Who was the Tarnished before Elden Ring?

Who was the Tarnished before Elden Ring?

The Tarnished are a crucial part of the Elden Ring universe, but their history is shrouded in mystery. According to the lore, the Tarnished are individuals who lost the grace of the Erdtree and were consequently banished from the Lands Between by Queen Marika the Eternal. But who was the first Tarnished before Elden Ring?

Godfrey’s Downfall

The answer lies in the story of Godfrey, the first Elden Lord and husband of Queen Marika. Godfrey’s legacy was built on his demigod children and war against the Fire Giants. However, his downfall was his own making. Despite his impressive achievements, Godfrey fell from power and became a simple warrior once more. His demigod children, Melina and others, were left to suffer the consequences of his failure.

Marika’s Banishment

Queen Marika, tired of Godfrey’s failures, banished him from the Lands Between, making him the first Tarnished. This event marked the beginning of a long history of Tarnished, all of whom were forced to leave their homeland and seek a new path.

Tarnished Kin

As the Tarnished kin continued to grow, they were forced to flee the Lands Between and make a new life for themselves. Many became warriors, others became scholars, and some became outcasts. But all were united by their common fate as Tarnished.

Maidenless

The Tarnished can choose to defile the world or burn it all down. They can choose to break the curse of immortality, causing more death than they already have. Early in Elden Ring, Melina informs the player that they are maidenless. It seems that there aren’t many Finger Maidens left in the Lands Between. Of the confirmed maidens the players comes across, two are dead, and one never met her Tarnished.

Ranni’s Sacrifice

Ranni, the daughter of Rennala and Radagon, is another notable Tarnished. She stole a Rune of Death from Maliketh and used its power to create an assassin’s guild, known as the Black Knives. Her ultimate sacrifice was to orchestrate her own death for freedom.

Ranni: Good or Evil?

Julianna Swickard of CBR debates whether Ranni was good or evil, concluding that while she was morally grey as a character, her ending was the "best possible outcome" of all the game’s endings.

The Tarnished Legacy

The Tarnished legacy continues to shape the world of Elden Ring. Their choices and actions have far-reaching consequences, influencing the fate of the Lands Between and its inhabitants. As the Tarnished continue to grow and thrive, their power and influence will only increase.

In Conclusion

The Tarnished before Elden Ring were a result of Queen Marika’s banishment of Godfrey, the first Elden Lord. The Tarnished have a complex and troubled history, with many choosing to defy the world or break the curse of immortality. Their legacy continues to shape the world of Elden Ring, influencing the fate of its characters and the world around them.

Table: The Tarnished

Bibliography

• Elden Ring lore
• CBR: "Is Ranni Good or Evil in Elden Ring?"
• Steam Community: "Elden Ring Wiki"