Elden Ring fans consider the Tree of Erd to be a “Christmas tree”

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. Superficial similarities exist, particularly between the in-game Small Erdtrees and Nuytsia, but the parallels run deeper.

Elden Ring lore guides the souls of the deceased to the Erdtree, explaining the catacombs at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia holds similar spiritual significance in Aboriginal Australian culture. Each flowering branch represents a departed soul, its vibrant hues mirroring the sunset, the believed destination of spirits.

Further bolstering the comparison is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws nutrients from surrounding plants. This resonates with fan theories suggesting the Erdtree's parasitic nature, potentially having usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, game lore clarifies that references to a "Great Tree" are a mistranslation, referring instead to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

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