Elden Ring's Tree of Erd: Fanciful Winter Symbolism

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. Superficial similarities are evident, particularly when comparing the game's smaller Erdtrees to the Nuytsia. However, the parallels run deeper.

Elden Ring lore depicts the Erdtree as a guide for the souls of the deceased, explaining the catacombs at its base. Interestingly, Nuytsia holds similar spiritual significance in Australian Aboriginal culture. Its blossoms represent the souls of the departed, and its vibrant hues are linked to the sunset, the believed destination of spirits.

Further bolstering this comparison is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws nutrients from surrounding plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory regarding the Erdtree, suggesting it parasitized the roots of an ancient Great Tree, the original source of life. However, game lore clarifies that references to a "Great Tree" are mistranslations, actually referring to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

Ultimately, whether FromSoftware intentionally drew inspiration from Nuytsia floribunda remains a mystery known only to the developers.