Theory (Repost): The Land of Shadow exists in Miquella's fading mind

2024.11.29 08:30 Icy-Zombie-7896 Theory (Repost): The Land of Shadow exists in Miquella's fading mind

Theory (Repost): The Land of Shadow exists in Miquella's fading mind We’ve all spent months trying to figure out what is going on with the setting, timeline, and lore of Shadow of the Erdtree. The community has been dissecting and disagreeing over everything from Marika’s story, how the Land of Shadow fit into the Lands Between, whether Radahn consented, and why the Gloam-Eyed Queen is strangely absent. And then there's Miquella's character arc and the way he's presented...
So, while somethings fit and make sense, parts of the expansion just seem off.
This is a bit of a long post, but I want to propose a theory in this sub as well that may help things fall into place. So to get there, let’s start by touching the withered arm.
No, not that one. The other one.
https://preview.redd.it/xj5t0qnpws3e1.png?width=1064&format=png&auto=webp&s=d2b25094e09089ad6e82911dda83547d2b2c0d7c
So, I game on Xbox and haven’t played Bloodborne. But as with other FromSoft games, I watched playthroughs on YouTube and was captivated by it, especially the Old Hunter's DLC. I’ll never forget seeing the Amygdala reach down from the Cathedral, pick up the good hunter, and viscerally transport them to the Hunter’s Nightmare.
The hunter awakens in a twisted alternative version of Yarhnum where old hunters from various times are trapped in an eternal hunt. Through this dream realm, the good hunter faces challenging and intriguing bosses and characters while uncovering secrets and sins from the past which shed light on the present story. This nightmare exists apart from and yet connected to the base game’s hunt.
The same goes for other FromSoft DLCs: Artorias and the Abyss, the Crowns in DS2, and especially DS3’s expansions. They are alternate worlds, realities, timelines, and dimensions which give insight into the characters and events in the broader game. This is central to how we should interpret their stories.
Here’s my theory and then the evidence and reasoning behind it. I believe Shadow of the Erdtree is no different. When we touch the withered arm, we are transported into the recesses of Miquella’s mind, into the “shadow realm” created by his subconsciousness as he lay dying inside his bloody cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace.
This theory takes inspiration from the great meta-analysis by Centered Tarnished and the psychological work of Carl Jung on the human psyche, the “shadow”, and the journey toward becoming a complete and mature person (this is excellent stuff and I encourage you to check it out even if you don't agree with everything). I believe there is ample evidence to suggest that this is more than symbolic or thematic. We actually enter Miquella's subconscious Shadow.
(An alternate theory I discussed with YouTuber Blackcurrant is that Marika locked away the Land of Shadow inside of Miquella and it could only be accessed possibly upon his death, removal of a Soreseal, or as a result of the ritual he underwent by Mohg. Still playing with that idea.)
Let me clarify. I believe the Land of Shadow is/was a real place in the history of the Lands Between. The main bosses we encounter likely existed, much like Lady Maria or Artorias. The same could be said for major events and locations - the purge, Marika’s shaman village, and the Scadutree itself. As in previous games, these different realities or states of being can flow back and forth as we carry weapons and items between them.
But much like the Hunter’s Nightmare, the reality we are experiencing is a blending of stories, memories, and approximations brought together by Miquella’s dying psyche in a way that reflects the state of his mind and his need for closure through enlightenment (even if he doesn't realize it's in his head).
Is Miquella dead or dying?
https://preview.redd.it/x8997vzsws3e1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ad19755a9cc6d800ec969a37dd761c0d5d47e2a
First and foremost, Miquella embedded himself inside a cocoon – a common image throughout the Haligtree – and is undergoing a metamorphosis to become a kind of silk moth god, as evidenced by the opening cinematic. We also see in that picture that Mohg actually cut Miquella out, not just of the tree but the cocoon as well.
If you were to cut open a silkworm’s cocoon prematurely and just let it hang out in a hot environment like Mohgwyn Palace, the silkworm would wither… and die.
As, Gideon comments,
