What's going on at Windmill Village?! Elden Ring

Probably my favorite creepy place in the game

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much for the amazing insight and additions to this, everyone! It’s so much fun reading all of the input and great illustration of how you need other eyes on a project sometimes, so I really appreciate all of the extra information and theories for this area. I’m sorry if I don’t get to respond to all of the comments; I try to respond as much as I can but I wanted to just thank everyone for taking the time to discuss this and share their ideas, great work detectives! 🕵️

[@beastmotoz]

I thought it was a crazy witch party

[@Salvador-312]

The bat women’s song, when translated to English, mention that they were supposed to be mothers, until the golden one did something, or golden something I forget the exact term, but maybe the bat woman were of the same race as these village women, and after the shattering some were cursed and turned into the bat queens we see today….

[@witchersteve1918]

Great video I made it there but didn’t give it much thought. I’m playing the game largely with my 2 year old son. So I often don’t get to go over every detail. Thank you for sharing it really saves me time

[@TheSUGA1202]

Go watch the movie Midsommer, this is a reference to it.Miyazaki might be a fan .

[@Reo_Swede_Wagon]

I'm wondering if the pink flowers are significant like a reference to a Midsommar festival with the dancing and the attire they're wearing and being all female

[@Amon_Teivel]

I swear, when I found that village I thought to myself, “Wait! Is this an actual thriving village with normal people?! It looks like they’re having fun! I’ll see what’s up!” And then one attacked me, and thus I went from hopeful traveler, to violator of the Geneva Convention.

[@DerAykac]

Geneva Suggestions

[@Patrick462]

Of course you're aware that the Geneva Convention does not apply to civilians who attack you. Once someone in civilian clothes attacks you, they become a combatant, and so can be attacked themselves. As an aside, under the Geneva Convention a combatant who does not wear a uniform to identify themselves as a combatant moves from combatant status to essentially spy status. Spies can be tried and executed just for being spies, unlike combatants. Anyway I'll get off the "I deliberately misinterpret comments intended to humorous" horse. For now.

[@Amon_Teivel]

@@Patrick462 You just had to ruin it didn’t you.

[@j.vinton4039]

@@Patrick462 always fun to learn something new!

[@fidgc6774]

@@j.vinton4039 Its good to know that if I am attacked by a child I may now nuke that village without committing a war crime. The more you know.

[@darthnazgul]

In a game full of malformed beasts, giant finger Spiders, and infected dogs, these laughing ladies are the creepiest of all.

[@gerogero2011]

Cause, any of those monster have already give vibe creepy and need to destroy as soon as possible... But with those smiling Woman much creepier cause u dont feel bloodlust when you enter first time... They are dancing and smiling towards you FOREVER..

[@arcanaobscura3519]

ah, well... welcome to Hemwick

[@patrickkilduff5272]

IDK...those finger creepers though

[@jgmafia2024]

These are the only ppl happy or doing something fun instead of dying, crying, or just living a shitty life so it was a change of scenery

[@maricleredpav4068]

Exactly

[@LawsonSchlönsson]

I think this may be inspired by the dancing plague of 1518(yes it is a real thing), where a group first mostly composed of young women began to dance in Strassburg, then about 400 people joined them and danced for days on end, forgoing food and sleep. The suspected reason for the plague ranged from demonic possession to mass hysteria, some sources claimed 15 people died each day. If death wasn't a thing in 16th century Alsace maybe they end up like these ladies over here.

[@mojotheaverage]

Beat me to it! I was going to say exactly this and I think it's a solid theory that it's inspired by that and might have a similar meaning. Either it's a curse or mass hysteria as lowly peasants fail to comprehend the wars of gods and their armies ravaging the lands

[@kitetales]

That is horrible!! Wow, those poor people. :( Well off to read about that now! Thank you for posting that!

[@channingtaintum]

Puts a new meaning on "Dancing fever" doesn't it?

[@LawsonSchlönsson]

@@channingtaintum 🎶Dance Dance Til you are dead🎶

[@seminoleboy96]

@@kitetales fungi on bread can create psychodelic effects.

[@axrye800]

I remember slowly walking thru this village, along with a heavy gut feeling something is terribly wrong here, and then, out of nowhere a dog jumps me, and the women went from chanting to roaring and rushing at me and I was genuinely terrified.

[@JornL]

The damn dog on the right...

[@justincarter1217]

And then people started ripping their faces off!!

[@PyrrhusBrin]

I used the scarlet rot dragon breath and destroyed them.

[@Picmanreborn]

@@JornL "why is it always dog" 🧎🏾‍♂️

[@TheTDA]

Yo! When I saw that dog I remember thinking, "dogs are NEVER friendly in this game", so I went a different route. Think it saved me a world of pain 😅

[@Rynosnoborder]

worth mentioning: - The weapons used by the celebrants grant runes on attack, and outside of the skull, the other weapons ARE made from human bones. -The noble talks about being flayed. There's a godskin apostle who wears skin and uses a weapon called a "peeler."

[@chancecarlson2023]

The godskin is called that because they wore the skin of gods, the black flame they used was designed to kill immortals but maliketh with the death rune destroyed them and took away that ability from the black flames.

[@kelakogreenaddict1888]

@@chancecarlson2023 i thought maliketh beat them and stole the death rune from the gloam eyed queen? makes you think how strong maliketh is without the rune of death, let alone with it

[@chancecarlson2023]

@@kelakogreenaddict1888 yeah pretty much and he was a force of nature for sure. Strong enough that Marika entrusted him to be the holder of the death run

[@Agr3_Man]

The first thing that crossed my mind when i looked carefully to the dancing ladies the way they dance and the way they are dressed and how the village is decorated .. Midsommar movie immediately popped in my head you should see the movie . I was waiting for someone to talk about this village and see if someone noticed the major similarity with the Midsommar movie 👍🏼

[@DeathofaNINJA]

I noticed the same things and I agree. There are a lot of similarities!

