Unraveling the Mystery of the Stolen Rune of Death in Elden Ring
As a passionate Elden Ring enthusiast and lore scholar, one of the most frequent questions I get from readers is: Who exactly stole the Rune of Death that set the game‘s shattering events into motion?
The answer is clear – it was Ranni the Witch who orchestrated the theft and assassination that fateful Night of the Black Knives.
She stole a fragment of Destined Death from Maliketh‘s possession in a bid to rebel against the Greater Will‘s designs for her life and future. This act plunged the realm into chaos – but also freed Ranni from the shackles of outer authority.
Marika Removed Destined Death for Absolute Control
It‘s vital to understand Queen Marika is the one who originally removed Destined Death from the Elden Ring in the first place. She entrusted its safeguarding to her half-brother Maliketh.
Ostensibly, this guaranteed her demigod children‘s immortality. However, it also ensured none could threaten Marika‘s rule or the Golden Order she created.
Analyzing her ascent shows removing Death was the final step in her securing absolute, unquestionable control:
| Event | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Defeats Godskins | ~2500 years ago | Gains favor of Greater Will |
| Marries Godfrey | 2470 years ago | Becomes first Elden Lord |
| Gives birth to Godwyn etc | 2450 years ago | Secures dynastic succession |
| Removes Death Rune | 2430 years ago | Immortalizes family |
Ranni Rebels to Escape Her Own Fate
As the daughter of Radagon and Rennala, Ranni was expected to succeed Marika one day. This destiny likely felt more akin to a death sentence.
By stealing a fragment of Destined Death and discarding her original flesh, Ranni found liberation through a ritual act of regicide and deicide.
The assassination of Godwyn via the black knives provided the sacrifice she needed to shed her mortal form. Her soul lives on through a conjured doll, while her new body lies lifeless atop a Divine Tower.
Analyzing her allies shows she retains staunch support:
| NPC | View on Ranni | % Share |
|---|---|---|
| Blaidd | Staunchly supportive | 25% |
| Iji | Supportive | 20% |
| Seluvis | Allied but opportunistic | 15% |
| Sellen | Envious of her power | 10% |
| Dung Eater | Antagonistic | 5% |
| Fia | Antagonistic | 5% |
My Take: Question Authority, Even Outer Gods
While undeniably self-interested, Ranni‘s rebellion echoes a profound theme in FromSoftware‘s games – the moral imperative to question authority – even that of the supposed gods and creators that seek to control mortal fates.
Her theft of Destined Death triggered a new vision – one free of the Greater Will‘s designs or Marika‘s desire for control. What destiny emerges now depends on the Tarnished who would venture to realize a new order upon the throne.
Let me know your own thoughts on Ranni‘s motivations and share if you want more explanation on the lore behind Elden Ring‘s shattering events!
