u/BarryTheButcher

The Crow Talons' description mentions "five perpendicular slashes," which seems like an error (should perhaps be parallel) or an intentional reference to crosses*

The Japanese description uses "五列" meaning five lines/rows/columns. Interestingly, it seems like a reference to the term "fifth column," which refers to an internal enemy undermining a system, like how the Corvian Knights slaughter their own brethren.

This also brought to mind the four pillars of Lothric, and how Sulyvahn might have promoted a "fifth column" through the Angelic faith.

Most interestingly, I discovered that the middle phase of the Friede fight, "Father Ariandel and Friede," has initials FAF, which are equivalent to 616, the oldest recorded variation of the number of the beast. The "antichrist" imagery reflects how Friede is a false version of [Cross]breed Priscilla, and it's notable that the murals in Ariandel's room depict a serpent, echoing Genesis. The Titanite Slab at the end of the phase represents the Logos, or Word.

This is interesting as "Fire and Ice" is Robert Frost's poem based on Dante's "Inferno" (GRRM's "A Song of Ice and Fire" is named after it, and Elden Ring seems inspired by another of his poems, "Nothing Gold Can Stay"). Traitors are said to dwell in the 9th circle of hell, frozen in a lake of ice. Friede is a traitor to Londor and the Forlorn.

(Before anyone calls the 616 point a stretch, let it be known that Undead Legion of Farron also spells ULF, meaning Wolf.)

*There's precedence for references to crosses, as the paintings are the home of the crossbreeds, Vilhelm says, "curiosity could be your cross," and Father Ariandel is hidden behind a cross-shaped crank. The Farron Followers are also associated with the Crucifixion Woods. In Ariamis, there was the "annex" key, the wheel-cross skeletons, the Xanthous King, the Phalanx, and Priscilla was behind a cross-shaped crank. (I'm sure there's more that I'm missing)

Tl;dr - Crow Talons have a weird item description, Ariandel contains a bunch of references to Christianity.

Edited - bulked out paragraph 5

The hedgehog-rabbits in Eleum Loyce seem to be a reference to a philosophical concept called "The Hedgehog's Dilemma" (or "Porcupine's Paradox").

Hedgehogs are drawn together by a desire to nestle for warmth but are drawn apart by the pain their quills inflict upon each other.

Humans are also drawn together by a desire to feel the warmth of love, yet drawn apart by the pain they inevitably cause one another.

This simultaneous push-and-pull that Humanity engenders is much like the "Unity of Opposites" or "Logos" referenced by *Disparity* in the opening cinematic. It is especially noteworthy in Eleum Loyce because Alsanna's relationship was the only one typified by greater attraction than repulsion, rather than vice-versa.

I also believe that Dark is compared to "Logos" ("Word") by the Pus of Man, who spew ink and drop charcoal.

(Controversially, I also believe these enemies are a reference to the epithet, "snowbunnies," as a further reference to the books, "The White Goddess" and "V.," that I believe the trilogy draws inspiration from.

Another example is "Rose of Ariandel," being a reference to the folk song "Rose of Allendale" and "Yorshka" being a reference to the White Rose of Yorkshire.)

Sorry if this was a bit scattered. I just wanted to share a few ideas.