Marika’s Decision to Leave Messmer Behind
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree brought new lore to the base game and some big questions with it, including why Messmer the Impaler was left in the Land of Shadow. Messmer, the son of Queen Marika the Eternal, was sent to the Land of Shadow to help in her fight against the Hornsent, the former rulers of the region.
However, why Messmer was unable to leave isn't so clear. While Shadow Of The Erdtree doesn’t provide a definitive answer, it hints at a few possible explanations. One theory suggests that Marika may have left Messmer behind due to some tension between them. Another theory is that Messmer, being a loyal son, stayed in the Land of Shadow out of devotion to his mother.
Was Messmer a Threat to the Erdtree?
One possibility is that Marika viewed Messmer as a potential threat to the Erdtree. Here’s why:
- Messmer’s Kindling: After defeating Messmer, players obtain Messmer's Kindling. This item can be used to burn the Sealing Tree, which marks the point of no return in Shadow of the Erdtree. This suggests that Marika may have feared Messmer's ability to use his Kindling to burn down the Erdtree. It wouldn't be the first time Marika acted to protect the Erdtree from potential threats - she previously killed the fell god worshipped by the Fire Giants, a god who also had the power to destroy the Erdtree. It's possible that Marika saw Messmer as a similar threat but hesitated to kill him because he was her son.
- The Serpent Within Messmer: Messmer is the vessel for a powerful entity that Marika may have been afraid of. This entity could be the fell god, making it understandable why Marika wouldn't want it back in the Lands Between. Messmer's eyes are a clue - one is sealed, while the other shows the serpent within. Breaking the seal releases the serpent and leads to Messmer's second phase in the fight. It's possible that Marika's decision to abandon Messmer was a sacrifice made to keep the serpent contained.
Was Messmer Left to Finish Marika’s Crusade?
Perhaps there’s a simpler explanation for Messmer’s isolation. He was assisting Marika in eliminating the Hornsent, and since some Hornsent remnants remained in the Land Of Shadow, Messmer could have been left behind to ensure their complete annihilation. After all, the Hornsent were responsible for torturing people from Marika’s Shaman Village. This would also explain why Messmer remained loyal to his mother despite being abandoned.
Elden Ring’s Lore: Unanswered Questions
Like much of FromSoftware’s game lore, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree doesn't offer a clear answer. Players are encouraged to explore the game's lore through cutscenes, item descriptions, and their own interpretations. This sense of mystery makes characters like Messmer stick with players long after they’ve finished the game, leaving them with unanswered questions about their past.