[@Agr3_Man]

Yup this game is packed with easter eggs

[@scythianking7315]

Midsommer? That anti-white movie, ironically made by a Jew? The one that demonizes normal European traditions and Culture as a creepy sacrificial cult. That movie was pure propaganda, and it worked, as people like you now associate European culture..... not with Europe, or even with Culture at all.... but with a horror film. Like 80% of Elden Ring is based off European mythology, architecture, aesthetics, clothing, armor, weapons etc. This wasn't a Midsommer "easter egg", it was simply another part of the world with European Cultural elements. Btw, "Midsummer/Midsommer" is the name of a traditional festival held all over Northern Europe(what this movie was referencing). I'm glad my Culture has been turned into a horror film though, fantastic.

[@Agr3_Man]

@@scythianking7315 dude chill i liked the movie alot it's a really disturbing movie that was specifically referencing the midsummer festival of sweden i know all that and i know that this swedish festival is joyful and pleasant no one was saying otherwise . Don't take everything personal it's just a fictional movie about the midsommar festival . I'm a muslim and an arab how do you think i feel about hollywood or anyone that doesn't know anything about us portraying muslims or arabs in movies ?! "Muslims are terrorists" ?! C'mon don't be that sensitive and have more self esteem don't let anyone shake who you are and be more confident about your beliefs and traditions . It's just a movie and this reference is just in a game . Sorry if you were offended by anyway it wasn't intentional bro .

[@ehad1753]

I haven't seen Midsommar but a friend of mine actually made the exact same comparison and when I found this video I kind of was expecting to see if someone mentioned the movie

[@alexberta5195]

The Godskin Apostle boss on top of the village has significance in the lore of Dominula. It is known that Godskins were enemies of the Golden Order, and they used a similar variant of Black Flame that surges within Maliketh's and the Black Knife Assassin's blades. They would often add slain enemies' skins to their clothing as an intimidation display or trophies. Not sure what a Godskin Apostle would find useful in a windmill village such as Dominula, but it seems that the Apostle on top influenced the women of the village to kill men and flay them to be then given to the Apostle as a revered offering.

[@pabloibarz1577]

This is pretty much my conclusion from when I first went there!

[@SaintEldritch]

I concluded much the same. In regard to the godskin apostle choosing the location, I'd imagine it was to do with its proximity to the capital and hence the Erdtree, therefore much more god relation skin availible "My hide is filthy" (I don't have any divine lineage).

[@nilspochat8665]

i think he's there to 'free' them of the influence of the gods, who compel such villages to follow them with bewitching branches and such flowers. Or maybe it's the other way around, a godskin apostle village was turned/brainwashed/cursed by the golden order and he's like, 'back?'. Anyway, that would make some sense with the burning pile of bodies with a noble (aka masters/mistresses) set not too far, he'd be the one to enact some revolution for the proletariat of windmill village. Next, we repair all those chariots that break with only 1 roll/jump and we make tachankas out of them. That'll show Marika we don't need no tarnished in our soviet kholkoz.

[@Finesse_Oblige]

It's stated in some item descriptions, that the godskin apostles armor is actually made of skin which would explain why the men of the village have been skinned and killed. This apostle specifically seems to have preferred the skin of men and somehow managed to influence the women of the village to hold a festival in which the men are skinned and their skin is offered as tribute.

[@grumpcarmine4811]

The Godskins are ultimately a religious cult, so I imagine they don’t need a lot more reason to start leading these people other than just spreading their beliefs and teachings around. It’s likely their members act as missionaries quite often, especially the apostles. Especially when they’re attempting to commit heresy by fighting the Golden Order, the more people they have on their side the better

[@SnakeEaterGaming]

Your voice… is so calming. It put me at ease and erased all my anxiety for 10 minutes and 5 seconds. Thank you.

[@zthandrapus.t5685]

My guess is that the Haima sages were sent specifically to deal with the Godskin Apostle who clearly is the leader of this group of women. It is very likely that this particular apostle led astray this group of women to the Blackflame religion similar to Jim Jones or Charles Manson. When they were driven out of Gelmir, the Godskin Apostle probably led them to safety in the Windmill Village.

[@kitetales]

I would have never thought I'd see a reference to Charles Manson in regards to Elden Ring!! This is amazing, great comment. I'm officially supporting your theory now!

[@zthandrapus.t5685]

@@kitetales Haha thanks! This is also probably my favourite area. The Blackflame cult has their fingers in a lot of pies in the Lands Between. Makes you wonder if the Godskin Noble in Volcano Manor was the Windmill Village Apostle's "partner", since the Nobles and Apostles are often seen in pairs, and the events of Mt Gelmir drove them apart somehow. Gosh this game is great.

[@sirrealism7300]

This kind of reminds me of the fire monks, and how a bunch of old hags in very similar clothes to the ones in Dominula patrol the area. They have briars crowned on their heads instead of flowers, and use thorn sorcery. Interestingly, they appear to be fighting against the Mt. Gelmir knights, and youll notice that some of the Flame Monks eventually get tired of guarding the legendary fire they worship, and begin serving the godskin apostles as blackflame monks.

[@Retrospect-53]

@@zthandrapus.t5685 Ranni gave an item to Rykard (Blasphemous Claw) in order to help him claim Destined Death, and the Godskin Apostles had power which was sealed away, most likely also being Destined Death (black flame, similar health degredation effect, focused explicitly on killing entities). Considering that Apostles show up going towards Ranni's Divine Tower and in Farum Azula, I think it's likely they were definitely investigating the usage of the Rune of Death or the sliver that was stolen by Ranni and thus the claw (which was seemingly taken/stolen by Bernahl).

[@sboy1024]

That tracks with them skinning people, trying to be like their leader or something.

[@keithmichael112]

"Dancing mania (also known as dancing plague, choreomania, St. John's Dance, tarantism and St. Vitus' Dance) was a social phenomenon that occurred primarily in mainland Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. It involved groups of people dancing erratically, sometimes thousands at a time." probably a reference to this

[@148naeemomer5]

It's actually Sydenhams Chorea a disorder of the motee system mostly afflicted on young girls as a late manifestation of Acute Rheumatic Fever. Was fortunate enough to watch this rare phenomenon in a 13 year old last month. Truly interesting.

