Elden Ring‘s new Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has challenged even the most seasoned players with its intricate and demanding gameplay. While some have voiced their frustrations with the difficulty, the true evil lurking in the Land of Shadow is far more subtle: the toxic positivity embodied by Miquella the Kind. He lures you in with the promise of a “thousand year voyage guided by compassion,” but behind the benevolent facade lies a dangerous manipulation.
Miquella, the demigod who abandoned the Golden Order, seeks to create a new religion, one that caters to “the low and the meek.” However, lacking the strength he once possessed, he relies on charm and calculated sweetness to recruit followers. He crafts a seemingly utopian vision, a “pretty web” for his victims, much like the modern peddlers of “toxic positivity.”
Toxic positivity, as defined by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, is an “unproductive and unhelpful” insistence on only good vibes. It can manifest in various forms, from well-meaning but misguided assurances to manipulative tactics designed to suppress dissent and maintain control. Miquella’s approach is the latter.
He mirrors the behavior of corporations that greenwash their image, or influencers who promote blind optimism while ignoring real-world issues. This type of positivity serves a purpose: to make you docile and compliant, to make you buy into their agenda. In Miquella’s case, he wants you to buy into his dream, his new religion.
Before even entering Shadow of the Erdtree, players are enticed by Miquella’s seemingly compassionate nature. Item descriptions, like that of Miquella’s Needle, portray him as a protector of the weak, a beacon of hope in the bleak world of Elden Ring. This has led many players to eagerly anticipate his arrival, hoping he would be the savior he appears to be.
However, as the story unfolds, the true nature of Miquella’s benevolence is revealed. Salvation is conditional, dependent on unwavering loyalty to his cause. As the NPC Hornsent states, “As long as you abide by his footfalls, you will be no enemy to me.” This echoes the core tenet of toxic positivity: good vibes only, or face the consequences.
This dictatorial positivity extends beyond mere words. During key boss fights in Shadow of the Erdtree, Miquella’s influence manifests as a supernatural force. He can compel others to act against their own nature, turning allies into enemies. He can even steal your heart with sweet nothings, luring you into a false sense of security before delivering the killing blow.
“I promise you,” he whispers, “A Thousand Year Voyage Guided By Compassion.” But this promise is a lie, a carefully constructed illusion designed to mask his true intentions. Giving in to his charm leads to demise.
Miquella’s deceptive nature makes him a particularly compelling villain. Unlike FromSoftware’s more overtly monstrous creations, Miquella appears as a “snow angel,” with a soothing and innocent demeanor. His pale face becomes a canvas upon which players project their hopes for a better world.
However, this world is built on denial, on the suppression of negative emotions and difficult truths. Genuine peace requires accepting both the good and the bad, and it is this acceptance that Miquella’s positivity actively rejects. This is what makes his charm so enticing, and ultimately, so dangerous. He offers a false sense of security and belonging, a “thousand year voyage guided by compassion” that ultimately leads to manipulation and destruction.
