Unraveling Astel, Naturalborn Of The Void: Lore & Secrets

Hey guys! Ever stare up at the screen while battling Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in Elden Ring and wonder, "What is that thing?" I know I have! This cosmic horror is more than just a tough boss; it's a puzzle piece in the grand, often confusing, lore of the Lands Between. So, let's dive deep into the void and try to piece together the story behind this fascinating creature.

Who or What is Astel, Naturalborn of the Void?

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, isn't your run-of-the-mill Elden Ring monster. This creature is heavily implied to be an Outer God or, at the very least, a being deeply connected to the cosmos beyond the Lands Between. Outer Gods in FromSoftware games are forces of nature, cosmic entities that influence the world and its inhabitants, often in insidious ways. Think of them as the puppet masters pulling strings from beyond our comprehension. Astel's very design screams "alien." Its insectoid body, crystalline wings, and gravity-based attacks set it apart from almost everything else you encounter in the game. But what does it all mean?

When considering Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, think about the implications of its title. The term "Naturalborn" suggests that it wasn't created or artificially brought into existence, but rather that it is a being that simply is. It's a fundamental part of the cosmic order, or perhaps disorder. The "Void" part points to its origin – the vast, empty space between stars, a realm often associated with Outer Gods and unimaginable horrors. Furthermore, the remembrance of Astel obtained after defeating it states that Astel fell from the stars and destroyed the Eternal City. This connects Astel to the downfall of a civilization, adding another layer to its already complex history.

Astel's presence raises fundamental questions about the nature of reality in Elden Ring. Is the world simply a playground for these cosmic entities? Are the conflicts and struggles we see merely the results of their influence? Understanding Astel might not give us all the answers, but it certainly opens up new avenues for interpreting the game's rich and intricate lore. Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, represents a force beyond human comprehension, a fragment of the cosmos that has crashed into the world of Elden Ring, leaving destruction and mystery in its wake. Its existence reminds us that the Lands Between is not just a fantasy realm but a place deeply intertwined with the terrifying and awe-inspiring forces of the universe.

Astel's Connection to the Eternal Cities

One of the most intriguing aspects of Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is its connection to the fallen Eternal Cities, specifically Nokron and Nokstella. The game heavily implies that Astel was responsible for their destruction. But how and why? The item descriptions associated with Astel paint a grim picture. They suggest that Astel descended upon the Eternal Cities, bringing ruin and devastation in its wake. This raises a number of questions. What did these cities do to provoke such a powerful being? Or was their destruction simply a consequence of Astel's nature?

The Eternal Cities were known for their advanced civilization and their defiance of the Golden Order. They harbored forbidden knowledge and sought to create their own destiny, independent of the Greater Will. This ambition might have drawn the attention of the Outer Gods, and Astel could have been sent as a divine punishment. Alternatively, the Eternal Cities may have been experimenting with forces they didn't understand, inadvertently attracting Astel's attention. Perhaps they were trying to tap into the power of the cosmos, and Astel was a consequence of their meddling.

Consider the architecture and aesthetics of the Eternal Cities. They have a distinctly cosmic and otherworldly feel, hinting at a connection to the stars and the void. This connection may have made them vulnerable to Astel's influence. The cities might have served as a beacon, drawing Astel to them like a moth to a flame. Furthermore, the presence of Mimic Tears in Nokron, beings that can perfectly imitate others, suggests that the Eternal Cities were deeply involved in the study and manipulation of life itself. This could have been seen as a transgression by the Outer Gods, warranting a response.

The destruction of the Eternal Cities serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond our comprehension. Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, stands as a symbol of cosmic retribution, a reminder that some powers are best left undisturbed. The fall of Nokron and Nokstella is a pivotal event in Elden Ring's lore, shaping the landscape and the destinies of those who inhabit it. Understanding Astel's role in this tragedy is crucial to understanding the game's overall narrative and the complex relationship between the Lands Between and the cosmos.

The Gravity Magic and Cosmic Powers of Astel

Let's talk about Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, and its abilities. Astel's powers are primarily based on gravity and cosmic energy, reflecting its origins in the void between stars. Its attacks are not just physically devastating but also visually stunning, showcasing the alien nature of its abilities. It can summon meteorites, create gravitational fields, and unleash powerful energy beams, all of which can quickly overwhelm unsuspecting players.

The gravity magic wielded by Astel is particularly interesting. Gravity is a fundamental force of the universe, and Astel's mastery over it suggests a deep understanding of the cosmos. It can manipulate gravity to pull players towards it, creating opportunities for devastating follow-up attacks. It can also create localized gravitational fields that damage and disorient its opponents. This control over gravity sets Astel apart from most other enemies in Elden Ring, highlighting its unique connection to the void.

In addition to gravity magic, Astel also possesses a range of cosmic powers. It can teleport short distances, making it difficult to predict its movements. It can also unleash powerful energy beams that can pierce through defenses and inflict massive damage. These energy beams seem to be drawn from the same source as the stars themselves, further emphasizing Astel's cosmic origins. Moreover, Astel's ability to inflict the status effect of Terror suggests a psychological component to its attacks. The very sight of Astel can inspire fear and dread, weakening the player's resolve.

Considering the lore, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is more than just a powerful boss; it's a manifestation of cosmic power. Its abilities reflect the fundamental forces of the universe, twisted and amplified by its alien nature. Facing Astel is not just a test of skill but also a confrontation with the unknown, a glimpse into the terrifying and awe-inspiring forces that lie beyond our comprehension. Understanding the nature of Astel's powers is crucial to understanding its place in the world of Elden Ring and the cosmic forces that shape its destiny.

Implications for the Greater Elden Ring Lore

So, how does Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, fit into the bigger picture of Elden Ring's lore? Astel's existence and its connection to the Outer Gods have significant implications for understanding the game's overall narrative and the forces at play in the Lands Between. It suggests that the conflicts and struggles we see are not just the result of human ambition and political intrigue but also the influence of cosmic entities beyond our comprehension.

The Outer Gods are a recurring theme in FromSoftware games, and their presence in Elden Ring raises a number of questions. What are their motives? What is their relationship to the Greater Will and the Elden Ring? Astel's connection to the void suggests that it may be aligned with a different Outer God, one that opposes the Greater Will. This could explain its destructive actions and its conflict with the forces of order in the Lands Between.

Furthermore, Astel's existence raises questions about the nature of reality in Elden Ring. Is the world simply a playground for these cosmic entities? Are the conflicts and struggles we see merely the results of their influence? Understanding Astel might not give us all the answers, but it certainly opens up new avenues for interpreting the game's rich and intricate lore. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper, more cosmic forces that are shaping the world.

To summarize, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, serves as a reminder that the Lands Between is not an isolated realm but a place deeply intertwined with the cosmos. Its existence challenges our understanding of reality and forces us to confront the terrifying and awe-inspiring forces that lie beyond our comprehension. By studying Astel and its connection to the Outer Gods, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of Elden Ring's lore and the cosmic forces that shape its destiny.

Alright, tarnished! Hope this deep dive into Astel's lore was helpful. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and who knows what other secrets you'll uncover in the Lands Between! Good luck, and have fun!