The unveiling of the initial Shadow of the Erdtree teaser trailer sparked a wave of excitement among Elden Ring enthusiasts earlier this year. This teaser provided a glimpse into the upcoming expansion, raising intriguing questions about the new storyline and characters, notably the formidable and enigmatic figure of Messmer, who takes on the role of the primary antagonist in Shadow of the Erdtree.
The world of Elden Ring is steeped in a rich and intricate narrative akin to FromSoftware's past creations, yet on a grander scale, partly attributed to the creative input of George R.R. Martin from Game of Thrones. Within this universe, conflicting factions, Lovecraftian beings, magical disputes, and mysterious leaders converge. At the heart of this turmoil lies a complex family of demigods, each grappling with their own aspirations and challenges. Among the demigod characters in Elden Ring are:
- Godfrey (before being divested of Grace)
- Morgott
- Mogh
- Godrick the Grafted
- Godwyn
- Radahn
- Ranni
- Rykard
- Malenia
- Miquella
Unveiling Messmer's Connection to Elden Ring's Demigod Lineage
The enigmatic figure of Messmer stands as one of the central enigmas in Shadow of the Erdtree. Despite his absence from the original Elden Ring game, speculations suggest a direct link between Messmer, the Golden Order, and the Erdtree. Dialogues from the trailer hint at this connection, implying Messmer's involvement with Marika and Radagon's lineage and conflicts. If true, Messmer could potentially redefine players' understanding of this enigmatic group of powerful entities.
Decoding Messmer's Design and Symbolism
Beyond the narrative clues in the trailer, Messmer's design hints at a significant connection to Radagon and Marika's demigod family. The conspicuous red hair shared with Radagon's offspring is a prominent indicator. Additionally, symbolic references to snakes suggest a possible tie to Rykard, the son of Radagon and Rennala, who pursued power and immortality by sacrificing himself to a serpent deity. Furthermore, Messmer's mastery of fire magic may link him to Rykard or even Mohg, Marika and Godfrey's son skilled in Bloodflame spells.
The choice of the name Messmer further strengthens the association with Radagon and Marika, who name their children with the initial 'M'. Notably, the presence of three butterfly materials in Elden Ring parallels the siblings' names—Malenia, Miquella, and potentially Messmer, hinting at his lineage. As fans await the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, the true essence and backstory of Messmer remain shrouded in mystery, leaving room for FromSoftware's signature ambiguity and intrigue.