Elden Ring's Tree of Erd, a peculiar landmark resembling a festive symbol

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed an intriguing 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 guide for the souls of the deceased, explaining the catacombs at its base. Similarly, Aboriginal Australian culture views Nuytsia as a "spirit tree," with each flowering branch representing a departed soul. Its vibrant color is linked to the sunset, the perceived destination of spirits.

Image: reddit.com

Further strengthening this connection is the semi-parasitic nature of Nuytsia, drawing sustenance from neighboring plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree is parasitic, having overtaken the roots of an ancient Great Tree, the original source of life. However, recent analysis indicates that references to a "Great Tree" in game descriptions are translation inaccuracies, referring instead to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

Ultimately, whether FromSoftware intentionally incorporated elements of Nuytsia floribunda into the Erdtree's design remains a mystery known only to the developers.