Elden Ring: Three Fingers

The Three Fingers in Elden Ring are a chilling and dark part of the game's lore, embodying the Frenzied Flame, an outer god whose primary goal is the destruction of the world and the cyclical nature of life. Here's a deeper dive into their role and significance:

Origins and Purpose

The Three Fingers represent the Frenzied Flame, which is rooted in chaos and seeks to bring an end to the world as we know it. Their goal is not just the destruction of life but the reversal of time itself, returning the world to a primordial state before the concept of order and creation existed. They serve as the antagonistic force to the forces of order and stability in the game, including the Greater Will and the Two Fingers.

The Three Fingers are deeply connected to chaos and madness, with their flame symbolizing a powerful force that seeks to burn away everything that exists, leading to total annihilation. They oppose the structure that has been set by the divine forces, which is why their influence is inherently dangerous and alluring to those who are drawn to chaos.

Location and Discovery

The Three Fingers reside in a hidden, incredibly difficult-to-access location beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. This subterranean region is a dangerous and forbidden place, representative of the god's chaotic nature.

This area is hidden and hard to find, reflecting the secretive and almost forbidden nature of the Three Fingers themselves. Their influence over the Tarnished (players) is subtle, pulling them towards destruction if the Tarnished choose to embrace it. Only those with enough resolve to delve into the madness will be able to access the Three Fingers and experience their embrace.

Interaction and Embrace

To be embraced by the Three Fingers, the player must strip themselves of armor and clothing, symbolizing the rejection of the protective order that the armor represents. This act is not only a literal exposure but also a metaphorical one: it represents the player's willingness to embrace the chaotic destruction that the Three Fingers offer.

Once you embrace the Frenzied Flame by touching the Three Fingers, you are marked with the Frenzied Flame's scar-a yellow, charred mark that symbolizes the chaotic power now coursing through you. This process can have significant effects on the player's character, including a powerful, albeit destructive, ability to spread the Frenzied Flame throughout the world.

Shabriri and the Three Fingers' Influence

The Three Fingers are closely tied to Shabriri, a character who is instrumental in guiding the Tarnished towards the path of the Frenzied Flame. Shabriri seeks to turn the player toward the Three Fingers, hoping to guide them to use their power to save Melina, a character who is entwined in the game's tragic narrative.

However, it's important to note that the Frenzied Flame doesn't come without consequences. Those who accept the Three Fingers' embrace will often find themselves at odds with other factions, such as the Greater Will and the Two Fingers, who seek to maintain the order and structure of the world. The player's decision to embrace the Frenzied Flame is a pivotal moment in Elden Ring, one that can affect the ending and their journey.

Symbolism and Themes

The Three Fingers represent several overarching themes in Elden Ring:

Chaos vs. Order: The Frenzied Flame is the chaotic force that seeks to break down all forms of order, which is a stark contrast to the stabilizing influences of the Two Fingers and the Greater Will.

Destruction and Rebirth: The Frenzied Flame seeks to bring about destruction, but it's implied that such destruction is necessary for a new beginning. In this way, the Three Fingers are both a force of annihilation and a potential precursor to a new world.

Temptation and Sacrifice: The allure of the Three Fingers and the Frenzied Flame is a corrupting temptation, one that promises great power and influence but at the cost of your very humanity and the stability of the world around you.

The Three Fingers and Ending Choices

Choosing to embrace the Frenzied Flame leads to a unique series of consequences in the game, notably influencing the outcome. Embracing this chaos will affect the player's relationship with various factions, particularly the Two Fingers and the Greater Will, and unlock different endings based on how you interact with the power of the Frenzied Flame.

The Three Fingers represent a dark, compelling choice within Elden Ring-one that speaks to themes of destruction, rebirth, and the rejection of divine order. Their embrace offers immense power but comes with a price: the potential for madness and the unraveling of the world.

Elden Ring thrives on offering players difficult choices, and the Three Fingers are one of the most morally complex and dark aspects of the game. Embracing them, or rejecting them, may influence certain NPC quests or cause specific NPCs to become hostile or distant. This can lead to missing out on some Elden Ring items or Elden Ring runes if not handled properly. If you're considering this choice, it might be helpful to weigh the potential changes in gameplay style, NPC interactions, and the story outcomes that come with embracing or rejecting the Three Fingers.