When you include a ritual like communion with the Formless Mother and Mohg’s fiery omen blood, the damage to Miquella is likely to go beyond just his flesh.
Mohg’s Remembrance:
The Lord of Blood’s Exultation exhorts followers to,
(*The Japanese text makes it clear that this word refers to Miquella.)
But Gideon calls Mohg, “that deluded maniac”. The map of Mohgwyn Palace grounds says:
It's worth noting that these phrases, "slumber", "sleeping" and "waking" refer to Miquella, but we know the connection between sleeping and death, especially in light of St. Trina. Perhaps Miquella is in his own kind of nightmare now. But those descriptions are not conclusive.
Lastly, it’s been noted that the corpse in the cocoon is a duplicate of Morgott’s after we defeat him, and his omen curse is lifted. On one level, this is certainly just the reuse of an asset. But what if it’s more? What if the thematic connection to Morgott is intentional and Miquella is truly dying and his nascent curse is lifting as a result?
Righteous Tarnished, Miquella the Kind is dying. His body has withered and his unalloyed blood has been mingled and spilled with the blood of Mohg. The young Empyrean offers no response. I believe the cocooning was his real attempt at divesting his golden flesh to reach godhood, but this process was cut short when Mohg ripped him from the cocoon prematurely and left him to wither in his bloody bedchamber.
With his captor defeated and a pool of blood on the floor, a manifestation of his dying spirit, Leda, appears in front of us, potentially like Millicent and her sisters. She invites us to touch this withered arm and enter Miquella’s shadow world, akin to how we are able to enter the Regal Ancestor Spirit’s remains.
https://preview.redd.it/90a3dqwwws3e1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9daa6bb51789ef28f65032ad853aa68876d9b9f
Then, in the Land of Shadow, we find the monument that states:
In Jungian psychology, the “Shadow” is the part of the subconsciousness where a person’s darkest, most traumatic, basest, and least desirable memories and traits are kept suppressed and hidden away so they do not break to the surface. Yet even while hidden, they drive much of our actions and decisions.
The Land of Shadow we enter is the construction of Miquella’s psyche in response to his suffering and oncoming death built from what he had learned or even seen of the place where his mother became a god. It likely resembles the real chunk of land Marika ripped out of the Lands Between with some symbolic and dream-like alterations, hence why it doesn’t quite fit like we want it to (if you’ve ever played assassin’s Creed Revelations, think of it like Animus Island).
Okay, but does this make sense with the world and story we encounter inside? I’d argue yes. Look at the NPCs we meet. We’ve spent so much time trying to figure out how they all fit into Miquella’s story up to this point. When did Ansbach attack him? When could he have possibly gone to Caelid and saved Frejya? Why is there no mention anywhere of any other Needle Knights, even around Elphael? Like, nothing at all.
If I’m correct, then each of these NPCs is a projection of an aspect or “archetype” of his story and personality that he is struggling to come to terms with as he attempts to reach godhood. They may or may not have existed. Doesn’t matter. What matters is the role they play. And isn’t it interesting that we meet all of them at a cross, a place where he has shed his own blood or divested himself of a part of his golden lineage? We know things can grow from his blood. Why not projections?
If so, then…
…Ansbach is the manifestation of his conflict with Mohg and his attempts at coming to terms with his own charming love “to shrive clean the hearts of men.” This is the part of him that wants to sabotage his efforts.
…the timeline with Caelid doesn’t make sense because Miquella never actually went there after the battle of Aeonia. He had already been taken from the Haligtree while Malenia was on her way to Mohg. So, Frejya is his regret over not being able to help and the guilt he feels for what happened there. She is also him processing his relationship with Radahn.
…likewise, Miquella is saddened by how the Servants of Rot felt abandoned by Malenia, whom they worshiped as a god. He wishes his love could chase away their pain.
https://preview.redd.it/lb3iytm0xs3e1.jpg?width=1250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83d0d02aee13c3215e986ef54836fe72f8988e1c
…we find Godwyn’s cadavers in the Land of Shadow because Miquella is still haunted by the image of his brother and the fact that the eclipse never happened as he’d hoped.
