What's Up with these Giants Pulling Wagons in Elden Ring? - Lore Theory, Analysis and Speculation

In this video we explore a question I've had for a long while: Why do these giants pull wagons across the lands between?
It turns out there is actually some pretty interesting lore to uncover here, including some cut content and even ties to Marika and Rennala!
Am I the only one that has wondered about this?
I appreciate you guys for liking and subscribing and maybe considering support through membership or patreon!
/ zayfthescholar
Items Referenced:
Ruler's mask
Ruler's robe
Troll's hammer
Troll knight sword
Troll's golden sword
Greatblade phalanx
Articles Referenced:
screenrant.com/elden-ring-tro...
#EldenRing #DLC #Mystery #Lore #Gaming #VideoGames #Speculation #Adventure #Fantasy #RPG #FromSoftware #Exploration #BossBattles #Action #Magic #Mystery #EldenRingGame #Gameplay #Shadowoftheerdtree #Gamers

[@ZayftheScholar]

Maybe only me, but this question has been in my brain for years at this point, so it felt good to finally investigate a bit! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

[@swagiro824]

u have good peaceful voice and commentary. i wish u made longer videos so i can sleep too them.

[@ZayftheScholar]

@@swagiro824 Thanks swagiro824! I will definitely make some longer ones when I have some time!

[@mrjooxmanallah]

There are 2 in the consecrated snow fields.

[@ZayftheScholar]

thanks for pointing that out!@@mrjooxmanallah

[@santiagojara8056]

For Marika the trolls were people she subjugated, while for Rennala they were her compatriots as they both descend from the Mountain Tops folk.

[@trufreedom]

What's the deal with their close proximity to the nights cavalry so much?

[@moresomoze]

Isn't Marika from the mountain tops? Given radagon has the red hair, and Marika and radagon are the same person...?

[@lynackhilou4865]

​@@moresomozemarika is most defintely not from the mountain tops , what we know from the game is that she has ties to the shadow lands of the dlc and is a numen , but not much more . also the origin of radagon is unclear and it's most likely that he and marika weren't always the same being , if i had to guess he was possibly a misbegotten , a sort of mimic or just a regular person that was cursed with red hair ( although it is also possible he is a descendant of the giants )

[@hopelesshalfape9228]

I thought he was cursed with red hair because of his crimes against the giants

[@jmbec62]

Morgot lead the Night's calavery to slay​ those who went against the erdtree @trufreedom

[@Negueowl]

there are actually 2 caravans in the snowfield, 1 where you can pick up St. Trina's torch and the other was guarded by 2 Night Cavalries.

[@themadgamer1217]

Holy moly, I’ve never found those two before! Does the one that’s guarded by the Night’s Cavalry only appear at night?

[@Cman04092]

​@@themadgamer1217 yes

[@Writh811]

This was an interesting look at this often overshadowed caravans. Recently, Tarnished Archaeology did a video regarding "crossing the fog" to get to the Lands Between. My mind can't help but combine the info in that video with this analysis and think, "Since they seem to be people from outside the lands between based on the Rulers robes, could those be corpses designated for resurrection as a tarnished?" Perhaps they are being hauled to the place of their awakening where they are suppose to meet their Finger Maiden, though at this point there aren't any more actual finger maidens. Keep up the great work!

[@pkthunder416]

The road from Morne to Gatefront has so much lore

[@ZayftheScholar]

The roads and camps are something I definitely want to delve into further!

[@ozsun9736]

It's to be noted that at the consec. Snowfield, the great coffin that holds the Flowing Curved Sword is being guarded by 2 night's cavalary... this could mean that Morgott honoured that warrior, whos is also connected to Malenia, it's said that a blind swordsman with a flowing blade taught her how to fight, and they also sealed away the God of Rot.

[@ozsun9736]

Also I would have appreciated it if you mentioned a lot more coffins... there's at least 10 carried coffins, with a lot more being abandoned, and their trolls on the loose.

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thanks so much ozsun9736! I will have to make a follow-up video I think!

