So, my friend just pointed this out to me the other day. I have no idea if it's some commonly known part of fan discourse or anything.
So in Elden Ring, when you get up close to the Erdtree you realize that only the upper part seems to glow, while the rest looks like mundane wood.
I know I noticed this, thought "huh, that's weird" and just dismissed it. But if you think about it, it's incredibly obvious.
The Erdtree isn't real. It's an illusion created by grace, and only visible to you because you're tarnished. The real erdtree is just a stump.
The most obvious, fundamental feature of Elden Ring's world, the thing that constantly stares you in the face wherever you are on the map is a lie.
Just a weird little example of how this game is extremely well thought through and has actual themes and shit.