Home > News > Elden Ring Mystery Unraveled in Shadow of the Erdtree

Elden Ring Mystery Unraveled in Shadow of the Erdtree

by Grace Dec 15,2024

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion finally reveals the fate of Dragonlord Placidusax, a long-standing mystery. The DLC explains the absence of two of the boss's three missing heads.

**Spoiler Alert:** This discussion contains significant lore and boss spoilers for Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree.

Dragonlord Placidusax, a notoriously difficult secret boss found in Crumbling Farum Azula, is encountered in a weakened state, missing three heads and a wing. The expansion reveals the likely culprit: Bayle the Dread.

Placidusax's Missing Heads and the Battle with Bayle the Dread

Reddit user Matrix_030 discovered that two of Placidusax's missing heads are embedded in Bayle the Dread's neck, a testament to their epic battle. Bayle himself is also significantly damaged, missing wings and limbs, suggesting a brutal, mutually destructive fight.

The Talisman of the Dread, found in Elder's Hovel, further supports this theory. Its description details Bayle's challenge to the ancient Dragonlord, resulting in "grievous mutual injury."

Despite their injuries, both dragons remain formidable foes in Elden Ring, boasting massive health pools and complex attack patterns. Bayle's aggressive fighting style makes summoning Spirit Ashes challenging at the fight's outset, unless specific strategies are employed.

While the location of Placidusax's third missing head remains unknown, many players believe Bayle is responsible for its removal as well.

Talisman of the Dread