[@cory7852]

I also thought it was a reference to that, or the cult in midsommar

[@Two4Loko]

It was so discomforting rolling into that village and hearing laughing and seeing dancing from a distance. Just finished getting crushed and crushing my way through the capital and in this crazy world of death, undeath and horror here was peace. But uh. . . Then you get closer

[@Naurfae]

Just a thought about the windmills: There are no fields to be seen anywhere, probably because the villagers are a bit too busy harvesting things other than wheat. But with a bunch of corpses come a bunch of bones & you could grind those to flour. (their size is also somewhat similar to Commoners like Gostoc, so that might explain why they were willing to join the Godskin Apostle)

[@clearlypellucid]

Slight correction, "dominula" means "little mistress." It's the diminutive form of "domina." Basically, "dominula" is to "domina" as "puppy" is to "dog." So they're either minor landholders or there's an insinuation that they're a "lesser" version of some other thing, or even that they're named as though they were children, which might go along with your "young maids" who never stopped the festival theory.

[@nilspochat8665]

@NoFun Allowed lol more like the opposite. It's 'mistress' as in the fem. of 'master', which is 'domine'. There's no inuendo or any other implied sexual sense at all.

[@rainbowkrampus]

I'm guessing it relates to them being subordinate in some way to the Godskins.

[@nilspochat8665]

@@rainbowkrampus or it's just because it's just a village. Not a city, a burg compared to leyndell.

[@brreakfastYT]

Maybe there first village was just 'Mistress', so this new one is called 'Little Mistress

[@mollywhoppedsouls_pvp]

FBI OPEN UP🤜🚪

[@lordvonsteiner2452]

Yeah, it's definitely one of the more unnerving locations in the game. I think it's because how sunlight, flowers, singing and dancing are usually a positive thing, adding some sinister elements like blood and creepy faces causes it to seem very uncanny or odd.

[@cardinalrule6810]

I first visited this area at nighttime so it was even creepier

[@ryneagheilim9782]

Its like Midsommar

[@sereksusvictar7888]

I am fairly certain that the women are worshiping the Godskin Apostle, skinning festival goers for their "lord". It's likely that their garb and rituals are much older than the Godskins arrival, as evidenced by the village on Mt Gelmir (which was likely leveled during the war with the Morgott and the capitol). It's interesting though, where we find the Godskins, and what their motives may be through this rather long stalemate.

[@pandosham]

considering the weapon the Godkin drops is specifically the Godskin pealer helps

[@orkwc3]

@@pandosham I don't think he's skinning potatoes with it

[@lakeofrot4198]

There is a ghost that mentions not wanting to be skinned or something along those lines.

[@TalkinEverything]

I feel like the skull used for their weapon is possibly that of a demi-human, since you found the one lady in Hermit village (it could be that she was going there to try and get more skulls for weapons and then met her demise). Also something interesting about Hermit village is it has the Prattling Pate that says "You're beautiful". Since that one is of a mother's voice and also has an interaction with Boc I wonder if it could be that his mother was one of the demi-humans that was killed and used for their weapons? I'm probably reaching a lottt here, but that's just the connections I could come up with.

[@kitetales]

Oh my gosh that connection between the Prattling Pate and Boc’s mother!! 😢 Also didn’t even think the skull could be a demi-humans but that makes sense considering how their first village was attacked!

[@firstnamelastname180]

Wo, I didn't even consider prattling pates even had a use in game, always just thought of it as a silly online use item. Of course. Now I'm going to experiment!

[@deimosvalentine]

I believe that the Godskin Apostle created their own cult festival within this village as part of the Godskin Hunt, led by the Dusk-eyed Queen. The Apostle probably coerced the women of the village into starting a festival to skin the men of the village and to skin the traveling men who visited during the festival. The skin was then given to the Godskin Apostle for most likely clothing for the Godskin Nobles and Apostles. The Godskin Apostle in Dominula also drops his Godskin Peeler, a tool designed specifically for for carving flesh. The bones of the men were also turned into ceremonial weapons that are used by the dancers. What probably happened with Hermit Village, is that Rykard was probably harboring this same festival up on Mt. Gelmir to skin men and lure in unfortunate travelers who were passing by. This festival was probably led by another Godskin Apostle or the Godskin Noble that we fight in the Temple of Eiglay. I think that the mage's involvement in all of this is that they somehow teamed up with the Demi-Humans to launch an assault on Hermit Village to take out the blasphemers who worshipped the black god killing flame. And I think that the Battlemage that we see near Dominula is simply scouting out the area so he could report back to Raya Lucaria to plan the next assault on the Godskin and their worshippers, since he seems to be keeping his distance from the village. I also realized that Godskin could mean Gods Kin meaning Demigods, or God Skin, meaning the skin of the gods. And funny enough, Godskin Apostles and Nobles seek to kill the gods and skin people. I can't wait until you get around to doing the Godskin Hunt, Melina, and the Dusk-Eyed Queen!!!! I love the videos keep it up!!

[@kitetales]

This is so well-written!! I love this! See this is why this community is absolutely amazing, it really is like a bunch of detectives sitting around trying to find out what's really going on and putting the best theories together. I'm officially behind this one!

[@sirrealism7300]

If you notice atop that village where the sorcerer is teaching the demihumans, youll find masture Azure sitting just a little ways away to them. Simultaneously, theres a Battlemage in Caelid who guards the other legendary glintstone masters (the one with the eyeball hat) cave behind an illusory wall. Theres also a battlemage in an Evergaol within caelid.

