Golden Order
A fractured divine law where grace still guides, but order no longer holds.
The Golden Order is the governing framework of the Lands Between, rooted in the Elden Ring—specifically as altered by Queen Marika—and upheld by her until her shattering of the Ring. It defines reality itself, blending law, religion, and physics under a single doctrine centered on the Erdtree. The Two Fingers serve as envoys of the Greater Will, guiding Marika and the demigods, whereas the Tarnished are guided by Grace itself, not the Fingers. Though the Order was established under the Greater Will, it remains a distinct system from the Greater Will’s own nature, and it once enforced peace by excluding other outer gods. The Shattering—the war fought over the shards after Marika broke the Ring—fractured this unity, leaving demigods to war over pieces of the Ring while grace flickers uncertainly across a crumbling world.
- Founder
- Queen Marika
- Seat of Power
- Erdtree
- Divine Symbol
- The Golden Tree (Erdtree)
- Primary Enforcers
- Demigods ruling main areas
- Current Status
- Shattered
- Core Philosophy
- Guidance by Grace, exclusion of outer gods (though founded under the Greater Will, an outer god distinct from the Order's laws)
Lore & Background
The Golden Order emerged when Queen Marika fused her will with the Elden Ring, creating a realm where Destined Death was removed from the Ring—not death itself denied, as other forms of death persisted, giving rise to Those Who Live in Death. The Tarnished were banished due to loss of Grace, not to wage war; their warfare occurred during exile, later to be called back by grace. The Order operated under the guidance of the Two Fingers, representatives of the Greater Will, an outer god that ensured no other divine forces corrupted the Erdtree—though the Order’s laws remain distinct from the Greater Will itself. This order dictated all aspects of existence—magic, biology, and time itself bent to its golden rules. After Marika shattered the Elden Ring, she was imprisoned within the Erdtree, while the demigods claimed its Great Runes, becoming rulers over distinct regions like Stormveil Castle (ruled by Godrick) or Caelid—which became a rot-infested wasteland only after Radahn’s battle with Malenia, not as a pre-existing state. Their power corrupted them, sparking the Shattering—a civil war that tore the Lands Between apart as they fought over the fragments of what was once whole.
In Their Own Story
Early in their journey, a Tarnished meets Melina, who offers to serve as their Maiden despite being themselves ‘Maidenless.’ She grants the ability to turn runes into strength and provides Torrent, their steed, under the condition they reach the Erdtree. At Roundtable Hold, the Two Fingers instruct them to collect Great Runes from fallen demigods and bring them to repair the Ring. But when Morgott the Grace-Given falls guarding the Erdtree, he warns that its interior is blocked by thorns, making repair impossible. Melina then reveals two paths: seek the Flame of Ruin to burn away the blockage or embrace the Frenzied Flame’s chaos. Depending on choices made, six distinct endings unfold—from restoring Marika’s order to embracing ruin or even becoming Lord of Chaos.
Reader's Guide
Players navigate the Golden Order's remnants by collecting Great Runes from demigods like Morgott and Radagon while exploring hidden dungeons and open zones such as Limgrave and Caelid. Combat relies on weapons, spells enhanced via Ashes of War, and stealth mechanics to outmaneuver foes. Checkpoints called Sites of Grace allow attribute upgrades using runes—the currency earned by defeating enemies—but death causes permanent loss if not retrieved quickly. Multiplayer elements enable cooperative boss fights or PvP invasions using summon signs and items like the Taunter’s Tongue. Ultimately, players choose how to end the game: restore the Golden Order, replace it with a new regime, burn the Erdtree entirely, or succumb to the Frenzied Flame’s madness.
Did You Know?
- The Shattering refers to the war fought over the shards after Marika broke the Elden Ring, not the act of shattering itself.
- The demigods claimed their Great Runes only after Marika shattered the Elden Ring, not before.
- Six different endings are possible depending on actions taken throughout the game.
- Melina sacrifices herself to burn the Erdtree unless the player gains the Frenzied Flame.
- The DLC Shadow of the Erdtree was released in June 2024 and sold over ten million copies.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Golden Order?
Queen Marika the Eternal established this divine law after shattering the Elden Ring to impose her will on reality. It serves as the absolute framework for existence within the Lands Between.
What is the primary function of the Golden Order?
This doctrine governs social hierarchy and natural laws through the guidance of the Two Fingers. It enforces a unified peace under the grace of the Erdtree while excluding outer gods.
Where is the center of power for this faction?
The seat of authority resides in Leyndell, Royal Capital, beneath the shadow of the Golden Tree. This location acts as the spiritual and political heart of the realm under Marika's rule.
Who enforces the laws of the Golden Order?
The Order of Gold and Erdtree Knights serve as the primary enforcers of this divine doctrine. They maintain the hierarchy and protect the sanctity of the Erdtree from threats.
What is the current status of the Golden Order in the game?
Following Marika's shattering, the order has become fractured and decaying across the Lands Between. Its laws are no longer absolute as grace fades and new conflicts arise.
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