As players continue to explore the vast and mysterious world of Elden Ring in 2026, discussions about its lore and inspirations remain as vibrant as ever. The game's most iconic symbol, the Erdtree, has been the subject of countless theories and analyses. Stretching its luminous branches across the sky of the Lands Between, it is an image forever burned into the minds of Tarnished adventurers. While its stylistic debt to the World Tree from the Berserk manga, a frequent source of inspiration for director Hidetaka Miyazaki, is well-documented, a fascinating alternative—or perhaps additional—inspiration has captured the community's imagination: the Nuytsia floribunda, known as the Western Australian Christmas Tree.
An Uncanny Visual Resemblance
At first glance, the connection might seem purely aesthetic. The Nuytsia floribunda, when in full bloom, is a spectacular sight, covered in vibrant orange and yellow flowers. Reddit user Independent-Design17 pointed out that this appearance bears a striking resemblance to the Erdtree, particularly the smaller, Minor Erdtrees scattered across the landscape. Both stand as solitary, radiant beacons in their environments. The Erdtree's golden glow mirrors the Christmas Tree's fiery blossoms, creating a visual parallel that is hard to ignore.
Deeper Roots: The Cycle of Life and Death
The similarities, however, run much deeper than mere looks. They tap into profound themes of spirituality and the afterlife. In the lore of Elden Ring, the Erdtree is central to the cycle of life and death. The souls of the dead are ceremoniously returned to it, which is why ancient catacombs are often found built around its massive roots. Even the powerful Remembrances held by demigods are described as being "hewn by the Erdtree." This sacred cycle is a cornerstone of the game's mythology.
Similarly, for the Aboriginal Wadandi people of Western Australia, the Nuytsia holds deep cultural significance as a "spirit tree." As author Sharnae Watson explains, each of its brilliant flowers is believed to represent the soul of a person who has died. The tree's stunning coloration is often associated with the sunset. There is a belief that spirits journey across the continent, "through the caves and over the ocean," to finally find rest within this tree. This spiritual journey mirrors the Erdtree's role as a final destination for souls, creating a powerful thematic echo between a real-world cultural belief and a fictional mythos.
The Parasitic Theory: A Controversial Link
Another intriguing connection raised by fans ties into one of Elden Ring's most hotly debated theories: that the Erdtree is itself a parasite. A popular fan theory suggests the Erdtree infested the roots of a primordial "Great Tree" that once housed the Crucible, the primordial source of all life. Interestingly, the Nuytsia floribunda is scientifically classified as a hemiparasite. It photosynthesizes on its own but also attaches its roots to those of other plants to siphon off water and nutrients. This biological reality adds a compelling layer to the speculative lore.
It is crucial to note, however, that the "Great Tree" theory is contested. Linguistic analysis by community experts like LaMi_1 has shown that references to a "Great Tree" in certain item descriptions are likely a mistranslation. The original text arguably refers to the "Great Roots" of the Erdtree itself. Despite this clarification, the parasitic narrative persists in the community, with some theorizing the Erdtree was planted by the Greater Will with malicious intent. The parallel with the Nuytsia's hemiparasitic nature, whether intentional or coincidental, fuels these imaginative discussions.
A Lasting Legacy of Speculation
Whether FromSoftware intentionally drew from the Western Australian Christmas Tree remains a mystery only the developers can solve. Yet, the parallels—both visual and thematic—are undeniably striking. They showcase how Elden Ring's world-building resonates with real-world mythology, biology, and culture, inviting players to look beyond the screen for clues. As the game's community continues to dissect every detail years after its release, connections like these keep the lore alive and evolving.
In 2026, revisiting the Lands Between during the holiday season might carry a new layer of meaning. 😉 The idea that the towering Erdtree could share a lineage with a festive "Christmas Tree" adds a whimsical, yet strangely fitting, twist to the epic saga. It serves as a perfect excuse for another journey through the Lands Between, where beauty, death, and mystery are forever intertwined under the glow of the great tree. So, grab your controller and see the Erdtree in a new light—its golden boughs might just remind you of a sunset blooming in the Australian outback.