[@deimosvalentine]

@@kitetales Thank you!!!! :DDD

[@deimosvalentine]

@@sirrealism7300 Oh yeah I completely forgot to mention Azur!! That might have been what brought the Nomad/Errant sorcerer to Mt. Glemir since it says that those kinds of Sorcerers are drawn by Primeval currents. And we know that both Master Azur and Master Lusat were exiled from Raya Lucaria for trying to tap into the Primeval current. For why Master Lusat was at Mt. Gelmir is beyond me, though maybe it may have to do something with Rykard welcoming all kinds of banished and blasphemous acts. In this case, Primeval Magic is the banned magic and Rykard was welcoming it in. It could also be that Master Azur taught Rykard sorcery and now Master Azur just stays on Mt. Gelmir now.

[@grambo1980]

Out of bounds did a video that showed off the textures of the godskin apostle. You could see faces and their garments. Real creepy stuff!

[@justinallen1851]

Just wanted to say I love and appreciate this series. These summaries add so much to the world as I continue to play.

[@teapuck2530]

you’re possibly my new favorite elden ring youtuber it’s so refreshing to listen to you

[@kitetales]

Awww thank you so much that’s a huge honor! 😊

[@ItsYaBoiV]

The Windmill areas have some Midsommar vibes. There's also that godskin apostle lurking around the Windmill Village, so you know some creepy stuff is going on. xD

[@trevorditmar]

The models are extremely similar to Hemwick Forest in Bloodborne. They aren't jovial there, but it's an extremely similar vibe in some ways

[@ibrahimalqayse4527]

Exactly, that's what I thought

[@aspret315]

I remember the Hemwick witches cackling on and such before they caught glimpse of the player, similar to these fiends as well.

[@Sam-xg3mr]

They also use the windmill imagery in that area of Bloodborne. Not sure why From associates windmills with crazy paganistic witches, but it seems to be a thing.

[@christopherkline4042]

It’s a recurring theme in fromsoft games to have certain macabre NPCs.

[@capollyon]

Hamewick Charnel Lane (BB) and Undead Settlement (DS3) have exactly same design.

[@bobo1million]

When I got to the Windmill village in the game I thought to myself... 'I cant wait for the KZbinrs to make a lore explanation video on what the heck is going on here'. thank you :)

[@kitetales]

It's such a great little area!

[@mamboonthetube7652]

My first thought was “oh my god I hope that dance is a gesture I can learn”

[@bobo1million]

@@mamboonthetube7652 lol yes, i was a bit sad after looking though my gestures i had at the time... nothing too 'dance-like' to join in :(

[@Moblinn]

I’ve streamed the whole game I’ve played for my friend and the moment I came across this village we both instantly thought one thing “midsommar”

[@metalmusic3171]

I thought the exact same thing

[@Yosshi95]

We all thought the same …

[@HarryDetective]

Skin the fool.

[@kanevivi]

What's that?

[@omegazx7236]

@@kanevivi a great horror movie

[@Femto1590]

I fell in love with your Elden Ring content of these last couple of days. It's so easy to digest and entertaining to watch. Please continue giving us your insight on the lore and other findings you may have in the game. Truly captivating, love it!

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@lukemartinserrano4765]

Be careful, once you start investigating from software games, you’ll go down a path that leads to Vaatividya. Great video!

[@kun]

It's nice that we have a lot more people doing lore but Vaati seemed to be silent these days. What happened to him? Is he only posting stuff to his patreons?

[@zero2707]

@@kun just check his Twitter

[@nilocm6365]

@@kun he's busy waiting for random anons on the internet to come up with lore theories for him to pillage

[@JamJam24111]

@@kun He does not make original lore theories, he just repeats others ideas/theories in condensed higher productions videos. Even his original dark souls lore vids were just condensed versions of ENB lore vids which he confessed too at the time but gets angry if you say it now.

[@kun]

@@zero2707 ooh nice seems he's cooking something big. The chart looks awesome!

[@theartgoose]

I love how you break down the clues and the lore on this game. Your voice is very refreshing to hear in this community!💓

[@jamespateluniversity]

The cross adorned with flowers( that's similar to the golden effigy for multiplayer ) is actually Marika's rune. This is evidenced by the symbol on Marika's Soreseal and Scarseal ( also in their item description, and marika herself is hung in a position resembling the rune) , and inferable as radagons symbol appears in several places too ( Scarseal,soreseal,on the erdtree thorns) and both appear on the elden ring itself ( marikas at the top and through, radagons behind). Since we can almost definitely say the women are worshipping the godskin apostle and are performing some manner of skinning ritual ( from the ghost dialogue), this causes a slight conundrum. If the apostles are against the golden order due to their accursed blackflame, why would people that worship said apostles also venerate Marika, the chosen god of the golden order? I believe this lends credence to the 'Marika is the Gloam Eyed Queen' theory. As the former leader of the apostles, it makes sense why they would still hold her in regard. We know that the gloam eyed queen was an empyrean, and from other research I put her timeline to be during Placidusax's time as elden lord under a different god. ( Maliketh's weapon, the Cinquedea is only given to high ranking clergymen of Farum Azula which puts him at that time) and him being the shadow/half-brother to an empyrean echoes blaidd and Ranni. When Ranni acted against the greater will, they used the shadow to try to stop her, just like Maliketh defeated the gloam eyed queen before she enacted her godhunt ( we know she wasn't succesful as no demigod died before godwyn). And since Melina is the daughter of Marika ( literally DaughterOfMarika in the game files), would explain why she inherited one of her mothers gloam-eye ( Purple eye in the frenzied flame ending) , and her other eye is milky white after the erdtree is destroyed and the golden hue of grace fades. When it faded in godfrey, it faded back to his regular dark eye color, which means that melina's true eye on her right is white, the very same color as the apostles.

[@patriciapandacoon7162]

important to note that "demigod" specifically refers to children of Marika, not merely children of a god. I can't recall exactly where I got that, but I remember finding the distinction made a peculiar one

[@EduardoGonzalez317]

I've never clicked on a video faster. I really enjoyed your videos and I'm glad you've been making them. thank you for the content!

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that!! :) Hopefully this will hold up to those expectations it's a little different!

[@EduardoGonzalez317]

I think the only expectation that has made your content stand out from the rest is your enthusiasm at peicing the lore together!

