Elden Ring fans consider the Tree of Erd to be a “Christmas tree”

Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection: the Elden Ring's Erdtree might be inspired by the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda.

Superficial similarities exist, particularly when comparing the in-game's smaller Erdtrees. However, fans have unearthed deeper correlations. In Elden Ring, the Erdtree guides the souls of the deceased, a detail reflected by the game's catacombs located at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia floribunda holds similar spiritual significance in Australian Aboriginal culture. Its blossoms represent the souls of the departed, and its vibrant hues are linked to the sunset, the believed destination of spirits.

Further strengthening this connection is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature. This tree acquires nutrients by drawing them from surrounding plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree is parasitic, having overtaken the roots of a primordial Great Tree, the original source of life. However, it's now understood that references to a "Great Tree" in game descriptions are mistranslations, actually referring to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.

Ultimately, only FromSoftware knows if these parallels to Nuytsia floribunda are deliberate or coincidental.