The Lands Between (狭間の地, Hazama no Chi) is the name given to the setting of Elden Ring. It is a vast realm formerly ruled by Queen Marika the Eternal.
Overview[]
The Lands Between is an insular landmass featuring diverse biomes, including lush southern grasslands, a temperate central region, and a frozen, mountainous north. The Erdtree dominates the skyline, its golden presence visible across most of the realm. Two great underground rivers and an enormous root system span the continent's length.
Regions[]
The Lands Between consists of several contrasting regions, each with its own distinct environments. They are:
- Limgrave: Verdant plains, misty forests, and Stormveil Castle.
- Liurnia: A scholarly hub dominated by the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
- Caelid: War-ravaged lands plagued by the scarlet rot.
- Altus Plateau: The golden land of Leyndell, graced by the Erdtree's presence.
- Mountaintops of the Giants: A frigid and forbidden region tied to ancient Fire Giants.
- Siofra River: A starry, underground realm of the Nox and Ancestral Followers.
- Ainsel River: A series of underground tunnels leading to the vast and putrid Lake of Rot.
- Deeproot Depths: The burial ground of an Eternal City and Godwyn, the Prince of Death.
- Realm of Shadow
: The land of the Scadutree, hidden by Queen Marika.
Background[]
- Main article: Lore
It is said that long ago, the Greater Will triggered a great rupture across the heavens,[1][2] and the vitality of the stars rained down upon the Lands Between.[3][4][5][6] The first star to arrive contained the daughter of the Greater Will: Metyr, Mother of Fingers.[7] Later came a golden star bearing an Elden Beast, which later became the Elden Ring.[8]
The Lands Between witnessed the rise and fall of many civilizations and their gods.[9][10][11] In the prehistoric era, Dragonlord Placidusax served as the Elden Lord of the Ancient Dragons.[12] During the Age of the Erdtree, Queen Marika, vessel of the Elden Ring,[13] and her consort, the Elden Lord, ruled from Leyndell, Royal Capital, atop the Altus Plateau. Evidence of ancient cultures such as the Nox, Giants, Astrologers, Ancient Dynasty, and Hornsent remains scattered and buried throughout the realm.[14][15][16]
The Lands Between was also home to the Primordial Crucible,[17][18] where all life was once blended together.[19] Under the guidance of the Two Fingers,[20] Marika transformed the Crucible into the Erdtree during her rise to power.[21][22] She later excised the heart of the Lands Between,[23] creating a Realm of Shadow to conceal her secrets.[24]
After Marika shattered the Elden Ring, the Lands Between became the site of The Shattering: a war between her Demigod offspring.[25] Despite the power gained through their Great Runes, none of them succeeded in becoming Elden Lord. Grace was then extended to the Tarnished,[26] who were called back to the Lands Between to seek the shards of the Elden Ring, so that one may become Elden Lord.[27]
Nightreign[]
Elden Ring Nightreign is set in a parallel timeline where the Shattering War had a different outcome, featuring Limveld, a volatile and ever-changing region.
Notes[]
- Sections of the Lands Between have been displaced, buried, or sealed away over the ages.[28]
- All manner of Death washes up on the Lands Between.[23]
- The Suppressing Pillar stands at the center of the Lands Between.[23]
- The various outer gods contest the Lands Between.
Trivia[]
- George R. R. Martin invented the name "Lands Between" for the setting.[29]
- The Lands Between were once referred to as "The Riftlands" through an unnamed character's monologue from a leaked internal trailer initially meant for European shareholders.
Gallery[]
See also[]
- Limveld
- List of areas outside the Lands Between
References[]
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