[@Hemp609]

Same here - LOL - I saw it was posted and was like *click*

[@MrAdamo]

i also clicked on this super fast, because this area is so interesting. good choice for a video, KZbin lady

[@CommanderCodyChipless]

I got immediate Midsommar vibes when I first ran into the Windmill Village

[@AdiusOmega]

I love this content! There's so much to explore in this game and you really feel like an investigator into the story behind the world. Even if you don't always get all the pieces and completely understand the story you still "feel" the story and I think that is so much more important.

[@zahiar]

You’re becoming one my favorite Elden Ring lore channels. Honestly you’re interesting to listen to, like you’re taking me on a journey with you, keep it up and the lore! :)

[@kitetales]

Aww thank you so much I'm honored!! :)

[@garythstricklen5860]

At the windmill where the nobles are being held, there is a misbegotten with an axe close by just chopping away. If you go into the pen with the nobles there is a opening in the back of the fence that is being guarded by a dog too. Fun little details.

[@Evanz111]

I absolutely adore this style of exploring the lore of Elden Ring through exploration, instead of someone simply just reading through the wiki. Your presentation of video is fantastic, definitely earned a sub from me!

[@Evanz111]

Also that Nightcrawler reference was unexpected but spot on haha

[@Evanz111]

Oh finally! I agree with your theory about them being put under a spell to stop their violence. And I think the smoking gun is that animation of one of the women biting their into their wrist with blood spraying out. That gives off major vibes of someone trying to break themselves out of a trance through a sharp shock of pain.

[@-_-5470]

Like others said, they are imo probably linked to the Godskin Apostle with the females skinning the males to provide new clothes for the apostles Edit: If they come indeed from Mt. Gelmir, then there was also Godskin influence in that area

[@visceralwhimsy]

Absolutely loved this video (your voice is so soothing!) This is also one of my favorite locations and definitely gave me a folk horror vibe (the skinning ghost especially!) I love the amount of detective work you did noticing the details of the Mage crowns, and I think there is a lot of weight to your theory. This was one of the most beautiful and surreal parts of the game, just being able to witness their bizarre laughing and dancing.

[@NAWWMANNN]

So I really like the idea that the maiden ladies are dancing and celebrating because they've been cursed to do so, but I don't think that's the case. For a couple reasons. 1) Enemies in Elden Ring look and act a lot like enemies in Souls who have gone hollow. And like hollows, many of these decayed, zombie-looking homies are doing what we observe them to do out of instinct and vague memory. Various faction soldiers still patrol and use weapons; these festive maidens still dance and attempt to skin a random stranger (us) who happens upon them. It's what they've always done. Far more unnerving, I think, that this cheerful dancing is something that just always accompanied the horrifying atrocities they've committed. Clearly, they believe that their actions are worthy of celebration and happiness. Makes me believe that as they were flaying fools, they were acting in this same chillingly cheerful manner. #ZOINKS As for the sages, they seem to be still aligned with either Caira or Raya Lucaria, or both. So I'm assuming the Godskin Noble is the maidens' leader. Maybe like a cult leader who brainwashed them. Godskin Nobles also wear the stolen skin of their victims. Maybe the sages were stationed there by Rennala or Ranni, in order to maintain some kind of watch or control over the Godskin Nobles. These two factions were allied in the events that lead to the events of the game in the first place, right? But, if I were in this situation, I would NOT feel comfortable trusting the creepy freakazoids who are literally wearing the skin of their murder victims and who were already extremely willing to betray the gods.

[@LoreMTD]

Just want to say, I love your videos and they make me happy. You're joy at looking for clues is so pure and fun!

[@kitetales]

Aww thank you so much!! I'm so glad people enjoyed this because it was really fun to put together and definitely encouraging to work on more like this! :)

[@elkklemusic2895]

Like others have mentioned, this could be inspired by the dancing plague's and various other mentions in history of people dancing toward their doom, like the story of the Pied Piper. One theory behind all this seemingly unexplainable happenings is that a type of mould that grew on the wheat in these times could cause hallucinations/psychosis, even after being baked into bread. This was my first thought atleast, since they live in the Windmill Villages, where the windmill's were likely used to grind the wheat into flour.

[@sassyfrass5237]

I do disagree with your actual theory. Those giant sages study magic to quell conflict. This doesnt mean they calm people down, it means they have spells to kill groups of people at a time, like the cannon and Hammer spells. I believe it's to quell uprisings, not calm people down

[@kriegjaeger]

That would fit more with the theme of Elden Ring.

[@MarginalSC]

Gavel would imply they acted as judges. So diplomatic types with a big stick.

[@sassyfrass5237]

@@MarginalSC judge and executioner from the looks of it

[@MarginalSC]

@@sassyfrass5237 Yeah that's the big stick

[@Micolashcage1]

Well The Godskin apostles are somehow related to "The Gloam Eyed Queen" an Empyrean leader who was defeated by Maliketh. Empyreans (aside from Miquella) are generally Numen, which seem to be an all female. The Black Knives are assuminmgly Numen as well and interestign enough, when Iji's body is found he is surrounded by corpses of Black Knives and Blackflame, the magic of the Godskins.

[@Daemon.05]

@Sakib Monir 1530964042 correct only the assasins are

[@kyle2841]

I love how you included the thought process and investigations you did to come to this conclusion

[@dannyavarice]

I have something to add to your theory on Dominula Village. So, it's said that a huge war broke out during the Shattering between Rykard's and Leyndell's forces on Mount Gelmir. My impression of Leyndell is that they're the "not-so" stereotypical good guys who uphold law and order. They probably came across Hermit Village and saw it was inhabited by nothing but female civilians and escorted them back to the Altus Plateau for safety. The "mistresses" bloodlust likely started long before migrating to Leyndell, but I highly doubt they would argue or complain about being transported to a new, safer home where they could continue their festivities. Especially once they realized that their new home would have a lot more travelers coming through the area.

