The imminent arrival of the Elden Ring DLC has sparked a heated online discussion surrounding the origins of Messmer The Impaler, propelled further by a new trailer.
Messmer The Impaler is poised as the primary antagonist in the forthcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, with the Collector’s Edition featuring a meticulously crafted figurine of this looming foe. However, interpretations of Messmer’s backstory have sharply divided the player community, with factions debating whether he was foreshadowed from the game’s inception or is an entirely fresh creation exclusive to the DLC.
Easily identifiable by his crimson robes adorned with numerous serpents, Messmer stands amidst the chaotic landscape of the Land of Shadows, characterized by its distinctive intertwined landmark trees. This imagery strongly suggests Messmer’s symbolic role as a counterpart to Satan, the original defier of Erdtree’s authority.
In an interview with Eurogamer, Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki disclosed that the expansion draws upon the intricate lore crafted by George R.R. Martin, hinting at potential groundwork laid for Messmer within the Lands Between.
Speculation abounds among players, with some suggesting connections between Messmer and significant characters like Malenia and Miquella, positing familial ties based on in-game imagery. The notion that Messmer may have been banished or abandoned in the Land of Shadows due to transgressions against the Erdtree further fuels speculation.
References to Messmer within the base game, such as the Impaler’s Catacombs, have led some to believe that hints of his existence were subtly woven into Elden Ring from the outset. However, dissenting voices argue that such connections are tenuous at best, pointing to the lack of concrete evidence beyond speculation.
Online discourse extends to interpretations of cryptic in-game dialogue, with one main game ghost’s mention of an “unwanted child” sparking theories of a link to the impending DLC. Yet, interpretations vary widely, with some proposing alternative explanations for the reference.
As the release date for Shadow of the Erdtree approaches, anticipation mounts alongside uncertainty. The expansion promises to delve deeper into Elden Ring’s rich lore, leaving players eagerly awaiting answers while simultaneously fueling speculation and debate.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: FromSoftware’s latest offering is poised to be its most expansive yet, promising a journey rife with intrigue and discovery.
