Elden Ring Players Debate the Burning of Roundtable Hold

The Roundtable Hold in Elden Ring is one of the most important locations in the game, both in terms of gameplay and lore. As a sanctuary for the Tarnished, it serves as a hub where players can upgrade their weapons, enhance Spirit Ashes, and interact with various NPCs who guide them through the treacherous lands of Elden Ring. However, as players progress towards the endgame and set the Erdtree ablaze, they find that the Roundtable Hold also succumbs to flames. This event has sparked widespread debate among Elden Ring players, with many speculating on why this mysterious location burns alongside the Erdtree.

Theory 1: Roundtable Hold Exists Inside the Erdtree

One of the most popular theories among players is that the Roundtable Hold is located within the Erdtree itself, albeit in a hidden or mystical dimension. This idea posits that when the Tarnished burns the Erdtree, the Roundtable Hold, being part of the Erdtree's internal structure, burns as well.

A user on Reddit articulated this by suggesting that the Roundtable Hold could be in a "pocket dimension" within the Erdtree. Another player added that it "almost has to be" within the tree, given that there's no other way to logically fit the vastness of the Elden Beast's arena within the physical boundaries of the Erdtree. This theory aligns with the game's surreal narrative, where the boundaries between reality and magic are often blurred. However, this idea faces criticism from those who point out that the Roundtable Hold is described as being "outside this world" and is visibly distant from the Erdtree on the game's map.

Theory 2: A Spiritual or Astral Connection

Another theory that has gained traction suggests that the Roundtable Hold is not physically inside the Erdtree but is instead spiritually or astrally connected to it. According to this perspective, the destruction of the Erdtree disrupts the spiritual energy that sustains the Roundtable Hold, causing it to burn.

One player on Reddit shared their view, stating that they assumed the Hold was connected to the Erdtree on a "spiritual/astral plane," and when the Erdtree was set ablaze, the Roundtable Hold was destroyed as a result. Another player agreed, adding that the Hold could be linked to the Grace, which is in turn connected to the Erdtree. As the Erdtree burns and the Grace fades, the Roundtable Hold's existence becomes unsustainable, leading to its fiery demise. This theory draws on the game's recurring themes of interconnectedness between physical and spiritual realms, where actions in one plane of existence can have profound effects on another.

Theory 3: The Greater Will's Influence

A more esoteric theory involves the Greater Will, a cosmic force that plays a significant role in Elden Ring's lore. Some players speculate that the Erdtree is a manifestation of the Greater Will's power in the physical world. When the Tarnished sets the Erdtree on fire, they are effectively severing the Greater Will's influence, which in turn causes the Roundtable Hold to lose its tangible form and burn away.

This theory suggests that the Roundtable Hold's existence is tied to the Greater Will's control over the world, and once that control is disrupted, the Hold can no longer remain intact. This idea resonates with the overarching narrative of Elden Ring, where the Tarnished often find themselves challenging and disrupting the established order dictated by divine or cosmic forces.

Miyazaki's Canon Explanation

Despite the plethora of theories proposed by the Elden Ring community, the actual reason behind the Roundtable Hold's burning was revealed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game's director, in the second volume of The Books of Knowledge. Miyazaki explained that the Roundtable Hold while existing in a realm removed from the world, is modeled after the Fortified Manor in Leyndell. Its existence and power are derived from the Erdtree. Therefore, when the Erdtree is set on fire, the Roundtable Hold burns as well.

This explanation provides a clear link between the two locations, confirming that the Roundtable Hold's fate is intrinsically tied to the Erdtree. While the Hold may exist in a separate dimension or reality, its connection to the Erdtree means that it cannot escape the consequences of the tree's destruction.

Implications for Players

For players of Elden Ring, the burning of the Roundtable Hold is more than just a narrative event; it serves as a symbolic culmination of the Tarnished's journey. As they gather Elden Ring Runes and collect powerful Elden Ring Items to prepare for the final challenges, the burning Hold signifies the irreversible impact of their actions on the world. It is a poignant reminder that in the world of Elden Ring, power, destiny, and destruction are deeply intertwined.

The Roundtable Hold's demise also marks a turning point in the game, signaling the approach of the endgame and the final confrontation with the forces that have shaped the Lands Between. As players debate the reasons behind its burning, they are also reflecting on the broader themes of Elden Ring—the consequences of ambition, the fragility of power, and the inevitable decay that follows even the mightiest of empires.

In the end, the burning of the Roundtable Hold is a powerful narrative device that encapsulates the core of Elden Ring's story: a world on the brink of collapse, where every decision carries weight, and where even the most sacred places are not immune to the flames of change.