The Lore of Elden Ring is Blasphemous

The Ancient Serpent Deity of Mount Gelmir

The Immortal Serpent and Its Worship

• The god of Mount Gelmir is an ancient immortal serpent, revered long before the age of the Erdtree. This deity was part of a forgotten religion, evidenced by artifacts like the Serpent God's curved sword used for sacrifices.

• The serpent symbolizes greed and consumption, a theme that has persisted since its representation in Dark Souls as a symbol of avarice.

Conflict with the Serpent

• Despite its vastness from consuming sacrifices, there were those who opposed the serpent. They wielded the "serpent hunter," a weapon believed to have been used against it, manifesting light when facing such creatures.

• Although speculated to be defeated, the serpent's immortality ensures its return to consume demigods seeking power within Mount Gelmir.

Rykard: A Demigod's Blasphemy

• This discussion centers on Praetor Rykard, child of Radagon and Rennala, who ultimately becomes consumed by this immortal serpent.

The Union of Radagon and Rennala

Marriage and Its Consequences

• At the Church of Vows in Liurnia, Radagon married Rennala to end a war between Liurnia and Lyndell. They had three children: Ranni, Radahn, and Rykard.

• Despite being labeled as demigod stepchildren after Radagon's divorce from Rennala to marry Marika, they are actually full demigods due to their divine parentage.

Legacy and Authority

• Their status allowed them to sit alongside their step-siblings in Leyndell’s council-like arrangement. Morgott refers to them as traitors during his cutscene.

• Rykard held the title "Praetor," which historically relates to Roman magistrates involved in law and military command but here suggests he sought truth through justice.

Rykard's Role at Volcano Manor

Justiciar Duties

• As lord of Volcano Manor on Mount Gelmir, Rykard was described as a ruthless justiciar commanding inquisitors tasked with extracting truths from citizens deemed sinful by Leyndell.

Inquisitor Ghiza's Methods

• Upon entering Volcano Manor, players encounter Inquisitor Ghiza whose brutal methods reveal Rykard’s oppressive regime; he uses torture devices reminiscent of historical practices for extracting confessions.

Torture Techniques Employed

• Ghiza wields an iron wheel lined with blades for severe pain infliction while other inquisitors use weapons like the Inquisitors Girandole that create wounds then cauterize them—intended for prolonged suffering during interrogations.

Targeting Nobility

Rykard's Connection to Leyndell and the Volcano Manor

Evidence of Rykard's Influence

• The speaker posits that Rykard was abducting nobles from Leyndell for torture at the Volcano Manor during his time as Praetor, prior to the shattering.

• Morgott’s dialogue implies Rykard held a significant position in Leyndell, reinforcing his connection to the capital.

• Rykard's inquisitors used a candlestick weapon inspired by Mount Gelmir’s fire, suggesting a link between their torturous methods and his authority in Leyndell.

Symbolism and Loyalty

• The Gelmir Knights' crest features red feathers symbolizing Rykard’s lineage as Lord Radagon's son, indicating loyalty to him before he became known as Lord Rykard.

• The official attire found in Leyndell closely resembles Ghiza's clothing and connects officials with inquisitors at the Volcano Manor, hinting at shared roles in dark activities.

Dark Duties of Officials

• The lore surrounding the official attire suggests it was worn by those conducting surveillance, executions, and rituals on behalf of Leyndell.

• A hidden office near where this attire is found indicates that these grim tasks were likely performed under the auspices of Leyndell governance.

Inquisitor Ghiza's Background

• Inquisitor Ghiza wears both official attire and blood-soaked bandages, implying a deep connection to dark practices linked with both Leyndell and possibly House Marais.

• ZullieTheWitch reveals Ghiza’s scars, suggesting he is afflicted; this ties back to the Shaded Castle where House Marais has historical ties as executioners.

Connections Between Houses

• House Marais has served as executioners for generations; their attire mirrors that of Leyndell officials involved in similar duties.

Exploring the Intricacies of Rykard and the Volcano Manor

The Marais Family and Leyndell Nobility

• The Marais family, part of Altus Plateau, assimilated into Leyndell nobility as the age of the Erdtree began.

• Officials from Leyndell likely surveilled other nobles, inviting them to Volcano Manor under false pretenses.

