, because maybe all this gods have and end until something next to it

[@jackwilliam4436]

Perhaps he knows a god-killing weapon is being forged close to him, but he either thinks that weapon is useless (imagine cutting a sword shape in a cardboard and saying you are creating a weapon that can slay an elephant), or that no man can properly wield such a weapon (imagine giving a grenade launcher to an ant and expecting it to kill a bear) ?

[@ericd.9038]

@@jackwilliam4436I think this is true, I believe he thinks making a God-slaying weapon is a fools errand. Hewg has been in the Roundtable Hold a long long time and never succeeded in making such a weapon (until the player comes along of course). Gideon also believes no one can become Elden Lord, and I think this is a logical extension of that.

[@Flashjackmak]

From the way he's hunched over that desk to read his papers, he might be short-sighted which would be a little extra nugget of irony.

[@miss_chalice]

man that's genius. nice observation!

[@Flashjackmak]

@@miss_chalice Thanks! His design is super interesting and the way he's all hunched over to read is so distinctive.

[@Unique-f3m]

See I personally think that this just supports the theory of Gideon being very well on in years. Short sightedness, very clearly in some form or another decrepit, his disdain for the changes in the world, and the fact that he’s a bit of a hermit. He has a slight haunch in his back even whilst we fight him at the end. As we begin the game in the age undeath; who really knows how old Gideon The All Knowing could be?

[@DiabolicalHater]

the eye deformity is actually called "near-sighted", not "short-sighted"

[@k0valus585]

@@DiabolicalHater ahh, i'm personally nearsighted myself, and i don't mind either

[@James.Webb1976]

He says "You may let down your guard". Then later his apprentice attacks us unprovoked in the roundtable hold. He's out to use us then kill us from the start.

[@shutup1037]

Yeah, because we are also fellow competitor. He's a fraud

[@RommelStorm]

Or he might have truly meant it. He didn't care about us or what we would achieve at the start. To him, we were just another tarnished seeking shelter. Until we claimed a great rune and the half of the medallion. I'm not defending him, though. Fk Gideon.

[@Maxbeedo2]

Inescapable Frenzy is such a fun way to take out Gideon. "Here, have some Eldritch Truth! Can't really call yourself All-Knowing if you don't know what it's like to have your eyes and brain on fire."

[@DarkHypernova]

"I know a way to become Elden lord, Gideon. All you have to do is..." *grabs head, leans in, whispers* "Find the Albunauric woman." MADNESS

[@anonfinally1692]

I use HoM and Rykard's Rancor on him so he could experience what it feels facing those

[@Notahamneem]

This aged interestingly. Dude KNEW that the fingers werent even connected to the outerwill and thus neither was marika.

[@brandonmiller9155]

But Marika houses the Elden ring, and is a vassal of the greater will. The two fingers are connected to the greater will, but they can’t communicate with it anymore. Likely, at best they can see who would be a good fit to become a god. They’re at least able to choose empyreans, and must be killed along with your empyrean flesh in order to be divested from the greater will, as established by ranni’s quest line

[@Terminalsanity]

I don't believe Nepheli's summon sign at Godfrey's boss fog indicates she was sent by Gideon as it only appears if you complete her quest line by giving her the StormHawk King's ashes (instead of Seluvis's potion like a bastard) and letting her become ruler of Limgrave through Kent Height's questline, so I think its appearance is just Nepheli making good on her promise for you to be able to call upon her. Afterall Gideon had already abandoned Nepheli at that point because he deemed her be of no more use precisely because could no longer completely manipulate her.

[@warmak4576]

'instead of Seluvis's potion like a bastard' OY! i wanted to see what happens oke? >:(

[@miss_chalice]

Yes, you are completely correct! I went back and tested it; she doesn't appear as a summon for Godfrey if you ignore her questline. So, as you said, it's connected to her rise as the next ruler of Stormveil. It's my mistake; when you get theorising, it's easy to MAKE things fit your perspective instead of thinking of why they DON'T fit. I will try and double-check the trigger criteria for any theories in future :) But yes, I agree with your observation about Gideon abandoning Nepheli when he couldn't manipulate her anymore.. Thanks again!

[@Terminalsanity]

@@miss_chalice No worries when Elden Ring only conveys significant plot points and lore via items descriptions, environmental storytelling, and easily missed in game events its very very easy to miss or overlook something as your building out a theory or just try to follow the game's narrative in general. Pretty sure several theories I have about Miquella are going to get blown out of water when the DLC drops.

[@Terminalsanity]

@@warmak4576 What can I say got to own that right bastard badge, now. Even Gideon balked at the notion of giving the potion to Nepheli even after he gaslit lit her, used her, and then abandoned her the moment her showed the slightest bit of independence. You have her puppet now the item description says it all. Me, I gave the potion to the Dungeater because screw him and Seluvis (Also he's the better puppet😉)

[@WretchedRedoran]

Please man, I'm not a bastard, I just thought I'd fail Ranni's quest if I didn't complete Seluvis' because I went in blind without a wiki, I swear. I didn't even know I could talk to Gideon about it.

[@DozleZabi]

Ironically I think Gideon didn't KNOW that Radagon and Marika were one person. Radagon (posing as Marika) tricked him into thinking no one can kill a God, we know Radagon wants to keep the Golden Order around, so tricking Gideon into stopping people from trying to claim the throne is in his best interest (especially now that the thorns were burned allowing someone to come into the Tree)

[@PoniesNSunshine]

I think him knowing "Marika's" mind but not Radagon's is another tick on the side of the Hero of Morne/ original Marika is Radagon's prisoner theory

[@miss_chalice]

Ahh yes you are right. The fact that "Radagon is Marika" is pretty much unknown to most people in The Lands Between! Good point!

