by MORGAN Jack - Published 8 months ago

Elden Ring Players Debate the Cause of the Roundtable Hold's Destruction

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The Roundtable Hold in Elden Ring plays a vital role in enhancing weapons and carries significant lore elements.
The conflagration of Roundtable Hold remains an enigma, with speculations suggesting it could be located within the Erdtree or in an alternate dimension.
Miyazaki has clarified that the Hold ignites whenever the Erdtree does, linking its existence and strength to the tree.

The Roundtable Hold serves as a crucial site in Elden Ring. It carries significant lore importance and is where the Tarnished can enhance their weapons and Spirit Ashes.

As the player nears the game's conclusion and ignites the Erdtree, the Roundtable Hold also catches fire. The rationale behind this conflagration remains vague within the game’s lore, and since the area is referred to as being "outside this world," players find it challenging to determine the cause of its destruction. However, this ambiguity has not deterred discussions among fans.

"I Always Thought It Was Hidden Within the Erdtree Itself."

One widely accepted theory suggests that the Roundtable Hold resides within the Erdtree, implying that both would consequently go up in flames at the same time.

In the discussion thread, one participant likened it to a "pocket dimension," while another remarked, "It has to be that, since there's no way the boss arena for the Elden Beast could possibly fit within the Erdtree, no matter its size."

Another user proposed that the Roundtable Hold exists in "a realm designed by Marika for the Tarnished," speculating that "it resides within Marika’s domain, or in the Erdtree but in a separate bubble."

This hypothesis encountered some resistance, particularly due to its "beyond this realm" positioning and the fact that it is located far from the Erdtree on the map of The Lands Between. Nonetheless, the term "beyond this realm" is quite ambiguous, with one player suggesting that within the tree could be perceived as "a world apart."

"I Believed It Was Linked To The Tree On A Spiritual/Astral Level"

An alternate theory proposes that the Roundtable Hold had a physical link to the Erdtree, yet resided on a separate realm of existence.

"I believed it was linked to the tree on a spiritual or astral level, so even if it wasn't physically present, annihilating the tree would eliminate the Hold," remarked one player, continuing, "I didn't consider it to have any deeper significance than that."

A second participant weighed in, stating, "That aligns with my thoughts as well. I believe it's connected to the grace, which in turn is tied to the Erdtree. Therefore, when the tree was consumed by flames and the grave started to diminish, the grip also weakened."

Alternative Concepts

An alternative theory put forward by a player suggests that "The Erdtree serves as the physical embodiment of the Greater Will, so burning it down likely hinders the Greater Will's capacity to maintain the Roundtable Hold within its realm of existence."

While another participant believed that "It's just ablaze due to a massive tree on fire hurling sparks all around."

The Real Reason Behind the Roundtable's Flame

While not explicitly outlined in the game, Miyazaki did provide an explanation for why the Hold is engulfed in flames.

In the second volume of The Books Of Knowledge, Miyazaki explained: "The Roundtable Hold exists as a location somewhat detached from the world, inspired by the Fortified Manor found in Leyndell, drawing its strength and authority from the Erdtree. This connection is why the Roundtable Hold is engulfed in flames when the Erdtree is set alight."

So there you have it; there is a canonical explanation for why the Roundtable Hold is ablaze.