Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has introduced a new area called the Bonny Village, a rural settlement where the Hornsent performed the ritual of placing Shamans into Living Jars. This new content has fans delving into Queen Marika’s history, especially with the discovery of a shed snake skin nearby.

The Blasphemous Snakes of Elden Ring

To understand the theory, we must first consider the two significant blasphemous snakes in Elden Ring: Rykard and Messmer. Rykard willingly fed himself to the God-Devouring Serpent at Volcano Manor, while Messmer was cursed with an Abyssal Snake consuming him from within. The newly found shed snake skin might hold the key to understanding these curses.

Reddit user @breebunn suggests that the shed snake skin found near Bonny Village resembles what Rykard’s shed skin would look like, with openings for humanoid limbs. However, they argue it is unlikely to belong to Rykard, as his transformation occurred at Volcano Manor, not in the realm of shadows. Instead, @breebunn proposes that the skin belongs to someone else who partook in a similar “profane ritual.”

Marika’s Possible Betrayal

The Shadow of the Erdtree trailer references Marika’s “seduction” and “betrayal.” Initially, it was believed this referred to her deceiving the Hornsent to achieve godhood. However, @breebunn posits a different theory: Marika fed herself to a divine serpent but did not fully commit to the ritual, allowing her to claim divinity while avoiding the consequences.

In various statues, Marika’s dress flows like a snake, supporting the idea that she might have undergone a transformation involving a serpent. The Golden Order, seen as an allegory for Christianity, positions Marika as Eve, seduced by a serpent.

Implications of the Theory

If Marika indeed fed herself to a divine serpent and emerged unscathed, it would explain why she is seen as a traitor. Her failure to fully embrace the ritual could have passed the curse onto her son Messmer, explaining his condition. This theory also sheds light on why snakes are considered blasphemous and why Rykard’s ritual was seen as heretical.

Final Thoughts

The theory that Marika fed herself to a divine serpent adds a fascinating layer to Elden Ring’s lore. It provides potential explanations for the curses seen in the game and Marika’s betrayal. As fans continue to explore the Shadow of the Erdtree, more secrets of the enigmatic Queen Marika and the blasphemous snakes may come to light.

This intriguing speculation showcases the depth of Elden Ring’s world and the community’s dedication to uncovering its mysteries. Whether this theory holds true or not, it certainly enriches the narrative and adds to the anticipation of future content.

Also Read: