Nearly every encounter with a boss in Elden Ring is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. FromSoftware has consistently demonstrated its prowess in crafting engaging and challenging boss fights. However, amidst the intense battles, the rich lore and captivating narratives behind these bosses often go unnoticed. This is particularly true for the optional confrontation with Lichdragon Fortissax in Elden Ring, a prime example of a boss battle that is praised for its visual splendor and intricate mechanics, while its profound backstory is often overlooked.

In the vast tapestry of Elden Ring's timeline, Lichdragon Fortissax's role undergoes significant shifts. Despite appearing only as an optional boss late in the game, Fortissax holds a crucial position in the lore of Elden Ring, and understanding its history sheds light on the formidable fight that awaits players.

Lichdragon Fortissax Before the Night of Black Knives

The Night of Black Knives stands as the pivotal moment in Elden Ring's lore. On that fateful night, Godwyn the Golden, the son of Marika and Godfrey, fell victim to the Black Knife Assassins, who wielded blades forged from the Rune of Death. Shortly after these events unfolded, the Elden Ring shattered when no other demigod could be chosen to assume the mantle of Elden Lord. As a consequence, the Tarnished, including the player, were summoned to the enigmatic Lands Between, thus commencing the events of the game.

However, Fortissax's role in the grand narrative stretches far back, well before the Night of Black Knives. When the Ancient Dragon Gransax, a colossal petrified dragon seen in the game, laid siege to the capital city of Leyndell, Fortissax and other Ancient Dragons accompanied him. During the assault, Fortissax engaged in combat with Godwyn the Golden, only to be defeated. Yet, Godwyn spared Fortissax, and the two forged a bond, with Fortissax imparting the knowledge of the Death Lightning incantation to Godwyn. The descriptions of incantations and the lore imply that this exchange marked the emergence of the Ancient Dragon incantations within the Lands Between.

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Tragically, Godwyn, having been assassinated by blades infused with a fragment of the Rune of Death, succumbed to corruption and became the Prince of Death. As Fortissax grappled with containing the malevolence consuming his friend, he too was defeated and corrupted, transforming from Ancient Dragon Fortissax into the character we encounter in-game as Lichdragon Fortissax.

Lichdragon Fortissax's Role During the Events of Elden Ring

Players cross paths with Fortissax towards the end of a quest chain given by a companion named Fia, who lies on a deathbed. The unfolding events of this quest reveal Fia's ultimate intention: to liberate Those Who Live in Death, a legion of zombie-like beings created during the Night of Black Knives. Through her union with Godwyn, now the Prince of Death, Fia conceives the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince. The player can acquire this rune and, upon ascending as Elden Lord, free Those Who Live in Death from their accursed existence.

However, one formidable entity stands in the player's path to achieving this ending in Elden Ring: Lichdragon Fortissax. After granting Fia the Cursemark of Death, players embark on a battle against Lichdragon Fortissax, unfolding within the realm of a dream woven by death. It can be inferred that Lichdragon Fortissax endeavors to defend his longtime comrade, Godwyn, even in their fallen and corrupted states. Once the player vanquishes Lichdragon Fortissax, Once the player vanquishes Lichdragon Fortissax in the ethereal realm of the dream, it remains uncertain whether this marks the definitive end for Fortissax. However, given that Lichdragon Fortissax shares the same corruption as Godwyn, it is highly likely that during the Age of the Duskborn ending, the player's actions liberate Fortissax from the grip of corruption as well.

The tale of Lichdragon Fortissax serves as a testament to the intricate web of interconnected stories and characters that unfold within the realm of Elden Ring. While the fight against Fortissax is hailed for its visual grandeur and challenging mechanics, delving into the underlying lore reveals a tragic narrative of friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle against corruption.

In the vast expanse of Elden Ring, where every boss encounter is a spectacle of awe and challenge, the tale of Lichdragon Fortissax stands as a testament to the depth and richness of FromSoftware's storytelling. Through uncovering the hidden lore and unearthing the secrets of each boss, players can truly immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of Elden Ring and appreciate the profound narratives that unfold amidst the epic battles that await them.

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