About this Video

• Video Title: What the Primeval Current REALLY is and Secrets of the "Dance" | Elden Ring Lore
• Channel: Nameless Singer
• Speakers: Nameless Singer
• Duration: 00:29:19

Introduction

This video explores the Elden Ring lore surrounding the Primeval Current, arguing that it represents fate. The speaker analyzes in-game items, character actions, and cultural references to support this theory, connecting the Primeval Current to concepts like the spiritual energy cycle, the dance of fate, and the Dao.

Key Takeaways

• The Primeval Current is Fate: The core argument is that the Primeval Current, often mentioned alongside other terms (Crucible Current, current of causality, etc.), is a synonym for fate in the Elden Ring universe.
• Blindness and the Third Eye: Many powerful fighters in the game blind themselves to enhance their "third eye," allowing them to perceive fate. This is linked to the Primeval Current and the ability to see one's own destiny.
• The Dance of Fate: The "dance" performed by various characters (Blue Dancer Fairy, Dancers of Ranah, hornsent) symbolizes the movement of one's body under the control of fate. This dance, and its association with water and fire, is traced back to the ancient Rauh civilization.
• Rauh's Influence: The Rauh civilization is presented as having a deep understanding of spiritual energy and the flow of water, which are symbolic of fate. Many in-game elements, including the Blue Dancer Fairy legend and architectural motifs, link back to Rauh.
• Twin Spirals and Fate: A recurring twin spiral motif in the game is connected to the Primeval Current, suggesting a dualistic nature of fate. This is compared to the yin and yang concept.

The speaker posits a complex interconnected system of metaphysical concepts and processes within Elden Ring's world. It's crucial to remember that these are interpretations based on in-game clues, not explicitly stated mechanics. The speaker's theory presents a unified metaphysical framework where seemingly disparate elements are connected through the concept of fate.

1. The Primeval Current as Fate: The central thesis is that the "Primeval Current" (and its synonyms: Crucible Current, current of causality, etc.) is fate itself. This isn't just a narrative device but an actual, flowing metaphysical force that governs events. It's presented as a continuous, dynamic entity rather than a predetermined script.

2. The Third Eye and Perception of Fate: The third eye isn't a literal physical eye but a capacity for heightened perception, specifically the ability to perceive the Primeval Current/fate. By intentionally blinding themselves (physically or metaphorically through intense focus), characters gain access to this heightened perception. This isn't necessarily seeing the future in a prophetic sense, but rather sensing the flow of causality and one's place within it. It allows for a deeper understanding of one's own destiny.

3. The Dance as Manifestation of Fate: The various "dances" in the game are not mere stylistic choices. They represent the physical manifestation of being guided by fate. The movements are not entirely self-directed but influenced by the Primeval Current, a dynamic interplay between free will and predetermined destiny. The different styles (water-like fluidity, fiery passion, etc.) likely represent variations or aspects of fate's influence, potentially reflecting different interactions with the Primeval Current.

4. Rauh's Metaphysical Legacy: The Rauh civilization is portrayed as the origin point of the understanding of the Primeval Current. They mastered manipulation of spiritual energy and water, both symbolic representations of the flowing nature of fate. This knowledge appears to have been passed down, fragmented and reinterpreted, to subsequent civilizations like the Astrologers, shaping their understanding of the cosmos and their methods of divination.

5. Twin Spirals and Dualistic Fate: The recurring twin spiral motif is suggested as representing the dualistic nature of fate. Each spiral could symbolize opposing forces that interplay to shape events, perhaps akin to the yin and yang concept from Daoism. The convergence of these forces into a spiral suggests a cyclical and ultimately unified nature of destiny.

6. The Flow of Consciousness and Memory as Fate: The speaker proposes that fate isn't merely external but deeply intertwined with one's individual consciousness and memory. A person's entire life, viewed as a flow of consciousness and experience, can be visualized as a continuous "plot" forming a thread or current. This plot, representing the totality of memories, constitutes that individual's fate. The Primeval Current, therefore, isn't just a cosmic force but also an internal flow, intimately connected to individual experience.