[@SelkonAngelo]

@@miss_chalice Even the woman he slept with "Rennala" had no idea

[@aliekexie8467]

Personal belief, but Im pretty sure they became one after Marika shattered the ring and Radagon being the golden order's No1 fan tried to fix everything by being Marika.

[@adekaiwamisou]

This is the theory I think has the most weight. Which is the sweetest irony. The all-knowing, the man with every plan, in the end, dies in teh service of a manipulation and a falsehood. His own arrogance blindign him to the possibility of being wrong and losing because of it.

[@teddyshinobi]

24:30 Nephili is there to support your ascension to Elden Lord. Her summon only shows up if you complete her quest, which includes her having her falling out with Gidion, becoming The Storm Lord, and swearing fielty to you. She's not there to help Gidion.

[@joshjonson2368]

You should've inserted that trump quote telling a certain silly woman to cease dialogue 😂

[@wesleywyndam-pryce5305]

​​@@joshjonson2368 Donald being a mysoginist is not funny. anything involving him stopped being funny back when he tried to do a coup.

[@PoniesNSunshine]

Good call about the fingers being unreliable narrators. I love the theory that all the scarabs you find throughout the lands between that are marked with the eye symbol are Gideon's spies. But also *terrifying* 😮 Gideon's suggestion to just wipe nepheli's mind so that she can be useful to him in the future 😮 Also his complete nonchalant attitude to you setting the roundtable on fire 😮 His casual suggestion that you just finish Miquella off too once you find him.

[@miss_chalice]

Yes! The more I discovered about Gideon, the more insidious and creepy his actions/behaviour appeared! Oh, and that scarab theory is one of my all-time favourites.

[@jacobfreeman5444]

Gideon's world runs on a meritocracy. He does seem to respect people more for being both capable and willing to achieve their objectives despite hardship. He didn't seem to respect Nephali at first but once she chooses to be lord of Stormwind he seems to genuinely think well of her. Same for you. The further along you get the more difference he pays you. Not just because you actually claimed a great rune. You best him at his own schemes. It makes him think more highly of you. That said it is obvious Gideon is untrustworthy. Between using people for what value he can get out of them to withholding information if it doesn't produce results for him Gideon deserves to get used by Radagon as a stooge.

[@strawboi1]

I think those scarabs that holds ashes of war were suppose to go to Gideon to give him more knowledge of close quarter combat since in the video it shows he lacks in melee combat as he uses spells instead when fighting him and the scepter he carries should be able to be use as a melee weapon and spells but when you kill the scarabs you ended up gaining that knowledge instead of Gideon

[@exploertm8738]

Well, you know, about the last one he might've had a point...

[@stupidedgykid9563]

​@@miss_chalice He also has a very creepy dialogue about the Ranni doll. He actually asks if you put her in a jar with your seed 😭

[@ggflowen]

I really disliked Gideon from the start so I was thrilled when I saw him standing there. I'd have to agree that he realized what Queen Marika was planning and couldn't fathom that she intended to be killed and have the golden order replaced. Knowing what the tarnished is capable of in battle and still choosing to try to stop us and Godfrey at the end is kind of brave in his own delusional way.

[@anamggss]

Prolly a do or die response. When the threat of Marina's death became more apparent he likely chose to just fight against all odds for the tiny chance of killing you and preventing his fears. And if he fails, atleast he won't have to live thru it cuznhe's dead. Probably aware you have the death rune at this point.

[@GsusCrust]

I have seen him beat up alot of players, if the devs gave him an actual cutscene and didn't make him stand around talking he would kill more.@@anamggss

[@austinsepara41]

You called it with the new lore from the DLC, the Fingers have been frauds the entire time, the Greater Will has been gone the entire time. The Narrator in the first cutscene just gave us the greatest lore revelation right away

[@tsmaathearchivist5997]

I like the idea that Gideon is intelligent enough to use you to gather the great runes for him so he can join nepheli in the fight against Godfrey, then ultimately betray nepheli before going into the erdtree and realizing he has to fight Marika radagon

[@miss_chalice]

Oh man, how much I would pay to see an alternate/cut ending of Gideon doing just this and having him and his smugness wiped off the plane of existence.

[@sned_dunes]

The all hearing traitor would die by the divine hands of his God, that now would be free from it's gaol. The world would soom be once again under the merciless hands of the golden order someone so desperately tried to seal away, inside the Great Tree. Stormveil's winds would suddenly take the arena, and the stubborn King would finally come back from it's ashes to aid it's master, healing her wounds. Hoarah Loux descendant would win this last fight, and everyone would live happily ever after. Our seed would then look back upon us, and recall...

[@Behemoth9030]

The fallen leaves tell a story of how an All-Blundering fool tried to become Elden Lord, to attempt to take the throne. Our seed will look back upon us, in an Age of Mediocrity.

[@russpc9739]

He definitely did not know how to dodge my alternating DragonClaw spam from dual Dragon communion Seals

[@shutup1037]

😂😂😂

[@indrickboreale5463]

Madness Grab goes "AAAAAH, ahhhhhAHHHGHHH, AAAAAAHHHHHHH"

[@fallenmind153]

gideon was one of the few bosses that i really felt ok beating the crap out of lol. most of the bosses in elden ring i empathized with or even felt bad having to take them down but him.... i made a day of it lol.

