Elden Ring Aging Untouchable

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

05-01-2025

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FromSoftware's Elden Ring isn't your typical fantasy RPG. While it features fantastical creatures, epic battles, and a sprawling world, its handling of aging and mortality sets it apart. Unlike many games where the protagonist's age is a static element, Elden Ring presents a more nuanced, arguably untouchable, perspective on the passage of time.

The Timeless Tarnished: A Character Beyond Age?

The Tarnished, our customizable protagonist, is resurrected after a long period of dormancy. Their age at the start of the game is undefined, and arguably, irrelevant. This lack of concrete age definition allows players to project their own interpretations onto the character, fostering a stronger connection and immersion. There's no visible aging throughout the game; the Tarnished remains essentially unchanging, regardless of how many in-game years pass (a concept which, itself, remains somewhat vague within the game's narrative).

This unconventional approach avoids the potential narrative pitfalls of forced aging storylines, allowing the focus to remain on the overarching quest for the Elden Ring and the exploration of the Lands Between. The Tarnished exists outside the typical constraints of age-related limitations, embodying a timeless quality that enhances the epic scale of the game's narrative.

A Symbolic Representation

One could interpret the Tarnished's agelessness as a symbolic representation of the enduring struggle for power and legacy. The relentless pursuit of the Elden Ring transcends the limitations of a single lifetime; the Tarnished is a vessel for this age-old ambition, their agelessness representing the persistence of the conflict. This interpretation further elevates the game's thematic depth.

The World of the Lands Between: A Shifting Sands of Time

While the Tarnished seemingly avoids the ravages of time, the world of the Lands Between presents a contrasting image. The remnants of a once-great kingdom, scarred by war and decay, speak of a history stretching far beyond the protagonist's immediate journey. Ruins, ancient lore, and the memories of fallen heroes vividly illustrate the passage of time and its devastating effects on civilization.

The juxtaposition of the timeless Tarnished and the aged world accentuates the game's profound themes of mortality and legacy, making the Tarnished's journey all the more poignant. Their pursuit of power against the backdrop of a decaying world forces players to ponder the ephemeral nature of empires and the lasting impact of individual actions.

Conclusion: An Untouchable Legacy

Elden Ring's handling of aging is a deliberate design choice, serving to enhance the game's narrative depth and thematic resonance. The Tarnished's seemingly untouchable nature isn't a weakness but a unique element that allows for a more focused and impactful player experience, allowing the player to focus on the grand challenges of the Lands Between without the distraction of a linear aging progression. The agelessness of the protagonist is not a flaw, but a feature that serves the broader narrative perfectly.