[@Darth_Bateman]

The moment I saw them dancing and heard that laughing, I knew that everyone has gone mad. Seeing the blood on their mouths up close : “well fuck, I’m right…”

[@gagegrogan4352]

I love this detective style lore video 😁 great content, hopefully you make more like this!!!

[@mightymurph550]

As soon as insaw this i thought of the movie midsommar. Creepy as hell

[@nilspochat8665]

Here's what i've been quickly speculating about it : The reason they're so blissful is because of the flowers, you'll notice how they look like the 'bewitching branches' item. "blessed with an incantation of unalloyed gold.", made of miquella's lilies and sacramental buds "cultivated with youthful, sacramental blood" (young ladies, bite wrists to spew blood). Apparently "The Empyrean Miquella is loved by many people. Indeed, he has learned very well how to compel such affection.". I think this i basically a brainwashed village, its will taken away by the demi-gods and nobles, the effect still lasting despite some amongst them having burned their master [the dominula] after they got free of the curse (red eyed ones?).

[@sundaysquire4013]

This is it

[@AcZe1188]

I swear miyazaki saw midsommar once and literally just said "this is it" and just slap the whole concept on the game as part of the many creepy as heck places in the game. but still, where are the people in the comment's section getting all these information on lore lmao? I accidentally stumbled upon this village because I was running away from the walking worm things in the minor erdtree that creeped the crap out of me and those dancing women just made it worse. Add to the fact that when I got to the top most windmill because I got curious, I was met with a goddamn boss fight.

[@icecreamyoga]

I was thinking something similar, really reminded me of The Wicker Man (1973) which midsommar drew from quite a bit if I’m remembering correctly

[@bigtone231]

I'm glad im not the only one who noticed this. I guess alot of people didnt see that movie lol

[@Lari_A]

i think it was inspired by the village in bloodborne. that place also has old ladies dancing.

[@extremelycatty4040]

I'd also be willing to bet a lot of this is a reference to Midsommar, a movie about a rural swedish village that has a dark secret to it. The premise surrounding it involves a festival, brutal murder, and features a lot of jovial locals, flowers, and murdered outsiders.

[@samus2sexyfordis]

The fact that not lot of people are making the connection I mean the floral crown is like screaming midsommar

[@Peacht4n]

@@samus2sexyfordis floral crowns are not a “midsommar” thing lol

[@jodiedoughty3528]

I got the Misommar reference

[@hampushakman3457]

@@Peacht4n care to elaborate ? As a Swede I would love to know what you base that comment on ?

[@genroa3881]

@@hampushakman3457 I think what they meant is that it is a fairly common thing. The entire area could also be a reference to the plague dancers of the Middle Ages.

[@sarahcleary7332]

I loved this video! Really appreciated how much you focused on enemy placement and environmental storytelling. Lots of good insights and stuff I didn't notice.

[@kitetales]

Thank you! 😊

[@kirigayaofthedollars1964]

Perhaps the flowers are more than just a creepy part of the scenery but the actual cause of the irregular behavior 🤔 wouldn’t be the first time a plant effected the behavior of the inhabitants of the lands between.... almost like a bewitching branch

[@harrisonwilliams1204]

thats what i thought that they were all high off of the aroma of the pink flowers

[@Themaskedathlete-4]

There was a godskin apostle at the top of the village. It influenced them.

[@leowatley]

you ever hear of dance mania or the dancing plague of 1518? a shit ton of people randomly started dancing and wouldn't stop until they had died. there's never been a real explanation for it either. this might be a reference to that.

[@chuchof3tt669]

Devs: .. we'll just reuse the assets, no one will care. Us Fans:

[@eusou0]

1: I love your interest in details like these, that go unnoticed; I often stop my progress to observe and conjecture about the ingame scenarios and possible lore too, so your content is really cool because of that (especially since you have a method and organization). 2: Your voice is lovingly soothing

[@Tomiply]

2:06 I thought it was more like they were tired as hell of the whole thing, and that's why they're a bit away from the main village. It's like you're not allowed to stop dancing and rest in the main part of the village.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

That makes sense. Even horrible monsters need a break.

[@Zacjd]

Marika's STRANGE new connections to the Gloam-Eyed Queen - Elden Ring SOTE Lore Theory & Speculation u should check that one out

[@Salvador-312]

The stark contrast of hearing the atrocities and violence in the village, with her cute relaxing voice talking about it is so funny to me.

[@dehydratedculture9126]

Dude. I really enjoy this style of video. Where it’s like you’re a tarnished reporter, only using things you’ve come across playing the game. It’s really interesting and immersive.

[@alienjay7703]

It’s really cool how you look at every aspect of an area to try and figure out the lore . I’ve never really looked at the game that way . I’ve noticed they have a tall Build and elongated arms . Malenia has the same body shape too , but a bit taller . Maybe they are the same race, but not of noble blood like Malenia ?

[@kitetales]

Now that I think about it Rennala has that same very elongated, lanky build... hmmm you might be onto something here!

[@Wool_Scarf]

@@kitetales how do the albinaurics compare to them? I'm only remembering scraps but I clearly remember them being as pale and as thin as the dancing ladies

[@obamabiden]

they probably are both the same species, in a way. they probably are both human actually its just humans can be weird looking in elden ring take for example Gostoc, who is very tall and thin or the lordsworn knights, who are enormous compared to the player but appear to just be people

[@adamlandy1322]

They drop human bone shards but that could also be from their victims i suppose

[@PriffEV]

@@kitetales the player character is always short in from games. It's very clear in sekiro where all other humans tower over him. I think zulli made a video on it, mostly commenting on that it's for camera purposes. So they might not be taller than normal humans. Renalla is very tall though, and so are all the demigods except ranni who is in a doll body. There's also melina who may or may not be a God or demigod. Banditgames has a great video on her that I think ties in this area as well. Either that video or it was just a video about the godskin and the gloam eyed queen I saw.

[@daladams]

You have such a wonderful and calming voice! Thank you for the content!

[@Blight_89]

This village and its themes remind me a lot of the movie "Midsommar" 😬 Great job on gathering the lore so far! ^^

[@biorobot2]

Exactly what I thought.

