Should I read the lore before continuing with the game?

[TwoLemings]

I just defeated Rykard and I feel really disconnected with the world, I read the Items lore things and I am impressed with the story telling of the world itself but I feel like I'm missing something. I stumbled upon Rennala and was suprised when I got a great rune from defeating her, when I saw all of the torture and snake folk that Rykard did I was intent to kill him but then he was eaten by a snake so did the snake or Rykard do all that? I just didn't feel engaged with Rykard, Godrick, or Rennala. I really like Radahn and feelt like his cutscene did enough for me to feel like I cared and understood him but he comes out of nowhere. Right now Blaidd is my favorite fight just because I had a history with him and I understood his lore, which I got from the game. So am I missing something that gives context for everyone else?

I have been avoiding lore and spoilers but when I see Elden Ring lore on the internet it's so interesting so am I missing something in the game that explaines stuff or should I read the lore before continuing?

[toughnails]

Sounds like you killed Rykard early, which locks you out of all the quests at Volcano Manor that provide context and story for this area/boss.

[Dollmaker]

Some quests do give some insight on the bosses.

For example, Godrick being an idiot and a coward that nobody respects.

Usually exploring the zones before doing the main boss of the area can lead you to finding this stuff.

You can also get some lore from Gideon who usually gives some background of the Shardbearers, he also explains how Rennala's Greatrune comes from her Amber Egg rather than herself.

[Action Man]

You can get some insight into Godrick from 'the great' Kenneth Haight. He's in Limgrave.

Once you grab one of the runes, Gideon will give you a breakdown of the demi-gods.

You can learn quite a bit of lore by doing the quests in the game, but it can be difficult to keep track of the quests that offer little (or no) guidance on how to proceed.