Understanding the Two Fingers in Elden Ring

The world of Elden Ring is a sprawling, intricate tapestry of interconnected lore and gameplay mechanics, with the Two Fingers playing a central role in both the narrative and progression. As envoys of the Greater Will, the Two Fingers guide the Tarnished, shape the fate of Empyreans, and hold sway over key mechanics such as revivifying the Great Runes and bestowing blessings. Yet, in the state we find them in during the events of Elden Ring, they appear withered, frail, and shrouded in mystery.

 

The Role of the Two Fingers in the Elden Ring World

 

The Two Fingers are described as intermediaries of the Greater Will, an otherworldly force that governs the Golden Order. Acting as divine envoys, the Two Fingers once actively communicated with heroes and Empyreans through "words of light," shaping the destiny of the Lands Between. Empyreans—chosen champions of the Greater Will—were each assigned their own pair of Two Fingers, as well as shadow-beasts tasked with both protecting them and ensuring their compliance.

 

However, by the time the Tarnished begins their journey, the Two Fingers we encounter are no longer the radiant, active guides they once were. At the Roundtable Hold, they appear feeble and inert, their influence diminished. Some NPCs, like the Dung Eater and Mohg, even deride the Two Fingers, accusing them of losing their purpose and abandoning their followers.

 

Despite their decline, the Two Fingers remain crucial to the narrative. They serve as a conduit for the Greater Will's intentions, albeit in an impaired manner. This state of decay has significant consequences for the Tarnished, as well as the fate of the Lands Between.

 

The Two Fingers

 

One of the most tangible contributions of the Two Fingers to the gameplay mechanics of Elden Ring is their connection to Great Runes, fragments of the shattered Elden Ring. The Two Fingers possess the power to revivify Great Runes, allowing players to restore these fragments and unlock their latent power.

 

Great Runes are integral to progressing the Tarnished's journey. After defeating demigods like Godrick the Grafted or Morgott the Omen King, players acquire their respective Great Runes, which must then be activated at Divine Towers scattered across the map. This activation process, symbolically tied to the Two Fingers and the Greater Will, reflects their overarching mission to mend the Elden Ring and restore balance to the Lands Between.

 

For players, acquiring and activating Great Runes adds a significant layer of customization. Each Great Rune provides a unique buff when equipped, such as Godrick's enhancement to all attributes or Radahn's increase in health, stamina, and FP. Utilizing Great Runes effectively can turn the tide of challenging battles, making them some of the most valuable Elden Ring Runes in the game.

 

Two Fingers' Influence on Elden Ring Items

 

The Two Fingers' lore extends beyond runes and into the realm of Elden Ring items, many of which are directly tied to their legacy and teachings. These items often carry the themes of light, faith, and divine intervention, reflecting their original role as messengers of the Greater Will.

Notable Items Connected to the Two Fingers:

 

    Cipher Pata: This weapon, inscribed with sacred words of light, directly embodies the communication of the Two Fingers. It's a faith-scaling weapon ideal for players who focus on holy damage and seek to wield the light of the Greater Will.

    Two Fingers Heirloom: A talisman that raises faith, this item signifies the spiritual connection between the Tarnished and the Two Fingers, empowering builds reliant on incantations and divine magic.

    Finger Seal: A sacred seal used to cast incantations, this item reflects the Two Fingers' former role as a beacon of divine guidance. It's an essential tool for faith-based characters.

    Blessings of the Erdtree: Certain incantations, like Blessing of the Erdtree, echo the Two Fingers' ability to confer divine aid. These spells heal and protect allies, embodying the nurturing aspect of the Greater Will.

 

Players who delve into these items often find themselves more attuned to the game's faith-based mechanics, utilizing the power of the Two Fingers to overcome challenges and bolster their allies.

 

Decline and Controversy Surrounding the Two Fingers

 

The decline of the Two Fingers raises questions about their true purpose and allegiance. Their inability to communicate effectively, particularly when faced with the thorned barriers of the Erdtree, hints at their waning connection to the Greater Will. This deterioration creates a vacuum, allowing figures like Mohg, Rykard, and the Fingerslayer Blade-wielding Fia to defy the Golden Order.

 

Mohg and his Mohgwyn Dynasty reject the Two Fingers entirely, seeking to impose a new order centered on the Formless Mother. Similarly, Rykard's alliance with the recusants signifies a complete break from the Greater Will's influence, favoring chaos and rebellion. These factions stand in direct opposition to the faith the Two Fingers once commanded, showcasing the fractured state of the Lands Between.

 

Conclusion

 

The Two Fingers in Elden Ring embody the tension between divine order and its decay. Though diminished, they remain pivotal to the game's progression, from their influence on Elden Ring Runes to the sacred power imbued in Elden Ring Items. Whether you embrace their guidance or question their intentions, the legacy of the Two Fingers shapes the Tarnished's journey through the Lands Between, making them a cornerstone of Elden Ring's rich and layered narrative.