[@ShamuAdism]

Greetings From The Far East Indonesia, thanks for this topic... finally I got my platinum trophy for this game❤️ and I love this Elden Ring Lore channel

[@kitetales]

Awww thank you so much!!

[@Jay-rw6gy]

Loving hearing lore being uncovered for this game! :)

[@toostrong9508]

This is the first video I’ve seen from you but definitely subscribed after watching. I really love lore and mystery and the video was put together in such a fun way, really captured the sense of all that without being too dark. Felt like we were on a journey to discover these clues left behind. 👍🏻👍🏻💯

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@evergaolbird]

I think you can get more clues if you have the God Skin Items.

[@galacticfrog]

I loved randomly stumbling into this area one of my fave places in the game. Really reminds me of Hemwick Charnel Lane in BB which was one of my favourite areas (bar the boss) in that game. These are the places where it makes me want to find out so much more. Love your videos been binge watching them!

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much!! 🥰 I’m playing through Bloodborne right now for the first time, it’s really fun!!

[@yuglordzug8259]

Your mention of the singing bats and dominula being Latin made me remember that the bats actually sing in Latin. Could further that connection but idk 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheLilBear]

They are singing about the tarnished and the breaking of the Elden ring. You can find the translation. :)

[@edwardecl]

@@TheLilBear I had one of them (i think) chant/sing something in latin in a mans voice once, was kinda creepy. I assume it was the bat thing.

[@dogfood142]

@@TheLilBear They're actually singing about them being virgin brides before they became tarnished and how they are still waiting to be married. This is why they are dressed in bridal gear. The 'song of Lamnent' is what they're singing.

[@hydroknight8612]

This area gave me a heavy Midsommar vibe

[@raymondcaswell5622]

When I originally saw this and after I stopped laughing, the first thing that came to my mind was "maypole dancers." The short of it is a maypole dance is a fertility ritual. Without getting too deep, the whole original tradition revolves around monks, wind, sins, and beatings. Again, super short version here. It all seems to fit this narrative.

[@whispersinthedark88]

The tradition around the maypole is a pre christian pagan tradition, it is about fertility and the springtime but the rest of that is nonsense...no monks,sins, beatings etc.

[@raymondcaswell5622]

@@whispersinthedark88 Do some research thanks.

[@whispersinthedark88]

@@raymondcaswell5622 😂 Dear take your own advice. I have already done my research, It's my ancestral history, how I grew up, and my religion. Stop spreading ignorant bullshit that you obviously don't understand the history behind.

[@AraAnoukh]

Thanks so much for making this video! It's really cool to see the details and environment storytelling highlighted in this part of the game, definitely one of the most memorable areas in Elden Ring. I really appreciate your eye for detail, so many connections I would have totally missed!

[@UnorthodoxParker]

WTF they're giving the skins of the men to the Apostle arent they!!!

[@kitetales]

I LOVE this theory!!!

[@AbleAnderson]

This is easily one of the best lore videos I’ve ever seen. Wow. This makes me wanna explore the game so much more now. I’m blown away at how observant you are playing this and it honestly will add enjoyment to my playthrough now bc I will look for stuff like this. And you never got boring, I was hanging on every word. This was fantastic

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much, that is an extremely nice comment and I really appreciate that! 😊 I just love exploring in this game and I think you can learn so much from just the environment, sometimes it’s just so fun to look around. Thank you again and I hope you have fun exploring in game!!

[@rosaecrux]

No clue about this area, but I want to express my thanks for all this effort put into such a video. I do like to hear more ideas about the lore of the game since its lore is kept vague that people have plenty of room for interpretation.

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much! I absolutely love reading all of the new ideas and connections everyone makes, it’s really a great display of how people notice different things and make different conclusions. Reminds me of being back in English class talking about what we all thought of the story.

[@halffanhalfboy492]

Your a must watch whenever I see you on my feed. Keep up the content

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@Phiil1]

This was so good and insightful! Maybe one day they’ll release the lore in a series of books but until then, keep doing this kind of stuff because it’s super entertaining. My wife and all her friends are into true crime and I plan to show them this video later. I’m sure you’ll gain even more subscribers from content like this! Great stuff!!!

[@kitetales]

Oh I can recommend so many good true crime shows and podcasts to your wife if she hasn’t already heard of them! Tell her to check out the podcasts Bear Brook and Casefile for starters! And for shows, McMillions (for some mafia crime) and The Keepers were really great

[@arthursevero4925]

I think this area is somewhat a reference to Midsommar because Midsommar is a horror movie that happens in the light of day and that's what draws the most attention about the movie, Miyazaki also want the try something new in this game moving away from the standard dark setting of the soulsborne series and playing with the idea of ​​light/dark good/bad, bad things can happen in daylight too, i think the erdtree is the enbodyment of this idea

[@sasanr1]

There's no spell , They stay peacefull until you get in the middle of village then they trap you and start attacking , the women in the side villages are aggressive and have defensive formation

[@LeedleLee457]

I don't think there's a spell either, but they do indeed stay peaceful. The majority only attack when they're snapped out of it by either a dog or another hostile enemy. I've walked through the village multiple times with most of the women being peaceful. Your encounter probably got alerted by a dog and you didn't know it.

[@sasanr1]

@@LeedleLee457 yes it was the dog , it's actually a good place to easily farm runes , specially with swords like night and flame

[@ninjaballgaming]

This is awesome, I could listen to you talk about Elden Ring for ever. Keep it up!

[@InTheDawngeon]

I was so unnerved when I got there! Them attacking me was such a relief to be honest. I think they just joined the godskin apostle cult stuff,as some people already said. Loved the video!

[@x1teDota]

I got big Midsommar vibes from this place.

[@LordJamek]

I wish too share this for anyone who might have seen this for yourself but if you stand still for a very long time especially near your site of grace you may find that the dancers are slowing moving ever closer too you as you wait. I fell asleep while at the grace and woke up hearing laughing and seeing that I was being surrounded by them. Im making more test on this as im writing this too see what else might happen. Added note this is on Xbox One so results may vary.

