The Mysterious Origins of Ranni
In Elden Ring, few characters are as mysterious and captivating as Ranni the Witch. Known more formally as Ranni the Lunar Princess, she is a central figure in the game’s deepest lore. The daughter of Queen Rennala and Radagon, Ranni is born into both magical and divine lineage. Her family ties alone place her at the heart of Elden Ring’s power struggles. With a heritage rooted in both the Carian royal bloodline and the Golden Order, Ranni represents the intersection of two vastly different worlds.
Ranni's early life is shrouded in mystery, but her rejection of her predestined role sets the foundation for her storyline. While her siblings pursue power and dominion, Ranni takes a different path, one defined by independence, sacrifice, and cosmic ambition. Her choices break the cycle of control and forge a new destiny not just for herself, but for the Lands Between.
Ranni’s Rebellion Against Fate
At one point in her life, Ranni is chosen to become an Empyrean, a being capable of replacing Queen Marika as a god. To guide her toward this role, the Two Fingers assign her a loyal guardian, Blaidd. This role is not given lightly. As an Empyrean, Ranni is expected to become a vessel for the Greater Will, the divine force behind the Erdtree and the established order.
But Ranni refuses. She resents the idea of being controlled by unseen cosmic forces and rebels against her appointed fate. In a pivotal moment, she orchestrates the Night of the Black Knives, a clandestine attack where demigod Godwyn is assassinated using a stolen fragment of the Rune of Death. In the same night, Ranni destroys her own physical body, transferring her soul into a doll modeled after her mentor, the mysterious Snow Witch. This act severs her from the Greater Will and marks the beginning of her own path.
How Players Meet Ranni in Elden Ring
Players first encounter Ranni under the alias Renna, shortly after receiving Torrent, the spectral steed. Disguised in a heavy cloak and mask, she gives the player the Spirit Calling Bell and a small introduction to spirit summoning mechanics. She disappears soon after, but this early meeting foreshadows her deeper role in the narrative.
Ranni’s true storyline begins once the player reaches Caria Manor in northern Liurnia. After defeating Royal Knight Loretta, Ranni’s Rise becomes accessible, where she officially introduces herself and invites the player to serve under her. Accepting this invitation sets in motion one of Elden Ring’s most expansive and rewarding questlines.
Ranni’s Questline and the Path to Nokron
Serving Ranni opens up a multi-layered journey that spans realms, timelines, and hidden cities. She tasks the player with uncovering the secrets of Nokron, the Eternal City, and retrieving the Fingerslayer Blade. This legendary weapon is said to be capable of slaying the Two Fingers, the divine entities that enforce the Greater Will’s commands.
As the player delves deeper into Ranni’s world, they meet her trusted allies. Blaidd, her fiercely loyal half-wolf guardian, helps the player investigate Nokron. War Counselor Seluvis, a shady sorcerer with his own agenda, offers questionable assistance. Blacksmith War Counselor Iji rounds out the group, acting as both a support character and guardian of Ranni’s secrets.
Eventually, the player finds the Fingerslayer Blade and presents it to Ranni. She disappears soon after, beginning the next phase of her journey—one that leads beyond the bounds of the physical world.
The Fate of Blaidd and the Tragedy of Loyalty
One of the most heartbreaking parts of Ranni’s story is the fate of Blaidd. Despite his deep loyalty to her, Blaidd is bound by his origin as a Shadowbound Beast. His mind begins to fracture when Ranni rejects the Greater Will, and by the time the player finishes her questline, Blaidd is lost to madness. In the end, the player may be forced to confront him in battle.
This tragic end serves as a reflection of Ranni’s own struggle. Even as she fights for freedom and independence, those around her suffer under the systems she attempts to escape. Her rebellion is not without cost, and Blaidd’s downfall underscores the emotional depth of her story.
The Journey to Ainsel River and Beyond
After her disappearance, the player can eventually find Ranni again in the Ainsel River region. Here, she speaks from a resting place in a cathedral and continues guiding the player toward her ultimate goal. The quest takes the player through the depths of Nokstella, battles against Baleful Shadow entities, and ultimately to the Lake of Rot.
This phase of the story reveals more about Ranni’s cosmic intentions. She seeks not just to defy the Greater Will, but to leave behind the entire system of divine rule. Her ambitions are aligned with the stars and the void beyond them. She aims to become a god not in the image of Marika, but as the emissary of a new age—one untouched by the meddling of outer gods.
The Age of Stars Ending Explained
If the player completes Ranni’s questline and chooses her ending, Elden Ring concludes with the Age of Stars. In this ending, the player becomes Ranni’s consort, and the two leave the Lands Between behind. Ranni ushers in a new era where the world is no longer governed by the Erdtree or the Greater Will.
The Age of Stars is a cold, distant future. It promises a world of true autonomy, where mortals are no longer bound to the cycle of chaos and order that plagued them under divine rule. It is both beautiful and eerie, filled with uncertainty but also hope. This ending reflects Ranni’s vision—one of freedom, mystery, and the vast unknown.
Why Ranni Stands Out in Elden Ring
Ranni is not just a side character or optional quest giver. She represents the thematic core of Elden Ring’s narrative. Her rejection of fate, her tragic relationships, and her willingness to defy cosmic law all contribute to one of the richest stories in the game. Players are drawn to her not only because of her mysterious aura but because she offers a genuine alternative to the oppressive world built by the Greater Will.
She also challenges the player to think differently. Instead of following the usual heroic path, Ranni encourages players to question the systems around them. Her story offers a narrative depth that enhances the emotional and philosophical weight of the game.
For fans who connect deeply with Ranni’s storyline and the cosmic beauty of the Age of Stars, bringing that energy into the real world is part of the experience. A well-designed Elden Ring shirt featuring her sigil or celestial motifs is a great way to show off your favorite ending in style.
Final Thoughts on Ranni Elden Ring
Ranni Elden Ring is a character whose impact goes far beyond her questline. She is a catalyst for change, a symbol of rebellion, and a beacon of cosmic mystery. Her story weaves through the heart of Elden Ring’s lore and leaves a lasting impression on players who choose to follow her path.
By choosing Ranni’s ending, players embrace uncertainty in favor of freedom. They break the cycle of divine control and step into a world guided by their own will. Whether you see her as a savior, a romantic figure, or a tragic rebel, Ranni is one of the most unforgettable characters in Elden Ring.
