Ever sinceElden RingShadow of the ErdtreeDLCwas released this year, more and more hidden surprises that many people probably never noticed have been surfacing, revealing just how deep developer FromSoftware goes with the lore in this game. Whether it’s through new items, equipment, NPCs, or brand-new intricately designed areas,Shadow of the Erdtreeis packed with details that add to the expansive lorethat the Soulsbourne epic is famous for. One particular item from the DLC exemplifies just how much thought and attention to detail is put into this universe.
TheGolden Braidtalisman is a new item in theShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion that can be found in the Shaman Village in Scaduview, and it gives the player a significant Holy damage negation boost. While it may seem like just another very useful talisman to use against thefinal boss inElden Ring’s DLC,the lore and foreshadowing behind this item have been in the works since the game’s launch. Here’s how the Golden Braid talisman proves the game’s depth, which goes with its interconnected and sprawling lore.
Looking Closely At The Statue Of Marika Shows Elden Ring’s True Depth Of Lore
With a keen eye, it’s possible players noticed an important yet small detail regarding the Golden Braid from the beginning ofElden Ring. Of all the symbology scattered across the Lands Between,the Statues of Marika are some of the most eye-catchingand among the very first Tarnished will encounter. At the beginning of each journey, Tarnished will find themselves on the Precipice of Anticipation, the starting area where a Grafted Scion is meant to jump out and kill them. As players descend into the area, they will notice a large Statue of Marika that the Scion is hiding behind.
Elden Ring: How to Beat The Grafted Scion (Tutorial Boss Fight & Rewards)
Acquire the Ornamental Straight Sword and Great Beast Crest Shield in Elden Ring by killing the tutorial boss the first time or revisiting it later.
If players manage to get a good look at the statue before getting killed by the powerful enemy, they will notice that Marika’s left braid is cut down to her midsection. This braid is actually the very one that Tarnished will be able to equip as the Golden Braid talisman in the Realm of Shadow later on. According to the Golden Braid item description, thisbraid was cut loose as an “offering to the Grandmother,“a mysterious character with great importance to those from the Shaman Village, such as Marika.
“A braid of golden hair, cut loose.Queen Marika’s offering to the Grandmother.
What was her prayer? Her wish, her confession?
There is no one left to answer, and Marika never returned home again.”
—Golden Braid Item Description
These Statues of Marika will be a common sight for Tarnished throughout their journey in the Lands Between and into the Realm of Shadow later on. Paying close attention to the various forms Marika takes in these statues,her braid is different depending on which locationplayers find the statue in. The implication here is that these statues were erected at different points inMarika’s timeline inElden Ring, and those locations and periods in her story offer a depth of possibility as to the history of the game itself.
The Golden Braid can also be seen in Godwyn’s mouth, on his interred corpse near the bottom of the Deeproot Depths.
The braid’s description also raises many questions as to the origin of the Grandmother and her significance to Marika.A statue of the Grandmother can be seen in the Shaman Villagewhere Tarnished find the Golden Braid, and they will notice she also has two braids, similar to Marika before her braid was cut as an offering. Many fans ofElden Ringlore are curious as to the implications of this strange and unseen character, why exactly Marika was obliged to cut her braid as an offering, and what power or benefit the braid provides for the Grandmother.
Elden Ring’s Lore & Story Still Have A Lot To Offer
The Golden Braid Is Just The Tip Of The Erdtree
Marika’s missing braid is such a small detail packed with many implications about the Lands Between, the Shadow Realm, Marika’s children, her ultimate fate, and much more.This level of depth makes players wonder if FromSoftware had the Golden Braid planned from the very beginning, or if it was meant to add depth to a previously mysterious detail. The attention paid to these nuances will leave Tarnished wondering just how deep the lore goes and what else the story has to offer. What else has FromSoftware hidden in plain sight, and what does any of it mean forElden Ring’slore and narrative?
Elden Ring Players Are Still Arguing About Shadow Of The Erdtree’s Biggest Trailer Mystery
Months after Shadow of the Erdtree’s release, Elden Ring fans are still desperately trying to figure out a lingering mystery that has no answer.
These are the intricacies and mysteries ofElden Ringthat keep Tarnished exploring the Lands Between time and time again.The Golden Braid is a tiny part of Marika’s elaborate backstory, and the character herself is only one of countless others, each with vast histories, symbols, and interconnected stories of their own. Whether players are on their first run, want to start their next journey, or are finally diving into theShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion forElden Ringfor the first time, be sure to keep an eye out for the small details that are hidden in plain sight.
Players venture into the shadowed realm of the Land of Shadow to confront new biomes, dungeons, and formidable bosses. Guided by the enigmatic Miquella, they face the terrifying Messmer the Impaler and uncover the dark secrets shrouded beneath the Erdtree’s influence, featuring new weapons, magic, and challenges.