[@Dracoward]

I think the caravan in the Consecrated Snowfield is the most interesting. It carries the Flowing Curved Sword, and at night, two Nights Calvary riders are seen escorting it. This implies a few things to me. 1) It's likely the coffin of (or at least a relative of) the Blue Swordsman, the one who taught Melania how to control the rot inside her along with a few blade skills. 2) The Nights Calvary are said to be employed by Morgot the Omen. Is it possible that Morgot knew this person? 3) From the direction the caravan was heading, one can argue they were destined for the Haelig Tree. (Makes sense in a way, for that is where Melania sleeps.) But when the caravan came to a halt, it stopped on the frozen river, and the only thing at the end is a frozen waterfall with a Deathrite Bird at night. Perhaps this person requested to be laid to rest in the old ways of the Helphen, in spite of Marika's removal of Destined Death.

[@ZayftheScholar]

These are amazing insights Dracoward, thank you! I think I will make a follow-up video and build on some of these points (I will credit you if I do!).

[@deutschesinferno3078]

Just discovered this channel. These videos look very polished and you're doing an excellent job presenting the lore in a captivating way. I'm looking forward to this channel's future!

[@gickygackers]

Yesssss

[@ZayftheScholar]

@deutschesinferno3078 thank you so much! I'm just getting started so I really appreciate the encouragement!

[@_Savage-]

Great video Those giant trolls pulling the carriages was probably the first thing that really intrigued me when I first played and got to limgrave

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting @_Savage-! Glad you enjoyed it :]

[@JoshyP91]

I'm fairly certain there are two great coffins in the consecrated snow field. The other having the flowing curved sword. So at least five in total.

[@ZayftheScholar]

I totally missed that @JoshyP91 thanks!

[@punkyrockerz]

You forgot some! 1. There's another coffin being pulled just north of the 4 bell fries, containing the Carian Knight sword. In Liurnia of the Lakes. 2. There are actually two coffins in the consecrated snow field, one close to where you enter the area containing the Flowing Sword, and the second later on containing St. Trina's Torch Also, some non-cut content, the area that you found the Ruler set, the closest site of grace is called "Abandoned Coffin" confirming that is what they are. If the coffins do in fact contain the owners of weapons we find in them, this could imply that St. Trina is dead...

[@ZayftheScholar]

@punkyrockerz thanks so much! It was surprisingly tough to track down info on these. I do mention the abandoned coffin site of grace in the video though :)

[@punkyrockerz]

@@ZayftheScholar ah my b

[@ZayftheScholar]

no worries at all! appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!

[@Knowledge1above2all]

Your literally the only Elden ring KZbinr that actually explains lore in a way I actually understand and can actually stand listening to

[@ZayftheScholar]

appreciate you @Knowledge1above2all!

[@itsthatsvee]

As if i needed another reason to be even deeper in love w Renalla. Marikas jealousy of her is truly starting to show! Wow i the loved comparison of their troll treatment!!! Awesome!!!!!

[@ZayftheScholar]

thanks @MidnightatMidian! I just started this channel so I appreciate you taking the time to leave some nice words! :]

[@qHugz]

i commented on a video about the big chairs with your tone of voice and this is perfect. Not too forced, clear and lovely to listen too. Keep it up (:

[@ZayftheScholar]

@qHugz aw thank you! I'm still trying to find something that works for me so I'm glad this was okay.

[@TheShowerofSlime]

7:37 was such a nice contrast highlighted. Thank you for uploading!

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thanks so much @theshowerofslime! I love the Gumball avatar

[@DaMazzaf97]

think i just found my new favourite Elden lore youtuber. excellent narration, fitting background music, and intriguing content. take my subscription good sir

[@ZayftheScholar]

@Damazzaf97 wow I'm honored man! Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@NickCombs]

Nice find on the great coffins cut content! I did get the impression they had a burial purpose, given the hearse-like procession and the fact that literally everything is about death in this game lol. The weapons must be from those fallen warriors. I do have a slightly different take on Erdtree burial. The point wasn't about putting heroes to rest so much as it's about being rebirthed from the Erdtree. That is what is depicted on the heavy doors to the root chambers. Otherwise, your runes get dispersed into the ground and wildlife. But it's clear that the NoBK broke that rite. It makes sense to have a coffin pushed around on wheels if you're biding time for a new Elden Lord and want to preserve the runes of honored dead.

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thanks as always for the great comment @nickcombs! I didn't want to get to heavy into the erdtree burial thing because I talked about it a LOT in my last video but I agree that there is definitely a lot more to it. I didn't know that about the doors! I will have to check into that further.

[@NickCombs]

@@ZayftheScholar Ah maybe I misunderstood what you meant then. If you're looking into the catacomb door design, pay close attention to the branches of the tree. It's very subtle.

