What are Empyreans in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

Lore enthusiasts might wonder what Empyreans in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree are. The Lands Between holds many secrets, and with the arrival of the new Elden Ring expansion, the term Empyrean has gained significant importance. These mysterious figures hold considerable relevance to the Golden Order and the fate of the Erdtree in this title.

In this article, we will dissect the lore about the Empyreans in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. We will mention the characters from this race in the game, why they are important, and what caused them to exist in the Lands Between.

Note: Parts of this article contain spoilers about Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. Proceed with caution.

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Who are Empyreans in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

Ranni is an Empyrean (Image via FromSoftware || VaatiVidya on YouTube)

Empyreans in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree are not a race but rather a special "label" for some key individuals. Empyreans are like demigods, but they also hold the potential to serve as the vassal to an Outer God. This isn't something that all demigods in the game's lore are capable of.

Empyreans are the only ones who can ascend to become a God, succeeding Queen Marika and creating a new world order. Essentially, all Empyreans are candidates who will become God at some point and take over the Order.

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List of Empyreans in Elden Ring verse

Malenia was also an Empyrean (Image via FromSoftware)

Throughout the story, we know that there are five Empyreans:

• Queen Marika the Eternal
• Ranni the Witch
• Malenia, Blade of Miquella
• Miquella of the Haligtree
• The Gloam-Eyed Queen

Because Marika and Radagon share the same body, many might consider him to be an Empyrean as well. However, this is not the actuality, as hinted by Melina's recollection at the Queen's Bedchambers site of grace:

"In Marika's own words. O Radagon, leal hound of the Golden Order. Thou'rt yet to become me. Thou'rt yet to become a god. Let us be shattered, both. Mine other self."

Although "Thou'rt yet to become me" can insinuate many things, Radagon himself wasn't labeled as an Empyrean.

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How to become an Empyrean in Elden Ring?

Queen Marika as seen in Elden Ring (Image via FromSoftware || Drake Platinum on YouTube)

The exact conditions to become an Empyrean are shrouded in mystery. However, the game's lore has confirmed a few things:

• You can be born as an Empyrean from another Empyrean. This was the case with Malenia and Miqella, who were born to Queen Marika.
• The Two Fingers has the power and authority to choose someone to become an Empyrean. Ranni and The Gloam-Eyed Queen were chosen by their respective Two Fingers.

It is also hinted that for someone to be an Empyrean, at least one of their parents must be a God. This holds for all the known Empyreans except The Gloam-Eyed Queen, whose origins and lineage remain a history. What we do know about her stems from the Black Flame Ritual description that states:

"The Gloam-Eyed Queen led the apostles. It is said that she was an Empyrean chosen by the Fingers."

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What is the Empyreans' role in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

Miquella and Radahn in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (Image via FromSoftware || tomigames in shorts on YouTube)

With the arrival of the Shadow of the Erdtree, the fates of the known Empyreans become crucial to the narrative. Miquella, who was cursed to always be a child, plays a central role in the expansion.

Understanding Empyreans and their connection to the Golden Order is paramount to unraveling the mysteries that lie within the lore of Erdtree and the Land of Shadows.