Image: Tarnished vs Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Mount Gelmir

A breathtaking anime-style fan art captures the intense battle between the Tarnished, clad in the ominous Black Knife armor, and the grotesque Ulcerated Tree Spirit in the volcanic hellscape of Mount Gelmir from Elden Ring.

The Tarnished stands poised in a dynamic combat stance, his body enveloped in sleek, pitch-black armor etched with spectral patterns. A hood shadows his face, and his long, dark hair whips in the wind. His silver-white sword glows with ethereal light, held firmly in both hands, ready to strike. His posture is aggressive yet balanced—left leg bent forward, right leg extended back—conveying momentum and resolve.

Opposing him is the Ulcerated Tree Spirit, a massive, serpentine abomination composed of twisted bark, gnarled roots, and molten corruption. Its body coils and writhes across the scorched terrain, radiating fiery energy from deep within. The creature’s head is a grotesque fusion of wood and flame, with a gaping maw filled with jagged, glowing orange-red teeth. A single, blazing yellow eye pierces the gloom, exuding malevolence and fury.

The background is a vivid portrayal of Mount Gelmir’s volcanic landscape—jagged peaks, rivers of lava, and skies choked with ash and embers. The air is thick with smoke and glowing particles, casting a fiery glow over the scene. The ground is cracked and scorched, littered with burning debris and glowing fissures.

The composition is masterfully balanced: the Tarnished occupies the right foreground, while the Ulcerated Tree Spirit dominates the left, its serpentine form curling toward the warrior. The glowing sword forms a diagonal line of tension between the two figures, emphasizing the imminent clash.

Lighting plays a crucial role in the image’s drama. The warm hues of reds, oranges, and yellows from the creature and environment contrast sharply with the cool, dark tones of the Tarnished’s armor. Highlights and shadows are meticulously rendered, adding depth and realism to the characters and terrain.

Textures are richly detailed—from the rough, splintered bark of the Tree Spirit to the polished, rune-etched armor of the Tarnished. The flames and embers are rendered with dynamic motion, enhancing the sense of chaos and danger.

This image is a tribute to Elden Ring’s dark fantasy aesthetic, blending anime dynamism with high-fidelity realism. It evokes themes of struggle, corruption, and heroism, encapsulating the essence of a climactic encounter in one of the game’s most hostile regions.

The image is related to: Elden Ring: Ulcerated Tree Spirit (Mt Gelmir) Boss Fight