[@ZayftheScholar]

No worries at all and thanks!

[@nikwynn]

Great video! I only wish you'd have elaborated on any theories you have regarding the "coffin graveyard" in the Altus Plateau ❤

[@thelorefnatic1783]

you are doing incredible work, and it will pay off, keep it up!

[@ZayftheScholar]

Dude, thanks so much for becoming a member! Humbled that you would do that 🙏

[@pineal0ptics928]

Really good video, tied together a few things I wasn’t even thing about.

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thanks so much @@pineal0ptics928!

[@dirmusloner7963]

Marika see the trolls as slaves, while Rennala was keeping her ancestors tradition, don't forget we know that astrologers considered Fire Giants neighbours and also have trade with them, they also have the sword of night and flame. Carrians as descendants of the astrologers it is logic to them to have good relations with trolls see them as compatriot or comrades. It is interesting the difference between Rennala and Marika, because if that's the case that also explain a lot for Radagon's choices also. See you in lands between scholar Confessor out

[@beardedbovel]

I think something that makes them ever more interesting is their ties to the Night's Cavalary which in turn ties the coffins to Morgott. 2 of the 9 encounters with the Night Cavalry are located alongside the path of a coffin. Both the Nightrider Glaive and the Night's Cavalry armour set names their steeds as funeral steeds. The Night's Cavalry armour set also describes how these riders served the Fell Omen in delivering death to great warriors (which echoes the creation and banishment of the Tarnished). Which in turn might be connected to Hero's Runes that describes hero's blessed by the Erdtree simply dies upon earning honour.

[@levampblaze6312]

really good video. the edit is great :). keep it up

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thanks so much @Levampblaze6312! I'm pretty new to this so I really appreciate it.

[@AdamJMGamesDev]

Brilliantly composed video, I really enjoyed it!

[@ZayftheScholar]

thank you so much @AdamJMGamesDev! I am new to youtube so the encouragement is really motivating!

[@irongolem123]

I heard a theory somewhere that the reason the coffins are being pulled around endlessly with no apparent destination is because of the fear of Deathroot. Burying the honored dead in the ground isn't safe anymore, as they run the risk of rising again as one of Those who Live in Death. Better that they simply be dragged around for all eternity in their coffin, never being interred.

[@ZayftheScholar]

Totally possible. Someone else brought up that the abandoned coffin site of grace is guarded by Omen. I wonder what that might mean.

[@danielled8665]

Seems weirdly often that in Elden Ring, the answer to "whats inside that weird thing?" Is usually "The dead." Jar warriors? Full of dead. Big wagons? Dead guys. Giant buildings on legs? Mausoleum. Huge tower? Dead fingers, or girl.

[@ZayftheScholar]

very true!😂

[@TeamKhandiKhane]

I never gave any consideration to this until now, but it does leave me wondering. From and Miyazaki's Berserk fandom leans in on this subject as well. The "Greatsword" AKA "It's not Dragonslayer, please don't sue us." is found in one of these coffins in Caelid. I wonder if the weapons found in these coffins carries any significance? The only ones I remember are the Giant Crusher, Greatsword and the ones listed here.

[@Am_Kosmos]

You can cut the chain off the cart and the troll goes off running

[@derieksimon6260]

Great vid. Thanks 🤘🏼

[@ZayftheScholar]

thanks so much for taking the time to watch @derieksimon6260!

[@dabigrich]

There's 2 in concentrated snowfield, 1 limgrave, broken one in lurinia too

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thanks for letting me know @dabigrich. I'll have to make an update at some point. Let me know if you find anymore? :]

[@dadcomeback1470]

The Lords mask is a reference to king Baldwin V the leper king who was said to be a great leader on and off the battlefield and wise beyond his years

[@the1384]

Guys the Trolls are Impaled and the other ones have a Gravestone inbetted It reminds me of Messmer and the Ghostly Gravestone we saw in the DLC Trailer

[@Valiant_Hermes]

I wonder if anyone has followed the caravan to its destination to see where it's traveling? I might do that tonight. 😂

[@ZayftheScholar]

I did indeed! The answer isn't really that interesting 😅 but I might make a follow-up video where I talk about it.

[@erikreber3695]

Godwyn's deathroot spreads by the roots of the Greatree, the important tree of the crucible not the Erdtree...

[@adhdansley2794]

Ridiculous question but has anyone ever followed one to see where it goes or stops?

