A Land of Shadow, a Land of Secrets
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree takes players to a new location, the Land of Shadow, a place separate from the Lands Between. While this new map is a delight to explore, it also raises a crucial question: where exactly is this Land of Shadow in the context of the main Elden Ring world?
Like many aspects of Elden Ring's lore, the location of the Land Of Shadow isn't explicitly revealed, leaving players to piece together the clues. However, some insights from Hidetaka Miyazaki, Elden Ring's director, and observations from dedicated players, shed light on this intriguing mystery.
A World Apart: The Land of Shadow's Disconnection
Miyazaki confirmed in an interview with IGN that the Land Of Shadow is "physically disconnected" from the Lands Between. This isn't just a gameplay separation, it's a narrative one. The Land of Shadow has become isolated, with a story behind its separation.
This physical separation is reflected in how players reach the Land of Shadow. They are magically transported through Miquella's cocoon, located within the boss arena of Mohg, Lord of Blood. This magical journey reinforces the concept of a distinct, separate realm.
While this explains the Land of Shadow's current state, it doesn't address its original location within the Lands Between.
From One World to Another: Tracing the Land of Shadow's Origins
Miyazaki also revealed a crucial piece of information: the Land of Shadow was once part of the Lands Between. Specifically, it's where Queen Marika the Eternal was born. At some point, Marika chose to conceal the region, hiding it from the rest of the world to protect the evidence of her destruction of the Hornsent, the Land of Shadow's former rulers.
With this knowledge, players have begun piecing together a likely original location for the Land of Shadow. While there's no definitive answer, there is a strong contender.
The Sea of Secrets: A Plausible Location
Many players believe the Land of Shadow was initially situated in the vast sea between Limgrave and the Atlus Plateau. This area on the Elden Ring map is notably empty, and Reddit user Zestyclose-South-379 superimposed the Shadow Of The Erdtree map onto this region, revealing a compelling fit in terms of size.
Several other clues point towards this location. The Scadutree base, where players fight the Scadutree Avatar, is believed to be directly at the base of the Erdtree. Additionally, the name Scadu Atlas implies a connection to the Atlus Plateau, further suggesting the Land of Shadow's proximity to this region. The large cloud directly in the center of this sea area on the original Elden Ring map could symbolize something hidden or obscured, hinting at the Land of Shadow's presence.
While the sea is surrounded by water for gameplay purposes, it could also hint at the Land of Shadow's original position within the water.
The Reason for the Separation: A Hidden Threat
The Land of Shadow's separation begs the question of why it was isolated. One prominent theory suggests that Marika sought a place to seal Messmer, a being capable of harming the Erdtree. Messmer's potential to burn the Erdtree, similar to the Fire Giants, makes him a significant threat. Another possibility is that Marika wished to hide her crusade against the Hornsent, effectively eradicating them with the help of Messmer.
Unanswered Questions and Lasting Mysteries
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the final chapter in Elden Ring's story, with no plans for further DLC or sequels. While some mysteries, like the location of the Land of Shadow, might remain unsolved, the theories and speculations from dedicated players offer valuable insights into the rich lore of Elden Ring.
Even without definitive answers, the journey of discovery and unraveling these mysteries continues to enrich the experience of exploring the world of Elden Ring.
