Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
Final Fantasy’s Mythological Roots
The Final Fantasy series has been around for nearly 25 years, and over that time has developed its own internal mythology. However, many elements that fans associate with Final Fantasy aren’t original creations; they are inspired by historical tales and myths from around the world. From summons to characters to weapons, the series has too many nods to detail each one separately – but this list summarizes some of the coolest references drawn from a variety of cultural traditions.
Hyperion
In Final Fantasy: The name of the gunblade used by Squall’s rival, Seifer Almasy, in Final Fantasy VIII.
Origin: According to Greek mythology, Hyperion was one of the twelve titans who were overthrown by Zeus and the other gods of Olympus.
Gilgamesh
In Final Fantasy: A popular recurring foe/summon known for having multiple arms and wielding a variety of swords. Featured most prominently in Final Fantasy V.
Origin: Gilgamesh was a legendary Sumerian king who reigned over 4500 years ago, and the subject of an ancient literary work called The Epic of Gilgamesh.
Sephiroth
In Final Fantasy: The fan-favorite antagonist of Final Fantasy VII, built up as a peerless warrior with god-like power.
Origin: The word Sephiroth (or Sephirot) is drawn from Kabbalah, where it refers to the group of 10 attributes through which God is revealed.
Caladbolg
In Final Fantasy: The Celestial (i.e. “ultimate”) weapon wielded by Tidus in Final Fantasy X.
Origin: In Irish mythology, Caladbolg is a two-handed sword that can cleave mountains and kill entire armies.
Masamune
In Final Fantasy: A blade that first appeared in the original Final Fantasy (as “Masmune”), and is frequently among the most powerful weapons in an entry.
Origin: The name refers to the legendary Japanese sword-maker, Masamune, who is regarded as one of the finest (often the finest) in history.
Cúchulainn
In Final Fantasy: Cúchulainn, the Impure, is an optional poison-elemental Esper players can summon in Final Fantasy XII.
Origin: Though the name has several spellings, Cú Chulainn was a hero in Irish myth who would fly into an indiscriminate frenzy in battle.
Bahamut
In Final Fantasy: The name Bahamut appears in all numbered Final Fantasy entries, usually as a powerful summoned monster with the form of a dragon. You can see a video history of his appearances as a summon here!
Origin: According to Arabic myth, Bahamut is a fish so massive and wondrous that humans are unable to comprehend its sight.
Odin
In Final Fantasy: A summoned monster appearing in multiple Final Fantasy entries. His attack usually involves a chance to instantly kill opponents.
Origin: A god from Norse mythology. Many other aspects of this legend, like his six-legged horse (Sleipnir) and his spear (Gungnir) also appear in Final Fantasy games.
Flan
In Final Fantasy: Pudding-like enemies typically resistant to physical attacks.
Origin: Psych! It’s just a stupid dessert.
Share your favorite mythological references from Final Fantasy in the comments below!
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