[@miss_chalice]

Yeah, I absolutely agree with this. It felt like "put your money where your mouth is, Gideon" regarding all this big talk about becoming Elden Lord. Aaaaaaand.... you're dead. Gideon has no redeeming qualities whatsoever!

[@A_Black_Sheep94]

...most of them? Most of them are dicks.

[@KillerBlaze]

After what he did to nepheli, I was ecstatic to see him standing there, giving me the opportunity to avenge my girl

[@theheresiarch3740]

My crowning moment in this game was when I no-hit Gideon on my very first attempt and then teabagged him on my way out. What a bastard.

[@bobkingofham6296]

I slowly walked up to him, and simply did the shoot madness directly into his head spell

[@joshuacook2573]

Gideon orchestrated the slaughter at the Village of the Albinaurics because he caught wind the medallion he was searching for was there. This is hinted at by your initial conversation with Latenna at the Slumbering Wolf Shack. This obviously upset Nepheli and caused a rift in her relationship with her adoptive father. Gideon also noticed when you, the Tarnished, find Albus and acquire the first half of the Haligtree Medallion... this is what causes him to ultimately sic his dog (Ensha) on you upon your return to the Roundtable Hold - you found what he essentially murdered a boatload of albinaurics for. This is why I love this game... to actually understand the "meat & potatoes" of each character, you have to piece things together. The writer(s) assume you're intelligent enough to work out the who, what, when, where, and why. Too many stories these days, regardless of format, tend to beat you over the head with the plot as if you're too dumb to figure it out - it's boring. The game itself stands alone. For those that want to hack and slash their way through scores of bosses and challenges, this will definitely provide satisfaction... but for those that want a little more depth or to better understand what motivates each character, there's plenty below the surface if you're willing to dig. Thank you for posting these lore videos!

[@shiroamakusa8075]

Nepheli's summon sign before Godfrey is only there if you completed her personal quest and made her Lady of Limgrave as that ends with her pledging herself to you. She isn't there on Gideon's orders as it's unlikely she'd help someone who not only revealed himself to be a cruel bastard but also cast her away.

[@Downloadable_4]

unfortunately i played the game when her quest was bugged

[@DanielLopes-uo7qo]

yess i really thought of this, after learning about the albinauric village massacre by gideon she was feeling too betrayed to ever want to be at his side again

[@nyalan8385]

@@Downloadable_4bro that was 2 years ago replay the game

[@l337fox]

I was fascinated first happening upon the other Roundtable Hold in Leyndell. Partially destroyed, corpses of finger readers all about. It really had me wonder, has this all happened before? Is this what Gideon meant by having us struggle for eternity?

[@andermachines2645]

Idk if you're familiar with The Tarnished Archaeologist, but he has a whole series of videos that start from the theory that the Erdtree was actually burnt before the events of the game (one tell is the amount of what looks like ash around Leyndell)

[@GothBootsyCollins]

Radagon's criss-cross pattern acts as a trellis, further 'ordering' life and growth in the way the Greater Will dictates

[@Jsize]

Unexpected Elden Ring lore from Miss Chalice, yay!

[@miss_chalice]

I had to return to my roots! The call of the Elden Ring is too strong!

[@lordaizen8004]

I straight up had no idea girls like you existed. And still wouldn't be surprised if you're the only one 🤷 and by that I mean extremely beautiful girls who speak intelligently/eloquently, and on top of that, play really difficult but awesome games like Elden Ring. Can honestly say I'm just impressed all around 🥰👍

[@ghengisdong6714]

​@@lordaizen8004cringe

[@LegendaryPlank]

@@lordaizen8004 This comment made me feel sick

[@lordaizen8004]

@@LegendaryPlank that someone honestly spoke their mind made you sick?? How about grow up maybe?? You ppl are so sensitive, I didn't even say anything lewd or crude like SOO many others do. Fucking idiots

[@SlipperyPeteClassic]

I just saw this recommended in the side bar and I like what I see of the channel so far. "Wise, but not smart" is the most concise summary of Gideon's entire character that I've ever heard.

[@wulfratha]

Great video Chalice! Another irony is that the name 'Gideon' is Hebraic in origin and can be taken to mean 'Great Warrior' or 'one who cut's down/feller' (as in literally 'tree feller') - Gideon's overt refusal of the call goes deep! keep it up!

[@miss_chalice]

ooooo really nice trivia! Thank you for sharing; one of my favourite things about Fromsoft is their choice of names. They usually have a funny or fitting meaning behind them, and Gideon is no exception, clearly!

[@wulfratha]

@@miss_chalice oh absolutely just look at Gwyn's family's names! My IRL name means 'usurper' which sounds suitably Frommish so I'm hoping for my own NPC one day lol!

[@ObsideoVir]

To add to this, Ofnir is an alternative name for the god Odin, who is, among other things, a god of shamanism and sorcery, as well as wisdom and knowledge. Considering he uses sorceries and he seems to "quest for knowledge" in much the same way Odin does in Norse stories, whether it be through us, the player, giving him information, or through other means, I'd say this, too, is an interesting use of that part of Gideon's name. Add to this that Odin quested to stave off Ragnarok (the end of existence's current cycle, which, by some interpretations, he himself set into motion through the slaying of Ymir), but ultimately couldn't, because fate, or wyrd, was already set into motion, is also interesting because in the game Gideon, despite, or perhaps because of, all his knowledge, comes to the conclusion that "a man can not kill a god", thus essentially saying we are unable to break or change the cycle, even though in this narrarive we end up proving him wrong.

