Behold: Elden Ring Players Dub Erdtree as Festive Icon

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. While a surface-level resemblance, particularly between the smaller Erdtrees in the game and Nuytsia, is evident, deeper thematic parallels have captivated fans.

In Elden Ring, the Erdtree guides the souls of the departed, a fact reflected by the catacombs at its base. Interestingly, Nuytsia holds a similar spiritual significance in Australian Aboriginal culture. Its blossoms are seen as representing the souls of the deceased, and their vibrant hues are linked to the sunset, the believed destination of spirits.

Further fueling this comparison is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws sustenance from neighboring plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree is parasitic, having usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, it's now understood that game descriptions referencing a "Great Tree" are mistranslations, actually referring to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

Ultimately, whether FromSoftware intentionally drew inspiration from Nuytsia floribunda remains a mystery known only to the developers.