[@calebgraham3334]

They all have starting points A and walk to point B where they just stand still. Wish they'd start unloading or some shit lol

[@ZayftheScholar]

I did that for all the ones in this video actually! @calebgraham3334 is right though. I might make a follow up video and talk about that.

[@nbmoleminer5051]

You'd think the Kaiden would have more empathy for their troll cousins apparently not.

[@ZayftheScholar]

they don't get no respect.

[@epiccthulu]

the world was created by George RR Martin. Miyazaki himself said all he wrote was the players story, and many of the names. But the name, Lands Between, was Martin’s creation

[@ZayftheScholar]

very fair point! I don't want to diminish GRRM by any means. The man's an amazing writer!

[@m33tballa]

One thing I always figured was that it was a funeral procession just didn't know why or eho

[@ZayftheScholar]

Yeah, I always was curious about it but didn't look into it until now. Is that your pig?

[@m33tballa]

@@ZayftheScholar endless lore to discern from fromsoft games. Been playing exanima lately, u should check it out. Similar but different to fromsoft games. No that is a pig I met when I visited Vietnam. I think his name was Gordo and he probably weighed 500lbs, he was awesome. Don't know if he got slaughtered for meat or not but he's definitely dead by now cos it's been awhile. Rip Gordo. Pigs are dope animals but unfortunately taste good as well.

[@ZayftheScholar]

RIP Gordo. And yeah...bacon is some good stuff

[@hankskorpio5857]

Theres 5 actually there are two in the snow fields 1 has the Blue dancers sword the other has the saint trinas torch

[@ZayftheScholar]

thanks for letting me know @hankskorpio5857! I had a feeling I might be missing some. surprisingly it was hard to find solid info about this topic.

[@AkioJunichiro]

2:22 for me it's link to the dlc, the robe reminds me symbols on outfits in the trailer

[@ZayftheScholar]

you know, that hadn't occured to me but I think you're right!

[@Carl-vx9ws]

I think there are 5 caravans; there’s a 2nd one in the Consecrated Snowfields 🤔

[@ZayftheScholar]

ah really!? You could be right. I was careful to say there are 4 that I am aware of haha. Can you tell me where exactly?

[@Carl-vx9ws]

@@ZayftheScholar As follows: Flowing Curved Sword - Consecrated Snowfields, Southwest of the Inner Consecrated Snowfield site of grace and this is the one (at night) is protected at night by two Night Cavalry. St. Trina’s Torch- Consecrated Snowfields, North-East from the Consecrated Snowfield site of grace. The Carian Knight's Sword - Liurnia of the Lakes, Northwest of the lake. The Greataxe - Limgrave, west of Waypoint Ruins. Great Stars - Altus Plateau, travelling on the road southwest of the Road of Iniquity Side Path Site of Grace. ✌🏼

[@ZayftheScholar]

amazing bro, thank you! @@Carl-vx9ws

[@Carl-vx9ws]

@@ZayftheScholar it’s totally cool 😎 this game has so much content, so I appreciate your efforts to make interesting videos! 👍🏼

[@ZayftheScholar]

Thank you kindly for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@Demokaze]

The trolls are lesser giants. While they betrayed the fire giants in the war, the description of the "burn o flame" incantation says that the fire giants were cursed by a fell god to tend the flame of the forge forever and released from this curse with their death. So in a way they fought to free their kin. And I think it's the state of the world that reduced them to this because 1) it's the nobles who have done this to the trolls and they are being denied access to Leyndell and 2) the giant-conquering hero's grave venerates the trolls. Also, it's unlikely the nobles are taking corpses for Erdtree burial. If you have read the description of the Helphen's Steeple, the lamplight it's talking about is referring to the thing you light on Rosus statues in the overworld that point you to catacombs "guide and gatekeeper for those returning to the roots." The rays of light that come from the statue are identical to the guidance of grace that comes from some sites of grace but light blue instead of golden. These are what guide the player to Erdtree burial grounds (aka the catacombs). Personally, I think the nobles are taking corpses of warriors to Leyndell (and elsewhere but mainly Leyndell) as offerings because "corpse wax is the patchwork of champions" and the gargoyles are being made there. There is even a special version that serve Maliketh.

[@ZayftheScholar]

That's really interesting @demokaze, thanks! So you think the dead are being taken to Leyndell to be used for experimental purposes basically? Not disagreeing, but I do wonder why they are carried in such intricately crafted coffins if that's the case. It seems like the type of thing that would be reserved for venerated individuals and used in more ceremonial circumstances rather than raw material transport.

