The Genesis of an Era
Establishing Power
The Lands Between, a world of breathtaking beauty and brutal conflict, is dominated by a single, overarching force: The Golden Order. In the critically acclaimed game Elden Ring, this isn’t merely a governing body; it’s the philosophical bedrock upon which the entire narrative, its characters, and its conflicts are built. To truly understand Elden Ring, one must delve into the intricacies of The Golden Order, its origins, its rise, and its ultimate, tragic fall. This is a journey through faith, power, and the endless struggle for order against the encroaching chaos that threatens to consume everything.
The Founders of the Order
At the heart of The Golden Order lies a single, pivotal figure: Marika the Eternal. A goddess of unparalleled power and influence, Marika arrived in the Lands Between and, through unknown means, established dominion over the region. She became the vessel of the Elden Ring, a cosmic artifact of immense power that governed the very fabric of reality. Marika’s purpose was to shape this world, but she was guided by an even greater entity, the Greater Will, an Outer God whose motives and ultimate plans remain shrouded in mystery.
The Erdtree’s Role
The rise of The Golden Order was intertwined with the establishment of the Erdtree, a monumental tree that pierced the sky, serving as the nexus of life and death within the Lands Between. The Erdtree, fueled by the Elden Ring, became the source of Grace, a mystical energy that guided the Tarnished and bestowed blessings upon the faithful. Grace, in essence, was the tangible manifestation of The Golden Order’s will, a force that held sway over everything. The Erdtree itself, the golden symbol of The Golden Order’s power, stood as a beacon of hope and prosperity, promising a cycle of rebirth and renewal to those who adhered to its principles.
The Guidance of the Greater Will
The Greater Will’s influence was pervasive, yet its direct actions remained largely unseen. Its intentions were communicated through the Two Fingers, towering, enigmatic beings that acted as messengers and intermediaries. The Two Fingers guided the Greater Will’s chosen, directing them to fulfill its enigmatic purposes. These beings were the enforcers of the Golden Order, ensuring the adherence to its tenets and crushing any perceived threats to its authority.
Foundations of Faith and Law
The Importance of Order
The Golden Order isn’t simply about ruling; it’s a philosophy that pervades every aspect of life. It emphasizes the paramount importance of order, stability, and the suppression of chaos. This is a world where the slightest deviation from the established norms could lead to dire consequences. The very structure of society, from the ruling classes to the common folk, was built upon the principles of this rigid system. Deviation was heresy, and heresy was met with swift and brutal retribution.
The Role of Faith
Faith in the Greater Will was paramount. The Church of the Golden Order became the dominant religious institution, preaching its doctrines and ensuring adherence to its precepts. The clergy and its followers were the arbiters of truth, and their interpretations shaped the societal understanding of the world and the divine will. This unwavering belief was a cornerstone of the Order’s power, offering comfort and meaning to those who lived under its control.
The Power of Grace
The concept of Grace, that divine force, served as the glue that held the whole structure together. It provided guidance, strength, and even a form of immortality. Those blessed by Grace were seen as favored by the Greater Will, destined for a higher purpose. The Tarnished, those exiled and then summoned back, were essentially guided by Grace in a quest to restore the Elden Ring and bring the fractured world back into balance, reflecting The Golden Order.
The Ruling Lineage and its Struggles
The Demigods and their Power
Marika, in her quest to establish and maintain the Golden Order, bore offspring who would become the demigods. These powerful beings, the children of Marika and her second consort Radagon, represented the embodiment of the Order’s ideals. However, their ambitions, their internal conflicts, and the insidious corruption that slowly seeped into their ranks led to the Order’s eventual fragmentation.
The Shattering of the Ring
Each demigod possessed a shard of the Elden Ring, a fragment of its power. With the Elden Ring shattered, so too was the Golden Order. The demigods were locked in a desperate struggle, a war of succession known as The Shattering, for control of these remnants. Each sought to become Elden Lord, to reforge the Ring and, in doing so, reshape the Golden Order in their own image. This conflict, fueled by their individual ambitions and the corrosive effects of power, tore the Lands Between apart, plunging the realm into chaos.
The Corruption of the Order
The very essence of the Golden Order, which prioritized order and stability, was paradoxically undone by its own leaders. The demigods, meant to embody the ideals of the Order, instead became its greatest threat. Their selfishness and thirst for power exposed the fragility of the system and the corrupting nature of absolute authority.
