The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces Messmer, a hidden child of Marika with a tragic story. Central to his character is a missing eye, replaced by a mysterious seal. This article delves into the lore behind Messmer’s lost eye and its significance in the wider narrative.
Messmer’s Curse: The Abyssal Serpent
Messmer, like his half-siblings Miquella and Malenia, was born with a curse. His curse, however, manifested as the Abyssal Serpent dwelling within him. This powerful entity posed a significant threat to Marika’s reign and the stability of the Lands Between. The Abyssal Serpent represents a force diametrically opposed to the Golden Order and the Erdtree, embodying chaos and destruction.
Marika’s Solution: A Seal of Grace
To prevent the Abyssal Serpent from consuming Messmer and potentially challenging her rule, Queen Marika took drastic measures. She removed Messmer’s right eye and replaced it with a seal crafted from Grace, the divine power of the Erdtree. This act served to contain the Abyssal Serpent, preventing it from influencing Messmer and wreaking havoc upon the world. The use of Grace in the seal highlights the immense power of the Abyssal Serpent and the lengths to which Marika had to go to suppress it.
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The Eye as a Symbol of Sacrifice and Control
Messmer’s missing eye serves as a potent symbol of sacrifice and control. The sacrifice is twofold: Messmer loses a part of himself to contain the curse, and Marika sacrifices her son’s well-being for the sake of her power. The seal also represents Marika’s control, not just over the Abyssal Serpent, but also over Messmer himself. By binding him with this seal, she ensures his loyalty and prevents him from becoming a threat.
Messmer’s Fate and the Cycle of Betrayal
Despite his sacrifice, Messmer is ultimately betrayed by Marika. She banishes him to the Realm of Shadow to purge the Hornsent, a race without Grace. After completing this brutal task, Marika abandons him, concealing the Realm of Shadow and severing all ties. Messmer’s lost eye becomes a reminder of his mother’s cruelty and the cyclical nature of betrayal within the Golden Order.
The Eye and the Deeper Themes of Elden Ring
Messmer’s lost eye connects to broader themes within Elden Ring, such as the corrupting influence of power, the cyclical nature of violence, and the questionable morality of the Golden Order. It serves as a visual representation of the hidden sacrifices and the price of maintaining order in the Lands Between.
In conclusion, Messmer’s missing eye is not merely a physical characteristic; it’s a crucial narrative element that reveals deeper layers of lore and thematic complexity within Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. It symbolizes sacrifice, control, betrayal, and the ultimately tragic fate of a character trapped by forces beyond his control. The removal of his eye serves as a constant reminder of the Abyssal Serpent within him, Marika’s manipulative actions, and the profound consequences of their intertwined destinies.
