A Tarnished Tale And a Hero’s Journey – Comparing the Hero’s Journey in Elden Ring to Classical Mythology
Alright, fellow Tarnished, gather ’round! We’ve all been there – trekking through the Lands Between, battling monstrous beasts, and grappling with the existential dread of being a chosen one (or maybe just a dude who really likes shiny swords). But have you ever stopped to think about how Elden Ring actually plays with the classic Hero’s Journey narrative?
Let’s dive into the mythological parallels, shall we?
The Call to Adventure
Forget the “damsel in distress” trope, the Tarnished are called to action by a very specific and, dare I say, unconventional call. We’re not saving a princess, we’re reclaiming a throne, a throne that’s been shattered by a bunch of really angry demigods. And the call to adventure doesn’t come from some wise old mentor, it comes from the whispers of the Erdtree, the haunting echoes of a forgotten past, and the seductive allure of power. Still, our Tarnished’s journey is a classic example of the call to adventure, as we are drawn into a world of ancient magic, mythical creatures and powerful gods.
Refusal of the Call
However, unlike the traditional hero’s journey, our Tarnished doesn’t exactly refuse the call. Instead, we are more like a blank slate, with no prior experiences or motivations to guide them. This lack of agency is a refreshing twist on the classic narrative, as we are free to forge our own path and define our character’s identity.
Meeting with the Mentor
While not a traditional mentor figure, the game throws us a lifeline in the form of a guide or adviser – the enigmatic Melina. She guides us through the treacherous Lands Between, provides us with mount and knowledge and ultimately, pushes us to embrace our destiny. She’s a more subtle guide than Gandalf, but her presence is crucial in shaping our journey.
And yet, Melina’s character subverts the traditional mentor archetype, as her true motives and loyalties are shrouded in mystery, leaving us to question her intentions and the true nature of our relationship.
Crossing the Threshold
The Lands Between is a treacherous realm, a place of immense danger and mystery. The moment we step into the Lands Between, we cross the threshold, leaving the familiar and entering the unknown. In Elden Ring, this threshold is marked by our first encounter with the Erdtree, a towering, otherworldly structure that serves as a symbol of the game’s central mystery. It’s a journey filled with trials, both physical and mental, forcing us to overcome challenges and learn to survive in a hostile world.
Tests, Allies and Enemies
Oh boy, the tests! From the first encounter with a Tree Sentinel, to the countless battles against demigods and dragons, we face an endless barrage of trials. The game expertly weaves in allies and enemies, forcing us to make difficult choices and forge our own path. This is reminiscent of the hero’s journey, where the protagonist must face a series of trials and challenges to prove their worth. The Lands Between is a tapestry of interconnected stories with unique characters and motivations, each offering a different perspective on the world and its struggles.
Approach to the Inmost Cave
This is where things really get weird. The “inmost cave” in Elden Ring is more of a journey within a journey. We’re not just fighting our way through a dungeon, we’re exploring the depths of our own souls, facing our demons, and ultimately, choosing our path. The game encourages us to explore, discover, and ultimately, define our own hero’s journey.
We can say, while Elden Ring draws heavily from classical mythology, it also subverts certain aspects of the hero’s journey. For example, the game’s open-world design and non-linear gameplay allow us to approach challenges in a variety of ways, defying the traditional linear progression of the hero’s journey. Additionally, the game’s multiple endings and branching storylines add a level of complexity and player agency that’s not typically found in classical mythology.
Ordeal
Elden Ring doesn’t shy away from the pain and suffering of the hero’s journey. The game is brutal, unforgiving, and often downright depressing. But amidst the chaos, we find ourselves facing the final boss, a truly epic confrontation that tests our every skill and resource.
Reward
The “reward” in Elden Ring is not a simple victory, but rather a sense of accomplishment and a newfound understanding of the world. We’ve conquered the Lands Between, we’ve faced the ultimate challenge, and we’ve emerged changed. The true reward is the journey itself, the experience of overcoming adversity, and the understanding we gain about ourselves and the world around us.
The Road Back
This is where Elden Ring really subverts the traditional hero’s journey. There’s no clear “road back” in the sense of returning to a peaceful world. The Lands Between remains a dangerous place, and the Tarnished are forever changed by their journey. This is a story of resilience, not of redemption, a journey of self-discovery, not of a grand return.
A Hero’s Anthem
A couple of weeks ago, I was experimenting with the AI Music Generator on udio.com and ended up creating a short song about a tarnished traveler adventuring through the Lands Between. Somehow, I have a feeling that this song perfectly complements this post about ‘A Tarnished Tale and a Hero’s Journey.’ What do you think?
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my own journey through the Lands Between, I’m struck by the parallels between Elden Ring and classical mythology. The game’s use of the hero’s journey as a framework for its narrative is a testament to the timelessness of this ancient narrative structure, while also challenging its conventions. It creates a rich, immersive world that’s both familiar and yet, utterly unique. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a classical mythology buff, Elden Ring is a must-play experience that will leave you questioning the very nature of heroism and the power of the human spirit. And yet, Elden Ring’s innovative twists and subversions remind us that even the most classic of stories can be reimagined and reinterpreted in new and exciting ways.
So, there you have it, folks! Elden Ring is a game that defies easy categorization, but it’s undeniable that it incorporates elements of the classic hero’s journey. It’s a journey that is both challenging and rewarding, a story that resonates with the deepest parts of our souls. So, what do you think? Have you found your own hero’s journey in the Lands Between? Let me know in the comments, if you like!
Please note: This article was created using the help of AI (claude-3-5-sonnet-20240620, DALL-E3, udio)
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