Introduction
In the sprawling and treacherous landscapes of the Lands Between, amidst the demigods, warring factions, and ancient secrets that define Elden Ring, players encounter a myriad of non-player characters (NPCs), each with their own stories and motivations. Among these figures, Gowry stands out as an enigmatic presence, a figure cloaked in both intrigue and mystery. Located within the Scarlet Rot-infested region of Caelid, his appearance is as peculiar as the task he sets before the Tarnished. Gowry’s quest, centered around the afflicted Millicent, delves into themes of corruption, healing, and the ambiguous nature of salvation. But who is Gowry really? What are his true intentions, and what is his connection to the Scarlet Rot that plagues Caelid? This article will delve into the depths of Gowry’s lore, meticulously explore his questline, and examine the various fan theories surrounding him, to try and unravel the mysteries of this unique and compelling NPC within the world of Elden Ring. This serves as a detailed guide and exploration of one of the more subtle, yet narratively rich side stories within the game, assisting players in navigating his quest while also pondering the deeper questions his existence raises.
Finding Gowry: The First Encounter
Gowry can be found within his shack, unsurprisingly named Gowry’s Shack, located in the region of Caelid. To reach him, players must travel east from Summonwater Village Outskirts, then follow the road east and slightly south. The shack is somewhat isolated, standing amidst the eerie landscape of Caelid, marked by its distinctive red hues and the omnipresent feeling of decay. Stepping inside, players will encounter Gowry, a somewhat frail figure with an odd, mushroom-like head. He speaks in cryptic riddles and quickly reveals his primary concern: the plight of Millicent, a young woman afflicted by the Scarlet Rot. He tasks the player with finding the Unalloyed Gold Needle, the only thing that can potentially cure her. This first meeting sets the stage for a quest that is both challenging and ethically complex. He will provide some lore surrounding Millicent’s condition and its potential link to Malenia, Blade of Miquella, which acts as an initial point of intrigue into the narrative. He will also suggest a location on the map where players can seek the needle, which leads into the next part of the quest.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Gowry’s Quest
To begin fulfilling Gowry’s request and thus progressing his questline, players must first obtain the Unalloyed Gold Needle. This item is held by Commander O’Neil, a boss located in the Swamp of Aeonia, also within Caelid. Commander O’Neil is a formidable opponent, a heavy-armored knight surrounded by spectral soldiers, all immersed within the poisonous swamp. Defeating him requires careful planning, proper equipment, and a solid understanding of his attack patterns. Once Commander O’Neil is defeated, he will drop the Unalloyed Gold Needle. With the needle in hand, players must return to Gowry’s Shack.
Upon returning to Gowry, he will express his gratitude and begin to repair the needle. This process takes some time, and the player must rest at a Site of Grace and return to him. Once repaired, Gowry will instruct the player to take the needle to Millicent, who can be found in the Church of the Plague, slightly north of Gowry’s Shack and still within the Caelid region.
Millicent is found seated within the church, clearly suffering from the effects of the Scarlet Rot. Using the Unalloyed Gold Needle on her will begin her own questline, which is intertwined with Gowry’s. After being healed, Millicent will embark on her own journey, appearing in different locations throughout the Lands Between. Her subsequent locations include Erdtree-Gazing Hill within the Altus Plateau, then to Windmill Heights, the Ancient Snow Valley Ruins in the Mountaintops of the Giants, and finally the Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. It is important to interact with her at each of these locations to progress her quest.
The culmination of Millicent’s quest arrives within Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. After defeating the Ulcerated Tree Spirit guarding a small pool, players will find Millicent nearby. Here, players are presented with a crucial choice: to assist her or challenge her. Assisting her involves interacting with two summon signs. Choosing to assist results in you fighting alongside her to defeat her four sisters. After this, Millicent will pass on, leaving behind Millicent’s Prosthesis, a valuable talisman, and the opportunity to obtain the Lord of Blood’s Exultation talisman by defeating her sisters as an invader after you help her. Challenging her involves fighting her directly. Defeating her in this case provides the player with the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia.