The Facade of Volcano Manor

• Volcano Manor features a grand drawing room designed for entertaining guests but hides illusory walls leading to dungeons.

• These hidden rooms serve as interrogation spaces, indicating Rykard's Inquisition was involved in surveillance and justice.

Rykard's Transformation and Betrayal

• Speculation arises about Rykard being influenced by blasphemous ideas due to his exposure to various sins during interrogations.

• Rykard’s mother was abandoned by Radagon, which may have fueled resentment among Rennala's children.

The Night of Black Knives

• Ranni orchestrated the Night of Black Knives with help from Black Knife Assassins to murder Godwyn the Golden.

• Rykard may have played a role in this plot; he received traces of the Rune of Death as a reward for his assistance.

Speculations on Rykard's Role

• There are theories that suggest Rykard facilitated security lapses or provided intelligence for Ranni’s assassination plan.

• His involvement indicates that harboring blasphemous thoughts might have been enough for him to earn rewards from Ranni.

Kinship Among Demigods

• Despite his blasphemous actions, Rykard keeps a portrait of his brother Radahn in Volcano Manor, suggesting familial loyalty.

The Rise and Fall of Rykard in Elden Ring

The Prelude to War

• The groundwork for a significant conflict was laid by Marika, leading to the shattering war among demigods. Many sought power for their unique ambitions, such as Godrick the Golden's failed attempt to reclaim the capital from Morgott, the new Lord of Leyndell.

• The clash between Radahn's Redmane knights and Malenia's Cleanrot Knights resulted in devastation, particularly noted by the scarlet bloom in Caelid. After exhausting their efforts, many demigods retreated to recover.

Rykard’s Unique Ambition

• Unlike other demigods, Rykard did not aim to control the Golden Order; instead, he sought to rise against the Erdtree itself and dismantle it entirely. This ambition set him apart during the tumultuous period of shattering.

• Under Lord Rykard at Volcano Manor, there was a refusal to accept meager offerings from the Erdtree. His followers were committed to resisting divine oppression even if it meant embracing heresy. This determination reflects a strong will within Elden Ring’s narrative context.

The Transformation of Rykard

• As Rykard delved deeper into Mount Gelmir, he encountered ancient artifacts and religious remnants that would alter his fate forever. Among these was a serpent god's curved sword used for sacrifices—indicative of a forgotten religion tied closely with Mount Gelmir’s history.

• Hexes in Elden Ring are linked with death magic and sacrifice; they manifest through various forms including those associated with Rykard’s powers like Rancor Call sorcery—a rediscovery attributed to necromancer Garris near Mount Gelmir. This connection emphasizes an ancient sacrificial culture intertwined with hex magic practices.

The Legacy of Sacrifice

• The sacrificial culture is further illustrated through items like the staff of the guilty which embodies this theme by using blood turned into red glintstone from sacrificed creatures—highlighting how deeply rooted sacrifice is within hex magic lore in Elden Ring.

• Garris’ research on death rituals opposing those of the Erdtree signifies an ongoing struggle against established norms regarding life and death within this universe—reinforcing themes of rebellion against divine authority prevalent throughout Elden Ring narratives.

Connections Between Elements

The Serpent Bow and Its Cultural Significance

Overview of the Serpent Arrow and Bow

• The Serpent Arrow is described as an arrow carved to resemble a slender serpent, with fangs coated in fast-acting venom. It was utilized by the people of the shaded castle, making them despised by their enemies.

• The Serpent Bow is linked to heretical assassins known as the Formless Serpents, who could infuse arrows with poison supernaturally. This connection highlights a cultural overlap between the Marais family and serpent worship.

Cultural Implications of Serpent Worship

• Reddit user NahMcGrath suggests that the Marais may have participated in sacrificial executions at Mount Gilmer, which aligns with their current tradition of execution on behalf of Leyndell.

• The sacrificial blade used for offerings to the serpent indicates that humans, possibly from the Marais clan, might have historically overseen these rituals. This cut content provides insight into developer intentions regarding Marais family lore.

The Role of Poison and Mount Gilmer

Seethewater Cave's Connection to Poison

• Seethewater Cave is filled with poison and located beneath a dead minor Erdtree near Mount Gilmer. The theory posits that this tree's death may be due to poison at its roots.

