The Lore of Elden Ring is Blasphemous

[@VaatiVidya]

This video contains no real DLC spoilers! Just a couple pieces of dlc footage from the first gameplay trailer.

[@duckwithsandals]

Thank you! Love the content

[@davidcobb2682]

Oh thank goodness

[@alexandercarling9902]

Hell yeah im glad you put out another video even tho you said the preview would be your last till the dlc release. I love your videos and definitely are the reason i heavily got into dark souls all those years ago. Thank you for giving me a great hobby i feel good about. Hope to one day meet you in person or in an invasion.

[@aclaymushroomwithaberet7084]

hey what's the music here from 24:30 to 25:15 I remember it from somewhere but not to an exact point sadly

[@smoothiedeluxe7422]

This is my favorite of the series, but not on it's own. It's my favorite in that it ties together your previous deep dives in such a keen way. It really paints a deeper, picture of Marika's squabbling family. It really shows just how much Marika sowed her own seeds of betrayal and chaos. She desperately wished for power, immortal life, and an order under her control and hers alone. Yet like Game of Thrones it's not all cut throat power grabs, it's so much more. There is a real cooperation and comradery that got broken. And it got broken because of the festering betrayal and greed displayed by Marika/Radagon. I feel like this is the video that made me learn the most about the modern history of the lands between and it paints such a dynamic and human picture. It is truly fascinating. Also @VaatiVidya have you ever considered getting a degree in anthropology? This piece in particular really shows off how skilled you've gotten at a lot of the same skills necessary to be a good anthropologist. And in fact, you kind of treat many games in the same way an anthropologist would with a subject. Just a thought. Either way, this was great.

[@jamesnorman9160]

The visual design of Rykard has to be one of the wildest things that Fromsoft has ever created. You just get done defeating the fiant serpent, and then it turns around to show Rykard's face on the back of its head, who having been asleep the entire first phase suddenly decides you're worth his time and his 'Very well' is just dripping with disdain and arrogance. And then the limbs awkwardly poking out of the snake's body, complete with the writhing smaller limbs/snakes/tongues and the apoacylptic visuals of him using his rancour make it seem like you're fighting something that crawled out of the deepest pits of hell. And to top it all off his voice actor puts on a performance like he's had his throat torn out or he's constantly choking on something.

[@Atmatan]

Average FF summon.

[@A_Black_Sheep94]

He's choking on people 😅

[@oompers9]

you would enjoy berserk

[@jamesnorman9160]

@@oompers9 Yes, I have seen some variation of 'It's a Berserk reference!' for years now with FS work, but never actually read the manga yet...

[@docbaker3333]

I did say he was the Fromsoft Boss who looked the most like an Apostle in another video and I stand by that.

[@spyguy318]

I think the Temple of Eiglay might be a reference to the myth of Eglė, the Queen of Serpents, from Eastern European folklore. The story generally involves a young girl that is married to a snake who is then revealed to be a prince. The snake prince is later killed by Eglė’s family, and Eglė learns of this betrayal by hearing her dead husband’s voice when she calls for him, and then turns her children and herself into trees. Pretty fitting themes for the story presented in Elden Ring, albeit much darker. The large snakeskin in the temple is also probably just shed skin from the great serpent, not a different flayed serpent. I imagine the Godskins would be very intrigued by a god that regularly removes its own skin.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

In Elden Ring, the Temple of Eiglay is located in Volcano Manor, where the players encounter serpentine enemies and the God-Devouring Serpent. The myth you mentioned tells of Eglė's transformation after her husband, the serpent prince, is killed by her family, leading to her transforming herself and her children into trees. This theme of transformation and betrayal resonates with the lore of Elden Ring. In both the myth and Elden Ring, serpentine beings play significant roles. The God-Devouring Serpent in the temple could be seen as a parallel to the serpent prince. Eglė's transformation due to betrayal mirrors the transformations and dark rituals associated with the Godskin Apostles and their practices within the Volcano Manor. The large snakeskin in the temple, which you believe is shed skin from the great serpent, aligns with the idea of shedding one's skin or undergoing transformation, much like Eglė's children being turned into trees. The Godskin Apostles, who are fascinated with the skins of gods, might find the idea of a god that regularly sheds its skin irresistible. This aligns with their practice of using the flayed skins of gods in their dark rituals. The presence of shed serpent skin could symbolize renewal and immortality, themes central to both the mythology and the lore of Elden Ring.

[@MyFavoriteSportsballTeam]

Well said by both of you, interesting reads. This reminds me why it can be fun to scroll through the comments section haha

[@spearsage]

Having played the dlc, and saw what becomes of Marika's village and her 'grandmother', what if Elden Ring simply reverse the postion of the snake prince and Eglė? It'll at least explain why Messmer has the abyssal snakes, and also the serpentine nature of the godskins, the children of Gloam-eyed Queen.

[@FFKonoko]

​@@MyFavoriteSportsballTeam sadly zdne is pasting ai generated text. It has the correct details, but take it with a pinch of salt

[@Mikau.]

​@@FFKonokoI knew that text felt like AI slop, glad someone else noticed

[@pikmingamerr]

Personally I don't think Iji helped forge the rune of death into the knives, we can see that every weapon Iji has forged always has a blunt edge to it, the black knives do not have blunt weapons. Instead, maybe someone like Hewg did it, and his punishment was to be forever chained up and forced to keep making weapons until one can rival the knives imbued with the death, which was the "only way to kill gods", but we do hear Hewg keep saying to himself "the weapon must slay a god!" which he seems to be very stressed about. Hewg also starts to come of age when the Erdtree burns down, or should I say, when the rune of death unbinds. Not only does he immediately seem extremely weird, he also forgets he is a blacksmith, maybe because his punishment has ended?

[@ZdenekMicke69]

Iji is known for forging weapons with a blunt edge, which aligns with his pacifistic nature and his role as a protective blacksmith rather than an offensive one. While Iji is capable of imbuing weapons with magical properties, his creations don't usually involve lethal intricacies like those seen in the Black Knives. The Black Knives are specifically designed for assassination, featuring a sharp edge and imbued with the Rune of Death, which contrasts with Iji’s usual blunt-forged weapons. Hewg’s obsession with forging a weapon capable of slaying a god fits well with the narrative of the Black Knives. His repeated mantra, "The weapon must slay a god," suggests a deep-seated purpose and perhaps a connection to the creation of these knives. Hewg's chained condition and eventual forgetfulness could be tied to the aftermath of his role in the conspiracy. If he indeed forged the Black Knives, the trauma and guilt, combined with magical punishment, might have led to his mental decline. The Rune of Death was stolen from Maliketh by Ranni and used in the Night of the Black Knives. It is plausible that Ranni could have involved a skilled blacksmith like Hewg to forge these specialized weapons. Hewg’s condition worsening after the burning of the Erdtree and the unbinding of the Rune of Death could signify the end of his magical punishment, coinciding with the loosening of Marika’s grip on the Lands Between. Ranni’s orchestration of the Night of the Black Knives, involving the Numen assassins, suggests she would have needed a master blacksmith to create the knives. This blacksmith needed to be someone who could work discreetly and skillfully, fitting Hewg’s profile more than Iji's. Maliketh was entrusted with the Rune of Death, and its theft required a significant betrayal. If Hewg were involved, it would make sense for his punishment to be severe, chained and forced to work endlessly.

[@hylius5780]

@@ZdenekMicke69 i dont understand someting...if Hewg created the black knife why his punishment would be to create a weapon capable of the same thing? Its almost like if you put somone in jail because he killed somone and you tell him that he can get out if he kill somone else. Someting sounds off to me about this 🤔 Plus Iji was a servant of Ranni...i can see him make an exception for the knives to help his master where for Hewg i see no reason to commit such act

[@B1G_LU]

@@hylius5780because the gods can’t be killed without the rune of death so his punishment is essentially the same as telling somebody to walk along a road till they reach the end of it but the road has no end.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

@@hylius5780 The situation with Hewg, Iji, and the creation of the Black Knife and the Serpent-Hunter can indeed seem puzzling. Hewg is an imprisoned blacksmith who, according to his dialogue, is tasked with creating a weapon capable of slaying a god. This weapon could be the Serpent-Hunter, used to kill Rykard. However, there's ambiguity about his involvement with the Black Knife. The Black Knife Assassins wield the power of Destined Death, which they obtained by stealing the Rune of Death from Maliketh, with Ranni orchestrating this event. Hewg’s imprisonment and task to create a god-slaying weapon might be seen as both punishment and redemption. His skills are utilized for a significant purpose that aligns with the complex moral landscape of the Lands Between. Hewg’s forced labor might be a way for his captors to control and utilize his talents for their goals, ensuring he doesn’t act against them. Iji is a devoted servant to Ranni and assists her with various tasks, including the Black Knife plot. His loyalty to Ranni makes his involvement straightforward: he aids her in her rebellion against the Greater Will and her quest to achieve her own ends. Iji's motivation is clear loyalty to Ranni. Hewg's motivation is murkier and possibly driven by a mix of coercion and a desire for redemption or freedom. Iji is actively involved in Ranni's plans, while Hewg is coerced into creating powerful weapons, possibly against his will. The lore of Elden Ring is rich with themes of duality, servitude, rebellion, and the complex nature of duty and punishment. Both characters, though in different situations, highlight these themes: Duality and Conflict: Hewg and Iji’s actions reflect the overarching conflicts between the Greater Will, the demigods, and other forces in the Lands Between. Servitude and Rebellion: Both characters serve greater powers, but their motivations and degrees of willingness differ, showcasing the game's exploration of loyalty and coercion. Hewg: Possibly forced to create powerful weapons, with his skills exploited for a purpose that may not align with his own wishes. Iji: A willing participant in Ranni’s rebellion, driven by loyalty and purpose.

