Elden Ring's Tree of Erd Dubbed "Christmas Tree" by Fans

Reddit user Independent-Design17 sparked an intriguing discussion by suggesting that the Erd Tree in Elden Ring might draw inspiration from the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. At a glance, the Small Erd Trees in the game bear a striking resemblance to Nuytsia, but fans have unearthed deeper connections that go beyond mere aesthetics.

In Elden Ring, the Erd Tree serves as a beacon for the souls of the deceased, guiding them to its roots where numerous catacombs are found. This mirrors the spiritual significance of Nuytsia in Australian Aboriginal culture, where it's revered as a "spirit tree." Each flowering branch of Nuytsia is believed to represent the soul of a departed individual, and its vibrant colors are linked to the sunset, symbolizing the journey of spirits to the afterlife.

Image: reddit.com

Another fascinating parallel is Nuytsia's nature as a semi-parasitic plant, which derives nutrients by tapping into the resources of neighboring flora. This characteristic resonates with the fan theory that the Erd Tree is parasitic, believed to have usurped the roots of the ancient Great Tree, a supposed source of life. However, it's worth noting that references to the "Great Tree" in item descriptions may be a translation error, actually referring to the "Great Roots" of the Erd Tree itself.

Whether these similarities between the Erd Tree and Nuytsia floribunda were deliberate nods by FromSoftware or mere coincidences remains a mystery known only to the game's developers.