‘Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s official trailer was released on the 21st of February 2024. It has been almost 2 months since then, and the very first DLC expansion of Elden Ring is all set to be Launched on the 20th July. Let’s recap “The Shadow of the Erdtree” trailer and unravel the trailer one last time!
(Image Credit: FromSoftware)
Mequila: The Empyrean
The Trailer opens with showcasing Mequila’s cocoon. Those of you who was invested in the storyline of Elden Ring, must know that Mequila is the son of Goddess Marika The Eternal, and Radagon from the Golden Order. Mequila and Malenia, his siter were to be the next demigods, wielding such power who was to replace their predecessor Goddes Marika.
However Mequila and his sister Malenia was cursed and was born with defects. Mequila with, eternal infancy, and Malenia with a rotting disease. While Mequila was a side character in Elden Ring, it seems the Shadow of Erd Tree will be focusing a lot more on this particular character.
So it begins, with his cocoon. However the Moghwyn Palace which it was placed seems to only be left with the carcass. It is said, that Mequila stripped of his gold and flesh, travelled to the realm of shadows.
“I presume you too, are keen to know, Just what kind Miquella is doing here”
These lines on the trailer, suggests Mequila is on a mission down there, which we will find out soon. Mequila has travelled to the realm of shadows a long time back. The Tarnished is also to follow him in his journey along with those who travelled before as well.
Origins of The Land Of Shadows
While, we don’t really know the origin of World of Shadow it seems there was an ancient war which held in this land back then. Especially lines,
“They were never saints, They just happened to be in a losing side of war”
in the trailer adds a bit of affirmation to it.
The Erdtree has been obscuring this realm with it’s power. However, there is a crack in the system now and the Land of Shadows has been accessed now. The trailer showcases a lot of different places, to an extent we cannot make a connection even.
There should be a reason why this land, was hidden in the Shadow of Erdtree. We are yet to find out. Was the eternal Goddess Marika behind it? Why would she do that? Or is it where she is originally from? So many questions arises and it really is the beauty of Elden Ring.
Powerful Narratives, and amazing plotlines which blows us away. Though often times we are left with wondering what the hell is going on lol
New Enemies, Creatures and NPCs
By far, we can presume the Land of Shadows was hidden. This was an ancient land, which has been thus found. As a tarnished travelling to this new realm will not be in anyway easy. The Shadow of the Erdtree trailer showcased a numerous creatures and monsters which are new. We don’t know what kind of powers they hold. Or what they are capable of yet. Some of the monsters are really captivating. Like this beast, who seems to have a long body like worm, with arms.
Or this Lion Beast. Who looks so ancients and straight out of legends. FromSoftware and Bandai Namco seems to have put in a lot of effort into mastering the art of this Bestiary.
“In that Forsaken Place, Blood Must Spill. The Blood of your Fellows”
The beasts are not the only thing to look out for. As said before, in search of Mequila there have been many others who travelled to the Shadow Land as well. They will be competing and it seems we can expect a lot of fights and war. Mesmer is another one to keep an eye on.
Mesmer: The Lord of Death
Speaking of new enemies, This one is a big one “Mesmer”. It seems Mesmer is awaiting anyone who travels to the Land of Shadows.
“Those who have stripped of Gold, Shall all meet death in the Embrace of Mesmer’s flame”
These lines from trailer has a certain effect to it.
It makes Mesmer an enemy to the Tarnished, who too travel to the Shadow of Erdtree. Especially it seems that Mesmer does not seem to agree with why Goddess Marica wanted the tarnished to restore the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. Which puts Mesmer as a mortal enemy to us. Though Mesmer was never mentioned in the original Elden Ring it seems He is also an offspring of Goddess Marica. We don’t know his origins for sure yet either. But by far we can see he wields fire and associates snakes, which pretty much is not accepted by the golden order.
It seems Shadow Of Erdtree will revolve a lot around Mesmer as well.
Melina: The maiden
Now this one is a pretty familiar figure to those who played the Original Elden Ring. Melina escorts us as our maiden in our journey to find the runes. The very last lines of the trailer which reads,
“Come now, touch the withered arm and travel to the realm of shadow. I will not be far behind. May we meet again”
This could be Melina for all we know so far. There might be a possibility Melina will be guiding us along to the shadow of the Erdtree. But again, what her motive is unclear.
Elden Ring is known for its complex story lines, breath-taking visuals and complicated characters. There are many layers to a plot, that your opinions and the way you see things changes as you go on. So far, these are something we have picked up on through the trailer. There is so much we do not know, and so much to unravel. Let us all look forward to the 20th of June 2024!