Scarlet Rot: a biological exploration of Elden Ring’s decaying disease – Journal of Geek Studies

FromSoftware’s 2022 seminal work Elden Ring explores themes such as war, betrayal, and moral confrontations with the status quo in the Lands Between. These conflicts are deeply influenced by divine entities, specifically the Outer Gods, who seek to impose their will upon the continent. Their influence extends beyond shaping the social dynamics of the townsfolk and their leaders, affecting even their mental and physical health.

One such manifestation of divine interference is the Scarlet Rot, a persistent affliction that ravages all living beings. Not limited to humans, the Scarlet Rot also permeates the ecosystem, corrupting other animals and flora alike. This ailment has been spreading for an untold length of time, reaching every corner of the Lands Between, even forming landmarks characterized by oozing rot. Despite its catastrophic consequences, the disease has been neglected, leaving entire towns derelict and their inhabitants unattended. Furthermore, with its varied clinical manifestations and cosmic origins, treating and curing those afflicted is an immense challenge. However, we can infer the disease dynamics by drawing parallels between the Scarlet Rot and real-world pathogens, offering insight into its destructive power in the Lands Between.

The Scarlet Rot is the physical manifestation of the Outer God of Rot’s will upon the Lands Between, a force that transcends mere diseases. While its presence is most notably felt during the events of Elden Ring, its influence stretches back to ancient times. Historically, the Scarlet Rot was not always viewed as purely destructive. In some cultures, the bodily decay caused by the rot was considered a sacred process, integral to rituals of rebirth and transformation. Although there are no clear examples of diseases being revered in human history, they were often interpreted as divine intervention or retribution (Krzysztofik, 2022).

Leave a Comment