Elden Ring’s Godfather Hidetaka Miyazaki Admits Hayao Miyazaki’s $9 Million Movie Inspired Him

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Hidetaka Miyazaki, a renowned talent from FromSoftware, has crafted the enigmatic realms of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. Over time, we’ve applauded his creations for their depth and mystery within video game worlds. What’s intriguing about Miyazaki is that the sources of his inspiration share the same complexity and layers as the games themselves.

Through time, Miyazaki’s works have demonstrated a rich tapestry of inspirations that mold his imaginative universes. Ranging from the grandeur of Gothic structures and the chronicles of the Middle Ages to the magical realms depicted in movies such as Berserk, and comic books known as manga.

Perhaps the design for Ash Lake in Dark Souls was inspired by a different legend, such as that of Hayao Miyazaki.

Hidetaka Miyazaki may have been inspired by the other Miyazaki

Among the most renowned and enigmatic spots in the original “Dark Souls” is Ash Lake. This region stands out for its endless arching trees and music that gives off an eerie feeling of being disconnected from the rest of the game. Over time, many have pondered over its resemblance to a scene in “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984), where the main character ventures into a secret world inhabited by massive, petrified trees that are cleaning the land.

Ash Lake is easily my favourite area in Dark Souls, the music 😩

— 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐢 (@Kidd_Kami_) March 23, 2024

It’s important to remember that while fans have made connections, this link between the game and Ash Lake isn’t explicitly confirmed by Hidetaka Miyazaki himself. However, he has openly admitted that his admiration for James Cameron’s “Avatar” was one inspiration behind the creation of Dark Souls’ Great Hollow and Ash Lake.

Back in an interview with Knowll, Miyazaki himself acknowledged that the Great Hollow and Ash Lake were primarily envisioned without extensive concept art. He hinted at a touch of “Avatar” in them, pointing towards James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster sci-fi film. And it indeed resonates, just like the Home Tree and the enchanting forests and floating mountains of Pandora, Ash Lake was meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of organically grown, wild, and ancient beauty.

I frequently ponder over Ash Lake, a place from Dark Souls, which stands out as the strangest and most surreal destination within the Soulsborne universe for me. It’s the location that remains stuck in my mind the most. Despite seemingly having little activity, it gives off an eerie sense of something happening beneath its surface.

— Maung Thuta (@CypressDahlia) February 12, 2025

Discussions about the resemblance between Ash Lake and Nausicaä haven’t ceased within our community, as Reddit threads and other online forums have highlighted. Both works seem to share a comparable atmospheric quality, with slow, contemplative tones, post-apocalyptic vibes, and themes of ancient beings like the Stone Dragon that echo the healing and nature messages found in Hayao Miyazaki’s film.

There are a lot of things that inspire FromSoft’s worlds

It’s understandable why the theory has gained popularity, given Hidetaka Miyazaki’s evident love for classic manga, particularly Berserk, which is known to have significantly influenced the Souls series. Instead of merely replicating, Miyazaki transforms ideas into distinctive creations that are uniquely his own.

In this scenario, everyday landmarks morphed into fantastical cities, while pop culture nods transformed into Easter eggs or integral game elements. If Nausicaä had an impact on him, he never acknowledged it; however, given the appearance of Ash Lake, it likely did, and we’re grateful for it.

Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware’s design style is characterized by incorporating elements of mystery, where we, as players, often find ourselves pondering over various aspects. The Souls series, in particular, is renowned for its intricate environmental storytelling. In these games, we gather information about the lore through cryptic item descriptions, conversations with NPCs, and careful observation of the game world. Consequently, it’s logical to speculate about the sources of inspiration for Miyazaki’s work in a similar manner.

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2025-04-05 14:53