[@wulfratha]

@@ObsideoVir Awesome point dude I hadn't connected Ofnir to Odin but it's very on point! I think one of the key aspects of Odin's myth being he was willing to sacrifice ANYTHING - even potentially his own life and/or eye for wisdom. Annoyingly it does rather fly in the face of my own theory that there's nowhere near as much Norse/Germanic mythology in Soulsborne lore as people think but I'm starting to think that's just DarkSouls (yes yes BIG TREES yes I know but still). Thinking about it I would say he's a pale comparison - I've always taken 'man cannot kill a god' to be more a statement of belief - or even a religious mantra (you CANNOT eat fudge on a Wednesday) obviously we CAN we just shouldn't - despite his wisdom he's incapable of looking beyond the golden order because it's a fundamental part of who and what he is... Just promise me in the DLC nobody is distracting a horse!?

[@Balder-gb4eq]

Gideon always reminded me of odin. A ruthless individual obsessed with knowledge, wisdom and prophecy

[@mothgoth0]

Ik this is an old comment, but "Ofnir" is actually one of Odin's titles, so it's a spot-on observation!

[@Feanor1988bis]

This was really very interesting. The part about Radagon being the one sealing the Erdtree with the thorns is actually quite convincing and totally unexpected. Great interpretation of Gideon's character too. And great voice as always ❤

[@zhimbobway]

For Gideon being all-knowing, he never sees me getting fully buffed and then cracking him with a charged R2 while he does his speech before the fight 😂

[@astralodin]

finally someone who teaches lore with a soft voice and not a ultra loud voice so i cant work next to it or fall asleep to it. very good video thx

[@shogashogunai]

It’s crazy that Gideon knew the two fingers had lost their purpose, as we learn in the DLC that their connection had been severed essentially throughout the majority of Marika’s reign, if not in its entirety.

[@fireblast133]

with knowledge of how the fingers work from the DLC, finding there was not only a third layer, Metyr (Greater Will->Metyr->two finger->finger reader->tarnished), but that Metyr was abandoned long ago, and the greater Will wasn't directing us at all this whole time...

[@Enzar17]

One of the things I greatly enjoy about Gideon is the way he tells you about the various Shardbearers and where to find them, like he's just reading facts out of a bullet pointed textbook. He has this vast collection of knowledge, but without an ability to put it to use, apply it, and distill any meaning from it. We're the ones with practical experience, gaining the strength necessary to become Elden Lord and choose our own destiny. Gideon, on the other hand, is the ONLY Tarnished in the entire game who does not start outside, or ever depart from the Roundtable Hold, his bastion of knowledge.

[@CacklingAntagonist]

Another banger from Chalice to save a terrible week 🎉 Found Gideon's character really enigmatic and I can't wait to dive into this. Thanks!

[@mostlyjovial6177]

Honestly, I never hear the interpretation I had of his “a man cannot kill a god” everyone seems to take it as an insult or disbelief, i always thought he said it as a warning, a notice that the path you’re on will not end as you intend it. Quite frankly it’s my preferred interpretation, as he was highly intelligent, there’s just no way i see him just unable to comprehend the tarnisheds goal and ability.

[@MG-gj7pv]

It’s crazy how much time and detail fromsoft put into parts of this game that 99% of people would never realize

[@TonkarzOfSolSystem]

21:54 I think it's more that he saw the Elden Beast and got (justifiably) scared.

[@cx3558]

I'm glad to see you back on my algorithm! That promise about going back about Gideon after talking about the entirety of Elden Ring's lore cracked me up. But tbh I'd listen to anything you have to say even if the title says otherwise lol Also, yes I can hear the improvement from the video and your voice! Well done! 💯🔥

[@cupofwarmmilk5957]

Gideon is the exact kind if antagonist i love. He kind of has that weasel-y feel to him, but even in FromSoft games, weasels can bite hard. I love me a schemer enemy, and Gideon fits it to a t.

[@AutismGaming489]

A minute into the video and the Elden Bling is on point.

[@BaumMiner]

I have seen a theory to suggest he did not know Marika is Radagon. So when he peered into the will of Marika, he may have seen Radagons Will. The will for the tarnished to fail, to suffer, struggle and never being able to defeat a god.

[@donimmortal7692]

I think rather than knew nothing, Gideon knew EVERYTHING that we knew and even more, but still gave up due his own hubris and cowardice. He couldn't THINK of a way to kill a God, so rather than go take a swing at Marika to see what happened, he chooses to gave up and conceded to Marika's will. I don't think the last line was meant to be a spite or anything, but that is genuinely what he believed.

[@kikyo2462]

thank you for making more elden ring content, this video was sooo wonderful 🩷 i have to say, not a single creator has covered the two fingers to the extent you have in this video. it always confused me why no one would discuss them in detail when they’re one of the most intriguing aspects of the lore. you killed itttt, thank you again lovely!!!

[@yeahyeahwowman8099]

One thing I like about it is that the more you tell him, the more power he aquires. So many developers are afraid of gamers missing shit, that if Gideon was in an Ubisoft game an NPC would just spoil it for you. "If you talk to that man about where you been, he will get stronger."😂

[@Darfail]

This is why FromSoft makes the best games.

