Who to Give Prayer Books to Elden Ring: A Guide to Divine Knowledge and Chaos

In the vast and intricate world of Elden Ring, the decision of who to give prayer books to is not just a matter of gameplay mechanics, but a philosophical exploration of faith, power, and the nature of the divine. The prayer books, often imbued with sacred texts and incantations, serve as conduits for divine power, and the choice of who receives them can significantly alter the course of your journey. This article delves into the various perspectives on this decision, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating the spiritual landscape of Elden Ring.

The Role of Prayer Books in Elden Ring

Prayer books in Elden Ring are more than mere items; they are repositories of divine knowledge. These books contain incantations that can be learned by certain NPCs, granting them new abilities or enhancing their existing ones. The act of giving a prayer book to an NPC is akin to bestowing a piece of the divine upon them, and the consequences of this act can be far-reaching.

The Theological Perspective

From a theological standpoint, the decision of who to give prayer books to is a reflection of your character’s beliefs and values. If your character is devout and seeks to spread the light of the divine, you might choose to give prayer books to NPCs who are already aligned with your faith. This could strengthen their connection to the divine and potentially lead to the formation of a new religious order within the game world.

Conversely, if your character is more pragmatic or even skeptical of the divine, you might choose to give prayer books to NPCs who are not traditionally associated with faith. This could lead to unexpected outcomes, such as the NPC using the divine power for their own ends, or even rejecting the divine altogether.

The Strategic Perspective

From a strategic perspective, the decision of who to give prayer books to can have significant gameplay implications. Certain NPCs, when given prayer books, may become powerful allies, offering unique abilities or services that can aid you in your quest. For example, giving a prayer book to a healer NPC might grant them the ability to heal more effectively, while giving one to a warrior NPC might enhance their combat abilities.

However, the strategic benefits must be weighed against the potential risks. Some NPCs, when given access to divine power, may become corrupted or even turn against you. It is important to consider the long-term implications of your decision, as the consequences may not be immediately apparent.

The Narrative Perspective

From a narrative perspective, the decision of who to give prayer books to can shape the story of your character and the world around them. The act of giving a prayer book is a significant event, and the NPC’s reaction to it can reveal much about their character and motivations. This can lead to deeper, more meaningful interactions with NPCs, and can even influence the outcome of certain quests or storylines.

For example, giving a prayer book to a troubled NPC might lead to a redemption arc, where they find solace and purpose in the divine. Alternatively, giving a prayer book to a power-hungry NPC might lead to their downfall, as they become consumed by their newfound power.

The Ethical Perspective

From an ethical perspective, the decision of who to give prayer books to raises questions about the nature of power and responsibility. Is it right to bestow divine power upon someone who may not be prepared to handle it? Should the divine be used as a tool for personal gain, or should it be reserved for those who truly seek to serve a higher purpose?

These questions are not easily answered, and the decision of who to give prayer books to will ultimately depend on your character’s moral compass. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of your actions, as the divine power contained within the prayer books is not to be taken lightly.

Conclusion

The decision of who to give prayer books to in Elden Ring is a complex and multifaceted one, with implications that extend far beyond the immediate gameplay. Whether you approach the decision from a theological, strategic, narrative, or ethical perspective, it is clear that the act of giving a prayer book is a significant event that can shape the course of your journey.

As you navigate the spiritual landscape of Elden Ring, remember that the power of the divine is not to be taken lightly. Choose wisely, and may your decisions lead you to a deeper understanding of the world and your place within it.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I give multiple prayer books to the same NPC? A: Yes, you can give multiple prayer books to the same NPC, but be aware that this may have unforeseen consequences. Some NPCs may become overwhelmed by the divine power, leading to unexpected outcomes.

Q: What happens if I give a prayer book to an NPC who is not aligned with my faith? A: Giving a prayer book to an NPC who is not aligned with your faith can lead to a variety of outcomes. They may reject the divine power, use it for their own ends, or even become corrupted by it.

Q: Are there any NPCs who should not be given prayer books? A: While there are no hard and fast rules, it is generally advisable to avoid giving prayer books to NPCs who are already power-hungry or unstable. The divine power contained within the prayer books can exacerbate these traits, leading to dangerous outcomes.

Q: Can I take back a prayer book after giving it to an NPC? A: Once a prayer book has been given to an NPC, it cannot be taken back. The decision to give a prayer book is final, so choose wisely.