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

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed an intriguing connection between Elden Ring's Erd Tree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. While a surface-level resemblance, particularly between the game's smaller Erd Trees, is apparent, deeper thematic similarities have captivated fans.

In Elden Ring lore, the Erd Tree guides the souls of the deceased, a concept echoed in Australian Aboriginal culture's reverence for Nuytsia as a "spirit tree." The tree's vibrant blossoms are seen as representing the souls of the departed, their bright colors mirroring the sunset, the perceived destination of spirits.

Further fueling the comparison is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws sustenance from neighboring plants. This parallels a popular fan theory about the Erd Tree's parasitic origins, suggesting it usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, it's been clarified that references to a "Great Tree" in game descriptions are likely mistranslations, actually referring to the Erd Tree's extensive root system.

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