The story at the heart of Elden Ring is nothing short of epic, and while all aspects of the game contribute to its tone, the quality of the game’s writing plays an important role in leaving a lasting impression. Whether it be the quotes that set the stage in the early areas of the game, or late-game lines that wrap everything up, the game's writing is a defining characteristic throughout the adventure.
However, much like other games in FromSoftware’s catalog, Elden Ring uses dialogue sparingly. As such, it is worthwhile to take a look at the game's biggest quotes in order to unpack what it is about the writing that makes the story of Elden Ring so memorable.
Early Elden Ring Quotes that Set the Stage
- “Arise now, ye Tarnished. Ye dead, who yet live.” - Narrator
Similar to most FromSoftware games, Elden Ring is careful not to play its hand right away. While most games use opening cinematics to situate players within the overall narrative, Elden Ring’s opening probably obscures its lore for most players emerging from the Chapel of Anticipation.
Despite this, the voice acting of Jimmy Livingstone and soundtrack by Tsukasa Saitoh establish Elden Ring's epic tone from the get-go. The opening monologue rewards those who venture into NG+, but even for first-time players the commanding order to “arise now” could convince any Tarnished to become Elden Lord.
- “Unfortunately for you, however, you are maidenless.” - White Mask Varre
While the opening cinematic helps pump players up, White Mask Varre’s merciless shade puts them in their rightful place. If the iconic Soulsborne death quotes weren’t enough with inevitable defeats by the Tree Sentinel or weaker enemies scattered across Limgrave, Varre’s comment really drives home the fact that players are at an even greater disadvantage than other Tarnished. The quote became an Internet sensation that helped promote the game, albeit unintentionally.
- “Someone Must Extinguish Thy Flame.” - Margit, the Fell Omen
Although Elden Ring is an open-world game, FromSoftware does place walls throughout to test players’ abilities before allowing them to advance through the story. Margit, the Fell Omen is one such wall. After pushing through the enemies guarding the entrance to Stormveil Castle, Margit teaches the graceless Tarnished to think twice before letting their ambition burn too brightly. Possessing some of the most interesting lore of any character in Elden Ring, Margit (or later, Morgott) also plays an essential part in preventing the Tarnished from becoming Elden Lord.
- “Before we begin, allow me to paint you the full picture.” - Witch-Hunter Jerren
Situated at the southeast corner of the map, Redmane Castle seems like it's going to be the ultimate legacy dungeon after its chaotic lead-up in Caelid. What players find when they get there, however, is a chorus of solemn voices lamenting the degradation of their once mighty leader General Radahn. A collection of various NPCs that players have likely encountered gather in anticipation of the Festival of Radahn to give the legendary Demi-God an honorable death.
Radahn’s rotted mind leaves him to gorge on the bodies of his enemies on the battlefield of the Wailing Wastes. Offering players one of the most exciting boss battles in FromSoft's catalog, the picture painted by Jerren is a terrifying taste of what’s to come.
Elden Ring's Most Iconic Late-Game Quotes
- “Join the Serpent King, as family. Together, we will devour the very gods!” - Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy
The voice acting and character design of Rykard really make this boss fight a true spectacle. Although it was known that Praetor Rykard allowed himself to be eaten by the God-Devouring Serpent prior to the events of the game, nothing could quite prepare players for his jaw-dropping reveal. The fight and level design become a vision of hell fit for a character known throughout the Lands Between as the Lord of Blasphemy
- “You, please, I can read them. Your fingers, please, your fingers…” - Finger Reader Crones
Fingers play an important role in Elden Ring. Whether they be the Two Fingers, the sacrilegious frenzied trio, or a single bloodied phalange, they always seem to point to something greater. The Finger Reader Crones are scattered about the Lands Between and offer to divine the fate of the Tarnished throughout their journey.
Although their obsession with fingers is creepy, the Finger Reader Crones can actually be a rather comforting constant throughout the hostile landscape. They are not exactly "late game" since the Finger Readers can be found from the outset, but they play a consistently important role as the Crones players meet punctuate all kinds of major events.
- “Heed my words. I am Malenia. Blade of Miquella. And I have never known defeat” - Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Before her even more intense second phase as the Goddess of Rot, Malenia gives players a run for their money with her infamous Waterfowl Dance and frustrating health regeneration. As such, finally overcoming Malenia in both her forms is a real gift, and no doubt ranks among the best feelings in the game - despite the implications of beating her from a lore perspective.
- "The one who walks alongside flame shall one day meet the road of Destined Death. Good-bye.” - Melina
Melina accompanies the Tarnished throughout the game and earns a place among the best Soulsborne game companions. Not counting the fact that she bids farewell to an unconscious Tarnshied, her sudden sacrifice atop the Forge of the Giants makes for a truly gut-wrenching scene. The rest of the game doesn’t feel quite the same without her, and the reward of becoming Elden Lord isn’t really equal to her loss for many players.
Nevertheless, Melina’s goodbye, along with the myriad of other memorable lines and dialogue throughout the journey across the Lands Between, is a testament to just how unforgettable and thoughtful the writing of Elden Ring is. Players will no doubt return to this adventure for years to come, exploring all the other interesting implications of its different storylines
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