[@hylius5780]

@@ZdenekMicke69 complète explanation thank you! The only thing that bother me with Hewg crafting the knives is that hes a blacksmith but he dont seems to be a magic user. Theory: What if...we are wrong and the only thing Ranni needed was somone to enchant the knives. It might even be Seluvis who enchanted them xD the guy is a rat i wouldnt be surprise at all. Theres so much yet so little of context to be 100% sure of what is and what is not. I played through dark souls 1 and i understood à great part of it (i have my head canons but still lol) xD elden ring is on another league

[@the_redking99]

Part snake, part snail, I call them.... Snails Edit: Great suggestions everyone, I never thought my bad joke would get over 1000 likes lol

[@unappealingpig8592]

👏👏👏

[@lukasolsson6205]

Snaike?

[@kaden-sd6vb]

Snerpents.

[@chlades4364]

snales

[@Raofas]

Snaik

[@ladonmccabe]

Its a popular theory that Radahn held back the stars in aid of the Golden Order, or to hinder Ranni. But what did the stars movement do? It guided the fate of the Carian royal family, which Ranni was apart of. And what was Ranni's fate? To be an empyrean, god in service of the Two Fingers and the Greater Will. The very fate that Ranni wished to cast off. My theory is that Radahn held back the very stars to give Ranni the time needed to sever herself from her fate. And only after she has cast off her empyrean flesh, and aquired the means to kill her Two Fingers, do we set the stars back in motion. While Radahn does admire Godfrey and Radagon, its for their martial might that he wished to emulate. Not necessarily the Golden Order itself. But who truly knows why he held back the stars.

[@RanchDressingPop-Tarts]

her fate was to do what she originally intended and achieves with the aid of the tarnished, Radahn wanted to prevent that because he WAS a golden order fanboy

[@ALLMINDmercenarysupportsystem]

​@@RanchDressingPop-Tarts He's definitely a Radagon and Godfrey fanboy, but there's nothing saying he cared about the Golden Order. It is a decent leap in logic to make, but a leap regardless.

[@ericbusch1669]

You know, the idea that all three kids were loyal to each other despite their individual ideals and flaws is very interesting. Something to remember then is that Radahn was holding back the stars when he fought Malenia since it would have been a plan conceived long ago. The only reason he didn't let go is he lost his mind and couldn't be reasoned with, and his last thoughts and focus is to keep the stars back for his sister, not knowing when she'll be ready. Huh. . . Crazy.

[@ladonmccabe]

@@RanchDressingPop-Tarts literally nothing states he believed in the golden order. Only that he admired Godfrey and Radagon, and it was for their martial might.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

Radahn is known to have learned gravitational magic from an Alabaster Lord, and he uses this power to hold back the stars. The act of halting the stars suggests a significant influence on fate and destiny within the world of Elden Ring. The popular theory suggests that Radahn's actions were in support of the Golden Order, but your view posits a more nuanced interpretation. As an Empyrean, Ranni was chosen to serve the Greater Will and the Two Fingers. However, her desire to cast off this fate and forge her own path is a central theme of her storyline. The guidance of the stars in shaping the fate of the Carian royal family, to which Ranni belongs, indicates their profound influence on the destinies of key characters. While Radahn's admiration for Godfrey and Radagon stems from their martial prowess, it's plausible that his actions could serve multiple purposes. If Radahn held back the stars to give Ranni the time she needed to sever herself from her predetermined fate, it adds a layer of complexity to his character. This theory aligns with the idea of Radahn acting out of personal motivations or an understanding of the broader cosmic balance, rather than mere loyalty to the Golden Order. Ranni's journey involves casting off her Empyrean flesh and acquiring the means to kill her Two Fingers, symbolizing her rebellion against the Greater Will. The player's role in defeating Radahn and setting the stars back in motion aligns with the progression of Ranni's quest, suggesting that her path to independence and the stars' influence are intricately linked. Your interpretation that Radahn's actions provided Ranni the necessary time to achieve her goals is both compelling and consistent with the game's themes of fate, autonomy, and cosmic forces. This perspective enriches the narrative by highlighting the interplay between characters' personal desires and their roles within the larger framework of the world's destiny.

[@iVaz15]

The concept art of the serpent and it's eggs has me to believe that there are indeed multiple serpents, and one of these serpents could be the Abyssal Serpent plaguing Messmer. It may be vague but it's the only explanation of the serpent skin found in Bonny Village right next to a place of relevance to Marika. Perhaps the Great Serpent can also span many Minor Serpents, just like the Erdtree can.

[@felabugg1]

I always figured that the reason the noble was in Gelmir was for the same reason there was a noble at Ranni's tower: they're following the trail of the rune of death since they're obsessed with bringing death to the gods. Rykard had traces of the rune, so maybe he was being investigated.

[@hypno5690]

I'm surprised the idea of a snake shedding its skin wasn't brought up, what with the god skin nobles wearing skin robes

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The nobles scattered across the Lands Between, especially those near figures like Ranni and Rykard, often seem to have a hidden agenda or be involved in larger machinations. If we consider that the Rune of Death is a key aspect of Elden Ring’s cosmology-representing something forbidden and feared by the Golden Order-then it's logical that nobles, potentially acting on behalf of secret factions or ambitions, would pursue traces of it. Rykard, having embraced blasphemy and rejection of the Golden Order, could have attracted their attention, especially since his transformation into a god-devouring serpent likely tampered with the natural order of life and death. If some nobles were hunting for the Rune of Death or knowledge that could challenge the divine order, investigating Rykard makes perfect sense. His defiance and connection to power beyond conventional divine constraints might have made him a subject of interest for those seeking to overthrow the gods' immortality. As for the noble near Ranni's tower, it's plausible that he could be investigating her role in the Night of the Black Knives-the event in which the Rune of Death was stolen. Ranni, like Rykard, stands against the Erdtree’s divine order, and both are tied to forbidden knowledge or acts of rebellion.

[@angusm6411]

In the DLC, white light like this is used by the hornsent and the shadowmen. See the "spira" spell. Clearly the "crucible", those who worship life, would be the enemies of the serpent that wants to devour the world. The "aspects of the crucible" spells when used by Erdtree followers take on a golden hue, but this seems to be the older and "purer" form of the magic. It is also called the "light of birth" as per the Greatsword of Solitude. Can easily imagine this primeval battle before the erdtree between Crucible worshippers who believed in "birth" and differentiation and serpent worshippers who believed in undying eternity and unity.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The Crucible, as described in the lore, represents the primordial form of the Erdtree and is associated with the origins of life and creation. The term "light of birth" aligns with this belief, highlighting themes of differentiation, growth, and the cycle of life. The "Aspects of the Crucible" spells, used by followers of the Erdtree, take on a golden hue, symbolizing a later, perhaps more refined form of this ancient magic. The Crucible Knights, defenders of this belief, embody this connection to the Erdtree's life-giving power. In contrast, serpent worshippers, as seen in Volcano Manor and the God-Devouring Serpent, represent a desire for undying eternity and unity. The serpent's act of devouring symbolizes an attempt to subsume all into a single, eternal entity, rejecting the natural cycle of birth and death. The white light associated with the hornsent and the shadowmen, particularly seen in the "spira" spell, may represent a more ancient and pure form of the Crucible's magic. This primeval light contrasts with the golden hue of the Erdtree's current magic, suggesting a time before the Erdtree's dominance. Crucible Worshippers: Believing in birth, life, and differentiation, they would naturally oppose the serpent worshippers' goal of devouring and eternal unity. Their magic, in its purest form, would embody the light of creation and the cycle of life. Serpent Worshippers: Seeking an undying eternity, they would strive to devour and unify all existence, opposing the natural differentiation and cycles promoted by the Crucible worshippers. Their dark rituals and the presence of the God-Devouring Serpent in Volcano Manor exemplify this belief. The use of white light by the hornsent and shadowmen could symbolize a connection to the original, untainted magic of the Crucible, representing purity and birth. The golden hue of the "Aspects of the Crucible" spells used by Erdtree followers represents the current, more institutionalized form of this magic, aligned with the Greater Will and the Golden Order.

[@TheFallen3]

TOGETHA… WE SHALL DEVOUR THE DLC!!!!

[@hhowdy]

They cooking 🔥🔥🔥💯

[@DancingAlldayLong]

Praise, guys. Let's get sad af together ❤

[@razor48391]

TOGETHA!!!

[@gizmo9836]

AS FAMILEEEE!!

[@hhowdy]

Togethaaa?

[@BEETSSOLO]

One thing I love in the design of rykard is the idle state he is in before you start the fight, the way the serpent is coiled around and into itself makes it look like a fist with four fingers. I might just read into it too much but I like to think it was done on purpose as to show the serpent as a thing disconnected from the two and three fingers whilst also showing it power in the lands between.