Returning to Gowry after either choice will yield different results. If Millicent dies, whether by your hand or naturally, Gowry will remain in his shack, lamenting her fate. He will eventually become hostile, but still talks about how he is to become a “bud” for someone greater. If Millicent survives and completes her quest to remove the needle, Gowry will still be in his shack, but upon resting at a Site of Grace, you will find he has died. He will leave behind the Flock’s Canvas Talisman. He will also remain alive if you choose to do the side path where you help her sisters and inherit the Scarlet Rot.
Unveiling Gowry’s Lore
The lore surrounding Gowry is fragmented and largely based on speculation, yet it is the source of much fascination. One of the prevailing theories links Gowry to the Outer God of Rot and to Malenia, Blade of Miquella. This is supported by Gowry’s knowledge of the Scarlet Rot, his apparent ability to manipulate it, and his deep interest in Millicent, who is theorized to be a clone or offspring of Malenia. Gowry’s physical appearance, with his mushroom-like head, also alludes to the fungal nature of the Scarlet Rot, further reinforcing this connection. His dialogue offers cryptic hints, suggesting a deeper understanding of the Rot’s origins and its role in the cosmic order of the Lands Between. He repeatedly refers to Millicent as a nascent bud, hinting at a purpose beyond her own awareness. This raises questions about whether Gowry is merely a caretaker, or if he has ulterior motives related to the propagation of the Scarlet Rot. While concrete answers remain elusive, the available evidence suggests that Gowry is not simply a benevolent scholar, but rather a figure deeply entwined with the darker aspects of Elden Ring’s lore.
The item descriptions of spells he sells also help shed light into his motives. The description for the Pest Threads spells says, “The devout believe the Pests were never meant to be seen.” This may be a nod to his devout belief in the Outer God of Rot.
Exploring Fan Theories
Given the ambiguity surrounding Gowry’s true identity and motivations, numerous fan theories have emerged to fill the gaps in the lore. Some theories suggest that Gowry is a remnant of an ancient civilization that worshipped the Outer God of Rot, tasked with preserving and spreading the Scarlet Rot throughout the Lands Between. Others propose that he is a failed attempt to create a vessel for the Outer God, his deformed appearance a testament to this failed experiment. Another popular theory connects Gowry to Sage Gowry, a character mentioned in item descriptions who was deeply knowledgeable about the Scarlet Rot. Regardless of their specific details, these theories highlight the community’s deep engagement with Gowry’s character and their desire to unravel his mysteries. The sheer volume of theories surrounding Gowry is a testament to the effectiveness of his character design and the subtle storytelling that pervades Elden Ring. It’s a perfect example of FromSoftware’s ability to create intriguing characters with limited screen time, letting the community piece together the puzzle of their existence.
Gowry’s Impact and Significance
Gowry’s significance within Elden Ring extends beyond his immediate questline. He serves as a conduit for exploring the themes of corruption, healing, and the ethics of intervention. His quest forces the player to confront difficult choices that have lasting consequences, both for Millicent and for the Lands Between. His connection to the Scarlet Rot and the Outer God of Rot adds another layer to the game’s already complex lore, expanding the narrative in unexpected ways. Moreover, Gowry exemplifies the ambiguous morality that characterizes many of Elden Ring’s characters. He is not purely good or evil, but rather a complex figure with his own agenda, making him all the more compelling. In a game filled with gods, demigods, and warring factions, Gowry stands out as a reminder that even seemingly minor characters can play a crucial role in shaping the fate of the Lands Between. Even after his death, his impact remains through the items acquired from him, such as the Flock’s Canvas Talisman, which boosts the potency of incantations.
Conclusion
Gowry remains one of the most intriguing and debated NPCs within the sprawling world of Elden Ring. His quest, while seemingly simple, branches into the complex narrative of Millicent and potentially connects to the larger lore surrounding the Outer God of Rot. Gowry’s true intentions and his place within the grand scheme of the Lands Between remain shrouded in mystery, but that ambiguity is precisely what makes him so compelling. Whether he is a devoted servant, a misguided scholar, or something far more sinister, Gowry leaves a lasting impact on the player and the world they inhabit. As players continue to explore the Lands Between and uncover its secrets, Gowry’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions and inspire new theories for years to come, further securing his place as one of the more mysterious and compelling characters FromSoftware has created. So, fellow Tarnished, delve into the rot, listen closely to the whispers, and decide for yourself what you think of Gowry and his place within the ever-expanding narrative of Elden Ring.
