There are a few characters in Elden Ring's lore of massive importance who can be easily overlooked. For one, there is Leonard, General Radahn's horse who was the Demigod's inspiration for taking up Gravity Magic. Another one of these characters is Cleanrot Knight Finlay, without whom Malenia and the Haligtree could not have survived the Battle of Aeonia.
Cleanrot Knight Finlay is found pretty late into Elden Ring in a location implied to be her final resting place, not as an NPC or a boss, but as a Spirit Ash. Though she is found near the end of the game, her Spirit Ashes can be brought into NG+ for a new journey across the Lands Between - a journey she made on her own to save Malenia an age ago.
Cleanrot Knight Finlay, Malenia's Saviour
- "Finlay was one of the few survivors of the Battle of Aeonia, who in an unimaginable act of heroism carried the slumbering demigod Malenia all the way back to the Haligtree. She managed the feat alone, fending off all manner of foes along the way."
Cleanrot Knight Finlay was there when Malenia fought Radahn, and when the battle was over she carried her demigod across the Lands Between by herself. Finlay is very deserving of her status as a Legendary Spirit Ash in Elden Ring thanks to this act of heroism - at least, an act of heroism from the perspective of Malenia and the followers of the Haligtree.
As a Spirit Summon, and as her name suggests, Cleanrot Knight Finlay has the same moveset as a Cleanrot Knight. She wields a rapier in one hand and a scythe in the other, and is able to launch Rings of Light with the Scythe at range and stay in close combat with the sword. She is pretty hardy, though her importance in the lore overshadows her power level, compared to other Spirit Ashes.
Where To Get Cleanrot Knight Finlay Ashes
Cleanrot Knight Finlay ashes can be found about halfway through Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. To get here in the first place, players must complete both halves of the Secret Haligtree Medallion (found in the Albinauric Village and Castle Sol) and use them at the Rold Lift to get to the Consecrated Snowfield. After completing the Ordina, Liturgical Town Evergaol, the secret path to the Haligtree opens up.
Get to the Prayer Room Site of Lost Grace after descending the branches of the Haligtree. From here, head north, climb a small set of stairs beset by enemies, then look over the edge to the right of the stairway. You should see an area below with a gazebo - jump down here, then get ready to fight a Cleanrot Knight. When they've been defeated, go into the room that the Cleanrot Knight came out of to find a chest containing these legendary Spirit Ashes.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.