[@heavensgone]

I like this

[@greatcoldemptiness]

It's not that deep

[@BEETSSOLO]

@@greatcoldemptiness True lol

[@wesspect]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@BEETSSOLO don’t let them or anybody else make you feel bad for noticing/theorizing things, that’s what art is for Much more obscure fromsoft lore has been proven to be true and this is the exact place to do it

[@alexthealexander17]

@@greatcoldemptinessyou’re commenting this on a vaatividya video lol. It’s always that deep

[@EPaevv]

Rykard is so f*cking cool, I wish we got more Gelmir content, like maybe a set in a style of blasphemous blade and more heresy spells. The whole area feels like it has so much potential.

[@Aconspiracyofravens1]

mesmer is also a serpent, so we will likely get more stuff related to that

[@Noizzed]

Well, we do see a blasphemous blade styled place at the very beginning of the DLC story trailer. I don't know if we'll get a set fashioned after it, but hey, if we got a mushroom set, why not?

[@ianthorpe1925]

The more playthroughs I have, the more I appreciate Mt. Gelmir and Volcano Manor. The place is messed up!

[@TheLordofChampions]

Prison Town is one of my top three favorite areas in the entire game, and Rykard is one of my favorite demigods alongside Mohg and Radahn. The lore surrounding the Lord of Blasphemy is metal AF.

[@billyweible8185]

Rykards sword is considered the blasphemous blade

[@KingCasual1986]

Gonna say this now: if you decided to return to either Radahn or Rykard’s arenas with the Miniature Ranni, they should have had her elaborate on her relationship with them. They may be siblings but Ranni never mentions either of them even though Radahn is the entire reason she couldn’t get to Nokron!

[@ObeyCamp]

Man, this would've been so cool. I'm actually surprised they didn't write any interactions for this as it has such high potential for world building and character development, as opposed to being just a nifty little secret dialogue.

[@bar_barbar-bar-barbar]

Maybe Fromsoft drew some inspiration for the great serpant from Níðhöggr of Norse mythology. Níðhöggr is a serpent that is chewing on the roots of world tree, Yggdrasil, trying to kill the tree, similar to how the great serpent stands against the Erdtree and destroys a minor Erdtree. Besides chewing on the roots, Níðhöggr also chews on the corpses of the dead in Hel who are guilty of murder, adultery, and oath-breaking, which falls a bit in line with Rykard being judicator for Leyndell. I am not trying to diminish the awesome lore build by Fromsoft in Elden Ring by drawing this parallel :) Thank you for some amazing content, VaatiVidya!

[@lordanonimmo7699]

The Marais being the Castellans of shaded castle means that they arent the actual lords of the castle and the lands but serve some higher authority instead,who could be either Leyndell or Rykard. I imagine that the guy in the portrait at Volcano manor was the original Marais,and Rykard rewarded him by making him Castellan of shaded castle and giving him more responsibilities of carrying executions.

[@maycebignoumba3745]

The man in the portrait is Rykard

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The title "Castellan" indeed implies that the Marais family are stewards or governors of the Shaded Castle rather than its sovereign lords. This suggests they serve under a higher authority, which could be Leyndell, the capital of the Golden Order, or Rykard, Lord of Volcano Manor. Leyndell: If the Marais family serves Leyndell, they might be seen as enforcers or agents of the Golden Order, tasked with maintaining order and carrying out executions. This would place them in direct service of the reigning authority of the Golden Order. Rykard: Alternatively, if they serve Rykard, it ties them to the rebellious faction led by Rykard at Volcano Manor. Rykard's opposition to the Golden Order and his recruitment of warriors to join his cause against it suggest that the Marais could be involved in more clandestine or rebellious activities. The portrait in Volcano Manor possibly depicting the original Marais supports the idea that there is a significant historical connection between the Marais family and Rykard. If the original Marais was a prominent figure rewarded by Rykard, it would make sense that his descendants continue to hold a position of power, albeit one that involves carrying out grim tasks like executions. The responsibility of carrying out executions ties into the darker aspects of both potential alliances. Whether under Leyndell or Rykard, the Marais would be involved in maintaining their respective authority's grip through fear and punishment. Your theory about the Marais family being rewarded by Rykard and given responsibilities at the Shaded Castle enriches the narrative and explains their complex role in the game's world. The idea that they serve a higher authority, carrying out grim tasks, fits well with the themes of loyalty, rebellion, and the murky moral landscape of Elden Ring.

[@patriciapandacoon7162]

@@ZdenekMicke69 so, are you an AI or are you just using one? You comment in chains with massive walls of texts that are largely merely restating what the person you are replying to said without adding anything significant of your own.

[@Brasswatchman]

59:05 I'd like to propose another theory -- Rykard made sure to keep this particular Abductor Virgin intact and operational so he could use it to check in on his mom at Raya Lucaria. "FAMILY" indeed.

[@Kirbo_da_goat]

-has doubts about absolute order -helps kills one of the most powerful demigod -loves his siblings -sacrifices himself to take down the false order -still being viewed as a villain This is the real prepare to cry

[@tonyawwwno3364]

He did ruthlessly torture people and killed a ridiculously large amount of people for personal gain.

[@csam9167]

>want to be togetha with the player as family

[@АлексейЮрловский]

Forgot his most inportant virtue: he fed the snecc

[@osheroth]

It's canon, it's in the lore

[@incineakechi5197]

He tried to eat me, ye I don't like him 😭

[@krio3060]

The serpent hunter spear always looked more like it was creating a storm to me

[@BlazeStorm]

Considering it's a new version of the Stormruler, that checks out

[@blizzardgaming7070]

Where's the age of Perfect Order video Lore Man? I WILL NOT REST UNTIL ALL ARE ENLIGHTENED BY THE GLORY OF GOLDMASK.

[@davidhong1934]

1 hour of Goldmask standing in a field pointing at something in total silence Near the end of the video, he T-poses

[@blizzardgaming7070]

@@davidhong1934 perfect

[@ducesayhayes5913]

Goldmask actually lost faith in his gods and turn against

[@blizzardgaming7070]

@@ducesayhayes5913 that's the point, enlightenment rather than blind following.

[@AnimatedTerror]

Gold masks ending sucks. I don’t get why people like it so much. “I’ll just put a bandaid over this gaping wound gushing with blood. That’ll fix the problem.” And like we know from the dlc now that even the fingers were abandoned by the greater will. So what about gold mask is gonna inspire it to return suddenly? Also and I might be wrong here and getting my wires crossed, but I’m pretty sure it’s implied the way his ending “fixes” everything is by removing free will from all life of the lands between.

[@ThatShadowPrism]

It would make a lot of sense for rykard to have found out about messemer at some point if he was pushing for information, would explain the whole feeding himself to a snake. This dlc has so much lore potential

[@Kilimunjaro153]

Using a bit of Occam's Razor, if snakes have, possibly since Godfrey's age, been seen as a symbol of betrayal by the Order, then it's possible that when Rykard started his campaign he chose the snake as his symbol to represent his own betrayal of the Erdtree, thus all the snake imagery (Ghiza's Wheel and etc.) that existed before he fed himself to the Serpent.

[@Yasha277]

One of my number 1 questions in any of these games is always "where the fuck do all of these people come from?" Countless people living in a hellscape of death and destruction, constant murder, mass sacrifices, wtf is the life of an average citizen and why does it seem barely any even exist? How do you maintain a world like this and still have a population high enough to support it?

[@Sluggadome_Rotunda_Bernardson]

Especially since there are like a dozen or so small villages in each area and even leyndel doesn’t have many clear residential buildings lmao

[@user__214]

Question I asked myself when I started the game was, "Limgrave seems relatively pleasant. Why not find a nice place here to settle down? Why go on a transcontinental killing spree?" The answer is basically "because game".

[@cookiecraze1310]

Well in Elden Ring the country has already completely collapsed, the majority of the population just got turned into husks that you find walking about (like the wandering nobles). It didn't used to be a hellscape until the shattering.

[@UnprofessionalGriefer]

Well there is no "normal life" going on because the world has in many ways died

[@ZdenekMicke69]

Elden Ring, like its predecessors, builds a world where the population seems to teeter on the edge of extinction, but somehow life persists, albeit in strange, often tragic forms. The world is in a state of stagnation and decay. The Golden Order's failure to truly unite the Lands Between under a harmonious rule has led to a fractured and chaotic world, where death, immortality, and suffering all coexist. So, where do all these people come from? Many inhabitants are caught in cycles of death and rebirth or are outright cursed with undeath. The Tarnished, for example, are essentially undying, and the guidance of grace keeps pulling them back to life. The same can be said for many enemies you fight-hollow soldiers, revenants, and undead knights. Life in the Lands Between is often twisted into something less than human, stuck in endless suffering or undeath. Much of the "population" you encounter has been used for horrific purposes-either as sacrifices, fuel for divine ambitions, or pawns in the wars waged by the demigods. The Village of the Albinaurics and Dominula, Windmill Village are clear examples of places where entire groups are culled or used for specific rituals. Life for average people, if it exists, is often one of hiding, survival, and submission to higher powers. Most "regular people" are tucked away in the corners of the world, often unseen. The people you meet (like those in Jarburg or the Nomadic Merchants) seem like remnants of more peaceful times, now wandering or living in fear. But there’s an implied idea that somewhere, far from the horrors, small settlements still cling to life in whatever way they can. Places like Liurnia of the Lakes or even Roundtable Hold suggest that communities exist in hidden pockets, away from the frontline destruction. The demigods and their armies continue to enforce power, which helps maintain their control over these territories. Armies, like the one you face at Leyndell or Castle Sol, suggest that some order exists for their forces, even in the midst of chaos. These soldiers, whether willingly or not, serve their demigod masters, possibly drawn from conquered or subjugated populations, where they’re forced to fight or die. The constant conflict between the demigods, their factions, and the remnants of ancient powers means populations are constantly in flux-either being conscripted, fleeing, or dying en masse. The Great Runes, divine power, and control over death all contribute to a world where the natural cycle of life is horribly disrupted. You could think of it as a world in slow collapse, with just enough people to keep the war machine turning. The Lands Between, then, is a shattered civilization on life support, held together by immortal forces, twisted rituals, and the last vestiges of dying empires. Regular people are caught in this web, either as sacrifices, soldiers, or refugees, trying to avoid the attention of gods and monsters.

