One Elden Ring Demigod Deserved A Bigger Role In Shadow Of The Erdtree (2024)

[Warning: Spoilers for Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree.]

Leading up to the release of Elden Ring’s DLC, many players speculated that a certain golden child of Marika would make a large appearance. And while Godwyn is present in the Land of Shadow, his role in the story is near negligible, and some have expressed confusion as to why he does not feature more prominently. Some have even pointed out that Godwyn could have featured as Miquella's chosen consort instead of Radahn, with his spirit being imbued into Mohg's corpse.

There are certainly some reasons why this could have been a neat direction for Shadow of the Erdtree to go in. However, looking deeper into the lore around Godwyn and Miquella, it becomes clear that this possibility wouldn't really have worked. As much as fans might have wished to see Godwyn in his former glory in the DLC, there are several reasons why this cannot be.

Reasons Why Godwyn Was Thought To Be In The Land Of Shadow

Many Believe The Prince Of Death Still Lingers

Much like Miquella in the base game, players cannot interact with or speak to Godwyn in any way. Instead, his "body" can be found underground among the roots of the Erdtree, rotting away in a pool of filth, now a being known as the Prince of Death. Godwyn is dead, after all, slain by the Black Knife Assassins in league with his half-sister, Ranni, with the Rune of Death. However, Godwyn is the patron of those who live in death, a disparate collection of undead and their sympathizers, so it is generally acknowledged that Godwyn still has influence in some way, despite his soul being destroyed.

Given that, and how his inert state somewhat resembles Miquella in his cocoon, some believed that Godwyn's consciousness was inside the Land of Shadow. That perhaps, like Miquella, he had abandoned his corporeal form to search for some greater power within this lost realm, seeking a way to bring about his own godhood. In addition, Godwyn's followers seem to share some similarities with Miquella's, both desiring a more peaceful and accepting world with a new god to follow. The two being allies could make sense.

Godwyn's Sentience, Or Lack Thereof, Pokes Holes In This Idea

The issue is that, unlike Miquella, Godwyn does not have any real awareness of his own following or the growth of his influence. The Deathroots that spring up across the Lands Between and the Land of Shadow are extensions of his body, but this growth is passive, not so much a result of Godwyn's will but more the unavoidable spread of his decay. Godwyn's following is almost a mirror opposite of Miquella's, with the former having a group of worshipers acting on their own interpretations of a dead demigod's wishes, and the latter mostly being charmed by their demigod.

Whatever presence Godwyn has in the Land of Shadow derives from his followers, like the Death Knights, rather than Godwyn's desires. On the matter of becoming Miquella's consort, it's probable that Godwyn no longer has a spirit to speak of, and is not a real option. In addition, Miquella's deal with Radahn to become his consort seems to have taken place before the Shattering, meaning that Miquella had planned to side with Radahn before Godwyn's death. This goes against the idea of Godwyn and Miquella becoming allies, and explains why the demigod's presence in the Elden Ring DLC is less than expected.

Elden Ring

5.0

Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of "The Shattering." "The Shattering" occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want - be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman - they will have complete control over their build.

RPG

Action

Platform(s)

PS5 , Xbox One , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC

Released

February 25, 2022

Developer(s)

From Software

Publisher(s)

Bandai Namco Entertainment , From Software

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op , Online Multiplayer

Engine

Proprietary

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Platforms That Support Crossplay

PS4 &PS5 and Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S