When the System Begins to Fracture
The Instability of the Lands Between
The Shattering marked the beginning of the end for the Golden Order as it once stood. The very structure of reality was destabilized as the Elden Ring’s power diminished, causing widespread chaos and devastation. The Great Runes, the fragmented pieces of the Elden Ring, corrupted those who possessed them. The demigods were driven mad, consumed by their own desires and increasingly unable to uphold the tenets of the Order.
The Seeds of Heresy
This struggle for power opened the door for all manner of heresies. Those who once embraced the Golden Order began to question its authority. Some sought alternative paths, challenging the Greater Will and the established doctrines. The seeds of rebellion were sown as the foundations of the Order crumbled. The very notion of order became something to be debated.
The Influence of Outer Gods
Other Outer Gods, entities that had once been kept at bay by the power of the Elden Ring, saw the opportunity to infiltrate the Lands Between and undermine the Golden Order. Some sought to replace it with their own vision. Their influence, subtle at first, gradually spread throughout the Lands Between, further destabilizing the already fractured realm.
The Betrayal of Radagon
The betrayal of Radagon of the Golden Order was another major event. His desire to be with Marika and his nature as an emanation of the Elden Ring caused the collapse of its structures and the end of everything it stood for.
Competing Visions of a Future
Different Perspectives
Within the chaos of the Lands Between, the player, the Tarnished, is thrust into a pivotal role. Guided by Grace, or perhaps by another Outer God, their journey through the Lands Between takes them to the core of the Golden Order. They have choices, and those choices will determine the fate of the realm.
The Absence of a Clear Path
One of the most captivating aspects of Elden Ring is the absence of a clear, morally right path. The characters that the player encounters all have very different perspectives and interpretations of The Golden Order. Some firmly believe in its tenets, while others seek to overthrow it or reshape it entirely. The player’s interactions with these characters will shape their understanding of the Order and influence the choices they make.
The Impact of Endings
Different game endings offer different conclusions to the narrative, each offering a distinct path for the future of the Lands Between and the Golden Order. Some endings reinforce the traditional doctrines of the Order, restoring it to its former glory. Others offer alternative visions, challenging the authority of the Greater Will and paving the way for a new age. The very nature of each ending is a reflection on the player’s choices and the impact they have had on the fate of The Golden Order.
The Power of Choice
The ambiguity of the narrative ensures that the player is left with endless possibilities. The game provides the player with information but leaves the ultimate interpretation to the player. The game allows for multiple readings and interpretations. The very meaning of “order” itself becomes a matter of perspective.
A Legacy that Echoes
The Impact of the Order
In Elden Ring, The Golden Order is more than just a set of rules; it’s a vibrant force that shapes reality. It is a tapestry woven from faith, power, and the unwavering desire for stability. Its rise and fall is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of history, the corrupting influence of power, and the enduring struggle between order and chaos.
The Order’s Profound Influence
The Golden Order’s legacy within the game is profound and long-lasting. It informs the motivations of the characters, the structure of society, and the very landscape of the Lands Between. The shattering of the Elden Ring and the subsequent conflicts are a direct result of the inherent flaws within the Order itself. It is a cautionary tale, a meditation on the fragility of systems of power, and the complex interplay between free will and predestination.
The Player’s Role
The journey through Elden Ring, with its intricate lore, unforgettable characters, and challenging gameplay, provides a rich and rewarding experience. The complexities of the Golden Order are at the core of the gameplay. Whether one chooses to embrace or reject it, the player’s actions have profound consequences, forever shaping the fate of the Lands Between. The question is: can order be restored, and at what cost?
The Enduring Appeal
The enduring appeal of Elden Ring lies in its ability to pose such complex questions and offer no easy answers. The Golden Order remains a testament to the game’s brilliance, a philosophical exploration of power, faith, and the eternal struggle to find meaning in a world on the brink of chaos. Its profound impact on the game’s narrative makes it an invaluable part of the player experience.
Further Exploration
For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of Elden Ring, further exploration of the Outer Gods and the various factions vying for control of the Lands Between is highly recommended. The intricacies of the characters that are bound to the Order are also a great starting point. The mysteries of the Greater Will, and the ultimate destiny of the Tarnished, await the eager explorer.