7. The Dao and the Way: The speaker draws parallels between the Primeval Current and the Dao (or "The Way") from Daoism. Both are described as a natural flow, a force that governs the universe and the destinies of beings within it. Aligning oneself with this flow is viewed as a path to understanding and acceptance of one's place within the larger cosmic order. The inherent dualism in the Dao, represented by yin and yang, echoes the twin spiral motif in the game.

In essence, the speaker constructs a worldview where fate (represented by the Primeval Current) is not a static, predetermined path but a dynamic, flowing force that interacts with consciousness, memory, and the cosmos itself. The ability to perceive and interact with this force is linked to a state of heightened awareness and possibly through the power of one’s memory and imagination. The various symbolic representations within the game (water, fire, dances, spirals, etc.) are seen as different facets of this unified metaphysical system. Again, these are interpretations derived from the game's lore; they aren't explicitly defined mechanics within Elden Ring's world.

The speaker draws a parallel between Elden Ring's Primeval Current and the Force from Star Wars, highlighting several similarities in their metaphysical function:

1. An Omnipresent, Flowing Energy: Both the Primeval Current and the Force are presented as pervasive, flowing energies that permeate the universe. They are not separate entities but integral parts of reality, influencing all events and beings. This contrasts with a more deterministic view of fate, instead portraying them as active forces that are part of the fabric of existence, not simply pre-determined events.

2. Influence on Actions and Events: Both forces exert influence on events and actions within their respective universes. In Star Wars, the Force guides actions and enhances abilities, impacting the flow of combat and larger conflicts. Similarly, the speaker argues that the Primeval Current directly affects the course of events in Elden Ring, guiding individuals and shaping destinies. The "dance" discussed in the video transcript directly connects to this, describing actions dictated by this flow.

3. Internal and External Manifestations: The Force is both an external power influencing the galaxy and an internal energy present within living beings, affecting their consciousness and abilities. The speaker suggests a similar duality for the Primeval Current; it's both a cosmic force and a current flowing within individuals, connected to their memories and consciousness. This is especially evident in the way the "third eye" allows characters to sense the Primeval Current as an internal force.

4. Perception and Manipulation: In Star Wars, Jedi and Sith can perceive and manipulate the Force, using it for various purposes. Similarly, the characters in Elden Ring who access their "third eye" are suggested to perceive and indirectly interact with the Primeval Current, gaining insights into fate and potentially influencing their own destinies through alignment with its flow. The intentional blinding is a technique to shut out normal senses and better access this deeper, more intuitive perception.

5. Alignment and Harmony: Jedi strive to align themselves with the Force, promoting harmony and balance. The speaker suggests a similar principle applies to the Primeval Current. Characters who understand and "dance" with the flow of fate achieve a degree of mastery, while those who resist or ignore it face challenges. The "path" or "Dao" concept further emphasizes this alignment with the natural order governed by the Primeval Current.

Differences:

While the similarities are significant, key differences exist:

• Explicit vs. Implicit: The Force is a much more explicitly defined and explored concept in Star Wars, with its workings described through detailed explanations, established abilities, and diverse lore. The Primeval Current, as presented in the video, is an interpretation built from scattered in-game clues and thus less formally defined.
• Active Manipulation vs. Alignment: The Force in Star Wars allows for direct, active manipulation of events (Force Push, Force Lightning, etc.). The Primeval Current, as interpreted, seems more focused on influencing actions and events through alignment, guiding actions rather than overtly controlling them. Direct and overt control through the Primeval Current appears to be extremely rare, even impossible for most characters.
• Moral Implications: The Force in Star Wars has strong moral implications, with the light side representing harmony and the dark side representing chaos and self-serving actions. The implications of interacting with the Primeval Current in Elden Ring are less explicitly tied to morality, although it could be argued that alignment with its flow signifies a type of acceptance of one's role within a larger order.

In conclusion, the speaker uses the Force as a point of comparison to illustrate the functional similarities between the two metaphysical systems. Both are pervasive energies influencing events and actions, both have internal and external aspects, and both reward those who align themselves with their flow. However, the Force’s explicit definition and power of manipulation differ from the Primeval Current's more implicit and subtly guiding influence as interpreted from the Elden Ring lore.