Elden Ring Unveils Boss Lore in Shadow of the Erdtree

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion finally unveils the long-held mystery surrounding Dragonlord Placidusax's missing body parts. This recently released DLC explains the absence of two of the three heads missing from this formidable boss. (Spoiler alert: Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree lore and boss details follow.)

Dragonlord Placidusax, a notoriously difficult-to-find secret boss located in the Crumbling Farum Azula, is encountered in a significantly weakened state, lacking three heads and a wing. The expansion reveals that Bayle the Dread is responsible for this considerable damage.

Reddit user Matrix_030 discovered that two of Placidusax's missing heads are embedded in Bayle the Dread's neck, a testament to their brutal clash. Bayle himself bears the scars of this ancient battle, missing wings and limbs, seemingly torn off by Placidusax.

Further evidence is provided by the Talisman of the Dread, found in Elder's Hovel. Its description details Bayle's challenge to the ancient Dragonlord, resulting in "grievous mutual injury." Despite their injuries, both remain formidable bosses in Elden Ring, boasting massive health pools and challenging attacks. Bayle's particularly aggressive fighting style makes summoning Spirit Ashes difficult at the fight's outset.

While the fate of Placidusax's third head remains unknown, many players speculate that Bayle is also responsible for its removal. The expansion sheds light on a pivotal, albeit brutal, encounter in Elden Ring's rich lore.