[@a15godzilla]

Well thank heavens Fronsoftware is here to make you feel intelligent.

[@a15godzilla]

Go for the grammar correction. It means you're even more intelligent.

[@yeahyeahwowman8099]

@@a15godzilla well thank god you completely missed the point dipshit and decided to respond like you have autism.

[@Shmandalf]

Tbh I didn't understand a damn thing about the story until lore videos like this came out, lol. I don't really play them for the story elements though

[@Wanker527]

This is my first time watching you, and I must say, you are a true gem of a lady.

[@evalinova]

I have never really commented on any of your videos before, but this one being based so much on your interpretations was especially entertaining and enjoyable, not that i dislike lore discussions based on fully established facts, but it is nice every now and then to go beyond that. P.S. Nice new profile pic!

[@miss_chalice]

Thank you so much for your nice words! I'm really pleased you enjoyed this style of lore talk :) I am super interested in postulating why characters do what they do, their motivations, their psyche, etc. That tends to go into speculation. But as you said, that is fun to dip into! P.S. Thank you!! Ranni was one of my favourite E.R. cosplays, and I thought it was time for a change!

[@LegitTyswan]

After like 3 Gideon vids this is the one I learned the most about his character and the conflicted nature he had regarding thirst for knowledge vs accepting the inevitable that we the tarnished will become a lord before him undermining his entire life’s goal/work, great video and great voice too I’d listen to you explaining lore on where rocks come from it had this quality of knowledge/insight in it

[@BigChungus-gz9vw]

Great video!! I just finished my first play through of elden ring and have loved my time with it. You do a fantastic job of explaining and diving into the lore of the game world and characters.

[@jvin248]

Like a painting, often the artist has a simple design but admirers of the art interpret deep and complex meanings. The most simple setup for Gideon is he uses every new tarnished to do the all the tedious and hard work getting to the endgame, clearing the way for him to walk on and win. Admire the clue building presented.

[@x2iacjex]

Gideon voice actor was great

[@IFeelRobbed]

Countless playthroughs and your videos are still teaching me about the lore. And yes, your videos have continued to get even better. I look forward to all the videos the DLC will inspire you to make!

[@joshuapatrick682]

I think that the Nepheli Loux you meet in Stormgate Castle talking about “her father” was a reference to Horah Loux, but that got abandoned at some point and instead of rewriting it they make up her “adoption” to Gideon and don’t even bother changing her name despite the fact that we know Horah Loux arose in the beginning during the first cur scene. Instead of reworking the story they then make “Horah Loux” an aspect of Godfrey. It’s all a but strange

[@closedcasketcustoms]

"Try not to make a spectacle of yourself..." * Commences destruction of all furniture via rolling through Round Table hold

[@fernandofaria2872]

Never liked him -.- "oh, you want to poison my daughter so that creep can turn her into a doll? Go right ahead" Also, some of your patron's names, lol. Reading "GapingDonut" after a lore video sure breaks the immersion 🤣

[@GasolineLicker]

“No Tarnished can become Elden Lord, a man cannot kill a god” (The Tarnished kills a god and becomes Elden Lord moments later)

[@hypotrain]

Incorrect. Gideon actually understands Marika the best out of any character in the game. Marika's goal is to create a new order without gods or their influence, even sacrificing herself to that end, as the godslaying weapon is meant to kill her specifically. However she understands the cosmic nature of the outer gods and that they literally cannot be killed. So her new desired order would essentially consist of humans eternally struggling to ward off their influence. Gideon understands this and that's why he's trying to oppose it. An outer god cannot be killed by a man, and a man thus cannot sustain a new order based entirely on warding off that outer god, and cannot be lord. Or at least that's what he believes

[@dreadeddarko]

Fun fact, Radagon wasa mastor tailor. You can also find the cross stitch pattern on some of the helmets off lesser enemies. Sewn with the golden needle. Which was also Radagon's.

[@GirGasm]

Of course he knew nothing. Because if he did know anything he would know you never monologue while your enemy kills you.

[@AbstractIntroduction]

omg her voice is so relaxing. what a amazing narrator. and visually pleasing to watch as well. everytime i watch her my heart is calmed.

[@vectorfox4782]

*Gideon is actually Jon Snow, he knew nothing.*

[@-chippedstars-2889]

Elden Ring lore asmr?? didn't know I needed that. You have an absolutely lovely voice 🥰

[@syafranmuflih7139]

What is this? ASMR for gamers?

[@InnerAtanih]

Right I couldn’t hear shit she said

[@John_Wick546]

I heard her just fine. Y’all need to get your ears checked or turn your volumes up. Lol Also, some people have naturally quiet voices.

[@ididntaskverified3663]

Wick Sthu with your exercises, she mf farming the revenue off you sleeping during the video

[@BigChungus-gz9vw]

@@ididntaskverified3663bro you clicked on the video. YOU WATCHED THE VIDEO. Like stop crying.

[@lokandfffan]

​@@BigChungus-gz9vw bigsimpus why do you even care shes not going to sleep with you lmao

[@xthatghomiex2939]

Never thought I'd get ASMR from an Elden Ring video essay but I'm here for it

[@ToanIV]

When she stated that it will be thousands of moons passed to hear back from the 2 fingers, it makes you think if you SAT and WAITED thousands of ingame moons, will you eventually get something back?

[@luca-renovatio4271]

Great video as usual! I personally believe the third theory might be good one here. Gideon was frightened indeed. Besides, we said that Gideon was unaware of Marika and Radagon real nature but what about Miriel, does he know in your opinion?