[@Creve-ls1gg]

A bit of help for the prononciation of "Marais", it's the french word for Swamp (wich explain the location of their castle and their sickly apperance) and is pronounced MAH-RAY :)

[@chadauw]

I was going to say the same thing before I saw you comment.

[@56Circular]

Sacré bleau…

[@chadauw]

@@56Circular Sacre bleu* :P

[@AnimatedTerror]

Yeah that’s it, talk dirty to me French boy. Mansplain English to me, COME ON! I need this so bad! Now tell me how to say croissant! Come on! Don’t keep me waiting! DO IT!

[@user__214]

From watching Vaati's more recent videos, he did not take this to heart. Incidentally, he also usually pronounces "raya lucaria" wrong (i.e. he does not match the pronunciation of the voice actors in the game).

[@Shane587]

I can’t wait for a video that says “the lore of Elden ring is abundant”

[@cr0ptix888]

5 days left

[@j0eyz]

4 days and 2 hours for pc!!!!

[@KingoftheChill91]

@@j0eyz4 days 1 hour and 55 minutes now

[@j0eyz]

@@KingoftheChill91Yep and I can’t wait!

[@inagime1766]

Bro don’t remind me I want it to be like Christmas as a kid and I wake up feeling wondrous

[@whatthesquid]

lessgoo

[@eagleeye5189]

Man, videos like this make me realize just how annoying our player character/Tarnished is. All of these interesting and built up characters and we just kill them past their prime before any of their plans or desires or interesting stories can come to pass.

[@braedenaldridge8452]

Or become sacrifice’s. They were warned that Marika had one more trick up her sleeve

[@yarugatyger1603]

The passages behind the walls in the Manor are servant passages most old Hotels have them, so that servants can enter and leave unseen, also as one can clearly see it was also used for storage which would reinforce the idea that it's just meant as service passage ways, now after not having been used for ages of course infested.

[@medimed4772]

i just noticed how the red arms sprouting from the snake remind me of the mass of red arms we see in the dlc trailer. Also the godskins whorshipping a snake who sheds his skin would kind of explain where they get their "god skin" and their snaky attacks. so maybe there is a larger connection between the snake, the gloam eyed queen, and potentially the dlc

[@colinsmith6453]

They are tongues.

[@lucasv2035]

About the use of serpent imagery during the war, maybe they chose it before Rykard was devoured, since the serpent was seen as the enemy of the erdtree at least since the time of Godfrey, as we see in the duelist set description.

[@anarchicRealist]

The land upheaval in the area could also be explained by the volcano itself. Active volcanos experience a lot of earthquakes that don't all end in eruptions because of the shifting earth and magma below, so those earthquakes couldve caused the bridge break and random spires/upheaval generally in the landscape of the area. It also could be indicative of the life within the volcano itself, since earthquake activity is used to keep an eye on and predict when eruptions are likely.

[@AbrahmEden]

Vaati, your videos rule and I adore them! I know you're the authority on these things, but I wanted to toss in two points. 1: The blade the Serpent Hunter makes isn't made of "light", but appears to be made of "storm", which is apparently a more key element in Elden Ring than I had initially thought (I'd be interested to see if a certain talisman introduced in the DLC actually buffs its damage). It has a visual effect similar to those of Storm Blade and other storm-related weaponskills. 2: Had you considered the golden ghost that appears in the Volcano Manor hallway could actually whatever remains of Rykard's real spirit/soul/consciousness, and is disgusted with what the serpent has become after consuming his body? This is admittedly entirely a "gut feeling", but that's what he's always read to me as on repeat playthroughs, and seems to have similar hair and facial hair to the portraits of Rykard around the manor. Could he have placed the Serpent Hunter there as a precaution? No proof, but I'm curious if there's any kind of analysis worth pursuing there. Keep up the great work, I could watch your videos forever.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The Serpent-Hunter's blade visually resembles other storm-related weapon skills, such as Storm Blade, suggesting it harnesses storm energy rather than light. The storm theme is significant in Elden Ring, representing a powerful and ancient force. This is evident in the Stormveil Castle and other storm-themed locations and abilities. The introduction of new talismans in DLCs could potentially enhance storm-related damage. If there is a talisman that specifically buffs storm-based attacks, it could synergize well with the Serpent-Hunter. Testing various talismans and buffs in-game would be essential to determine if any new items or abilities amplify the Serpent-Hunter's storm damage. The ghost's appearance, with similarities in hair and facial features to Rykard's portraits, hints at a possible connection. This ghost could indeed represent what remains of Rykard's consciousness, separate from the serpent's monstrous form. If this ghost is Rykard’s spirit, it reflects his disgust and perhaps regret over what he has become. This duality between his corrupted physical form and his remaining spirit adds depth to his character and the lore of Volcano Manor. The Serpent-Hunter's strategic placement suggests it was left there deliberately, possibly by Rykard's spirit. This could be a failsafe, providing a means for others to combat the serpent if it became too uncontrollable. While there's no direct proof, your interpretation aligns with the themes of regret and foresight that permeate the game. Analyzing the lore, environmental storytelling, and character motivations supports this hypothesis.

[@AosSidhe]

@@ZdenekMicke69 thanks, chatgpt. Seriously, what do you get out of posting so many obviously AI-generated comments?

[@ZdenekMicke69]

@@AosSidhe your mom

[@austaneousc5802]

​@@AosSidheThe real answer is they would rather fool people with their algorithmic regurgitation than take the time to create an original thought on a subject. Imagine using chatgpt to spew out elden ring lore, of all things. It's gotta be the most pathetic and insecure niche I've ever seen.

[@austaneousc5802]

​@@ZdenekMicke69Using chatgpt for elden ring lore? Do you know how embarrasing that is?

[@eggpie470]

51:20 The only other source of damage that takes the form of a white light that I can think of is the attack of the Giant Miranda Sprouts. Also there is an unobtainable item called Miranda's prayer that Melina uses when fighting Morgot that allow her to use the attack. Source : Elden Ring Wiki : Giant Miranda Sprout and Miranda's Prayer

[@HeisenbergFam]

2023 Vaati: "Elden Ring Lore is rotten" 2024: "Elden Ring Lore is blasphemous" This man never runs out of lore videos

[@gaming.beinhauer.otakar3878]

Just you wait, just you wait.

[@ReConWolf10]

And I hope he never does

[@narkopolo5629]

Fromsoft gave this man tools to make bread for the next year 😭

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

2025: "Elden Ring Lore is GOOD" 😂

[@antoniopedinelli]

We’re gonna get so much more after the dlc until a new game comes out

[@anakinskyguy500]

"Hey guys the captial just sent us this new weapon" "Neat, how do you use it?" "I don't know"

[@jamesnorman9160]

This is one of the most hilarious lore tidbits to me. I mean, how the hell does that happen? If they designed the weapon they had to know how it was meant to work, unless the engineers they sent along with it got killed on the way to Gelmir, or they lost the schematics/plans or whatever...? And our Tarnished picks it up and can learn to use it straight away with no training whatsoever.

[@jty9631]

Since its a jar cannon I wonder if warrior jars created it. They're not the most communicative peoples.

[@FFKonoko]

​​@@jamesnorman9160easy, they didn't send the engineers with it. Same as how they don't send the rocket scientist to the airforce base. They assumed that it would be self evident, or that someone already trained would be there....but they had perished in the war. Our tarnished can pick it up and use it....if they have the stats. Easy to assume no such soldier was present.

[@Zhtrik]

Patches: “What’s this feeling in my chest?” The Player: “That’s called love Patches.” Patches: “I hate this.”

[@alec6583]

Patches: "She's so... passionate, and selfless... and she--" Player: "doesn't fall for your bullshit and ignores your existence?" Patches: "YOU GET IT."

[@cartooncritique6625]

Can definitely related.

[@TK0921]

My headcanon with the destroyed erdtree in gelmir is because of how it has little twig sprouts growing out of it like it tried to start regrowing, Rykard probably tried to cut it down/break it in half to destroy it and when he realized it was regrowing he went to plan B which was to kill it by poisoning the roots. Maybe then when the poison seeped into the groundwater of the surrounding area is what caused the shaded castle to become swamped in toxins. Or maybe the reverse, he used whatever the source of the poison from the shaded castle is to poison the ground under the erdtree. Maybe they're responsible for all the poison associated with mt. gelmir. After all, the god devouring serpent doesn't bite you to inflict poison, it vomits the poison up onto you. As if it has been consuming poison rather than creating its own venom. Also, I always assumed the "flayed skin" in the temple wasn't really flayed skin. Snakes shed their skin so I always assumed it was just skin left behind by The Serpent(tm) as it was growing and it symbolized "rebirth" in a way and that's why the amnion was there etc. etc.

