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 are apparent, particularly when comparing the smaller Erdtrees in the game to the Nuytsia. However, fans have uncovered more profound parallels.

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

Further strengthening the connection is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws nutrients from surrounding plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree is parasitic, having usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, recent findings suggest that game descriptions referencing a "Great Tree" are mistranslations, referring instead to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

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