Highlights

  • The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has a new antagonist, Messmer the Impaler, who may have ties to Queen Marika.
  • Strong visual storytelling in the reveal trailer hints that Messmer may be an estranged child of Queen Marika.
  • The upcoming DLC promises to expand on Miquella's story and reveal more about the world of Elden Ring, setting the stage for new discoveries.

The release of Elden Ring’s DLC Shadow of the Erdtree is slowly, but surely, approaching. As is the case with any piece of media released by FromSoftware, fans have more questions than answers in the lead-up, and lore hounds everywhere have started tearing the trailers and interviews apart, seeking the smallest crumbs of story detail.

The trailer released on February 21 was quite generous in showing audiences what they could expect to face in the Land of Shadow. Perhaps the most important revelation was what appears to be the new antagonist of the Elden Ring DLC, Messmer the Impaler.

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What's Known About Messmer the Impaler So Far

Marika's Possible Hidden Child

Mother, wouldst thou truly lordship sanction, in one so bereft of light?

Not much has been officially shared about Messmer, but sharp-eyed fans have already been able to infer some aspects of his identity, due to evidence that can already be found in the game and FromSoft’s strong visual storytelling. It's plausible that the “Mother” Messmer speaks of in the trailer refers to Queen Marika. Not only does the trailer show a statue of Queen Marika herself holding a baby right behind the Impaler, but the official artwork for Messmer sees him sitting upon a throne which is an exact replica of the thrones that can be found at the foot of the Erdtree. The thrones themselves are meant for each of the demigods, Marika’s offspring, as said by one of her oldest living children, Morgott.

Messmer’s title, the Impaler, also brings to mind the way players find Marika after making their way into the Erdtree. Her body floats in the air, impaled upon some sort of spear. Even though she is poised similarly to the statues in her churches, there is no explanation or reference to the spear she is impaled upon. One wonders if Messmer was the one to leave her in such a state.

One location in the base game offers a slightly more vague reference, as opposed to obvious imagery tying Marika and Messmer. The Impaler’s Catacombs, found in the Weeping Peninsula, could be another point of connection. The name of the catacombs may be a pure coincidence, referring to the fact that the dungeon is full of spike traps that, obviously, impale intruders. What lore hunters are taking into account, though, is a spirit located outside the catacombs themselves, who mentions an "unwanted child".

O Marika. Queen Eternal. He is your unwanted child.

Messmer and Marika's Family Share a Strong Resemblance

Besides the references to Marika, Messmer bears an uncanny resemblance to certain demigods, specifically the children of Radagon, by both Marika and Rennala. His mane of red hair is shared by Radagon, Ranni, Rykard, and Malenia. The winged serpent coiled around his body could also point to a connection between Messmer and the Blasphemous Serpent that Rykard fused with in his bid to gain immortality, putting Messmer into a heretical or rebellious position with the rest of the Golden Order.

Besides the serpent imagery, the Impaler also sports several ties to dragons. His right eye bears a strong resemblance to eyes the player can gain through dragon communion. His attire is evocative of the Drake Knight set, while the flame he conjures in the trailer bears similarity to the Dragon Communion Seal. Considering Godwyn the Golden had strong ties to the Ancient Dragons, a parallel could also be drawn to Marika’s children by Godfrey, the first Elden Lord.

Elden Ring Lore Theories Are Booming

The trailer for Shadow of the Erdtree is only three minutes long, and it has already opened the floodgates of Elden Ring’s lore once again, giving audiences new ground for speculation, while recontextualizing existing aspects of the lore. Messmer’s possible connection to Marika is only a part of the puzzle. It has already been confirmed the DLC will reveal more of Miquella’s story, which could also tie in with Mogh and his abduction of the sleeping demigod. What's more, the Impaler’s closed eye may suggest connections to both Ranni and Melina.

No matter the theories fans craft during the wait for the DLC, audiences can surely expect a lot more to come when it finally arrives. Shadow of the Erdtree has been slated for release on June 21, 2024.