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. While a surface-level resemblance, particularly between the smaller Erdtrees in the game and Nuytsia, is apparent, deeper thematic parallels have captivated fans.

Elden Ring's lore depicts the Erdtree as a guiding force for the souls of the departed, explaining the catacombs found at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia floribunda holds similar spiritual significance in Australian Aboriginal culture. Its blossoms are seen as representing the souls of the deceased, and its vibrant color is linked to the sunset, the perceived destination of spirits.

Further strengthening this connection is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws sustenance from neighboring plants. This resonates with a popular fan theory positing the Erdtree as parasitic, having usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, it's now understood that game descriptions referring to a "Great Tree" are a translation inaccuracy, actually pointing to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

Ultimately, whether these striking similarities between Nuytsia floribunda and the Erdtree are deliberate or coincidental remains a mystery known only to FromSoftware.