FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is a sprawling dark fantasy RPG that has captured the imagination of millions. At its heart lies a rich and layered lore, inspired not only by original storytelling but by centuries of mythological traditions. The studio’s approach to world-building is meticulous, drawing from historical, cultural, and mythological sources to breathe life into the Lands Between. Whether you’re exploring forgotten catacombs or decoding cryptic dialogue, the influence of ancient myths is ever-present. Even the game’s central currency and progression mechanic, Elden Ring Runes, carries echoes of mythological symbolism, representing not just power, but spiritual essence and the remnants of divine order.
Here are five major mythological influences that helped shape the world and characters of Elden Ring.
1. Norse Mythology: The Runes and the Tree
The most obvious mythological inspiration comes from Norse mythology. The concept of runes as ancient symbols of power originates from the Norse tradition, where they were believed to carry magical properties. In Elden Ring, runes serve as both currency and a metaphor for life force, inheritance, and strength—an idea deeply rooted in Viking beliefs. The Erdtree, central to the game’s landscape and lore, resembles Yggdrasil, the World Tree in Norse mythology, which connects all realms of existence.
2. Greek Tragedy and Hubris
Many characters in Elden Ring suffer from hubris—a common theme in Greek mythology. Figures like Radagon, Queen Marika, and Ranni the Witch face tragic consequences for their ambition, echoing the stories of Icarus, Prometheus, and Oedipus. This use of Greek-style moral downfall adds philosophical depth to the narrative, asking players to consider the costs of divine power and personal obsession.
3. Christian Imagery and Dualism
Themes of sin, penance, and divine judgment permeate Elden Ring’s world. The Two Fingers and the Greater Will recall the hierarchical order of angels and divine messengers in Christian theology. The division between light and dark, order and chaos, also echoes Christian concepts of salvation and damnation. These references create a spiritual tension in the game’s world, enriching its philosophical backdrop.
4. Celtic Mythology and the Spirits of the Land
FromSoftware has subtly woven in elements of Celtic mythology, especially in its portrayal of nature spirits, ancestral roots, and mystical guardians. The ancestral spirits and demi-humans in the game often guard ancient ruins or sacred groves, much like the fae and forest guardians in Irish and Scottish myth. This adds a haunting, otherworldly flavor to the game’s environment design.
5. Japanese Folklore: Spirits, Cycles, and Decay
As a Japanese studio, FromSoftware naturally draws on its cultural heritage. Many of the game’s themes, such as the cyclical nature of time, the fading of golden ages, and the transformation of gods and men, are present in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The use of spirits, ancestral worship, and decaying deities pays homage to the Japanese view of impermanence (mujō), adding emotional and philosophical weight to the narrative.
As players explore deeper into the Lands Between, the blend of these mythologies becomes more apparent. It’s not just the massive bosses or cryptic NPCs that make Elden Ring special—it’s the way these mythological threads are intricately woven into its DNA. This helps explain why the game’s world feels both alien and familiar, steeped in mystery yet grounded in timeless archetypes.
For those diving into the game and seeking to enhance their character’s power, understanding the role of runes is crucial. Many players look for cheap elden ring runes for sale to fast-track their progress. While acquiring runes quickly can help, it’s the narrative context of these runes—what they represent and how they tie into the mythology—that adds true richness to the experience.
In conclusion, Elden Ring is more than just an action RPG. It’s a tapestry of myths, legends, and philosophies, expertly reimagined through the lens of modern game design. By embedding these ancient influences into every layer of the game, FromSoftware has created a world that feels deeply meaningful, encouraging players to explore not only its landscapes but its spiritual and mythological roots.