[@kitetales]

Awwww man I tried it on PC but it didn’t work for me!! ☹️

[@LordJamek]

@@kitetales How long did you wait? It took a few hours for me too see this and all I did what talk too the ghost guy first. Make sure you're at the entrance too and just leave you character there for awhile

[@ImXarii]

I was super curious about the village when I first saw it because it was just so unlike a lot of the other places I've been to in the game and man thank you for this video! Definitely makes me want to look deeper into some of the other secrets this game has!

[@eleazarmangubat1184]

I’d suggest to look into with the God hunters. I believe that the windmill village is connected with the Godskins.

[@RobSandman]

Midsommar vibes crossed with the 1518 dancing plague(as mentioned by Lin Lawson, with a certain "Kuru" (Laughing Plague) component to this is a pretty terrifying(and also very *SAD* ) mix, imagine this being your existence for 100's of years or more!... Thank you for the great video and presentation KiteTales & Flex!, new sub!

[@TheRadDabber]

Another excellent video Kite...I can't say I ever expected your channel to become a go to source for "souls" lore, but alas, here we are! Keep up the great work!

[@kitetales]

Thanks man!! 😁 It’s been a ton of fun working on these!

[@kaml5076]

Yes I was very excited for you guys to make another video! Especially on this place. Keep it up you guys are awesome

[@ludenprime]

My friend made me feel guilty for killing the dancing ladies. “Why are you killing them?! They didn’t do anything to you!” They sure freaked me out though 🤣

[@fartdonkey8290]

Same happened to me. Also with the turtles in the treasure room of summonwater. Everything in this game MUST DIE

[@johnnyk617]

Just passed through this section of the game and had to hop online and get more info thank you!!

[@poochymama2878]

Pretty sure this was inspired by at least 2 things: 1. The dancing plague of 1518. A whole town of people danced non stop for days, and many of the participants died from exhaustion. Nobody really knows why they did it. 2. The movie Midsommar. The imagery is incredibly similar (all the pink flowers and rosaries). If you haven't seen it, I would recommend. One of the most unsettling movies ever. Edit*: Also, notice that there are no men in the village, and they serve the Godskin Apostle at the top of the hill. The Godskin Apostle's robe is made of skin. Many believe that the women in this village killed and skinned all the men to donate their skin to the Godskin Apostle.

[@ochozincko9195]

same thoughts about midsommar

[@ataridc]

I had the same thought about midsummer

[@pulsetone]

The plague was mostly because of fungus in the bread causing hysteria

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

@@pulsetone they prob alt so didn't reallt "dance" but it was likely just something carried down in oral history that got warped a bit

[@ataridc]

@@Pikachu-qr4yb they danced.

[@wither5673]

this is just a normal Swedish midsommar festival I don't see the problem here.

[@QuertyVsVideogame3]

I think those women were part of some kind of experiment by Rykard. We know that he and the Godskin Noble had common interests and since the first village was just under mount gelmir he let his Apostle partner (since the Godskins usually work as a duo) move the surviving inhabitants of the village to a safer place, where they then kept on having their skinning festival. I think the Raya Lucaria wizards under Mount Gelmir specifically came to find Azur (who probably lived there after being exiled before turning to stone and before Rykard took over the village) and then they found out that the village had been overrun by demihumans (or maybe some of them turned into demihumans? I don't know if that could happen).

[@hopegallows1392]

Wonderful video as usual. Love your content and can’t wait for more. To be completely honest the windmill village was spooky for the first 10 minutes and then grating after an hour

[@nate1416]

If Dominula means "Mistress", is it possible that the mistress referred to is the Gloam-Eyed Queen? The village is occupied by a Godskin Apostle, servant of the Destined Death under their patron the Gloam-Eyed Queen, who the ladies seem to revere. The Apostles and Nobles wear skin, and the Godskin Swaddling Cloth (which you get from killing Godskin dudes in SpiritCaller Cave) says that the Gloam-Eyed Queen swaddles new-born apostles in skin. So obviously, this cult has a demand for skin. And as the cowering spirit, item descriptions, and overall creepy vibes indicate, these ladies may be in the business of skinning people. So the whole festival might actually be less of a curse and more of an honest celebration. The Godskin cult wants to slay the gods, and here in the wake of the shattering the demigods are all trying to kill each other. The land is weakened by current events, the goddess Queen Marika is on the brink, and if she should fall then her Shadow Maliketh is sure to follow, thus releasing Destined Death once more. If the village really is part of the cult then they have every reason to be celebrating now. All that I don't get are the windmills. What's up with them, man? What are they tryin to hide?

[@pabloibarz1577]

giant ahead

[@morskode]

Totally speculation, but what if the skin of their flayed victims were use to make the windmills' vanes? 🤔

[@nate1416]

oh gosh 😦

[@jbark678]

I had just seen Midsommar, so I was geared to kill. Something to keep in mind is that the events of the shattering linger in the recent histories of many of the areas. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case here.

[@OCMOOO]

At one of the solitary windmills You'll find a misbegotten beast chopping corpses, There, a group of non-hostile male NPCs are grouped cowering I frigging love Fromsoft storytelling

[@theblackbaron4119]

That is not storytelling, that is just world dressing.

[@OCMOOO]

@@theblackbaron4119 Very Gucci dressing I must say

[@colbymclemore7642]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I’ve checked out a few of your lore videos today and I gotta say I think you have a real knack for this so definitely keep it up you’ve got a good voice for the narration and a nice sense of humor as well that shines through in my opinion really keep up the good work

[@miraqen7801]

I was literally just: "Oh, hey... I watched that movie!"

[@julingy]

I Definitely thought this was a homage to the movie Midsummer on Netflix. The horror movie which won a few cinematography awards definitely something the creators of Elden ring would be a fan of.

[@spaghettisploitation1029]

I also think it's a nod to the movie Midsommar...

[@ljones1990]

Loved this video. Approaching this area is one of those gaming moments you’ll never forget.