Reddit user Independent-Design17 has sparked an intriguing discussion by suggesting that the Erd Tree in Elden Ring might draw inspiration from the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. At first glance, the Small Erd Trees in the game bear a striking resemblance to Nuytsia, but the connections go much deeper.
In Elden Ring, the Erd Tree serves as a beacon for the souls of the deceased, guiding them to its roots, which is why catacombs are often found nearby. This concept resonates with the cultural significance of Nuytsia in Australian Aboriginal traditions, where it is revered as a "spirit tree." Each flowering branch of Nuytsia is believed to represent the soul of a departed individual, and its vivid colors are linked to the sunset, symbolizing the journey of spirits to the afterlife.
Image: reddit.com
Further similarities arise when considering the biological nature of Nuytsia, which is a semi-parasitic tree that draws nutrients from surrounding plants. This characteristic has led to fan theories suggesting that the Erd Tree might also be parasitic, having overtaken the roots of the ancient Great Tree, which was believed to be the source of life. However, it's worth noting that references to the "Great Tree" in the game's item descriptions have been identified as a translation error, actually referring to the "Great Roots" of the Erd Tree itself.
Whether these parallels between the Erd Tree and Nuytsia floribunda were intentionally crafted by FromSoftware remains a mystery known only to the game's developers.
