One Elden Ring Demigod Deserved A Bigger Role In Shadow Of The Erdtree

[Warning: Spoilers for Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree.]

Leading up to the release of ’s DLC, many players speculated that a certain golden child of Marika would make a large appearance. And while Godwyn is present in the Land of Shadow, his role in the story is near negligible, and some have expressed confusion as to why he does not feature more prominently. Some have even pointed out that Godwyn could have featured as Miquella's chosen consort instead of Radahn, with his spirit being imbued into Mohg's corpse.

There are certainly some reasons why this could have been a neat direction for to go in. However, looking deeper into the lore around Godwyn and Miquella, it becomes clear that this possibility wouldn't really have worked. As much as fans might have wished to see Godwyn in his former glory in the DLC, there are several reasons why this cannot be.

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a victory lap for FromSoftware, bringing in elements from past games without losing what made it special.

Much like Miquella in the base game, players cannot interact with or speak to Godwyn in any way. Instead, his «body» can be found underground among the roots of the Erdtree, rotting away in a pool of filth, now a being known as the Prince of Death. Godwyn is dead, after all, slain by the Black Knife Assassins in league with his half-sister, Ranni, with the Rune of Death. However, Godwyn is the patron of those who live in death, a disparate collection of undead and their sympathizers, so it is generally acknowledged that Godwyn still has influence in some way, despite his soul being destroyed.

Given that, and how his inert state somewhat resembles Miquella in his cocoon, some believed that Godwyn's consciousness was inside the Land of Shadow. That perhaps, like Miquella, he had abandoned his corporeal form to search for some greater power within this lost realm, seeking a way to bring about his own godhood. In addition, Godwyn's followers seem to share some