"Elden Ring Enthusiasts Declare: Tree of Erd Now 'Christmas Tree'"

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed an intriguing 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 deceased, a concept mirrored in Aboriginal Australian culture's reverence for Nuytsia as a "spirit tree." The tree's vibrant blooms, reminiscent of sunset, are believed to represent the souls of the departed, echoing the catacombs found at the base of the Erdtree.

Further fueling the comparison is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws nutrients from neighboring plants. This parallels a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree is parasitic, having usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree (though in-game descriptions reveal this "Great Tree" is likely a mistranslation referring to the Erdtree's own extensive roots).

Ultimately, whether FromSoftware intentionally drew inspiration from Nuytsia floribunda remains a mystery known only to the developers.