The Three Fingers in Elden Ring

In the rich and mysterious lore of Elden Ring, the Three Fingers stand in stark opposition to the Two Fingers, offering an alternate vision of existence that is as seductive as it is destructive. Representing the Frenzied Flame, the Three Fingers advocate for a chaotic end to the cycle of life, seeking to undo creation itself and return the world to a primal, lifeless state. This vision contrasts with the order and control imposed by the Greater Will and the Two Fingers, creating a powerful thematic dichotomy in the Lands Between.

 

Understanding the role of the Three Fingers sheds light on the darker aspects of the game's narrative, the choices available to the Tarnished, and the unique connection between the Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items associated with this entity.

 

The Frenzied Flame: A Chaotic Force of Destruction

 

The Three Fingers are not merely an isolated figure in the lore but a harbinger of the Frenzied Flame, an outer god that embodies chaos and destruction. While the Greater Will and its envoys, such as the Two Fingers, strive to maintain the cycle of life and death through the Golden Order, the Frenzied Flame rejects this entirely. It seeks to destroy everything—Erdtree, Elden Ring, and all life in the Lands Between—returning the world to the state it was in before life began. This nihilistic vision appeals to those who have suffered deeply, viewing chaos as liberation from an oppressive cycle.

 

The chaotic power of the Frenzied Flame manifests as a fiery madness that engulfs those it touches. The influence of the Three Fingers has scarred individuals across the Lands Between, from tragic figures like Fingerprint Vyke to the Nomadic Merchants, who were cursed and exiled for their association with this forbidden force.

 

Locating the Three Fingers in Elden Ring

 

Finding the Three Fingers is a challenge in itself, reflecting the taboo nature of their power. They reside deep beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital, hidden in a secret chamber that can only be accessed by navigating treacherous catacombs and bypassing powerful foes. This isolated location underscores their rejection by the established order of the Lands Between.

 

Upon reaching the chamber of the Three Fingers, players are faced with a disturbing and transformative encounter. To be embraced by the Three Fingers, the Tarnished must strip themselves of all armor and clothing, entering a vulnerable and symbolic state. Those who accept their embrace are physically and spiritually marked by the Frenzied Flame, leaving charred yellow fingerprints on their flesh and altering their destiny in the game.

 

The Three Fingers' Influence on Elden Ring Runes and Items

 

The chaotic ideology of the Three Fingers is not just woven into the lore but also has tangible effects on gameplay through specific Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items tied to their power.

 

The Frenzied Flame Ending and the Lord of Chaos

 

One of the most significant impacts of the Three Fingers is their role in the Frenzied Flame ending, an alternative conclusion to Elden Ring. By accepting the Frenzied Flame's mark, the Tarnished rejects the restoration of the Elden Ring and instead becomes the Lord of Chaos, ushering in an age of fiery destruction. This path is irreversible unless the Tarnished undertakes a specific process to remove the mark, involving the sacrifice of Melina, an important NPC in the story.

 

Unique Elden Ring Items Associated with the Three Fingers

 

Several key Elden Ring Items and abilities are tied to the Frenzied Flame and the Three Fingers. These items often harness the chaotic power of madness and fire, offering unique gameplay options:

 

    Flame of Frenzy Incantations: These incantations channel the power of the Frenzied Flame, unleashing devastating area-of-effect attacks that inflict the Madness status on enemies. They are a favorite for Tarnished who embrace chaos, but using them often carries a high FP cost and risks self-inflicted Madness.

 

    Fingerprint Stone Shield: This massive shield, associated with Fingerprint Vyke, bears the marks of the Frenzied Flame. It boasts incredible defensive capabilities, particularly against elemental damage, making it a coveted item for tank builds.

 

    Vyke's War Spear: Another item tied to Fingerprint Vyke, this weapon inflicts Madness on foes, perfectly encapsulating the chaotic nature of the Frenzied Flame. Its unique skill, Frenzyflame Thrust, allows players to pierce enemies with frenzied energy.

 

    Frenzyflame Seal: This sacred seal enhances Frenzied Flame incantations, allowing players to fully embrace the destructive potential of chaos magic. It is an essential tool for Tarnished pursuing a Madness-focused build.

 

These items, alongside the Three Fingers' mark, create a distinct playstyle for players who align themselves with chaos. However, they also carry narrative weight, as wielding the Frenzied Flame signifies a complete rejection of the Golden Order and its principles.

 

Shabriri: The Voice of the Frenzied Flame

 

The Three Fingers do not act alone in their mission to seduce the Tarnished. Shabriri, a mysterious and unsettling figure, serves as a vocal advocate for the Frenzied Flame. He appears to Tarnished players as they progress through the game, attempting to persuade them to embrace chaos and reject the Two Fingers and the Greater Will.

 

Shabriri's argument is compelling for those who feel disillusioned by the suffering and oppression perpetuated by the Golden Order. He even claims that embracing the Frenzied Flame is the only way to save Melina, an assertion that adds emotional weight to the decision. However, aligning with Shabriri and the Three Fingers inevitably leads to the destruction of the world, making it a morally complex choice.

 

The Moral Dilemma of Chaos

 

The Three Fingers and their chaotic vision represent one of Elden Ring's most profound moral dilemmas. Choosing to align with the Frenzied Flame is not just a gameplay decision—it is a philosophical statement about the nature of life, suffering, and rebirth. The mark of the Frenzied Flame brands the Tarnished as a rebel against the established order, rejecting the restoration of the Elden Ring and instead opting for an apocalyptic resolution.

 

For players, the choice to embrace the Frenzied Flame offers a unique and challenging path, both narratively and mechanically. The Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items associated with this path provide powerful tools, but they come at the cost of irreversible consequences.

 

Conclusion

 

The Three Fingers and the Frenzied Flame are a testament to the depth and complexity of Elden Ring's world. As an antithesis to the Two Fingers and the Greater Will, they offer a compelling alternative to the Golden Order's vision of balance and order. Whether you choose to wield the chaotic power of the Frenzied Flame or resist its allure, the legacy of the Three Fingers and their impact on Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items remains an unforgettable part of the Tarnished's journey through the Lands Between.