[@ZyloGames7]

Getting into Elden Ring with just having wrapped up my first playthrough and I love all of these videos breaking down extras details or lore I love this kind of content such a good video.

[@longshadowinquisition5030]

Been here from the start and honestly thank you! You've made elden ring such a joy to listen about. Glad to see you back!

[@BadAtGaming100]

The All-Knowing, but as the saying goes, one can admit at first they know nothing. Hence, knowledge continues and never stops.

[@VanDerWaden]

Gideon this, Gideon that... he took 2 hits and become Gideon the unalived

[@zachmercer1065]

If we take his title a bit more seriously, and given how much he learns and knows about our travels I think this is warranted, Sir Gideon is likely aware of all the possible runes and subsequent orders we could replace the Golden Order with and for that reason I think his fear and desire to stop us even if he himself must fight is understandable. Our Tarnished can bring about the age of the Stars with Ranni, the age of Duskborn, the age of Despair, and worst of all the total destruction of the Lands Between through the Frenzied Flame. Given these possibilities, I think it makes sense Gideon might try to stop our Tarnished for reasons which extend beyond just his personal gain.

[@fo4urm640]

Wanting to know all, every outcome, everything possible, all eventualities... that sounds like a mission that is born of a deep anxiety with the world. Collecting powerful magic, also sounds like an antidote to this mindset. His language drenched in irony, as you said, projecting. He's a frightened boy

[@berry.juice3]

Incredible video. I had my eyes opened multiple times. Thank you.

[@esper6940]

shes so bad im perplexed

[@Theendman42]

Gideon said Ensha overstepped his bounds. My thinking was he knew Gideon wanted the medallion and decided to be proactive in getting it from the player despite Gideon not telling him to.

[@junkapopo]

You are fantastic Miss Chalice, a godsend. I have most of the puzzle pieces since I've played the game so much and watched numerous videos on lore, but sometimes it's still difficult to see the bigger picture.

[@Adonisius_Kavata]

I knew Gideon was completely BSing when he sent Ensha to assassinate us after we complete Kenneth Haights questline.

[@MrXPeaceLP]

I truly wonder how Gideon knew that he wouldn't have to wait for us before/after fighting Morgott. Did HE somehow know the Erdtree would be covered in thorns?

[@Inuzika]

I thought it was fact that Gideon was scared. Everything about his final encounter screamed "I'm a scared little tarnished who can't see this through to the end"

[@ThatOneGuyJIL]

I love the irony of Gideon the "All knowing" saying almost immediately "I can't remember the last time a new tarnished made their way to the round table"

[@GATESOFKELL]

Gideon knows in his bones that a Tarnished cannot become Elden Lord, yet Godfrey is literally right there lol.

[@adawg3032]

This is perfect tea and snack content. Your voice is hypnotizing.

[@vicevilla9949]

Fr. Her voice takes my anxiety away

[@anthonywalstra2619]

I’m sure someone’s already said this….. but your voice is so soothing & beautiful. 🌌🌌🌌🌌

[@nightshadesalad]

I believe the greater will represents the player of the game. The two fingers represent the thumb and index finger of each hand which are commonly used to manipulate a controller. The three fingers are the envoy of the frenzied flame because people who use the claw grip when gaming are pure chaos.

[@ja-vishaara]

The irony of Gideon is that he doesn't know you're supposed to do your monologuing in a cutscene, not in gameplay.

[@Siegpearl_of_Catarina]

The opening cinematic to me was always Gideon retelling the story reading it from 'fallen leaves'. It changes a lot of theories but I like it.

[@TheCluelessConman]

I love this video! So glad you were suggested in my feed. Can't wait to watch more!

[@BDChupacabra]

Your voice is amazing the transition between yours and Melinas was so smooth. You would make an excellent souls npc voice actor

[@RydiaMerchan]

You have a magnificent voice for narration!! I'm hooked

[@-lnsertNameHere-]

When you use the wave of gold skill on the sacred relic sword, the lattice pattern of the thorns appears behind the wave when you cast it. So that pattern is definitely symbolic

[@EmpyreanVampires]