• Minor Erdtrees emerged after the shattering of the Elden Ring, suggesting they are remnants rather than eternal beings. Their existence reflects life’s struggle against decay.

Guardianship and Rebirth Themes

• Erdtree avatars protect minor Erdtrees; they were once human warriors who made a pact for eternal guardianship upon death. This raises questions about the nature of eternity within this universe.

• The blood-red flowers on guardians symbolize deterioration in their ancient pact, hinting at themes of impermanence even among those sworn to protect life.

Consequences of Desecration

Impact on Regional Conflict

• The desecration and death of this minor Erdtree may have triggered significant conflict in the region, potentially leading to what Gideon describes as one of history's most appalling battles during the shattering.

The Assault on Volcano Manor: A Defensive Strategy Turned Offensive

Overview of Leyndell's Military Tactics

• Soldiers of Leyndell are primarily defensive, focusing on protection rather than aggression, with the shield prioritized over the sword.

• The assault on Volcano Manor marks a significant exception to this strategy, indicating a shift towards offensive action.

The Scene of Battle

• The battle occurred near the minor Erdtree, characterized by grim imagery including mountains of dead and crucified giants.

• Bodies have been left to rot for an extended period, suggesting that the conflict took place long ago and has since led to land upheaval.

Aftermath and Implications

• Evidence from the Gelmir map indicates geological upheaval in the area, reinforcing the idea that many lives were lost during this war.

• Marionette soldiers likely fought for Rykard; their existence raises questions about loyalty and morality in warfare.

Themes of Despair and Iniquity

• References to "iniquity" highlight immoral behaviors witnessed during the conflict; encounters with despairing creatures like troll warriors illustrate this theme.

• Cannibalism among Leyndell knights further emphasizes the horror experienced during and after battles.

Rykard's Transformation and Its Consequences

• Rykard’s eventual transformation into a serpent is linked to his earlier military actions; Tanith's role as his consort suggests human connections remained until later stages.

• Symbolism associated with serpents appears before Rykard’s full transformation, hinting at deeper ties between him and these creatures even during wartime.

Final Thoughts on Warfare Dynamics

• The assault on Volcano Manor may represent a pivotal moment leading to Rykard's ultimate decision to embrace blasphemy through self-sacrifice.

The Symbolism of Rykard and the Great Serpent

Concept Art and Size Discrepancies

• The concept art depicts a smaller version of the giant serpent consuming Rykard, contrasting with its in-game representation as a vast creature. This raises questions about the serpent's past, suggesting it may have been defeated and reborn smaller.

Rykard's Sacrifice and Vision

• Rykard is portrayed as having offered himself to the serpent on a golden platter, alongside small eggs—one of which has hatched. This imagery invites speculation about the origins of the great serpent.

• In his final moments, Rykard envisions a future where a serpent devours the world, paralleling Aldrich’s vision from Dark Souls III. Both visions raise doubts about their legitimacy and potential outcomes.

Blasphemy and Ambition

• Rykard's actions are deemed blasphemous by his knights, who feel compelled to kill him to spare him further dishonor after he surrendered to the serpent.

• His ambitions led him down a path of depravity; once he became one with the serpent, he was no longer seen as Praetor Rykard by his followers.

The Gelmir Knights' Loyalty

• The armor of Gelmir knights symbolizes their lost dignity following their lord's fall into gluttony. They sought weapons like the Serpent Hunter to stop Rykard but ultimately failed.

The Nature of Enemies and Automatons

• The existence of weapons designed for hunting immortal serpents indicates that there were enemies opposed to the Great Serpent in history.

• Despite their loyalty to Rykard’s memory, his knights aimed to end his reign due to his descent into heresy.

Iron Virgins: A New Kind of Abductor

Elden Ring: The Symbolism of Snakes and Their Lore

The Metallic Appearance of Snakes

• Snakes in Elden Ring are described as having a metallic, almost inorganic quality, suggesting an animated nature.

• The coil shield features a bronze snake that animates to bite enemies, inflicting poison.

Grave Keepers and the Bronze Snake Symbolism

• Grave Keepers wear armbands with bronze snakes; some can animate these snakes for attacks.