… Messmer is the anger and sense of abandonment Miquella feels toward his mothefather and how their Golden Order not only couldn’t cure his affliction but was the source of it.
… as Miquella begins to die on the journey towards true enlightenment and freedom, St. Trina is dying with him in that cocoon. He cannot save her, but he must cast her off on his way to enlightenment and godhood.
... and of course, St. Romina is the final obstacle between us and the sealing tree, the way to Enir Ilim. Miquella's greatest purpose and drive was his sister's rot, and it must be faced head on.
I could talk about almost every NPC and boss, but hopefully you get the point. The major areas of the DLC represent central themes and in Miquella’s life and family heritage as well (Abyss, Fissure, Gravesite Plain, etc.)
As the backdrop to all of this is the Scadutree; the dark and crumbling shadow of the tree under which he lived for many years. The tree that was born of dark ideals when his mother became a god and the vessel of the Elden Ring. This tree is not the goal. It is the distant reminder of his curse and flawed order from which it was born.
Again, some of these are likely real or inspired by someone or something Miquella encountered or learned about. But things seem out of place because this is how his psyche is working to address his suffering on the way to inner enlightenment.
https://preview.redd.it/25p71zn3xs3e1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b70f0e7e898f36bdbafdb36519354001eb03fd37
At first, it looks like Miquella is just a side character to this DLC and that he has been completely changed from the base game. But as we follow Miquella as he follows in his mother’s footsteps, we are experiencing his inner conflicts and self-doubts through the NPCs and world. When his Great Rune of Abundance breaks, these projections revert to their primal instincts and begin to fight or flee. The part of himself most loyal to his own cause even wants to kill the others to protect the inner child as he seeks to transcend to godhood.
Previously, I argued that Miquella is a reflection of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, as he seeks to reach Nirvana and return to help free others from suffering. I still believe this, and it makes even more sense to me now. As Miquella’s mind and soul fade, he is emptying himself of all worldly ties and attachments, giving up his own blood and flesh, and seeking true peace with himself. This is known in Jungian psychology as individuation where the Inner Child embraces the Shadow and reaches true maturity.
This why we stand at the Divine Gate, a place of unending light, and fight the amalgamation of Radahn and Mohg. In his mind, Miquella’s strong, kind brother whom he adored has joined him in the Shadow to overcome his attacker. But the scars remain, and things cannot be as they were supposed to be.
In the middle of the fight, Miquella returns as a god; the matured young man he always wanted to be. He has reached his Nirvana and now wants to establish the age of compassion he always dreamed of. At the end of his life his curse is gone, the chains of the Golden Order and its law of causality are broken, and he is free to embrace all things. Suffering would end, his sister would be well, and all evil would be eradicated once and for all.
https://preview.redd.it/kik2sq95xs3e1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3978d9295cbdfb7e260dd83afb820a5f8672ae87
But it is not to be. Miquella is dying. His mind is shutting down and his spirit moving on. We are there because there can be only one Lord and God, even in Miquella's mind. But in a way, we end his suffering. And this is why, after all those countless deaths, one simple core memory awaits us: a heartfelt wish of a young boy.
In this scene, Miquella realized the weight of the calling he had been given by the Two Fingers and asked his childhood idol to become his consort. And sure, maybe Radahn backed out and his life was effectively ended by Malenia’s bloom. Or maybe not. Either way, Mohg still claimed Miquella for himself and none of it mattered.
The young empyrean clung to that memory as he journeyed through his Land of Shadow, carrying it all the way to his death. There in the cocoon, Miquella passes on by living out the vow he had made years ago with his Promised Consort there protecting him and helping to usher in a new age of compassion.
submitted by Icy-Zombie-7896 to eldenringdiscussion [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 lss_web_468 RECURRING POST

