Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has captivated players with its challenging gameplay and intricate narrative. While some have expressed frustration with the difficulty, the true evil lies not in the game’s demanding nature, but in the deceptive compassion of Miquella the Kind. He lures players into a false sense of security, offering a “thousand year journey guided by compassion,” which ultimately masks a sinister agenda.
Miquella, unlike the overtly monstrous villains of FromSoftware’s past, presents himself as a benevolent figure. He is a master manipulator, weaving a “pretty web” of artificial hope to ensnare his followers. This manipulative tactic mirrors modern “toxic positivity,” where genuine emotions are suppressed in favor of a relentless, often unearned, optimism.
Toxic positivity, as defined by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, is an “unproductive and unhelpful” insistence on good vibes only. It manifests in various forms, from well-intentioned but misguided assurances to calculated efforts to enforce compliance. Miquella embodies this latter form, using his manufactured benevolence to control and exploit those around him.
Just as Shell commercials portray an environmentally conscious image while contributing to climate change, or Shein influencers promote “open-mindedness” despite allegations of worker exploitation, Miquella uses his charm to mask his true intentions. He seeks not genuine salvation, but absolute loyalty, demanding adherence to his vision of a perfect world.
Miquella’s motivation stems from his disillusionment with the Golden Order, which failed to protect his sister, Malenia, from the Scarlet Rot. Driven by a desire to create a new order, he sheds his physical form and embraces manipulation to recruit followers. He targets the “low and the meek,” promising them a haven in his new religion.
This deceptive compassion is evident even before entering Shadow of the Erdtree. Players interact with Miquella by touching his shriveled hand, guided by faith in his honorable path, as NPC Needle Knight Leda states. This highlights the extent to which Miquella’s reputation precedes him, fostering a sense of trust and anticipation.
Before the DLC, Elden Ring players only knew Miquella through solemn mentions of his name and the dried husk of his body. These details painted him as a protector of the weak, a beacon of hope in a cynical world. Many players hoped he would live up to this image, offering a genuine alternative to the grim realities of the Lands Between.
For some, Miquella does represent hope. The NPC Hornsent, who feels betrayed by Marika, believes in Miquella’s promise of deliverance. However, this salvation comes with a condition: unwavering loyalty to Miquella’s benevolence. “As long as you abide by his footfalls, you will be no enemy to me,” Hornsent warns, highlighting the dictatorial nature of Miquella’s compassion.
The true extent of Miquella’s manipulative power is revealed in key boss fights within Shadow of the Erdtree. During the Needle Knight Leda fight, Miquella compels even the friendly merchant Moore to attack the player. In his own boss fight, Miquella attempts to steal the player’s heart with sweet promises, offering “a thousand year voyage guided by compassion.”
While Miquella’s charm and calculated approach make him a unique and compelling villain, his vision of a perfect world is ultimately flawed. It denies the coexistence of good and bad, offering only a superficial peace built on manipulation and control. This is what makes Miquella’s brand of positivity so enticing and so dangerous. His “thousand year journey guided by compassion” is a siren song, luring players towards a false paradise at the cost of their own autonomy.