• The snake symbolizes treachery against the Erdtree, linked to the lore of gladiators who were once celebrated but later scorned.

Historical Context of the Snake's Reputation

• The negative perception of snakes predates Rykard’s consumption by the serpent; it was already viewed unfavorably during Godfrey's age.

• Speculation arises about Messmer's role in this timeline and his potential connection to significant events involving the Erdtree.

Abductor Virgins and Their Role

• Abductor Virgins utilize weapons similar to those used by Inquisitor Ghiza, hinting at their origins.

• Patches mentions an iron virgin capable of transporting players directly to the base of the Erdtree, indicating its historical significance.

Transformation and Decline of Torture Practices

• Rykard adapted abduction methods post-shattering due to hostility from Leyndell; machines became vital for gathering intelligence.

• Many abductors now lack their original powers; they are repurposed by other factions like demi-humans for combat purposes.

Current State of Torture Chambers

• Subterranean chambers reveal a decline in torture practices; Albinaurics have become twisted remnants guarding these spaces.

The Origins of the Man Serpents

The Nature of the Man Serpents

• The man serpents are described as grotesque creatures, born from a union between man and serpent. Their origins raise questions about interspecies relationships.

• Rykard, who has merged with a snake, offers Tanith a tonic to forget him, indicating his concern for her well-being despite their complex relationship.

• Tanith's background as a dancer is highlighted; her dance is characterized by dignified beauty rather than seduction, emphasizing her unique qualities.

Tanith's Role and Identity

• Zorayas, a scout for Volcano Manor and a man serpent, reveals doubts about her lineage and true parentage, suggesting that she was not born of noble grace but through disturbing rituals.

• The serpent's amnion indicates Zorayas' birth was tied to an unwanted ritual involving Daedicar, who is implied to be her true mother.

Daedicar's Influence on the Man Serpents

• Daedicar is portrayed as indulging in wicked pleasures and giving birth to many grotesque children. Her character plays a crucial role in understanding the origins of the man serpents.

• Evidence suggests that Rykard may be the father of the man serpents due to his past relationships and interactions with Daedicar.

The Birth Ritual and Its Implications

• Historical context reveals that Rykard devoured a demigod before the emergence of the man serpents. This act ties into their creation narrative.

• Naming conventions between Rya (a man serpent) and Rykard suggest familial connections that further complicate their lineage.

Cultural Significance of the Man Serpents

• A bloat-headed man serpent depicted in regal attire symbolizes dominance over humans, showcasing how power dynamics have shifted within this world.

Exploring the Lore of Mount Gelmir

The Serpents and Their Weapons

• The man serpents have developed unique weapons, such as a copper round shield tempered in lava and a magma blade made from actual lava, showcasing their affinity with magma.

• The sorcery "Gelmir's Fury" highlights the arrogance of both men and serpents in attempting to harness volcanic power.

• Magma wyrms found in Mount Gelmir are former heroes who aspired to become dragons but instead transformed into wyrms, hinting at a connection between serpents and lesser dragons.

Ancient History and the Temple of Eiglay

• Within Volcano Manor, serpent statues with wings may reference their draconic origins; further exploration is anticipated in upcoming DLC content.

• The Temple of Eiglay is significant for its association with the serpent's amnion, a product of a birthing ritual recognized by Raya.

• Speculation surrounds the flayed skin and head of a serpent within the temple, possibly linked to Eiglay or related to godskin nobles defending it.

Godskin Nobles and Their Mysteries

• Godskin nobles served the Gloam-eyed Queen, who sought death for gods; there are implications that they might also be involved in birth-related rituals.

• Questions arise about whether the godskins aim to protect or destroy the serpent god, suggesting complex ties between them and serpentine lore.

Future Insights and Community Engagement

• Anticipation builds for new information from upcoming DLC regarding Recusants of Volcano Manor; previous discussions will be revisited later.

• Support options like Patreon are mentioned for viewers interested in exclusive content while contributing to channel growth.

Current Age of Volcano Manor

• In this age, tarnished individuals are invited to join Recusants at Volcano Manor to prove themselves against fellow tarnished seen as enemies due to their allegiance to grace.