Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. The resemblance, particularly between the smaller Erdtrees in the game and Nuytsia, is striking. However, the similarities extend beyond mere visual appearance.
Elden Ring lore depicts the Erdtree as a guiding force for the souls of the departed, explaining the catacombs at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia floribunda holds similar spiritual significance in Australian Aboriginal culture, its blossoms representing the souls of the deceased, their vibrant hues mirroring the sunset, the supposed destination of spirits.
Further bolstering this connection is the semi-parasitic nature of Nuytsia, which draws nutrients from surrounding plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree's parasitic nature, where it allegedly usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, recent findings suggest that references to a "Great Tree" in game descriptions may be a mistranslation, referring instead to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.
Whether these parallels are deliberate design choices by FromSoftware or coincidental remains a mystery.