Posting to Reddit

  1. Remember the human
  2. Behave like you would in real life
  3. Look for the original source of content
  4. Search for duplicates before posting
  5. Read the community’s rul
submitted by lss_web_468 to lssplmod2180 [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 carat_potatooo what’s your fave inihaw?

betamax, isaw manok, isaw baboy, tenga, bbq, hotdog with sweet sauce tapos nasa outing 10/10
submitted by carat_potatooo to PHFoodPorn [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 Spiritual-Ad3866 Blazamat ryu

How many blazamut Ryus until you get the big one?? I’ve defeated 3 ultra slabs and still keep getting the small ryu in the eggs
submitted by Spiritual-Ad3866 to Palworld [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 Human-Lynx-5925 Should I lose weight before submitting digitals ?

Hi ! I’ve been wanting to try modeling for a while as a lot of people in my life have been urging me to try. I ideally would want to go into fashion. I have high cheekbones and a gaunt face, and I am 5’11. The problem is that I am 5’11 and weight 150 pounds. I’m nowhere near overweight but I am worried I’m not “thin” enough to model for fashion. I feel like I am in an awkward placing since I’m closer to being thin than large, but not exactly that thin. What should I do ? Should I lose some weight before I attempt so I could hear more back ? Please let me know what you think 😌
submitted by Human-Lynx-5925 to MODELING [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 Archlord_Sunset iPad Pro 2018 screen repair prices?

iPad Pro 2018 screen repair prices? How much does an iPad Pro 2018 screen repair normally cost with Apple Care+? I bought one via eBay Auction for crazy cheap but it has a cracked screen and a few dead pixels and I was just wondering is getting the screen repaired later was worth it or should I just get comfortable with the cracks.
submitted by Archlord_Sunset to ipad [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 AutoModerator RECURRING POST

submitted by AutoModerator to lssplmod2075 [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 JayAr-not-Jr 6’ lady here in socal with this body type!

I don’t actually care how tall you are but… let’s see who’s around!
submitted by JayAr-not-Jr to TallMeetTall [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 SpiritualCicada2686 Mega raid

Mega raid submitted by SpiritualCicada2686 to PokemonRaids [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 wiilly_d The orange cat

Who thinks this is the ghost of Chrissy? Who thinks it's just a cat?
submitted by wiilly_d to thesopranos [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 DarkSaber01 Devil Nun

submitted by DarkSaber01 to Helltaker [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 not_sure_if_ok 45 year old boy with a bad day in FN

45 year old boy with a bad day in FN submitted by not_sure_if_ok to Fortnite_Over40 [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 Such_Respect5105 why is the mirror modifier on my roof behaving this way? GIF of how this is happening attached on 2nd slide.

why is the mirror modifier on my roof behaving this way? GIF of how this is happening attached on 2nd slide. submitted by Such_Respect5105 to blender [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 Remarkable-Rip-6024 relapsed :,(

after almost a week of no purging .. I purged 4-5 different times today…
It just makes me so sad and ashamed. I was doing so well. I hate thanksgiving
(I can be grateful for things but hate thanksgiving at the same time)
Just wanted to tell someone. Anyone
submitted by Remarkable-Rip-6024 to bulimia [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 KPJBAnders Buchclub

Servus, gibt's es in Augsburg einen regelmäßig stattfindenden Buchclub?
*Außer den vom Stadt Theater
submitted by KPJBAnders to augsburg [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 GameProfessional 🏆 Game Professional | SF2000 Handheld Game Console 3 Inch IPS Retro Game Consoles 8000 Games Retro

🏆 Game Professional | SF2000 Handheld Game Console 3 Inch IPS Retro Game Consoles 8000 Games Retro submitted by GameProfessional to GameProfessional [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 AutoModerator Daily Thread - November 29, 2024

Welcome to the /SeattleKraken Daily Thread! Please use this thread to discuss hockey events from today, or anything else you'd like.
Comments are automatically sorted by new to keep the conversation current.
Have you tried the /SeattleKraken Discord?
Want to buy or sell tickets? See the tickets megathread!
New to hockey or our subreddit? Our wiki has lots of useful resources for you!
Questions on how to watch? See our wiki's TV/Streaming guide.
You can add a flair icon by your account name in the subreddit sidebar on desktop browser, the "about" tab on mobile browser, or in the Reddit app by click the three dots button and then "change user flair".
Lets go Kraken!
submitted by AutoModerator to SeattleKraken [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 r3crac ESKUTE Netuno PLUS 36V 14.5Ah 250W Electric Bike 27.5x2.1 Inch [EU] for 621.46 USD without coupon (Best price in history: 641.69 USD) [EUROPE]