Sir Gideon Ofnir, "The All-Guessing" I and a few others refer to him as; indeed, his every assertion is flawed, his every attempt at making sense of the events of the history of the Lands Between an incomplete one. Gideon learned the language of light as spoken by the Fingers, interpreted by the Finger Reader Crones, in order to directly communicate to them, and the result is as you observed, the Lord's Divine Fortification, and his conclusion that the Two Fingers lost their purpose, are not to be trusted. Indeed, the Greater Will is seemingly incapable of responding, or cares not to; and it would seem, indeed, that the words of the Greater Will as relayed by the Two Fingers are messages, to be played back when certain conditions have been met. . . As an aside, conditions which one Tarnished indeed accomplished, a Tarnished seldom spoken of despite his great achievement of somehow obtaining two great runes. . . Has the Greater Will abandoned the Lands Between? Let me change the question; Is "The Greater Will" the only name by which that outer god, the Outer God of Order, is known? If the Elden Ring is the wellspring of all Joy, why would the Greater Will lock it away? Put another way, what is often considered the state of being bereft of all happiness and hope for better times? "The Greater Will" as a name is highly interesting and evocative, wouldn't you agree? "The" in this context seems to suggest a definitive singularity to this figure, a lonesomeness intrinsic to their being. "Greater" in the context of a singularness carries more than an assertion of its status, but indeed not only also an implication that all others are lesser than it, as well as implying the existence of a singular "Lesser Will," which we can extrapolate to be the Elden Beast, which must be conquered (in other words, be forced to submit, admit to being lesser,) in order to be claimed in its inert state to aquire the Godhood it promises, the Elden Ring, while *also* communicating an intrinsic multiplicity to the nature of the entity being named, that stands in defiance almost of the lonesome, singular nature of itself. "Will" goes further to expound upon the nature of the multiplicity of the being, connected and deeply related to the concept of the Mind, and indeed the ability of an individual to choose their own path, their free will; in this reference it also recontextualizes the "Greater" nature of itself in communication that whatever the choices of those who are Lesser, The Greater Will is the One who ultimately has true choice, and even carries with it an implicit threat to those who defy it, vague and all the more sinister for the vagueness, that it will set the world on the course it wishes for, regardless of the choices of those within . . . A Will is also implicitly singular, and One that is so Great as to determine the fates of all the world, the very epitome of Order, how curious that it left the Lands Between in such ruin, in such. . . Chaos. Take heed that Gideon Ofnir acknowledges the goal of the Tarnished, to stand before the Elden Ring and become Elden Lord, while also claiming to have glimpsed into the Will of Marika, that her desire is to see the Tarnished struggle for eternity, but he does all of this while clinging to a failure of his own, asserting a fact "that he knows in his bones to be true: a man cannot kill a god." On the Fingers, rather than assuming they were trapped in a dormant state and dried up, it would appear they were in their passive state and fell forward, apart. This suggests to me, as we aren't meant to be able to see them at all prior to killing their respective Demigods, that they exist in a similar fashion much in the same way as our own Two Fingers, and die shriveling up and burning out when we defeat their Shardbearer; thus, they smoulder with our flame of ambition, and as we can only see them post the defeat of their respective demigod, there needed to be no other form of them in game. @14:08 Slight correction, Radagon TRIED, past tense, to mend the Elden Ring, using Marika's Hammer; we are not ever offered an opinion by the game on whether or not he succeeded. Certainly when we enter the Erdtree, he is not trying to Mend the Elden Ring and has not been for some time, at least since the burning presumably but likely much much longer; remember, they were imprisoned for thousands of years. He wanted things to return to how they were, but Maliketh says it plainly if he has consumed all of the 9 Deathroot in the Lands Between: "The Golden Order cannot be restored." It's not merely in the statues of Radagon where his cross-hatch rune can be found; its also in the Scarseal *and* Soreseals bearing his name, plainly matching the rune overlaying the Erdtree's Thorns. Incidentally, have you ever thought to compare Radagon's cross hatch pattern rune to the Gates of Raya Lucaria? Radagon is a Seamster you know? The Golden Needle he brought with him from Leyndell with which he sewed his demigod children's clothes, now why would he have done that if he lacked Grace, as neither a God nor Demigod himself, why would he have known to make for his children the vestments of Demigods? Moreover, do you suppose the Sacred Relic Sword is the remains of Marka, Radagon, or both of them? Have you by chance caught on to the jargon of that term, what it means for something to be a Sacred Relic? Would it help if I reminded you of Rogier's search, and of the Scorpion Stinger dagger? Incidentally, don't you think a Stinger is a lot like a Needle? In a line of questioning that is certainly not unrelated, who do you suppose built the Grand Cloister, and for what purpose? Certainly not the civilization that built the ruins before it, in much worse conditions, and certainly not the Kindred of Rot, of course, as that area directly connects to the imprisoned Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, and a sealed magical gate bound by the symbol of the Carians, leading to the Moonlight Alter; unlockable only with a Ring from the Capitol of the conquered country, in the heart of their ruler's seat of power, but doesn't that sound familiar? Isn't the Rune of Death. . .? Isn't Farum Azula. . .? 3s show up a lot in Elden Ring, Trios are one of the defining aspects of the game's thematic tropes, and more than that, Trios that show up in trios, for a total of 9. Rarely there are also trios that are secretly quartets, and duos that are secretly trios, and this as well is highly prevalent in symbolism dotted through the most important parts of the game. How many children did Radagon have with Rennala? Before you answer, are you sure? Of course you're sure, Rykard, Ranni and Radahn, who else could it be? Do you suppose that Rennala is a Shardbearer? How do you think Radagon left her the Rune of Rebirth? What does the Rune say about to whom it belongs? Have you ever noticed anything peculiar about the image of the Rune in the inventory screen? It's almost like. . . I'm sure you'll agree this isn't totally unrelated, but how many cradles do you count in the rafters of the Grand Library? Have you ever thought about HOW Rennala holds her egg? And speaking of Eggs, have you ever read the description of the Slumbering Egg crafting item? I'm not trying to be a dick, but maybe you should read this section again, maybe a couple of times; I ask pretty specific questions. "Solemn duty weighs upon the one beholden, not unlike a gnawing curse from which there is no deliverance." @24:30 You can only summon Nepheli Loux for the Godfrey fight if she becomes the Ruler of Stormveil, optionally alongside Kenneth Haight. @18:41 But that's not right, is it? Not according to Master Hewg. What is it he says our kind is meant to do? And from whom did he receive *his* task? The Fingers claim that the Greater Will gave the Tarnished grace, but that's not true, is it? Gideon claims something, that Man cannot kill a God; what does that have to do with his claim that Marika desires to see them struggle for all eternity? He believes them, and this connection, to be so important that these are his last words, a man who proclaimed himself All-Knowing. It is a warning; Sincere and true. He has been using you, yes, and hoped that he would claim the shards of the Elden Ring from you and give them to Godfrey, whom he either must have been waiting for this whole time or bent the knee to as soon as he arrived. Of course he would share his opinion with you, when all other deceptions didn't matter; he likely wouldn't have believed that Godfrey would be deterred either, perhaps even believing that Godfrey was demigod enough to succeed. He never gave up his desires, but merely recognized that his desires were impossible, and set about studying to do the impossible and become All-Knowing, and perhaps, a God in that right. @28:33 Gideon was a renowned knight and therefore must have proven his steel in battle numerous times; that he prefers not to fight typically is not an expression of unwillingness, cowardice, or weakness, though most by that point don't have much of an issue with him, he's certainly not a pushover, though admittedly he definitely has a superiority complex, as anyone would who claimed a title such as "All-Knowing."

