This Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Connection Might Explain Shabriri’s Past
Since the announcement of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the upcoming DLC has generated a wave of theories about its potential lore revelations. One character at the center of much speculation is Shabriri, a mysterious figure who plays a pivotal role in Elden Ring Runes story and the choices players make. Known for his cryptic statements, radical ideology of chaos, and an intense obsession with the "Flame of Frenzy," Shabriri's past remains largely unknown, and fans are eager for clues that could unravel his backstory.
Some believe that Shadow of the Erdtree might finally shed light on Shabriri's origins, motivations, and his deeper connection to the game's broader lore. As theories swirl, here's a closer look at the possible connections between Shabriri, the Flame of Frenzy, and what Shadow of the Erdtree might reveal about this enigmatic character.
Shabriri and the Flame of Frenzy: A Brief Overview
To understand Shabriri's connection to the Erdtree, we must first delve into his ideology. Shabriri is an advocate for the Flame of Frenzy, a chaotic force that aims to consume the world and free it from suffering. His desire to see the world engulfed in flames is not born from malice alone but from a distorted sense of empathy. Shabriri believes that true freedom lies in the annihilation of everything, which he equates with liberation from the gods' control.
In-game, Shabriri is one of the most prominent characters associated with the Frenzied Flame ending. He encourages the Tarnished to pursue this chaotic path, even offering himself as a mentor to those who wish to see the world in flames. However, Elden Ring reveals little about his past or why he chose to embrace this destructive ideology. Shadow of the Erdtree could potentially hold answers to these lingering questions.
The Erdtree's Shadows: A Clue to Shabriri's Origins?
The Erdtree symbolizes stability, order, and the divine right of the Golden Order, which stands in direct opposition to the Flame of Frenzy's chaotic power. As such, Shabriri's devotion to the Flame places him in stark opposition to the Erdtree and the forces it represents. The title of the upcoming DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, hints at exploring the darker aspects of the Erdtree and what lies beyond its radiant facade.
Some fans theorize that Shabriri may have been deeply connected to the Erdtree in his past life, perhaps even as a servant or a believer of the Golden Order, before his disillusionment drove him to seek the Flame. This theory aligns with the idea that Shabriri's zealotry stems from betrayal and a feeling of abandonment. If Shadow of the Erdtree explores the hidden history and darker secrets of the Erdtree, we may uncover what caused Shabriri to reject it so fervently.
Shabriri as a Fallen Monk of the Erdtree?
One fascinating possibility is that Shabriri was once a member of a monastic order devoted to the Erdtree. In Elden Ring, the Lands Between are filled with individuals who, at some point, turned their backs on the established order. Shabriri could have been one such figure—a monk who, disillusioned by the Erdtree's power, chose the Flame of Frenzy as a form of rebellion.
The DLC may delve into these mysteries, revealing how the Erdtree and the Greater Will enforce their control and whether this oppression spurred Shabriri's descent into madness. This theory is particularly compelling when considering Shabriri's intense hatred for the world order and his desire to see it burn. A story of betrayal or loss of faith would offer a meaningful foundation for his character's motivations.
The Relationship Between the Erdtree and the Frenzied Flame
Throughout Elden Ring, there is an underlying duality between the Erdtree's light and the chaos of the Frenzied Flame. While the Erdtree's power is orderly, illuminating, and benevolent on the surface, the Frenzied Flame represents untamed destruction, freedom, and madness. Shabriri embodies this destructive force, but Shadow of the Erdtree may reveal a connection between the two that players have yet to discover.
For example, it is possible that the Frenzied Flame itself emerged as a response to the Erdtree's dominion. The Flame may be a counterforce meant to balance the cosmic scale, suggesting that Shabriri is a pawn or agent of a natural balancing act. This connection could make Shabriri less of a mere madman and more of an unwilling instrument in a larger cosmic play.
If Shadow of the Erdtree indeed explores these dualities, we could gain a clearer picture of how Shabriri fits into the universe's grand design, showing him as a tragic figure bound by forces beyond his control.
Shabriri's Knowledge of Miquella and His Role in Shadow of the Erdtree
Another aspect worth examining is Shabriri's knowledge of Miquella, one of the most mysterious characters in Elden Ring. Though Miquella is mentioned in the base game, much of his backstory and influence remain veiled in secrecy. Given that Shadow of the Erdtree is speculated to focus heavily on Miquella, the DLC may present opportunities to link Shabriri to the young demigod's fate.
In the main game, Shabriri seems well-informed about many esoteric elements, from the Flame of Frenzy to the machinations of the Golden Order. It's not far-fetched to imagine that he might have some knowledge of Miquella's ambitions and the god's relationship with the Erdtree. The DLC could explore interactions between Miquella and Shabriri, perhaps casting Shabriri as someone who witnessed Miquella's experiments or as a figure who resented Miquella's attempts to alter the world order.
If this connection is real, it would give Shabriri a deeper purpose in Elden Ring's lore and potentially unveil aspects of Miquella's story that fans have long speculated about.
Shabriri's Descent into Madness and the Influence of the Erdtree's Shadow
Madness is a pervasive theme throughout Elden Ring Items, and Shabriri is arguably its most iconic manifestation. However, Shabriri's brand of madness seems purposeful, almost strategic. He speaks with clarity and conviction, suggesting that his descent into madness was not entirely chaotic but a chosen path.
The Shadow of the Erdtree may reveal that Shabriri's madness is rooted in the Erdtree's influence, a corruption caused by prolonged exposure to its power or even the revelation of its darker secrets. If Shabriri discovered forbidden knowledge—perhaps related to the Erdtree's origins or the nature of the Golden Order—it could explain his shift from loyal servant to advocate of chaos.
Such an origin story would make Shabriri a sympathetic character, one who turned to the Frenzied Flame after witnessing the horrors or injustices perpetuated by the Erdtree. This backstory would paint Shabriri not just as a madman but as a tragic figure who sacrificed everything in the name of what he believed to be true freedom.
A Catalyst for the Tarnished's Journey in the DLC?
If Shadow of the Erdtree is indeed intended to explore the lore of Shabriri and the Flame of Frenzy further, Shabriri could play a pivotal role in the Tarnished's journey throughout the DLC. He may act as a guide, warning or enticing players with glimpses of forbidden knowledge about the Erdtree. Alternatively, he may appear as an antagonist, challenging players to question their allegiance to the Golden Order.
Shabriri's presence in the DLC could serve as a reminder of the path of the Frenzied Flame and its promises of “freedom.” His interaction with the protagonist could be a powerful means of showing the cost of madness and the price of unbridled freedom in a world ruled by divine forces.
Final Thoughts
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has the potential to redefine how players understand Shabriri, elevating him from a chaotic zealot to a figure with a tragic past. His hatred of the Erdtree and devotion to the Frenzied Flame suggest a story of betrayal, suffering, and rebellion—one that could make him one of Elden Ring's most complex characters.
As players eagerly await Shadow of the Erdtree, Shabriri stands at the crossroads of mystery and revelation.