Summary
Following the announcement of its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, theElden Ringcommunity has become rife with speculation regarding what the DLC will end up containing. Through analysis of the already extensive lore of the base game on top of all the information provided by SotE’s reveal trailer, there are already many theories regarding what connections the expansion’s Land of Shadow might have to existing concepts within The Lands Between. With Messmer the Impaler introduced as the face of the DLC, details regarding the implications of his design and allusions to historical figures could hold the key to predicting his major significance to the upcoming expanded story ofElden Ring.
It came with the confirmation of Miquella’s importance beyond his minor presence in the base game, but Shadow of the Erdtree’s surprising reveal of Messmer as what appears to be a central focus of the expansion has sparked an entirely new area of discussion. Given the context ofElden Ring’s Land of Shadow,according to promotional material and interviews with Hidetaka Miyazaki, the character may be set to embody a contradictory sense of obedience to the Golden Order that is juxtaposed against his blasphemous design. Several elements, such as Messmer’s use of flame, evoke a heretical practice against the Erdtree, but the dragon-inspired aspects of his appearance might provide the most insight into his role.
The Dragon Motifs of Messmer the Impaler’s Design
Dragon Communion Eyes Hint at Further Blasphemy
He seems to merge multiple existingElden Ringconcepts into his design, but one of the most striking is the draconic look of Messmer’s visible eye. It’s unknown if his left eye is closed or damaged, but his other one strongly resembles those of a player who has partaken inDragon Communion by consuming Dragon Hearts. This is further evoked by Messmer’s armor appearing similar to that of the Drake Knight set, equipment with descriptions that indicate these knights were partakers of this communion.
The Curious Wings of Messmer’s Snakes
Messmer’s possible ties to Dragon Communion associate him with a practice deemed blasphemous to the Golden Order, but dragons as a whole weren’t considered such due to the influence of Godwyn’s cult. On the other hand,Messmer’s connection to snakesis an explicit symbol of blasphemy that is speculated to predate the association in the first place. What seems to be a multi-headed snake running around or through his body bears small, draconic wings, furthering the symbolism embedded in Messmer.
Ties to Elden Ring’s Dragons Corroborate Messmer’s Biggest Inspiration
There have been many theories regarding the potential influences that various historical figures have had on characters inElden Ring, but Messmer’s title makes his source of inspiration seemingly obvious. The real-life Vlad the Third of Wallachia, also known as Vlad Dracula and Vlad the Impaler, was the son of Vlad Dracul who ruled before him, also known as Vlad the Dragon. Vlad the Impaler earned his name from debatably accurate accounts of unprecedented cruelty and brutality but has also been recognized for being a warrior who defended the Catholic Church fiercely against its enemies in a manner that may end up mirroringMessmer’s relationship with the Golden Order.
The Power Behind Messmer’s Unique Flame
In the same way that exaggerated legends depicted Vlad the Impaler as a literal blood-drinker and contributed to the character of Dracula, Messmer could be meant to literally represent a similar idea through the consumption of his partaking in Dragon Communion. Theunknown power of Messmer resembling Bloodflameand Magma Sorcery could represent the strength he has gained from consuming the power of Dragon Hearts, but all that can be confirmed for now is that dragons have an enigmatic influence in the Land of Shadow.
Elden Ring
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ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
