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 when comparing the smaller Erdtrees in the game. However, the parallels run deeper.

Elden Ring lore depicts the Erdtree as a guide for the souls of the departed, explaining the catacombs at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia holds similar significance in Australian Aboriginal culture, regarded as a "spirit tree." Each flowering branch represents a deceased soul, its vibrant color linked to the sunset – the believed destination of spirits.

Further strengthening this connection is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it thrives by drawing nutrients from surrounding plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree's parasitic nature, possibly having usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, game lore clarifies that references to a "Great Tree" in item descriptions were mistranslations, actually referring to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

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