[@jrjoy527]

That finishing against Godskin Noble at 1:13:36 was sick❤

[@antoniopedinelli]

Bro this came out like 10 minutes ago, how u get there already?

[@mvgikk1969]

@@antoniopedinellichannel member probably

[@comfybaguette]

bro is a time traveler

[@wolfwood770]

The Lore of Elden Ring is Perfect

[@kamionero]

Ranni, Rykard and Radahn are literally Marika's red-headed stepchildren! But also I find it adorable that everyone loves Radahn... probably because he is such a good dad to Leonard XD

[@DTGeorge]

Babe wake up new Vaati lore video

[@paradoxeffect1819]

😴 😮 🤓

[@llab3903]

@@paradoxeffect1819y’all gotta date now. Thems the rules

[@GuukanKitsune]

It is AMAZING how you jump through all these minutiae and follow this complex tiny breadcrumbs trail of lore bits through tons of item descriptions in proving how Rykard was an official abductor and punisher of crimes/Heresies for Leyndell, and focus on his title of 'Praetor' and it's definition. But just COMPLETELY MISS that all you need to prove that is to combine the fact he is a Praetor (governor/government official) and Ofnir states he is a *_'ruthless justiciar'_* 'Justiciar' is ALSO a government title, from medieval England, and is the administrator of justice and the overseer of the conduction and completion of courtly and court ordered procedures. Like, Imprisonment. Confiscation. Interrogation. Punishment. Banishment. And executions. Basically, a Justiciar makes sure the court follows all its rules and does its job by the book, and then makes sure that whatever is commanded by that court is ACTUALLY CARRIED OUT. They go out with the guards to make sure the arrest is made. They go into the dungeon to make sure the interrogated is actually being made to talk. They stand over the headsman to confirm that he is, in fact, bringing the axe down on the condemned neck. Rykard thus, being stated a Justiciar, is just by that statement proven instantly to be all the things you put together a tiny shattered vase of lore bits to prove. I find this amusing. It is like watching Sherelock Holmes do his entire impressive microdetail analysis schtick analyzing the victim's wounds. a footprint and three hairs, and a partly eaten sandwich to prove conclusively that the man standing there at the crime scene holding a bloody knife and covered in the victim's blood while still chewing the bite of sandwich as he keeps saying 'Yeah, I did it. Yeah, it was me, see, that's MY boot you're describing. Yeah, MY hair is that color, obviously it was me! Look! Bloody knife! Perfectly matches the weapon you're describing! I'm holding it and covered in blood! Are you going to arrest me or what?'!

[@yargentumargentum6899]

you are NOT allowed to do this when I have an exam tommorow

[@unlikely_can8772]

Good luck!

[@greenarcher8181]

Me too but I'm watching anyway

[@melchiorpoirier-coutansais5734]

hah same

[@Rooobert0101]

Same

[@AM_61102]

You still have school??

[@sonatasconstellation1182]

Probably out of context but Roderika and Master Hewg also deserve a video of their own if not a Prepare to Cry. Love your videos.

[@JediKnight35-de7uf]

TOGETHA WE WILL DEVOUR THE ENTIRE MCDONALDS MENU

[@justin6021]

The Serpent is Case-Oh confirmed

[@Svoorhout85]

Now i'm seeing various fastfood chains representing the factions in The Lands Between.

[@Imperial_Squid]

Two meals for £10 when you dine TOGETHAAAAAAAAA

[@rudcol8164]

I am melanine, blade of McDonald's and I have never seen Mt feet

[@-k-b-]

"sorry our ice cream machine is out of order" An ice cream machine never dies

[@kristophercote4423]

Incredible video as always! I love rykard lore and I’m always itching for more, I truly believe mt gelmir has the best environmental story telling in the whole game. It’s awesome how you can follow leyndells forces up the mountain and experience all their hardships in what seems to be a serious battle of attrition up the mountain. It also shows even more evidence of a partnership between ranni or rennala and rykard, with the finger crawlers and marionettes being shared forces between the 2. Great stuff

[@qo3398]

Your timing is immaculate I was just about to go to sleep

[@Tacoando99]

I love the new structured format to the lore vids

[@kaitacon4776]

I wonder if Messmer has ties to Rykard LORD OF BLASPHEMY.

[@FlashmanJW]

They are half brothers. Perhaps the older brother of Malenia and Miquella due to naming conventions

[@sethclops]

I was thinking the same thing! Messmer uses a trident that looks like the Inquisitors trident shown in this video, plus the affinity for snakes 🤷‍♂️ Seems like a lot of coincidences 🤔

[@andresmarcano3726]

@@sethclops I have reasons to think Messmer was Praetor before being cast to the Shadow Lands and being forsaken by Marika. Hell, he even has the snake motive all over him. Maybe there is some correlation between that and the title of "Praetor" or "Inquisitor".

[@brandonwaller94]

The room where the Blade of Calling is found frankly has to be one of, if not my current top favorite little nook in the entirety of Elden Ring atm. Such a sequestered and quiet little spot in hindsight really does seem like the perfect place for an inquisitor to do & take care of the bookkeeping and paperwork. Though part of me also can't help but wonder why they decided to put a window right behind the desk when there's clearly no obvious way to get anywhere near behind there as far as the building & level structure is concerned. Heck, would be neat to see a mod of the game in the future that actually adds rooms & paths where there previously wasn't any to be had or explore in the normal game.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The Blade of Calling room is indeed a fascinating and atmospheric nook in Elden Ring, filled with both lore implications and architectural intrigue. The room’s isolation and quiet atmosphere create a sense of mystery and serenity. This makes it a perfect spot for introspection or the secretive work of an inquisitor. The placement of the desk and surrounding environment suggests a place for detailed, confidential work, reinforcing the clandestine activities associated with the Blade of Calling. The window behind the desk, which seemingly leads to nowhere, is a notable design choice. This adds to the room's enigmatic quality and sparks curiosity about the unseen areas and secrets of the building. The level design suggests there might be hidden or inaccessible areas, fueling the imagination about what lies beyond the visible boundaries. A mod that introduces new rooms, hidden paths, and expanded interiors to the existing structures in Elden Ring could offer players the chance to explore the mysterious areas hinted at by the architecture. Adding secret passageways and hidden doors would enhance the exploration experience, allowing players to discover new lore, items, and challenges. Creating a fully fleshed-out living and working space for an inquisitor, complete with more lore notes, artifacts, and unique enemies or NPCs, would provide deeper immersion into the game’s world. The Blade of Calling is tied to the story of Melina, who is a significant character in the lore. This room’s secluded nature hints at its importance in the backstory and the secretive activities surrounding the creation and use of the Blade of Calling. The architectural choices, such as the mysterious window, could imply hidden histories or secret observances within the building, suggesting the existence of unseen watchers or guardians.

[@AnimatedTerror]

I love nooks like that in games and in real life. Just something about them are so cozy. Out of the way little compact spaces. I love tiny houses. The strange aesthetic where it’s not minimalism in terms of your material belongings but rather the space those belongings take up is minimal. This also connects to my love of secret passages and paths that appear hidden in plain sight.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

@@AnimatedTerror The Hidden Paths to the Haligtree: Located beneath the snowy mountains, these paths lead to Miquella’s Haligtree, a hidden sanctuary. The route is filled with illusions and secret doors, making exploration rewarding. Illusory Walls: Scattered throughout the game, these walls conceal passages and treasures. Notable locations include Volcano Manor and the Catacombs. Leyndell Sewers: Beneath the royal capital lies a labyrinthine sewer system, home to the shunned Omens. This hidden area is full of twists, turns, and powerful enemies. Roundtable Hold: This hub area, similar to Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls, serves as a meeting point for Tarnished. It's a compact, cozy space filled with NPCs offering quests and lore. The Abandoned Cave: A small, tucked-away cave in the Caelid region. Despite its unassuming entrance, it contains valuable items and a challenging boss. Jarburg: A quaint village inhabited by Living Jars, located in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. It's a peaceful and charming place, offering a break from the game's intense combat. Your appreciation for tiny houses and hidden spaces ties into Elden Ring's deep lore, where much is hidden in plain sight. For instance, the duality motif in the game, reflected in characters like Marika and Radagon, who are two halves of the same entity. This duality is mirrored in the world's architecture and hidden passages, emphasizing the game's theme of concealed truths.

[@TheBigdog445]

Life of sleeping to the elden ring Playlist hyped for this video!

[@jaybeam1466]

I'm glad you've found so much success bro. It's well deserved. I remember when you had like 30k! Congrats!

