Summary
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One Elden Ring fan suggested that the Erdtree could be based on a Western Australian Christmas tree.
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Not only do they look extremely similar, but both trees are believed to be home to the souls of the dead.
Elden Ring's most iconic image is undoubtedly the Erdtree. Clearly styled after the World Tree from the Berserk manga that Hidetaka Miyazaki so often draws from, it is seen spreading its branches across the sky across the Earth between.
The World Tree is inspired by Yggdrasil and the Bodhi Tree from Norse mythology and Buddhism, from which the Elden Ring also appears to draw inspiration.
But Reddit user Independent-Design17 thinks there's another inspiration we've missed – the Nuytsia floribund, or Western Australian Christmas tree.
Even at Christmas, Elden Ring fans dig deep into tradition
As they point out, it looks a lot like Erdtree, especially the Minor ones. But there are much deeper similarities than mere aesthetics.
In the Elden Ring, we learn that the souls of the dead were ceremonially brought to the Erdtree, so we find catacombs built around its giant roots. Demigods and champions are even “carved by Erdtree” into memories. The cycle of life and death is a fundamental part of his myth, and Nuytsia has a similar cultural significance.
As author Sharnae Watson explained on the City of Margaret River website, Wadandi Aboriginal people know the Nuytsia as a “spirit tree”, with each flower representing the soul of someone who has died. It is often seen as a sunset because of its bright and vibrant coloring. And so the spirits are believed to travel across Australia, through “caves and across the ocean” to finally rest, much like they do in the Elden Ring.
Another connection outlined by Independent-Design17 follows a popular theory among Elden Ring fans. It is often claimed that the Erdtree is a parasite that infested the roots of the original primordial Great Tree. This Great Tree is believed to have housed the Crucible, the melting pot of all life. Similarly, Nuytsia is a hemiparasite, stealing water and minerals from nearby plants to survive.
However, it should be noted that the parasite theory is strongly disputed. First, the “Big Tree” mentioned in the various item descriptions does not exist. It's the result of a bad translation (as pointed out by LaMi_1). Actually the translation should be “Great Roots” by Erdtree himself. However, some still believe that it is a parasite and that it was planted by a Greater Will with evil intent.
Be that as it may, there are some striking similarities between Erdtree, both visually and thematically, and Nuytsia. Whether intentional or not, only FromSoftware can confirm. But still, it's a fun excuse to play Elden Ring this Christmas, eh?
With worldbuilding by Game of Thrones writer George RR Martin and developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring is a masterpiece in what has become known as the “Soulslike” action RPG genre.
