Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. While a surface-level resemblance is apparent, particularly with the game's smaller Erdtrees, deeper thematic similarities have captivated fans.
In Elden Ring lore, the Erdtree guides the souls of the departed, explaining the catacombs at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia holds similar spiritual significance in Aboriginal Australian culture. Its blossoms represent the souls of the deceased, and its vibrant hues are linked to the sunset, the perceived destination of spirits.
Further bolstering the comparison is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it thrives by drawing nutrients from surrounding vegetation. This echoes a prevalent fan theory about the Erdtree's parasitic origins, suggesting it usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, game lore reveals that references to a "Great Tree" are actually mistranslations, referring to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.
Whether FromSoftware intentionally drew inspiration from Nuytsia remains a mystery, known only to the developers themselves.