[@ndroidryan7659]

One last lore video before the DLC. I love you Vaati

[@dorkish5623]

I always assumed the skin in the temple with the Godskin was a shedded second skin like snakes are known to create. I suppose I just never looked close enough, but I love the idea of the Godskins finding power in a "renewable" type of god skin *like* a snake's sheddings

[@raknnn]

Im obsessed with your channel. The way you put the videos together so well, your voice is really good to hear and the videos themselves are always insightful. Keep up the amazing work

[@UpperNileGuy]

Ikr i have been watching him for like 11 years

[@essentialx17]

The best explanation I can give for the serpent symbolism existing despite Rykard not yet being eaten is that given the anti-serpent sentiments the erdtree faithful had (gladiator set) I wouldn’t be surprised a faction that was anti-erdtree would champion the serpent symbol as some sort of “don’t tread on me” flag. But when Rykard got eaten and then proceeded to eat his own army, sentiments quickly change from “woah you’re taking the serpent thing to far”. I wouldn’t be surprised Rykard’s forces didn’t know how far he would actually go.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The Erdtree faithful, represented by the Golden Order, have a deep-seated aversion to serpents, which is evident in various aspects of the game, including the Gladiator set. For those opposing the Erdtree and the Golden Order, adopting the serpent as a symbol makes sense. It represents rebellion, defiance, and a challenge to the established order. The serpent's symbolism could serve as a "don't tread on me" flag, embodying resistance against the dominant power. Initially, Rykard and his followers might have embraced the serpent symbol to signify their rebellion against the Golden Order. This adoption would align with their anti-Erdtree stance and their desire to seek power outside the established norms. Rykard’s pursuit of power led him to blasphemy and ultimately his decision to let himself be consumed by the Great Serpent. His willingness to embrace the serpent fully, even at the cost of his humanity, illustrates his extreme commitment to his cause. As Rykard took the serpent symbolism to its extreme by becoming one with the Great Serpent and consuming his own army, his followers' sentiments likely shifted. The initial symbol of rebellion turned into a horrifying reality, causing many to reconsider their allegiance. The extreme measures Rykard took would have shocked his followers, leading to disillusionment and fear. The idea of rebellion and defiance symbolized by the serpent was twisted into a grotesque perversion, far beyond what his followers had anticipated. The presence of serpent imagery in the Gladiator set and other aspects of the game highlights the longstanding aversion of the Erdtree faithful towards serpents. This adds weight to the idea that anti-Erdtree factions would adopt the serpent symbol in opposition. Volcano Manor stands as a bastion of rebellion against the Golden Order, with Rykard at its helm. The ideals of the manor align with the anti-Erdtree sentiment, and the adoption of the serpent symbol fits this narrative. The transformation of Rykard and the resulting horrors would be a natural progression in the story. His followers, initially united under a symbol of rebellion, would find themselves horrified by the lengths their leader went to embody that symbol.

[@jimmyleparrain1954]

I didn't expect that much lore related to Rykard, I kinda just walked in there and poked to death the funny looking serpent guy with the magic wind spear

[@tacosmasher6972]

I know im late to the party but I feel like we can confirm the serpent in the intro is indeed the God Devouring serpent, considering where we see a lot of the damage on the intro snake appears to be where the limbs burst from the wounds on the snake when we fight it in the game. Also, now that the dlc has been out, I wonder if Messmer and all of his snake iconography has anything to do with Mt Gelmir.

[@KhannUurrr]

OMG; after all the new DLC info .... Rykards blasphemy could even further be that he was melding his flesh with the serpent. Like, ya know, the "Original Sin" ?? Also my head canon that he went at some point to visit his older brother Mesmer, found himself a dancing baddy, who then became his ride or die. Like, he literally said "would you love me even if I was a giant snake?". She says yeah ofc babe, he calls her on it, and then SHE ACTUALLY DOES STILL LOVE HIM?!

[@glexyglexy62]

I feel like Mt Gelmir’s sorceries being born from sacrificed spirits makes sense considering the few seconds that are dedicated during the rykard’s awakening cutscene to show how some dead bodies are dissolved in the lava, perhaps the sacrifices done to the serpent were thrown into gelmir’s lava, thus imbuing the lava itself with the spirits of all the sacrificed, could also be why Mt. Gelmir is “mad” or it’s sorceries describe the fury of the volcano, the lava also looks pretty much alive in the weapons used by the serpent men…

[@ploosiedasix]

Ah the perfect thing to listen to while I work on prepping my DLC-bound characters

[@lordnub6995]

In regards to the dead erdtree on Mt gelmir- it could be that rykard could have burned/killed in a symbolic gesture. As a way to show his troops (who had spent their entire lives being taught that the erdtree was eternal) that the erdtree can Infact be killed. It can be beaten......

[@ToniXD_16]

I would lke to add that its possible the great Serpent is as female snake and female snakes can produce eggs without intercourse and they hatch as normal snakes with the serpent devouring Rykard the snakes born might just have that human gene to get to the Manserpent

[@Meldiocre]

Great video, as always. Around 39:30, just a quick correction, you said "the only note of brevity", but the word you want is levity. Otherwise perfect, I love your Elden Ring series

[@hinkelstein1494]

You are missing the point of Ghiza. He is not sick; he has ripped his own face off with his wheel. In the 1.00 description of the Talisman of Dedicare, he is called Rykard's male lover who invents torture methods for Rykard as a sign of love and tests those on himself. While Dedicare is now a different person, I still believe that Ghiza holds the same position, as the picture in his room clearly shows him before he ripped off his own face. The mask is very much like the one Tanith wears, which is explicitly called the mask of the consort, indicating that the male mask is the mask of the paramour, like he was called in the original Dedicare Talisman.

[@TheGuyInATie1]

I think they would have done a different face underneath the bandages if that were true. It ma7 have once been, but I think the new direction is solidly Marias.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

Ghiza's use of the Ghiza's Wheel weapon, which he uses to rip off his own face, suggests a form of extreme self-punishment or self-experimentation. This aligns with his potential role as an inventor of torture methods for Rykard, a sign of his devotion and possibly his love for Rykard. The original description referring to Dedicare as Rykard's male lover who invents torture methods and tests them on himself gives us critical insight into the nature of their relationship. While the character of Dedicare may have been changed, it seems plausible that Ghiza retains this role. The mask worn by Ghiza, similar to Tanith's, indeed indicates a close and intimate relationship. Tanith's mask being explicitly called the mask of the consort supports the idea that Ghiza's mask symbolizes a paramour's status, affirming his intimate connection with Rykard. The mask's significance reinforces Ghiza's identity as a figure deeply entwined with Rykard's life, not just as a servant but as a lover and confidant. The portrait showing Ghiza before his self-mutilation indicates his transformation from a devoted lover to a tortured soul. This transformation reflects the extreme lengths to which he goes to demonstrate his loyalty and love for Rykard. Ghiza's role as an inventor and tester of torture methods is a dark reflection of his devotion. By subjecting himself to these methods, he demonstrates his commitment to Rykard's cause and possibly his desire to share in Rykard's suffering or ambition.

[@hinkelstein1494]

@@ZdenekMicke69 Wow this is great, I totally agree. Very well put.

[@artificialraspberify]

God we love a bisexual king

[@nate1511]

@1:01:42 I don’t know of any evidence that actually supports it, but I’ve always thought that the reason Rykard tortured albinaurics specifically was maybe because he was after the haligtree medallion that they had obtained. If his role was that of an inquisitor, he would be very interested in finding and destroying a sanctuary for all of the golden order’s undesirables that he was tasked with subjugating/eliminating. I have wondered if perhaps the sheer amount of albinaurics that were abducted and tortured at volcano manor, compared to the number mistreated at the hands of all the other places in the lands between was what prompted Gideon to take special interest in them, and come to learn of their possession of the secret medallion.

[@Delta_Demon2824]

Vaati cooking a FEAST

[@user-cs9sy6zc2i]

'Bloat head snake' Poor Guy just has an eggshell stuck on his head. Perhaps reading the inside of an eggshell(a birthing place) is like reading entrails for snakes, a form or foretelling.

[@wiaf8937]

ive just finished fully actively watching the AC6 Lorevid you blessed us with, refreshed to decide whats up next, i see you drop this. kudos, bru.

[@TheFryBoxGaming]

I always theorized that the ritual to make the man-serpents was the same ritual that made the Godskin nobles all that time ago but by uniting the serpent god with the gloam-eyed queen. Having a deific entity be the birth mother might make a severe quality difference in offspring. It would make sense if that was the instance where the snake became mortal enemies with Leyndell.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The man-serpents, found in Volcano Manor, are grotesque hybrids created through dark rituals, possibly involving the serpent god's influence. Their serpentine nature and worship within the manor suggest a connection to a deeper, more ancient form of serpent worship. The Godskin Nobles, followers of the Gloam-Eyed Queen, are known for their use of black flame and their twisted, flayed forms. They embody a corrupted, dark version of divinity, hinting at their creation through similarly dark and powerful rituals. If the Gloam-Eyed Queen, a deific entity herself, was involved in the creation of the Godskin Nobles through a ritual that united her essence with the serpent god, this could explain the "quality difference" in the offspring. The divine nature of the Queen would elevate the resultant beings, making them more formidable and inherently powerful. The serpent god, representing devouring and unification, would provide the transformative aspect of the ritual, resulting in beings like the Godskin Nobles and possibly the man-serpents. This transformation could be seen as an attempt to create beings that embody both the Queen's deathly power and the serpent's eternal, devouring nature. Such a powerful and dark ritual, especially one involving the Gloam-Eyed Queen, would have significant implications for the power dynamics in the Lands Between. The Greater Will and Leyndell, representing order and the Erdtree, would naturally oppose any force that seeks to undermine their authority and disrupt the balance of life and death. This could be the historical instance where the serpent god's followers, transformed through the Queen's ritual, became mortal enemies of Leyndell. The resultant beings, like the Godskin Nobles, would be powerful adversaries, leading to conflicts that shape the history and lore of Elden Ring. The visual similarities between the flayed, twisted forms of the Godskin Nobles and the serpentine nature of the man-serpents support this theory. Both groups exhibit traits that could be the result of a shared ritualistic origin. The presence of black flame and the dark rituals within Volcano Manor further hint at a connection to the Gloam-Eyed Queen and the Godskin Nobles. The manor itself could be a remnant or continuation of these ancient practices.

