Elden Ring is home to many legendary figures, but few stand as tall—both literally and figuratively—as General Radahn. Known as the "Conqueror of the Stars," Radahn is one of the most formidable foes players encounter in the Lands Between. His tragic story, overwhelming power, and unforgettable boss fight make him one of Elden Ring’s most iconic characters.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore Radahn’s lore, his abilities, his role in the story, and why he remains one of the most memorable bosses in FromSoftware’s history.
The Legend of General Radahn
Radahn is one of the demigod children of Queen Rennala and Radagon, making him a half-brother to Ranni and Rykard. From a young age, Radahn aspired to be the greatest warrior in history. He mastered the art of war, honing his immense strength while also studying gravitational magic to overcome one key limitation—his size.
As he grew, Radahn became a towering giant of a man, his size rivaling even the strongest dragons. However, his massive stature presented a problem: his warhorse, Leonard, could no longer support his weight. To remedy this, Radahn learned gravity magic, enabling him to ride his beloved steed into battle without crushing it.
Radahn’s military prowess and gravitational mastery earned him a fearsome reputation. He conquered countless lands, proving himself to be an unstoppable force. At his peak, Radahn even held back the very stars, freezing celestial bodies in place with his gravity magic. This feat cemented his status as one of the most powerful beings in the Lands Between.
The Fall of Radahn
Despite his incredible strength, Radahn’s fate was ultimately sealed by the shattering of the Elden Ring. When Queen Marika shattered the Elden Ring, the demigods, including Radahn, were thrown into conflict. Radahn fought in the wars that followed, but his downfall came at the hands of Malenia, Blade of Miquella.
In a legendary battle, Radahn and Malenia clashed in what was one of the most devastating duels in Elden Ring’s history. Though neither warrior truly won, Malenia unleashed the Scarlet Rot upon Radahn, corrupting his mind and body. The once-mighty general was reduced to a mindless beast, wandering the battlefield of Caelid in endless agony.
Instead of ruling as a conqueror, Radahn became a monstrous husk, feasting on the flesh of the dead, unable to recognize friend from foe. His loyal soldiers, unwilling to let their beloved general suffer alone, organized the Radahn Festival—a grand event where warriors from across the Lands Between gather to give Radahn an honorable death in battle.
The Radahn Festival: A Warrior’s End
The Radahn Festival is one of the most unique and cinematic events in Elden Ring. Players arrive at Redmane Castle in Caelid, where they are met with a gathering of warriors eager to face the legendary general. NPCs from across the game, such as Blaidd, Alexander the Warrior Jar, and others, join in this grand battle.
The festival’s purpose is clear: to grant Radahn a warrior’s death, sending him off in a blaze of glory rather than letting him continue his mindless suffering. Players are tasked with putting an end to Radahn’s misery, but doing so is no small feat.
Radahn’s Boss Fight: A Battle of Epic Proportions
Radahn’s boss fight is easily one of the most memorable in Elden Ring. Unlike other traditional encounters, the fight takes place across a massive battlefield, reflecting Radahn’s immense power.
Phase 1: The Rain of Arrows
Radahn begins the fight by bombarding the player with deadly arrows from an absurd distance. These projectiles deal massive damage and can even one-shot unprepared Tarnished. To survive, players must utilize the various summonable NPC allies scattered across the battlefield.
Phase 2: The Starscourge Awakens
After dealing significant damage to Radahn, he disappears into the sky—only to return moments later as a flaming meteor, crashing down with enough force to shake the entire battlefield. This moment is one of the most cinematic and shocking in the entire game, showcasing Radahn’s raw power.
As the fight progresses, Radahn becomes even more aggressive, using massive sweeping attacks and gravitational magic to pull players toward him. Even with an army of NPCs aiding in battle, defeating Radahn requires strategy, patience, and skill.
The Legacy of General Radahn
Defeating Radahn has lasting consequences on the world of Elden Ring. With his death, the stars are no longer held in place by his gravity magic. This allows Ranni’s questline to progress, setting major story events into motion.
Beyond gameplay mechanics, Radahn’s tragic fate cements him as one of the most compelling figures in the game. Once a noble warrior, a conqueror of the stars, he was reduced to a mindless beast by a war that shattered the world. His story is one of pride, power, and ultimate downfall, making him one of the most unforgettable characters in Elden Ring.
Final Thoughts
General Radahn is more than just a boss—he’s a symbol of Elden Ring’s grandeur. His story, his fight, and his tragic fate combine to create one of the most impactful moments in the game. Whether you see him as a villain, a hero, or a tragic figure, one thing is certain: Radahn, the Conqueror of the Stars, will be remembered as one of FromSoftware’s most legendary warriors.
