Hewg the Imprisoned Smith

LOG · Elden Ring · Tome I · Hewg the Imprisoned Smith

◈ CHARACTER

Cursed Forgemaster · Crafter of God-Killing Weapons

"I'm trapped by the Hold, undying, smithing for you fools. That's all there is to it."
Roundtable Hold, bound by the Two Fingers

Hewg is a giant smith chained at Roundtable Hold by a curse from Marika herself, condemned to forge endlessly until a weapon capable of killing a god is created for a Tarnished. He doesn't fully understand why he is chained, but intuitively grasps his mission: "I forge weapons to slay demigods. One day, no fail, thou shalt have thy will. Then, a weapon to slay a god." He prays to Marika for forgiveness, the same goddess who condemned him to this existence. "Your divinity, have mercy and grant me forgiveness. The road is still long." He recognized in Roderika a talent for spirit accord similar to a spirit tuner he once knew (their eyes share the same hue). He taught her everything he knew, the two developing a deep master-disciple relationship. In his final moments, as Roundtable Hold burns and his memory fades, he continues instinctively to forge. Roderika tries to convince him to leave: "Now that your chains are broken, you are free." His response: "What use have I for freedom now? I forge weapons to slay a god. I have lived, and will die, doing so, on this very spot." His curse by Marika implies a context never revealed, why did Marika curse a simple smith to this existence?

◆ Sources

NPC Dialogue

Shabriri (Dialogue)

Shouldn't I? I'll ask Master Hewg to teach me. Certainly, he does appear intimidating, and holds no love for us Tarnished... But I know he's trapped here, at the Roundtable Hold... Good to see you again. Thank you very much! I have you to thank, don't I? For persuading Master Hewg? I can happily announce that he has taught me the noble toil of spirit tuning. I'm as yet unsure of what I might be able to accomplish, but if I might be any help to you all, I'd certainly like to try. I can understand their yearnings, what they become drawn to... Master Hewg said it himself, actually, that I'm no mere prentice any longer. Once again, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Roderika the certified spirit tuner. The Two Fingers went mad, and the Tarnished have all left. Myself and Master Hewg are the only ones who remain. Don't worry, I don't blame you. I'll continue spirit tuning just the same as before. Which is why I need your help persuading Master Hewg to leave. His roots are so knotted in this place. He won't last much longer if he stays here... Oh, is that right... So Master Hewg won't listen to you, either. You have my thanks, regardless. I'll try and talk him round next time. To think he'd forget who you were, as well. I knew he'd burn himself out, old Hewg. I think we could talk him into leaving the Roundtable Hold, now. But maybe it's better that we don't. It's only proper that we respect his choice to stay. I'll remain with Hewg. He made me who I am today. I'd like to return the kindness, in whatever small way I can. Please, become Elden Lord. Hewg was always saying that you were a Lord, to him. So slay her, with the weapons he smithed. Slay the god, Marika, who cursed us all.

Ash of War

Lost Ashes of War

Empty ashes of war, devoid of any memories of battle. Unable to apply any kind of affinity in their current state, but can be used by Smithing Master Hewg of the Roundtable Hold to recreate other ashes. Thus does the copy pass into becoming the genuine article.

NPC Dialogue

Roderika, Spirit Tuner

The Two Fingers went mad, and the Tarnished have all left. Myself and Master Hewg are the only ones who remain. Don't worry, I don't blame you. I'll continue spirit tuning just the same as before. Which is why I need your help persuading Master Hewg to leave. His roots are so knotted in this place. He won't last much longer if he stays here... Oh, is that right... So Master Hewg won't listen to you, either. You have my thanks, regardless. I'll try and talk him round next time. To think he'd forget who you were, as well. I knew he'd burn himself out, old Hewg. I think we could talk him into leaving the Roundtable Hold, now. But maybe it's better that we don't. It's only proper that we respect his choice to stay. I'll remain with Hewg. He made me who I am today. I'd like to return the kindness, in whatever small way I can. Please, become Elden Lord. Hewg was always saying that you were a Lord, to him. So slay her, with the weapons he smithed. Slay the god, Marika, who cursed us all.

Hewg the Imprisoned Smith

◆ Read next