[@Tomewarden]

I'm the soldiers on Mt. Gelmir; it took me forever to realize the jar cannon uses ballista bolts and not jars.

[@Friedbaboons]

A note about the bridge: it may very well just have been a scorched earth tactic to prevent enemy advance, by destroying the easiest way to volcano manor.

[@Proxy1199]

Vaati you just made my day ngl. Gonna get baked and watch this my guy

[@kennanulrich4521]

Getting baked as I watch

[@willglorian]

I feel like the cooperation between Rykard and Ranni makes even more sense when you take the duality of ice and fire: - The Song of Ice & Fire by Georfe R. R. Martin - Muspellheim (fire) and Niflheim (ice) powers mixing to create the world in nordic mythology. I theorize that Ranni, Rykard and Miquella worked together in the Night of the Black Knives, the Miquella took a minimal role: Miquella provided info on Maliketh and Godwyn's whereabouts and let some of St Trina arrows/pots around to put his brother and the others victims to sleep, Rykard provided the opportunity and Ranni did the rest. I will however wait for the incredible video you'll put up when the truth comes out (I'm also waiting for Lady Tanith's truth to shine 'cause I'm really curious & nothing came out atm)

[@ZdenekMicke69]

Given George R. R. Martin’s involvement in crafting the world of Elden Ring, it’s plausible that themes from his other works, like A Song of Ice and Fire, influenced the game's narrative. The duality of ice and fire could symbolize the contrasting yet complementary forces at play in the story. The creation myth involving Muspellheim (fire) and Niflheim (ice) suggests a dynamic interplay of opposing elements. This mirrors the potential collaboration between characters like Ranni (associated with the cold, moon, and ice) and Rykard (connected to fire and chaos). Ranni: Known to have orchestrated the Night of the Black Knives, Ranni's role is central. She stole the Rune of Death from Maliketh and used it to create the death-inflicting knives. Rykard: His rebellion against the Golden Order and his pursuit of power make him a plausible ally. Rykard could have provided the strategic opportunity and perhaps even the resources or manpower needed to execute the plan. Miquella: While often seen as a more passive character, Miquella’s deep understanding of the Golden Order and his intelligence could have made him a key advisor. His use of St. Trina’s arrows and pots to put targets to sleep fits his character, providing a subtle yet crucial contribution. Miquella’s connection to his brother Godwyn and the detailed knowledge required for the operation align with his portrayal as a brilliant strategist. His dream-inducing tools, associated with St. Trina, would have been instrumental in the stealthy execution of the plan. Rykard’s rebellion against the Golden Order and his willingness to defy convention suggest he would support such a bold move. His domain in Mt. Gelmir, a place of fire and brimstone, contrasts yet complements Ranni’s lunar, icy domain. Tanith’s background and her relationship with Rykard are shrouded in mystery. As more content and lore are revealed, her story might provide additional insights into the broader narrative and the dynamics between these characters.

[@ThursdaysChild_76239]

Eiglay skin flayed? Or is it a molt? DLC spolier below: Found a molt in the DLC uphill from bonny town.

[@PixelOverload]

1:16:15 hold on, has anyone else noticed the tendrils coming out of Rykard's corpse (which is notably only the growth that was his face and not the rest of the snake...) are _three fingered_ ? And I just looked back at the cutscene before the fight and noticed that while the serpents body is sprouting bloody limbs with full hands, the sword he pulls out of the serpents mouth is all _forked_ tendrils... Serpents tongues? Or _two fingers_ ?

[@bigdomkook]

Would it be fair to say the Marika is a terrible mother/goddess?

[@thorgeirnable]

In our world, yes. In her world probably also yes, but not in the same sense. Imagine actually living in the Lands Between. The feelings of the faith and relationship to their “god” is pretty unknowable. At least to Morgott, and any others dedicated to the golden order, they might actually share her ideas and think it was necessary to further the influence. I know it was done probably out of grief, but still.

[@xavierthomas5835]

​@@thorgeirnableEverybody who knows anything about the Golden order and the greater will, even her greatest allies, EVEN RADAGON, who is basically another version of her, all agree that her decisions are terrible.

[@cjcody89]

your mentioning the snakes and the baby being held by the iron virgin made me think that perhaps he became obsessed with the disappearance of his brother Messmer, shadowed away by his mother, like the iron maidens abduct and can even transport you to distant places! If you have a video diving into this since dlc release i need to find it cuz that would be a really cool story line for him and messmer

[@being_adibahnaf]

Elden Ring’s lore is outter. It’s eternal. It’s golden. It’s lunar. It’s rotten. It’s unalloyed. It’s bloody. It’s ominous. It’s blasphemous. It’s honorable. It’s grafted. It’s primordial. It’s ancient. It’s decaying. It’s of champions, of warriors, of beasts, of dragons, of giants, of shadows, of deaths, of jars, of knights, of caves, of prisons, of cults, of assassins, of scholars, of fire, of holiness, of magic, of grace, of moon, chaos, pox, fracture, repair, or death. The lore is vulgar, it’s mad, it’s serpentine, it’s draconic, it’s poisonous, it’s shaded, it’s eclipsed, it’s mimicked, it’s man-made, it’s festering, it’s dancing, it’s snowy, it’s favored, it’s banished, it’s accused, it’s maidenless. The lore had been poisoned, bled, maddened, rotten, and frozen. And yet the lore continues. Impaling us with 15 inches of Miyazaki since the beginning.❤️

[@deanbruckner1444]

Lame

[@being_adibahnaf]

@@deanbruckner1444 exactly what part?

[@deanbruckner1444]

@@being_adibahnaf yes

[@being_adibahnaf]

@@deanbruckner1444 you Maidenless Ubisoft supporting mimic

[@Coast2CoastFlyin]

Rykard probably began his descent into blasphemy from the same place he rediscovered Gelmir hex magic. I’m presuming that all magic in this game requires having certain information, typically recorded in books. It’s why there’s so many libraries anywhere there’s a whiff of a caster. Volcano manor has those same spiral pillars found in the DLC, and for a number of other connections, it would hardly be surprising for there to be some kind of blasphemous text hidden somewhere in gelmir, given the likelihood of it having once been a location associated with Messmer. I don’t want to spoil anything specific from the DLC, but it there is at least one pretty major connecting thread between Caria and the DLC, one which could have had s major impact on a young(er) Rykard

[@ZdenekMicke69]

Rykard's journey into blasphemy likely began with his discovery and study of forbidden magics. Gelmir, known for its association with sorcery and hexes, would be a fitting location for such a transformation. The presence of ancient texts and grimoires in Gelmir could have provided Rykard with the knowledge needed to pursue his blasphemous path. The proliferation of libraries and repositories of knowledge throughout the Lands Between underscores the importance of written information in mastering magic. These locations serve as hubs for scholars and magicians seeking to expand their understanding and capabilities. Volcano Manor's resemblance to these scholarly sites, with its spiral pillars and other architectural similarities, suggests it could house significant texts and artifacts. The mention of spiral pillars in Volcano Manor, also found in the DLC, hints at a shared architectural or cultural heritage. This connection implies that Rykard's blasphemous studies might be rooted in older, perhaps forgotten traditions of the Lands Between. The potential link between Gelmir and Messmer, a character or location with deep magical significance, adds weight to the idea that Rykard's discoveries in Gelmir hex magic were pivotal in his transformation. The notion of hidden, blasphemous texts in Gelmir fits well with the theme of forbidden knowledge leading to corruption. Rykard's rebellion against the Golden Order and his embrace of blasphemy could have been fueled by such discoveries. These texts might not only contain hex magic but also philosophies or doctrines that led Rykard to reject the established order and seek his own path. A major connecting thread between Caria and the DLC could have influenced Rykard's early development and his eventual break from the Golden Order. This influence might involve a significant event, a powerful artifact, or a mentor who guided him towards his blasphemous pursuits. Understanding this connection can provide deeper insight into Rykard's motivations and the sources of his power.

[@n8doggy733]

5:17 how does bro have that sword when he just got here!? 😂😂😂

[@mispap1]

lolol, NG+

[@n8doggy733]

damn, got me there

[@BiXXVI]

Rykard is, in my opinion, the most fascinating figure in Elden Ring. I have a 'tradition' in FromSoftware games, and it is to wear the weapon / outfit of the boss who impressed me the most. So, no wonder why I'm a Blasphemous Blade bearer. ⚕️ Thank you for this awesome lore video, @VaatiVidya !

[@jon_vs_games]

Let’s go so hyped!!

[@KatonRyu]

One of the coolest things, I think, about Rykard being the Lord of Blasphemy is the visual aspect. Both he and his boss arena look like corrupted mirrors of the Elden Beast and _its_ arena. There's lava instead of water, pillars of charred bodies instead of trees, and appearance-wise they both have swords made of bodies and long, serpentine necks. From really knew what they were doing when they designed this boss.

