Empyreans (神人, Shinjin) are special beings that are capable of becoming gods of a new age[1] and forging a new order that governs the world.[2] One such way in which they can achieve this is by becoming the vessel of the Elden Ring.
Description[]
The most prominent Empyrean is Queen Marika, a Numen who became the vessel of the Elden Ring, using it to found the Golden Order.
Malenia and Miquella were born of a single god, which is indicated to be the reason that they were eligible to claim the title of Empyrean, and for the afflictions they were born with.[3] It is likely that this is due to their parents, Marika and Radagon, being two parts of one god. Malenia is an example of an Empyrean who can become a god without being vessel to the Elden Ring, as she will become a goddess upon blooming a third time.[4] It is unknown if other Empyreans possess their own means of godhood without the Elden Ring.
Lunar Princess Ranni is an Empyrean, and the daughter of Radagon and Queen Rennala of the Full Moon, suggesting that being born of a single god is not a strict requirement to be an Empyrean.
Malenia, Miquella, and Ranni, were selected during the Age of the Erdtree by their own Two Fingers to be candidates to succeed Marika.[1]
During the reign of Queen Marika, and at least the time immediately preceding it, Empyreans were chosen by the Two Fingers.[1] The Two Fingers grant Empyreans shadowbound beasts, also known as "shadows", to serve as loyal vassals.[5] Though incapable of treachery, shadows, against their own will, go mad if their masters resist the will of the Fingers, becoming a curse for their Empyrean.[6] The only two shadowbound beasts currently known are Maliketh, the Black Blade, who serves Marika, and Blaidd the Half-Wolf, who serves Ranni.
The consort of an Empyrean holds the title of lord.[7] Mohg wished to take the role of monarch by becoming the consort of Miquella, whom he wished to raise to full godhood, despite Miquella already having chosen Radahn as his consort.[8] The Tarnished may also gain the title of Lord by becoming the consort of Marika[9] or Ranni.[10]
List of Empyreans[]
The currently known Empyreans are:
- Queen Marika the Eternal[11]
- Ranni the Witch[1]
- Malenia, Blade of Miquella[1]
- Miquella of the Haligtree[1]
- The Gloam-Eyed Queen[12]
See Also[]
Trivia[]
- It is implied that Dragonlord Placidusax's unnamed god was also an Empyrean who was once vessel to the Elden Ring, apropos to his own title as Elden Lord. [13]
- "Empyrean" refers to the highest heaven in ancient and medieval cosmology, usually consisting of fire or light. It can also refer to the firmament, or heavens, or an ideal place or state.[14]
- In Japanese, Empyreans are referred to as 神人 (Shinjin), literally meaning "Divine Person", or "God-like Person."[15]
References[]
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