Elden Ring's Festive Tree of Grace

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. Superficial similarities are undeniable, particularly when comparing the game's smaller Erdtrees to the Nuytsia. However, the parallels run deeper.

Elden Ring lore depicts the Erdtree as a destination for the souls of the deceased, explaining the game's catacombs at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia floribunda holds similar spiritual significance in Australian Aboriginal culture. Each flowering branch is seen as representing a departed soul, and its vibrant colors are linked to the sunset, the perceived destination of spirits.

Further strengthening the comparison is the Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws nutrients from neighboring plants. This resonates with fan theories suggesting the Erdtree is parasitic, having potentially usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, in-game references to a "Great Tree" are now understood to be a mistranslation, referring instead to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

Ultimately, whether FromSoftware intentionally drew inspiration from Nuytsia floribunda remains a mystery known only to the developers.