[@honeywagon6552]

Anyone hear the Xbox turn on 9:19 😂

[@saltstar7109]

Haven't seen anyone mention it but, with the concept art visuals and Vaati pointing out the eggs, my IMMEDIATE thought went to Zoraya. Her true form being what it is, and likely being spawned from Daedicar's union with a serpent (if not THEE serpent) it could be that those eggs are Zoraya's and her siblings. That Rykard was offering the serpent a blasphemous side dish along with himself as some sort of sinful delight. Zoraya likely hatched just as they were setting the table or some such and Tanith swept her away to keep safe while Rykard was consumed along with Zoraya's siblings.

[@dr_gorilla5424]

Heheheh found a unlisted Elden lore video lucky me

[@joshuam6245]

Why is it unlisted

[@juliocorderohernandez184]

Could it be that the space between one seat and the other of the would-be council of demi-gods is not only an implicit clue as to demi-gods being erased from historical accounts but also, a direct reference to mesmer himself?

[@shortyduapp]

Ok, 22:06 killed me😂

[@ArKriEvRDu]

😂😂😂 same

[@JavierArteagoitia]

@VaatiVidya : I have a suggestion for the terrain upheaval in Mount Gelmir -> the Star Beast on top of the crater. That kind of crater that high and that "slim" would be odd, unless the Star Beast raised the earth with it's gravity magic. Just an idea, though ^^

[@ToyotaCorolla-en2mv]

The curved blade having the snake facing the weilder when two handed in a way that mirrors snake charmer imagery is such sexy design i am absolutely obsessed with that even tho its a relatively small detail

[@Niemandzockt]

Regarding the Serpent Hunter Spear: I have some possible connections. First, one other instance of "light" that appears white might be the Angel's Wings weapon art of the Winged Scythe, stating: "Jump and imbue the wing-blade of the armament with light, then deliver a slashing attack on the enemy. The white wings impede recovery actions using a flask of tears." "According to pagan belief, white-winged maidens are said to be Death's gentle envoys." Second, this "blade of light" appears to be made out of air. It reminds me of the "Vacuum Slice" weapon art, which is described as a "Lost skill of ancient heroes." This is however also said about the Corpse Wax Cutter, the default skill for the Gargoyle's Blackblade, which looks like the same ability exept with corpse wax instead of vacuum. Yet, Gurranq/Maliketh's Beast Claw also appears as white blades of white light. So maybe the Spear was made by the Beastmen?

[@Pizzifrizzo]

I think the environmental storytelling suggests that there have been two generations of Minor Erdtrees, the big ones, dating back to the dawn of the Golden Order, and the smaller golden ones, dating to the Shattering of the Elden Ring. Just look at all the details linked to the bigger Minor Erdtrees: the catacombs underneath them, the broken jars, entire cultures developed around them (the Woodsfolk and the Guardians). This would of course imply that the Erdtree was in mortal danger pretty early on in its history, but given it abruptly stopped giving blessings at the end of Godfrey's reign, it's not surprising. Besides, there are many possible threats that might have done it: the Serpent's betrayal, the Gloam-eyed Queen (who may or may not be Melina), Granssax...

[@Skavra6]

I don't know if it was ever mentioned but Marais (pronounced Ma-reh) means swamp in French. What is also interesting is that part of the swamps in France are actually bogs or peatlands, that produce peat and can be found nearby old volcanos. I don't really know where the snake can be associated with that tidbit but the use of a french word in that context is a strange coincidence.

[@ryanbeck8004]

We are so close, I can’t believe it’s already been 2 years waiting for this!

[@EODVods]

At 51:40 Vaati, I'd have to guess that this weapon was crafted by the servants of the dragon lord placidusax, given that he is the only entity in Elden ring that has control over storms, and while the serpent spear has a "white light" it looks like swirling winds coming together into a beam of energy. Perhaps he saw the serpent god as a blasphemy in and of itself, as a mockery of the everlasting power of the original, eternal ancient dragons. Also a side note for the man serpent mage at 1:08:50, it looks not to be bloated but instead that it was unable to remove its head from the egg it hatched from, perhaps resulting in increased magical abilities due to their removal of major senses such as sight and sound. My last observation is perhaps eiglay was the first great serpent and that is indeed their remains after the first serpent hunt. But also, there's a part of me that is thinking it might be more pronounced as the "Temple of Egg-lay", and it was simply their church of birth ritual.

[@Hi-BrazyllDev]

One angle I see remains unexplored is Rykard's corruption possible connection to the happenings in the Land of Shadows. Some points I find worthy of note (thought there are more): - The Golden Order didn't inaugurate the practice of an Inquisition, as we learn the Hornsent had their own inquisitors, armed with candlestick shaped staves that seem very similar to the many candlesticks and candelabra we see in Volcano Manor's visual design - The Candletree Wooden Shield found in the Sage's Cave at the foot of Gelmir (a place you pointed out as riddled with blasphemy), has the following description: "Thought to represent a surreptitious prophecy of cardinal sin, the lit candle-tree design was forbidden." It could be depicting the hornsent inquisitors staves in its design and be a relic of the Land of Shadows. - A giant snake shed is found nearby Bony Village in the Land of Shadows, which is very reminiscent of Rykard's giant snake shape. Bony Village seems to be a place where the shamans, who were the main target of the hornsent inquisition, met their punishment within the jars. - Serpent Rykard's practice of amalgamating himself with the bodies of worthy heroes feels a bit reminiscent of the fusion of flesh the hornsent used jars for. In terms of game mechanics, we can see a connection between the Bonny Butchering Knife and the Serpent God's Curved Sword in which both restore HP when they hit. Could it be Rykard investigated nobles for their knowledge of Messmer's (himself "cursed" by snake entities) Crusade, and main goal was preventing those secrets from surfacing? Could the knowledge of those events be what made Rykard reject Golden Order in the end?

[@_bstr_ct1832]

Rykard surely watched the Erdtree burn, even Bernahl’s maiden jumped into the fire. Also why are Night’s Cavalry in the scene about Night of Black Knives…

[@cantspeell]

Could the abductor virgins presence across the lands between mean they predate Rykard's rebellion or be part of his old inquisitorial order? They are located as far away as Caelid and some are even in the centre at Leyndell near the elevator. Wouldn't it make more sense for them to arrive there before all factions are hostile to Rykard than for them to arrived as spies and be his new eyes because they don't seem to be particularly stealthy. They would still fit in with the role of an inquisition in abduction and them being older, maybe pre shattering, would allow for more time for their transportation spells to wear off.

[@ZdenekMicke69]

The Abductor Virgins could indeed predate Rykard's rebellion, having been part of an older inquisitorial order or force. Their presence across the Lands Between, including distant locations like Caelid and Leyndell, suggests a well-established network predating current conflicts. This would make sense considering the vast distances they cover, indicating that they were operational long before the factions turned hostile toward Rykard. If they were part of an older inquisition, their primary role could have been to maintain order and enforce the Golden Order's laws. Their methods of abduction and punishment align with the brutal tactics often associated with inquisitorial forces. Over time, their transportation spells and mechanisms may have deteriorated, leading to their more erratic and widespread presence. Upon his rebellion, Rykard could have co-opted these existing Abductor Virgins to serve his purposes. This would explain their continued presence and activity, repurposed to serve his new agenda. Their lack of stealth and overt operations suggest they were not intended as spies but as enforcers or tools of intimidation and control. Their presence in Leyndell near the elevator supports the idea that they were initially part of the capital's mechanisms of control. As a central location of power, Leyndell would have had its own enforcement units to maintain order, which could include the Abductor Virgins. Their continued presence there indicates they were well-integrated into the city's infrastructure before the current hostilities. The potential age of the Abductor Virgins and their transportation spells wearing off over time supports the idea of an ancient and pervasive network. This would allow for the widespread and somewhat erratic locations they are found in now. Their durability and continued functionality, despite possible centuries of use, speak to their formidable design and purpose.

[@AnimatedTerror]

@@ZdenekMicke69weirdly phrased chatgpt answer..

[@thebeef420]

Since rykard is the son of radagon, that means messmir and rykard are brothers with different mothers. I believe rykard was convinced being consumed by the serpent was a smart idea since his brother was cursed and consumed by the abysal serpent

[@tj778]

I don’t think Rykard fed himself to the serpent before the war, but he probably still knew of its existence. I think he had been making discoveries at mount Gelmir and unearthing the ancient history of the serpent cult even during his service to the golden order. We can probably assume that his hexes were developed before the shattering because they were seen favourably by the golden order, which would suggest the serpent cult was an early influence for him that he might’ve kept hidden, and after the shattering he embraced that influence and brought it into the light which could explain all the serpent iconography. Feeding himself to the serpent would’ve been the final stop on his journey which he might’ve been pushed to as a last ditch effort to tip the scales of the war. It sort of reminds me of the story of Laurence from bloodborne, who started out as a cautious but curious scholar who wanted to unlock the secrets of the old blood but eventually he delved too deep and became willing to sacrifice everything in order to get closer to the divinity he became so obsessed with.

[@Mene0]

Man, the discussion about the past, how Leyndell's society was and everything, so cool. Would kill to see an official cinematic/anime or whatever of some of the past days of the game, before the Shattering Also 1:15:00 "prove themselves as champion" and use Let Me Solo Her. Nice