Walkthrough of Count Ymir and Jolán’s quest line in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

This Count Ymir quest line is an optional but long NPC quest in Ring of Fire‘S Shadow of Erdtree Downloadable add-on.

Located in the Manus Metyr Cathedral next to another NPC, Jolan, Ymir can not only teach you unique spells, but also give you a series of quests that will ultimately reward you with special equipment, exclusive spells, and powerful spirit summoning. Ymir’s journey also includes a gigantic, optional boss battle called Memory.

Before we begin, please know that completing Ymir’s quest requires access to multiple Shadow of Erdtree‘s, including the Hinterlands and Cerulean Coast area. Additionally, you’ll want to get the “O Mother” emote and either Iris of Grace or Iris of Occultation to fully complete the quest and earn the rewards.

Count Ymir and Jolán’s questline steps in the Elden Ring DLC

Here is a list of all the steps you need to complete to complete Ymir’s quest:

1. Meet Ymir in Manus Metyr
2. Receive a necklace with holes and a map of the ruins that “shows the site of the sacred ruins” and talk to Jolán
3. Complete the first Ruins map by going to the Finger Ruins of Rhia and ringing the Hanging Bell
4. Return to Manus Metyr and talk to Ymir to receive the Ruins Map (2.), then talk to Jolán
5. Complete the Ruins Map (2nd) by going to the Finger Ruins of Dheo through the Shadow Keep Back Gate and ringing the Hanging Bell
6. Return to Manus Metyr and talk to Ymir to get the Map of the Ruins (3rd), then talk to Jolán
7. Complete the ruins map (third) by going to the finger ruins of Miyr and hitting the hanging bell
8. Battle Metyr, Mother of Fingers
9. Return to Manus Metyr and face Ymir (and Jolán)

The location of Count Ymir and how to reach the Cathedral of Manus Metyr

Manus Metyr Cathedral can be accessed by defeating Rellana, Twin Moon Knight in Castle Ensis and entering Scad Altus. Please note that these are technically optional locations and you can skip them if you prefer, as shown in this video.

However you get to Scadu Altus, from the Highroad Cross Site of Grace, head north to the guide stele and get Scadu Altus Fragment of the map. Further north, at the fork in the road, turn right and head southeast to reach another place of grace Ruins of Moorth.

At the southern end of the ruins you will see a hole in the ground that leads to an underground cave. You can safely drop down there using the various ledges and roofs and take the tunnel path towards the modern location, Bonny Village.

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

From the place of grace in Bonny Village, head east through a compact ravine and over two bridges to reach another place of grace, Bridge leading to the village. From there, take the road north (pass many wolves and the Golem Furnace) to another place of grace, Highroad Church DistrictThen the road turns south and ends at Manus Metyr Cathedral.

Where to find and talk to Count Ymir

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Ymir will be sitting quietly on his throne in the apse of Manus Metyr. Talk to him and he will give you A necklace full of holes object and Map of the ruins which points to your first destination: the Finger Ruins of Rhia, west of Jagged Peak.

When he is not on the throne, Ymir can be found in a compact cemetery connected to Manus Metyr on its western side.

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Speak to him there or at his throne to improve his dialogue and quest, resting in the cathedral, a place of progress’s grace.

Ymir will also teach you modern shining stone spells. Check his inventory to see if there’s anything modern.

Go to the Finger Ruins and ring the Hanging Bells

Photo: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

From here you have a series of ruin maps to assist you find a series of sacred ruins where you must ring a hanging bell. Our ruin map locations guide breaks them down into more specific sections, otherwise the general locations are as follows:

• Map of the ruins: The Fingers of Rhia Ruins, west of Jagged Peak
• Ruins Map 2: Ruins of Dheo’s Fingers, east of the Hinterlands in Scaduview
• Ruins Map 3:The ruins of Miyr, which are located beneath Manus Metyr

After each step, you must return to Manus Metyr and speak with Ymir. Be sure to report to Jolán when you get there.

While exploring the Fingered Ruins of Miyr on Ruins Map 3, you will be attacked by the Swordhand of Night Anna and will have to fight Metyr, the Mother of Fingers.

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Metyr, the Mother of Fingers, is the boss of Memory. You can cash in her Memory Power using Enia’s Roundtable Hold fingerprint reader to receive either Staff of the Great Beyonda catalyst used to cast spells and spells; or The Looking Fingera club with a unique ability known as Kowtower’s Grudge, a charge attack that causes an explosion.

Once Metyr, the Mother of Fingers, is downed, return to Manus Metyr.

Kill the invader Swordhand of Night Jolán

If you’ve talked to the abrasive swordswoman Jolán, you already know she’s not a nice person. After defeating Metyr, Mother of Fingers, return to Ymir’s throne to examine it.

You will immediately be attacked by the Swordhand of Night Jolán. Kill the invader.

Kill Count Ymir, the Mother of Fingers

After the fight with Jolán, Ymir will appear at his throne and attack you, now as Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers. Kill him to receive the following items:

• Ymir’s Bell Bearing (which you can take to the Twin Maiden Husks in the Round Table Keep to gain access to his shop)
• Maternity staff
• High Priest’s Hat
• The High Priest’s Robe
• High Priest’s Gloves
• High Priest’s Underwear

Return to the cemetery to the west and you will receive it Dear fingers spells, one of the spells Ymir used during your fight with him.

Should you utilize Iris of Grace or Iris of Occultation?

Jolán is clinging to life when you talk to her in Manus Metyr. Talk to her and you will be faced with a choice: utilize the Iris of Grace or the Iris of Occult to decide her final fate. (You can also give the iris to the Fire Knight Queelign.)

• Using Iris of Grace will reward you Ash of Jolán’s Spirit with the Night Swordwhich will allow you to summon Jolán in battle.
• Using Occult Iris will reward you Katana Jolán, Sword of the Night.

Jolán has only one more task.

Should you introduce Anna to Sword of the Night Jolana?

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

If you choose the Iris of Grace option and have the Swordhand of Night Jolán Spirit Ashes, you should teleport back to the Hinterland Site of Grace in Scaduview and then head east to Shaman Village. This silent, flower-covered peak adjoins Rabbath’s Rise in Scadu Altus below. From the eastern corner of Shaman Village, you’ll need to jump down some ledges and then jump onto the balcony to Rabbath’s Rise, where you’ll find Anna’s puppet – the physical manifestation of the Swordhand of Night Anna.

Interact with Anna’s puppet and you will see the message “Bring Anna to the spiritual ashes of Jolán’s Sword Night?” Selecting “Yes” will transform Jolán’s Night Sword Hand Spirit Ashes into Jolán and Anna’s ghost ashes – meaning you will summon two Night Sword Hand spirits using the ashes. If you prefer, you will also have the option to undo this Spirit Ashes upgrade.

I’m looking for more The shadow of the Erd tree guides? Check out our guides on the Dryleaf Dane, Hornsent, Hornsent Grandam, Redmane Freyja, and Sir Ansbach NPC quests, or check out our interactive Ring of Fire DLC map.