Hey guys, with the ever-expanding lore of Elden Ring, particularly the introduction of multiple worlds in the Nightreign DLC, some seriously epic questions are popping up. One of the biggest? The deal with the Greater Will. We know it's a cosmic entity of immense power, and it's heavily implied to be the creator of the universe we experience in the main game. But does its influence extend to these other worlds? Did the Greater Will create every Elden Ring universe, or are there other cosmic forces at play, perhaps even different versions of the Greater Will itself? Let's dive deep into this mind-bending concept and explore the possibilities.
The Greater Will: The Prime Architect?
In Elden Ring, the Greater Will is presented as a supreme Outer God, the source of the Elden Ring and the Erdtree's power. It sent the Elden Beast to the Lands Between, essentially planting the seed for the current world order. Its influence is undeniable, shaping the history, politics, and even the very laws of physics in the Lands Between. Considering this vast influence, it's easy to assume the Greater Will is the ultimate creator, the architect of all realities within the Elden Ring multiverse.
Think about it: the Elden Ring itself is a set of fundamental rules governing reality. If the Greater Will forged these rules, wouldn't it stand to reason that it holds sway over any universe operating under similar principles? The presence of similar concepts across different worlds—like the influence of Outer Gods or the cycle of life and death—could be seen as evidence of a single, overarching creator. The Two Fingers, acting as envoys of the Greater Will, seem to have a similar function and goal across the universes we've glimpsed, further pointing towards a unified source of power. This perspective paints a picture of the Greater Will as a truly cosmic entity, its power transcending individual universes and establishing it as the prime mover behind the entire Elden Ring cosmology.
However, this seemingly straightforward view raises some intriguing questions. If the Greater Will is the sole creator, why are there other Outer Gods vying for influence in different worlds? Why are there variations in the fundamental laws of these universes? These inconsistencies hint at a more complex reality, one where the Greater Will might not be the only player on the cosmic stage.
A Multiverse of Creators: The Case for Divergent Gods
Now, let's flip the script and consider the possibility that each Elden Ring universe has its own creator, or at least a different version of the Greater Will. This idea opens up a fascinating array of possibilities, allowing for universes with wildly different rules, histories, and even pantheons of gods.
Imagine a universe where the Greater Will never sent the Elden Beast, or where another Outer God usurped its power. What if a different cosmic entity created the Elden Ring in a parallel world, shaping its laws according to its own vision? The Nightreign DLC seems to hint at such divergences, showcasing worlds with unique landscapes, cultures, and challenges. If each universe has its own distinct history and set of governing principles, it's logical to assume that different creators, or at least different interpretations of the Greater Will's will, are at work. This concept allows for a multiverse of infinite possibilities, where each world is a unique expression of cosmic creation. It also adds a layer of complexity to the lore, making the Elden Ring universe even more captivating.
Think about the other Outer Gods, like the Formless Mother or the God of Rot. These entities have their own agendas and exert their influence on the Lands Between. It's plausible that they also hold sway in other universes, perhaps even as the dominant creators in some. This scenario would lead to drastically different worlds, shaped by different cosmic forces and operating under unique sets of rules. The idea of divergent creators adds depth and intrigue to the Elden Ring lore, inviting us to imagine the countless possibilities that exist beyond the Lands Between.
The Tricky Nuances of Outer Gods and Cosmic Influence
The Outer Gods themselves are shrouded in mystery, their motivations and origins largely unknown. This ambiguity makes it challenging to definitively say whether the Greater Will is the sole creator or just one of many cosmic entities vying for power across the multiverse. We know they exert influence, but how far does that influence go?
Consider the concept of cosmic influence versus creation. The Greater Will might have created the framework for the multiverse, the fundamental laws that govern reality, but other Outer Gods could then shape individual universes within that framework. This would be akin to a master architect designing a city, while individual builders construct unique buildings within it. The Greater Will provides the foundation, but other entities add their own touches, resulting in a diverse tapestry of universes. This middle-ground approach allows for a degree of unity in the Elden Ring cosmology while still leaving room for immense variation and the influence of other cosmic forces. The Outer Gods could be seen as cosmic architects, each with their own style and vision, contributing to the ever-expanding multiverse.
Another perspective is that the Outer Gods are simply different aspects or emanations of the same underlying cosmic force. The Greater Will, the Formless Mother, and others could be seen as facets of a single, incomprehensible entity, each expressing a different facet of its power and influence. This idea aligns with certain philosophical interpretations of cosmic creation, where diverse deities are seen as aspects of a singular divine source. This interpretation adds a layer of philosophical depth to the Elden Ring lore, inviting us to consider the nature of divinity and the relationship between individual deities and the ultimate source of creation.
Parallels in FromSoftware's Past: A Legacy of Cosmic Ambiguity
FromSoftware, the masterminds behind Elden Ring, has a history of exploring ambiguous cosmic themes in their games. In the Dark Souls series, the nature of the gods and the cycles of fire and dark are left open to interpretation, with no definitive answers provided. This deliberate ambiguity adds to the games' mystique and encourages players to develop their own theories.
The Bloodborne universe delves even deeper into cosmic horror, with the Great Ones—powerful entities from beyond the human realm—shaping the world and influencing the fates of mortals. The Great Ones' motivations are often inscrutable, their actions driven by forces beyond human comprehension. This mirrors the ambiguity surrounding the Outer Gods in Elden Ring, suggesting a deliberate design choice by FromSoftware to leave the nature of cosmic creation open to interpretation. Drawing parallels from these past works, it's likely that Elden Ring's multiverse and the role of the Greater Will will remain shrouded in mystery, encouraging players to speculate and theorize about the true nature of reality within the game.
This legacy of cosmic ambiguity suggests that FromSoftware is less interested in providing definitive answers and more interested in sparking our imaginations. By leaving the nature of creation open to interpretation, they invite us to become active participants in the world-building process, crafting our own theories and sharing them with the community. This approach fosters a sense of shared discovery and keeps the lore of Elden Ring fresh and engaging, long after the credits have rolled.
So, What's the Verdict? A Question for the Ages (and the DLCs)
Ultimately, the question of whether the Greater Will created every Elden Ring universe, or if each has its own creator, remains unanswered. And that's precisely the beauty of it! FromSoftware has crafted a world with immense depth and mystery, leaving us to ponder the very nature of reality within the game.
The addition of multiple worlds in Nightreign only deepens this enigma, presenting us with new possibilities and challenging our existing assumptions. Perhaps future DLCs or even a sequel will shed more light on this question, but for now, it's up to us, the players, to explore the lore, connect the dots, and formulate our own theories. The Elden Ring universe is a vast and wondrous tapestry, and the mystery of its creation is just one of the many threads that make it so captivating. Whether the Greater Will is the sole architect or just one of many cosmic forces, the Elden Ring multiverse promises to be a source of endless intrigue and adventure. So, fellow Tarnished, let's keep exploring, keep theorizing, and keep unraveling the mysteries of this incredible game!
Elden Ring's lore is so intricate that we might never have a definitive answer. But that's the fun of it, right? What are your thoughts? Do you think the Greater Will is the sole creator, or are there other cosmic forces at play? Let's discuss in the comments!