European warehouse
Here is the link (Banggood): ESKUTE Netuno PLUS 36V 14.5Ah 250W Electric Bike 27.5x2.1 Inch [EU]
Current price is 621.46 USD. The lowest price in my database is 641.69 USD.There're already 19 records in DB. Price monitoring since 2.4.2024!
This post may be old (if you're here from Google), so just go here to get currently active coupons (and price alerts :)) for ESKUTE Netuno PLUS 36V 14.5Ah 250W Electric Bike 27.5x2.1 Inch: https://couponsfromchina.com/eskute-netuno-plus-36v-14-5ah-250w-electric-bike-27-5x2-1-inch-eu-discount-price/
I hope it's useful for you!
Pretty good deal with big price discount.
Image: https://i.imgur.com/pNlECRI.jpeg
submitted by r3crac to xiaomi_discount [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 lss_web_379 recurring

daily recurss
submitted by lss_web_379 to lssplmod1875 [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 GameProfessional 🌐 24/7 Video Game | SF2000 Handheld Game Console 3 Inch IPS Retro Game Consoles 8000 Games Retro

🌐 24/7 Video Game | SF2000 Handheld Game Console 3 Inch IPS Retro Game Consoles 8000 Games Retro submitted by GameProfessional to 247videogame [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 ana_axia Cyber Monday Subwoofer Deals 2024: Best Picks for Reddit Users

Cyber Monday 2024 is here, and if you're hunting for the best subwoofer and speaker deals, we’ve got you covered. With discounts of up to 51% off on top-rated models, these deals are perfect for upgrading your audio setup. Whether you're a movie buff, music enthusiast, or party host, there's something here for everyone.
Top Cyber Monday Subwoofer & Speaker Deals on Amazon 1. Musibaby 80W Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker

2. Klipsch R-50PM Powered Speakers with 5.25″ Woofers 3. W-KING 300W Peak Portable Bluetooth Party Boombox 4. Definitive Technology Descend DN10 10″ Subwoofer 5. Sonos Sub Mini Compact Wireless Subwoofer Tips to Snag the Best Cyber Monday Subwoofer Deals
  1. Know Your Purpose:
    • Need portability? Go for the Musibaby 80W or W-KING Party Boombox.
    • Building a home theater? Opt for Definitive Technology DN10 or Sonos Sub Mini.
  2. Consider Features vs. Price:
    • Budget-conscious? The Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is an unbeatable deal at 51% off.
    • Audiophile-approved? Check out Klipsch R-50PM for top-tier sound.
  3. Act Fast:
    • Cyber Monday deals don’t last long, so grab your favorite before it’s gone!
Why Reddit Loves These Deals These subwoofers and speakers come highly recommended on Reddit for their exceptional quality, durability, and affordability during Cyber Monday. Whether you're upgrading your home theater, need a powerful party speaker, or simply want better audio for everyday use, these picks will elevate your listening experience.
Ready to upgrade your sound setup? Don’t miss out on these Cyber Monday 2024 deals—limited time only!
submitted by ana_axia to TopDealsGuider [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 WhaleOn200ping LF OFFERS

LF OFFERS submitted by WhaleOn200ping to AUniversalTime [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 Calixta2_02 [ For Hire ] i can Do your Circuit Theory exam / Solid Mechanics test / Thermofluids quiz / System Modelling assignment / Meterials & manufacture / Mathematics & Control / Engeneering Concepts Exam, Assignment, Test, Quiz, Homeworkhelp reddit. Legit Mechanical Engineering Expert for hire on reddit

Hello, i can help you with the following topics📝 Please send me a Chat Request or DM me. Also, you can contact to by email:
Email ID: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
I'm a Trusted and Legit Homework Expert on Reddit✅✅
You'll get the Best service from my side 💯
PLEASE JOIN THIS SUBREDDIT 🪡 and Stay Connected with Us to get help with your Assignments / Quizzes / Test / Exam / Homework help on Reddit.🤓
Thank You!🙏
I'm Requesting you to JOIN THIS BACKUP SUBREDDIT please. https://www.reddit.com/HomeworkHelp_Reddit_?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
submitted by Calixta2_02 to HomeworkHelp_Reddit [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 dailysnowright Giuseppe Zanotti Design Black Friday Ads 2024

Follow this link for Giuseppe Zanotti Design Black Friday Ads 2024. Access the latest deals and promotions by visiting the link, featuring a constantly updated list of coupons, promo codes, and discounts.
submitted by dailysnowright to DiscountEnergizing [link] [comments]

2024.11.29 08:30 viel_lenia Sufi rave

Sufi rave submitted by viel_lenia to shitposting [link] [comments]

https://yandex.ru/