“Elden Ring,” an action RPG from FromSoftware, has captivated players worldwide with its vast open-world design, lore-rich environment, and intricate character developments. With the announcement of the upcoming DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, players have been buzzing with theories about potential plot developments, new regions, and characters. Among these, there has been speculation surrounding locations or figures known as “Thiollier” and “Hornsent,” names that appear in rumors and fan theories.

In this post, we will delve into the possible meanings of these mysterious names, explore their connections to Elden Ring and its anticipated DLC, and investigate whether Shadow of the Erdtree could shed light on these entities.

Section 1: Elden Ring – A Rich Tapestry of Lore

To fully understand the significance of “Thiollier” and “Hornsent,” it is essential to explore the world-building aspects of Elden Ring. FromSoftware worked with George R. R. Martin to develop the game, the game offers an intricate and multifaceted lore that blends high fantasy with dark mythology.

The game’s world, known as the Lands Between, is dominated by the Great Runes and the Elden Ring itself, which dictates the fate of its inhabitants. Players, known as the Tarnished, traverse a shattered world full of gods, demigods, and beings of immense power. With a mix of cryptic dialogue, environmental storytelling, and subtle hints hidden in item descriptions, Elden Ring constantly invites players to unravel its mysteries.

Section 2: Who or What is ‘Thiollier’?

Though “Thiollier” does not yet appear explicitly within Elden Ring‘s base game, there are fan speculations about its potential introduction in Shadow of the Erdtree. The name “Thiollier” suggests a location, character, or faction, based on the traditional fantasy naming conventions seen throughout the game.

2.1 Possible Origins of the Name:

• Linguistic Breakdown: The name “Thiollier” has a somewhat French-sounding origin, suggesting it could be tied to a more sophisticated, noble, or scholarly entity within the Lands Between. Given the influence of European folklore in Elden Ring‘s world, “Thiollier” might be related to ancient civilizations or lost kingdoms.
• Lore-Based Theories: One theory posits that Thiollier could be a forgotten region, much like the hidden zones found in the base game, such as Nokron or the Lake of Rot. Thiollier may represent a part of the Lands Between that was severed or forgotten during the Shattering. It could house remnants of knowledge or power linked to the Greater Will or the Elden Ring itself.

2.2 Potential Role in Shadow of the Erdtree:

With the announcement of Shadow of the Erdtree, players are speculating that Thiollier could be a new explorable region, perhaps tied to a new Great Rune or a demigod who has remained hidden until now. Some fans suggest that Thiollier could serve as the hub for new NPCs, offering more insight into the history of the Erdtree and the cosmic forces at play.

Section 3: Decoding ‘Hornsent’

Similarly, the name “Hornsent” has also stirred discussions among the Elden Ring community. As with “Thiollier,” there is no direct reference to Hornsent in the base game, but there are several plausible interpretations for its inclusion in Shadow of the Erdtree.

3.1 Linguistic and Symbolic Analysis:

• Linguistic Roots: “Hornsent” appears to be derived from the words “horn” and “sent,” potentially evoking images of a creature or character connected to horns—a common symbol in mythology for strength, power, and divinity. In Elden Ring, horns are notably present in characters such as the regal beastmen of Farum Azula or even the god-like beings tied to the Elden Beast.
• Mythological Parallels: In many mythological traditions, horns symbolize a divine connection, power, or leadership. This could suggest that Hornsent is either a character or faction linked to a demigod or ruler. Alternatively, it could be a beastly region or an enemy type in Shadow of the Erdtree.

3.2 Speculations for Shadow of the Erdtree:

• A New Boss or Region: Some fans speculate that Hornsent might be a new boss character in Shadow of the Erdtree, akin to the majestic and powerful foes we face throughout the base game. It may also refer to a faction or a religious sect that venerates creatures with divine attributes, including horns, adding another layer to the lore of the Lands Between.
• A Connection to the Erdtree: Another theory posits that Hornsent could be linked to the Erdtree itself, possibly representing a guardian of the Erdtree or a powerful figure who emerged after the events of the Shattering. Hornsent might provide players with a more profound understanding of the Erdtree’s origins and its role in the cosmology of the Elden Ring universe.

Section 4: Connections to Existing Lore and Themes

Both “Thiollier” and “Hornsent” could potentially expand on existing lore in Elden Ring, fitting within the game’s rich thematic tapestry of decay, rebirth, and cosmic struggle.

4.1 Thematic Elements:

• Decay and Rebirth: As seen with the Erdtree and the Shattering, Elden Ring‘s universe revolves around cycles of destruction and creation. Thiollier and Hornsent could represent remnants of past cycles, perhaps forgotten by time, waiting to be discovered by the Tarnished.
• Gods and Demigods: Much of the game’s narrative centers on the power struggles between demigods and their attempts to claim the Elden Ring’s power. Thiollier and Hornsent could introduce new characters or factions who were once part of these conflicts but have remained hidden until the events of Shadow of the Erdtree.

Section 5: What Could Shadow of the Erdtree Reveal?

While Elden Ring already provides a vast world full of intricate lore, Shadow of the Erdtree could unravel mysteries that were only hinted at in the base game. Both “Thiollier” and “Hornsent” might be key to unlocking new areas or storylines.

5.1 Possible New Regions:

• Thiollier as an Explorable Region: Thiollier might turn out to be a new area that players can explore, similar to the underground cities or the hidden zones in the base game. This could bring fresh landscapes, enemy types, and NPCs, further expanding the lore surrounding the Erdtree and its shadow.
• Hornsent’s Role as a Hub or Enemy: Hornsent could serve as a hub for a new faction, or it could be the name of a powerful boss, waiting for players to uncover its secrets. The presence of such a figure would likely provide more insight into the inner workings of the Erdtree and its influence over the Lands Between.

5.2 New Lore and Story Arcs:

• Both “Thiollier” and “Hornsent” could introduce story arcs that delve deeper into the mysterious forces at play, particularly the Greater Will, the demigods, and the cosmic order governing the Lands Between. Players might also gain new insights into the origins of the Erdtree and its role in shaping the destiny of the world.

Conclusion:

The names “Thiollier” and “Hornsent” have sparked curiosity and speculation among Elden Ring fans, especially with the upcoming release of Shadow of the Erdtree. While these names remain shrouded in mystery, their potential inclusion in the DLC could offer players new regions to explore, bosses to defeat, and lore to uncover.

As we eagerly await more details, one thing is certain: Shadow of the Erdtree promises to further expand the already rich and captivating world of Elden Ring, continuing the legacy of FromSoftware’s mastery of storytelling and game design.

Stay tuned for updates and get ready to dive deeper into the Lands Between as we uncover the secrets of Thiollier, Hornsent, and the Shadow of the Erdtree.