As Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC draws near, enthusiasts are eagerly examining all the teasers revealed for the upcoming expansion. Amidst the array of creatures, bosses, and NPCs showcased, one peculiar entity has stolen the spotlight: a whimsical blue worm.
From eerie lion-faced wizards menacing players, to colossal iron baskets traversing grassy plains and eerie bone masses mounted on skeletal horses in dark catacombs, it's evident that Elden Ring's forthcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC promises a collection of enemy designs as bizarre and innovative as the base game. Yet, it is a specific creature, unveiled in promotional imagery on the Elden Ring website shortly after the trailer release, that has truly captivated fans' interest.
Adorable Oddity
Revealed in a screenshot on the Elden Ring website, a large radiant worm quickly found a place in the hearts of many fans. Emerging from the forest floor akin to a garden eel, surrounded by peculiar bioluminescent flowers, the ethereal creature with its minuscule vestigial arms and vacant, alien gaze exudes a surreal absurdity. With wide eyes and an open mouth, a perpetual look of surprise etched on its face, the spectral worm has already spurred a wave of fan art, with numerous gamers advocating for sparing this newfound beloved character in Elden Ring.
Friend or Foe?
While some speculate that the worm might be just another garden-variety adversary or a gentle creature uninterested in attacking players, others ponder if it could be a novel NPC—its visage reminiscent of the Doors of Pharros from Dark Souls 2. There are even theories suggesting the creature might be a formidable mini-boss, concealing greater terror beneath the surface. Eager to unravel the worm's lore and ecological role, fans have theorized connections to the Lookout Stones near Elden Ring's Evergaols, cemeteries, and landmarks.
Many have drawn parallels between the eerie glowing worm and the Mexican mole lizard, a peculiar evolutionary offshoot exclusive to Mexico. Resisting classification as a lizard or snake, these unusual pink creatures serve as intriguing inspiration for an Elden Ring foe. Utilizing an animal that diverged into its own peculiar lineage may reinforce the notion that the Land of Shadow in Shadow of the Erdtree stands apart from Elden Ring's Lands Between, having separated eons ago and undergone its unique narrative and evolutionary trajectory, isolated from neighboring regions.
Unveiling the Veil of Mystery in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Presently, the enigmatic glowing worm depicted in promotional images remains shrouded in mystery, a circumstance that heightens anticipation. One of the most captivating aspects of FromSoftware's games is the thrill of discovery while navigating the intricately crafted worlds and engaging with the eccentric character ensembles. It underscores the studio's dedication to player exploration that, despite unveiling a trailer featuring various enemies, spells, and locales—and offering high-resolution images for scrutiny—fans are largely left in the dark regarding the storyline, realm, and themes of Elden Ring's forthcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
The fate of Shadow of the Erdtree's peculiar glowing worm—whether it retains its quirky charm or unveils terrifying depths to become one of Elden Ring's most dreaded adversaries—remains to be seen. Nonetheless, fans eagerly anticipate immersing themselves in the uncharted territories beyond The Lands Between.