[@Galamoth06]

Don't the Rosus statues only point toward the locations of Deathroot? I know one of them points to a Tibia Mariner in Altus. And there are plenty of catacombs with no Rosus statue leading to them. I'm not sure about it being the same as the candlewood. The light of the Helphen is said to be seen only by those killed in battle, and guides them to the spirit world. I think it's more of a spiritual process than one that physically occurs in the Lands Between.

[@Demokaze]

@@Galamoth06 All the rays from Rosus statues point to catacombs with Erdtree burial arenas at the end. You can fact check this by just googling. @ZayftheScholar You really can't apply real world morals to the world of Elden Ring. They do a lot of questionable things that are sacred in the Lands Between but weird and disgusting in the real world. And there are few lore bits that suggest corpses of champions hold great power such as Alexander's development as a warrior jar and numerous descriptions.

[@ZayftheScholar]

I wasn't really questioning it from a moral standpoint, but more like a logical one. Like you said, we do know that jars seem to be another form of carrying corpses so why not just pack a bunch of jars onto the back of a wagon instead of these elaborate coffins? Again, though, I don't disagree with you; just cooking a little bit :]

[@Demokaze]

@@ZayftheScholar Which is why I'm saying the nobles aren't taking corpses for Erdtree burial but to Leyndell for the creation of gargoyles. You can see many broken jars at minor erdtrees but not a single wagon. If your question is, why the wagons look so intricate. It's because they belong to nobles and nobles go large because they are rich. And the individuals inside are offerings to Leyndell and Queen Marika for (speculation:) the creation of gargoyles. And when I say gargoyles I mean those things that have corpse wax on their bodies and on their weapons. Not to be confused with the golems.

[@danielremel3417]

It really bothers me how much slack there is in the chain as the wagons are being pulled

[@ZayftheScholar]

I never thought about that! Is that your horse?

[@danielremel3417]

@@ZayftheScholar haha yep that’s my quarterhorse, Pistol

[@ZayftheScholar]

so cool and a great name too!

[@mistakai4226]

Aren't they the heroes being taken to the heroes grave?

[@ZayftheScholar]

That is what I think, but it seems like many of them never make it.

[@Tilespawn]

wow, i've never seen the concpet art at 3:28 , anyone know where all this concept art is? (besides electronic copies of the artbook)

[@ZayftheScholar]

This is indeed an official artbook scan @Tilespawn! Some really wicked stuff in there.

[@whollenbeck8]

kenneth haight wears same outfit. 2:47

[@ZayftheScholar]

I didn't notice that!

[@whollenbeck8]

@@ZayftheScholarCool. Professional work by the way! It's like BAMCO hired you.

[@ZayftheScholar]

@@whollenbeck8 Thanks so much! I'm pretty new so I appreciate the kind words a lot!

[@yao5921]

I wonder why they became cut content. it doesn't conflict with current lore, though it doesn't help with the story or anything.

[@andretheseal9837]

So then we're depriving them of it lol

[@SMelo6847]

I would really like to know the history of Elden ring with reference to time, not just the order of events. How much time passed between one event and another?

[@alyseleem2692]

According to George R. R Martin, its been five thousand years since the Shattering. Start from there.

[@teagancombest6049]

That's one of the biggest mysteries tbh

[@TheRealJohnux]

Without watching the Video, the carts might carry the corpses of great warriors, since there is always a weapon in the chest in the back of the cart. Edit: 2 Minutes in, told you so. Edit2: can you explain who the statues belong to in the depths of Stormveil?

[@ZayftheScholar]

What do the statues look like?

[@TheRealJohnux]

@@ZayftheScholar they Look like a veiled female, being depicted with a sword akin to an iron greatsword with her hands Resting on the hilt And the others are holding an open book respectively. They are destroyed and broken and were dumped in there.

[@ZayftheScholar]

I'll go have a look!

[@TheRealJohnux]

@@ZayftheScholar thanks a lot. I recently went there and wondered who that Person might be, since it didn't seem to Match the demigods we met and it wouldn't be someone of the golden line, since Godrick wouldn't get rid of imagery of his own ancestors I believe.

[@mlgbrogaming7719]

lol I thought I clicked on a hackshaw video, oh well lore is lore.

[@ZayftheScholar]

dunno who that is but I hope you enjoyed it anyway!