[@thecouncil8981]

But how does he know what you're doing? I saw a theory about the scarabs, that they have the same symbol as Gideon. That they are his ears and his eyes, since they're everywhere. That hes not the all knowing but the all observing. And that's how he gets al his spells. As the cowardly bluntstone that he is.

[@bigg.3466]

He is the embodiment of the Skyrim Bandit Meme where the Dragon Born kills a dragon, eats it soul, and a group of bandits who witnessed it try to mug the Dragon Born. Gideon literally sits back while you kill all the demigods no one else has been able to kill, take their ruins and then he decides I want to fight this guy.

[@aryansarwar5496]

I think when he peered into the will of marika, he actually saw the will of radagon but the all-knowing didn't know of the two forms in one body.

[@RhysticStudies]

an excellent analysis and presentation. thanks so much for this.

[@miss_chalice]

Thank you so much, and glad you think so! I really enjoy your MTG essays also :)

[@kleeco5424]

not to mention it takes "thousands of moons" for the fingers to even get a message

[@demonofchange]

All-knowing yet he didn’t know I was gonna one shot him

[@courtlandfargo5251]

It never occurred to me to not trust Gideon, except for maybe when he says he didn't send his guard to kill you.

[@andyghkfilm2287]

14:30 This is indeed Radagon's icon, and I LOVE it so much. See, it's not just an arrangement of lines and corners or an arbitrary choice resembling "order"... it is a TRELLIS. For anyone who doesn't understand, let me explain the thematic significance; Google tells us that "trellis" is defined as _"a framework of light wooden or metal bars, chiefly used as a support for fruit trees or climbing plants"._ In other words, a trellis is a surface designed specifically to SUPPORT the GROWTH of vines and trees. First of all, this is just like how Radagon's sole purpose in the world now is as glorified deific life support for Marika's husk, the World Order under the Erdtree, and now even the Erdtree itself, which rejects all challengers (in DIRECT violation of Marika's vision) in a manner which certainly SEEMS directly tied to Radagon's power (see: trellis helps vines grow?), and which matches Radagon's motivation to repair everything and return to the golden era of the Erdtree. Second of all, this comparison also rings true because as an object, a trellis is something artificial - literally it is an "artifice" (in the 16th century way), I.e. a construction of learned workmanship, upon which a plant can more readily grow upwards - which is placed in action by those who want to support the growth of a tree; as is Radagon's entire identity, BEING Marika all along and being presented historically as a separate but confoundingly coequal being to Marika, the single God of the world. And Third of all, we have the Jesus of it all. Radagon/Marika is the New, Caring, Redemptive God, relative to the Old, Uncaring, Archaic God of the unknowable Elden Beast, or indeed the Greater Will in general. They channel the same being, the Greater Will, but are different individuals; they are several coequal gods that are one god, like the Holy Trinity. If we understand the cosmology of Elden Ring's universe, we can even see how like Jesus, Marika spoke for humankind and advocated for us, while the Greater Will was content in its dominion with whoever was in charge in the land, so long as they did what the Greater Will wanted, not unlike God. This all ties back into the visual metaphor of the "T-Pose", resembling Jesus at his crucifiction, and invoking the Christlike total sacrifice of Radagon in general for the good of the Lands Between and all its people.

[@OYME13]

I love the fact that during his long winded speech when you finally fight him, you have the option of just running up and kicking his ass. The equivalent of finally being allowed to slap him to shut him the eff up. Personally, I wanted to do so for the entire game.

[@VioletSilence]

Funny thing about Gideon was that he implied that I am already familiar with Godrick when talking about Shardbearers, but I went for Radahn first and, considering in-game sources, my character at that point had quite a blurry recognition of who Godrick is.

[@maxmad7641]

Could you possible maybe please take a lil peek at armored core lore ? I love the lore videos and i feel that ac6 has a wonderful lore to it that might be right up your alley! (Cosplay would be absolutely nuts but infeasible)

[@LPDarkSoulsHD]

I dunno, man. He wasn't smart enough to know I'd break his table every time I went in there. Dude kept putting it back together the whole playthrough.

[@PeachedJesus]

Your videos are amazing. I have been watching you all this time.

[@tidalboxer]

Interesting about the two fingers “communicating” with the greater will, but basically it’s in error mode in programming because it doesn’t have code to deliver to you. I never thought about that. I now they told us the Greater Will abandoned, but sometimes straightforward things like that don’t get through since the game it steeped in thick lore and metaphors.