"Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree" introduces the Bonny Village, a rural settlement rich with lore and significance. This village, where the Hornsent conducted their ritual of placing Shamans into Living Jars, holds vital clues about Queen Marika's history and mysterious connections. A particular detail that has sparked considerable fan speculation is the shed snake skin found near this village.

The Significance of the Shed Snake Skin

The discovery of the shed snake skin near Bonny Village has led to various intriguing theories. Two notable blasphemous snakes in "Elden Ring" are Rykard, who fed himself to the God-Devouring Serpent, and Messmer, born with the Abyssal Snake consuming him from within. While Messmer's curse remains unexplained, the shed skin might offer some insights into these mysteries.

Twitter user @breebunn suggests that Rykard's shed skin would resemble the one found outside Bonny Village, with openings for humanoid limbs. However, they argue that the skin does not belong to Rykard, as he fed himself to the God-Devouring Serpent at Volcano Manor, not in the realm of shadow where Bonny Village is located. Instead, @breebunn proposes that the shed skin belongs to someone else who participated in a similar "profane ritual."

Marika's Betrayal and the Divine Serpent Theory

The Shadow of the Erdtree trailer mentions Marika's "seduction" and "betrayal," which is often interpreted as her convincing the Hornsent that she could become a saint, only to claim godhood for herself. However, @breebunn suggests a different perspective: Marika's seduction and betrayal could involve her feeding herself to a divine serpent. Statues depicting Marika often show her dress flowing like a snake, and many fans have drawn parallels between the Golden Order and Christian allegory, casting Marika in the role of Eve, seduced by a serpent.

In The Lands Between, snakes are seen as blasphemous symbols, used by villains at the Colosseum and deemed heretical. This stigma against snakes, despite predating Rykard's feeding ritual, might have roots in Marika's actions. If Marika indeed fed herself to a serpent god but emerged unscathed, it could explain why she was able to claim divinity without fully committing to the ritual. This betrayal of the serpent might have resulted in the curse being passed down to her son, Messmer.

The Implications of the Theory

If this theory holds true, it offers explanations for several significant elements in "Elden Ring":

The Blasphemy of Snakes: Marika's betrayal could be the origin of the stigma against snakes, explaining why they are seen as blasphemous and heretical.

Messmer's Curse: The curse consuming Messmer from within might be a consequence of Marika's incomplete ritual and betrayal of the serpent.

Rykard's Heresy: Rykard feeding himself to the God-Devouring Serpent might have been seen as particularly heretical due to its association with Marika's profane act.

This theory intertwines with the established lore and enhances the narrative depth of "Elden Ring." It recontextualizes Marika's actions and provides a new lens through which to view the game's events and characters.

Conclusion

The discovery of the shed snake skin in Bonny Village and the ensuing theories about Marika's connection to a divine serpent add layers of intrigue to "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree." If Marika indeed fed herself to a serpent god and betrayed it, this act could have far-reaching implications for the game's lore, explaining the origins of certain curses and stigmas within The Lands Between. As fans continue to explore and uncover the secrets of "Elden Ring," theories like these enrich the community's understanding and appreciation of the game's complex and captivating world.

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