The Erdtree Avatars are the tree-spirits who guard the Minor Erdtrees scattered across the Lands Between, the small offspring-trees the great Erdtree drops, each one a node of grace continuing the parent's lineage. They are not, strictly, born; they are pacted. The Guardian Garb flavour text records the pact: 'In accordance with an ancient pact with the Erdtree, it is said that their deaths led not to destruction, but instead to renewed, eternal life as guardians.' Who each Avatar was before the pact, the text does not say; it records only that death was not destruction but a remaking, an eternal vigil in the tree's service.

Their bodies show the price. The Staff of the Avatar names them as 'Wielded by the avatars who protect the Minor Erdtrees. The avatars, emerging in the wake of the Elden Ring's shattering, were determined to protect the withering Erdtree's offspring.' After the Shattering, the great Erdtree itself began to wither, and the Avatars are now the canon's most visibly senescent order: the Guardian Garb (Full Bloom) describes red flowers blooming on their backs, and the flavour text concedes the obvious, 'it is said that the blood-red flowers blooming on their backs mark the senescence of their ancient pact. Perhaps the guardians are part tree already.' They protect a child-tree they will outlive only if the parent-tree is restored.