Maliketh the Black Blade: A Tragedy of Duty, Betrayal, and Destined Death in Elden Ring

The Shadow Before the Shattering

Feared and revered, Maliketh the Black Blade stands as one of the most formidable and tragic figures in the world of Elden Ring. His is a story etched in blood and betrayal, a narrative interwoven with the fate of the Elden Ring itself. More than just a challenging boss encounter, Maliketh embodies the consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrosive nature of power. Maliketh’s story is a compelling tapestry woven with duty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power, ultimately leading to his fall and the shattering of the Elden Ring.

Before the Shattering, before the Lands Between were scarred by war and madness, Maliketh served as Marika the Eternal’s loyal Shadow. A protector, enforcer, and blade in the darkness, he was entrusted with a power that both defined him and ultimately led to his downfall: the Rune of Death, also known as Destined Death. As the Blade of Destined Death, Maliketh held dominion over the very concept of mortality, capable of delivering true death that bypassed the Erdtree’s cycle of rebirth.

His relationship with Marika was one of unwavering loyalty, a bond forged in purpose and necessity. Marika relied upon Maliketh’s strength and his command over Destined Death to maintain order and enforce her will. However, the complexities of this relationship remain shrouded in mystery, with some speculating about deeper connections between the two. The exact nature of their dynamic is one of the most hotly debated topics in the Elden Ring community.

Moreover, the relationship between Maliketh and Godwyn the Golden is pivotal. Godwyn, a figure of grace and diplomacy, stood as a bridge between humanity and the divine. The bonds that tied Maliketh and Godwyn are as yet unknown, but the events surrounding Godwyn’s assassination on the Night of the Black Knives would shape Maliketh’s destiny profoundly.

The Night of Black Knives and a Failed Vow

The Night of the Black Knives remains the most pivotal moment in Elden Ring’s lore, the catalyst that set in motion the Shattering and the war that followed. On this night, a group of assassins, wielding blades imbued with fragments of Destined Death, orchestrated the assassination of Godwyn the Golden. This event shook the foundation of the Golden Order and shattered Marika’s seemingly unbreakable will.

Maliketh’s role in the tragedy is complex. Was he directly responsible, perhaps through a moment of weakness or by a calculated action? Or did he simply fail to protect Godwyn, consumed by grief and guilt? One can argue his ultimate failure stems from the fact that, although he was Marika’s shadow, he was ultimately still vulnerable.

Regardless of the specifics, the failure to protect Godwyn and the subsequent theft of Destined Death deeply affected Maliketh. In a desperate attempt to contain the power he had lost, he sealed Destined Death within his own body, becoming Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman. In doing so, he hoped to prevent its further use and contain the damage it had already caused. However, this act also chained him to a slow and agonizing descent into madness, forcing him into self-imposed exile.

The consequences of sealing Destined Death were profound. The Golden Order’s control over the cycle of rebirth was fractured, leading to the emergence of Those Who Live in Death, undead beings who defied the Erdtree’s influence. This destabilized the Lands Between and created a breeding ground for dissent and rebellion.

Gurranq and the Call of Beasthood

Seeking solace and penance, Maliketh retreated to the isolated region of Caelid, assuming the identity of Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman. Consumed by a ravenous hunger for Deathroot, remnants of those touched by Destined Death, Gurranq became a twisted reflection of his former self. Players encounter him in the Bestial Sanctum, where they can offer Deathroot in exchange for powerful incantations.

As Gurranq, Maliketh’s memories are fragmented, his mind clouded by the burden of Destined Death. His constant hunger serves as a metaphor for his guilt and the insatiable desire to atone for his perceived failure. This transformation from a noble warrior to a ravenous beast underscores the devastating impact of loss and the corrosive effects of suppressed trauma.

Maliketh Unleashed: The Black Blade Awakens

Eventually, the Tarnished confronts Maliketh in Crumbling Farum Azula, a floating city on the verge of collapse. Here, the truth of Gurranq’s identity is revealed, and the Black Blade awakens once more. Maliketh, now a frenzied embodiment of Destined Death, stands as a final obstacle to claiming the power needed to repair the Elden Ring.

The battle against Maliketh is a spectacle of chaotic energy and raw power. He wields his blade with devastating speed and precision, unleashing waves of Destined Death that can reduce the player’s maximum health. His agility and relentless attacks make him one of the most challenging boss encounters in the game, a fitting test for those seeking to become Elden Lord.

Visual Storytelling Through Design

Maliketh’s visual design is a masterclass in storytelling, revealing much about his character and history. His armor, once pristine and gleaming, is now battered and scorched, reflecting the wear and tear of countless battles and the corrosive influence of Destined Death. The intricate patterns and symbols on his armor hint at his former status as a noble protector and a warrior of unmatched skill.

As Gurranq, he is a hulking figure, his body warped and distorted by the insatiable hunger for Deathroot. His bestial form is a stark contrast to the regal image of Maliketh, symbolizing the degradation he has suffered as a result of his past failures and self-imposed exile.

The Black Blade itself is a fearsome weapon, radiating with dark energy and imbued with the power to deliver true death. Its design reflects the duality of Maliketh’s nature, both a symbol of his strength and a reminder of his burden. The blade is not merely a weapon; it is an extension of Maliketh’s will, a conduit for the power that consumes him.

Themes of Duty, Betrayal, and the Corrupting Influence of Power

Maliketh’s story is a profound exploration of duty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. His unwavering loyalty to Marika is tested by the events of the Night of the Black Knives, forcing him to confront the possibility of her involvement or at least her inaction. This conflict between his duty and his conscience drives him to the brink of madness, ultimately leading to his fall.

The power of Destined Death also plays a crucial role in his downfall. While it grants him immense strength, it also taints him, warping his mind and body. The burden of wielding such power proves too much to bear, ultimately consuming him and turning him into the very thing he sought to prevent.

The Shattering’s Architect

Maliketh’s actions have far-reaching consequences for the world of Elden Ring. By failing to protect Godwyn and by sealing Destined Death, he inadvertently set in motion the events that led to the Shattering of the Elden Ring. His presence (or absence) in the Lands Between has shaped the course of history, influencing the rise and fall of kingdoms and the destinies of countless individuals.

Defeating Maliketh is a pivotal moment in the game, as it allows the Tarnished to claim Destined Death and use it to forge a new order. However, this act also carries a heavy weight, as it forces the player to confront the ethical implications of wielding such power. The choice of how to use Destined Death ultimately determines the fate of the Lands Between.

A Legacy of Grief and Power

Maliketh the Black Blade is more than just a formidable boss; he is a complex and tragic figure whose story resonates long after the battle is won. His tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition, the corrosive nature of power, and the enduring cost of loyalty. Maliketh’s legacy is one of grief, power, and the unyielding burden of a duty that ultimately broke him.

In the end, Maliketh the Black Blade, a figure of immense power and deep sorrow, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and the enduring cost of loyalty. His story remains a compelling testament to the intricacies and depths found within the world of Elden Ring.