Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC: Best Theories

The recently released teaser image for the upcoming Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, has the fan community abuzz with speculation about what the new content will entail. Though details remain scarce, a few compelling theories have emerged based on small clues within the artwork. Here are, by far, the best theories from Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Best Theories

The recently released teaser image for the upcoming Elden Ring DLC contains some intriguing oddities that fans have been quick to analyze:

For one thing, the large tree silhouette looming in the distance looks sort of like the Erdtree, but also pretty different. It's way more gnarly and twisted up. But check out that glow coming from the center - that golden radiance sure seems Erdtree-esque.
There's also a bunch of ghostly spirit graves peppered around, which is making people think those poor souls got lost somewhere outside the Erdtree's cycle of rebirth.
Now peep that blonde-haired character on the horse. Look familiar? That braided hairdo has only been rocked by the likes of Marika, Miquella and Godwyn - definitely putting this person in the family tree of the demigods.
And they appear to be riding some form of Torrent, which is an interesting wrinkle timeline-wise, since our trusty steed buddy was originally bequeathed to the player Tarnished character. So wherever this place is, it's somewhere Torrent isn't currently chilling with us.

There's clearly a lot to unpack from this single image. Let's explore some of the leading theories about what this could all mean...

A Darkened Version of The Lands Between

The image depicts an open landscape with ghostly grave markers in the foreground and a large, gnarled tree silhouette in the distance. This setting resembles The Lands Between from the base game, but with some ominous differences. The twisted tree looks similar to the Erdtree but appears dark and corrupted.

Some speculate this could represent The Lands Between in an alternate timeline where the Erdtree has rotted away.
The ghostly graves suggest this is a realm connected to death and the afterlife. This interpretation lines up with cut content referring to a "Land of the Dead." We may be visiting a shadowy inversion of the world we know.

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Time Travel to the Ancient Past

Others propose the setting may predate the events of the main story, before the Golden Order and Erdtree existed. The anomalous tree could be the primordial Crucible in its original form, prior to being parasitized and transformed by the Elden Beast.

In this era, souls had not yet been bound to the Erdtree's cycle of rebirth, explaining the lost spirits trapped in graves.
We may be witnessing the ancient mythic origins of the world.
Exploring this forgotten epoch could unveil secrets about the demigods' rise to power.

Inside Miquella's Dreams

The mysterious female figure on horseback strongly resembles Miquella, youngest of the demigod children. This has fueled speculation that the DLC may take place within the dreamworld Miquella created.

As an empyrean who rejected the Greater Will, Miquella sought to sever reliance on the Erdtree and forge a new order.
Before disappearing, he was obsessed with reviving his brother Godwyn.
The dream could serve as an alternate plane where Miquella pursues this goal.

Journeying through Miquella's subconscious may provide insight into his ambitions and relationship with Malenia. This would nicely complement the existing lore.

Summary

Setting resembles twisted version of The Lands Between
Possibly a shadow realm or timeline connected to the afterlife
Could be ancient era before Golden Order and Erdtree
Maybe a dreamscape created by Miquella
Character appears to be Miquella himself
DLC will likely expand on Miquella's backstory and motivations

No matter the specific direction, the DLC promises to unveil new secrets while building upon Elden Ring's rich lore. As we await more concrete details, these theories offer exciting possibilities for what awaits us when the expansion releases. Delving into unknown realms or eras could make for intensely fresh adventures beyond what we've seen before.