Best Elves In Final Fantasy

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Key Takeaways

  • Original interpretations of elves in Final Fantasy include Elvaan and Elezen, showcasing diverse characterizations.
  • Characters like Queen Arbor and Lunera challenge traditional elven stereotypes, offering depth and development.
  • Archbishop Thordan IV subverts typical elven traits by being a power-hungry antagonist, defying player expectations.

As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I must say that the elvish characters in this franchise have always been a source of fascination for me. Each one brings something unique to the table, and their complexities never cease to amaze me. Among these captivating figures, Haurchefant Greystone, Prishe, and Archbishop Thordan IV stand out as three particularly intriguing examples.

In the realm of fantasy, elves have emerged as a timeless element, a common thread woven through tales like those penned by J. R. R. Tolkien and the Elder Scrolls universe. Even with its quirky twists, Final Fantasy, a renowned JRPG from Square Enix, follows this established pattern.

The Final Fantasy series not only features conventional representations of Regular and Dark Elves but also introduces several unique takes on these character types, such as the Elvaan and Elezen races.

8 Queen Arbor

The Child-Like Queen Of The Forest-Dwelling Arbor People

Initially appearing haughty and playful, Queen Arbor from the city named after her in “Final Fantasy: The Four Heroes of Light” seems to harbor a natural distrust towards humans, impeding players’ advancement. Her quick temper and propensity for turning people into animals could lead players to develop a disdain for her. Yet, she ultimately assists the party once a semblance of peace has been reestablished.

Over the course of the player’s interactions with her, the queen of the forest elf tribe, who is known as the silver-haired matriarch of Arbor, undergoes a transformation. Initially indifferent to their situation, she eventually uses her magic not just to help them but also empowers them to cast ‘Lux’, which is the strongest White Magic spell in the game. This shift in behavior reveals that Queen Arbor’s initial mistrust was misplaced, and as players persevere, they find that Elven-Human relations are restored once more.

7 Lunera

A Powerful Yet Kind Elf Of Lore & Legend

In the world of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Lunera is depicted as a historical figure who embodies kindness, warrior prowess, and an inclusive nature towards races other than elves. Her character development unfolds significantly in the narrative event ‘A Promise Through Time,’ where her leadership and open-mindedness inspire her people, though ultimately leading to her untimely demise.

In lore spanning over 700 years, Lunera’s actions solidified her as a significant figure in her culture’s mythology. Unlike many of her Elven peers who often looked down on humans, Lunera saw it as their responsibility to guide humanity morally. Tragically, she succumbed to disease, but her compassion and wisdom distinguish her from most other elves in the game “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” and across the franchise as a whole.

6 Gramps / Freyr The Elf King

A Rude Intruder Turned Kind-Hearted Elven Monarch

  • First Appearance: Final Fantasy Dimensions
  • Released: September 06, 2010
  • Developer: Matrix Software
  • Platforms: FOMA 903i, iOS, Android
  • Genre: RPG

When players initially encounter Gramps in the middle of the night near a campfire, they might feel wary, particularly since he’s blind, has amnesia, and behaves in an unrefined manner. However, it is revealed later that this seemingly rough old man is actually King Fryer, the beloved and revered Elven King.

Despite his harsh demeanor causing quite a shock, unveiling his true identity in the end showcases the stark difference between his secret persona and his royal lineage. Skilled with the bow and arrow, and selfless in his leadership, the surprising twist in his character remains one of the most captivating moments in the storyline of Final Fantasy Dimensions.

5 Prince Of Elfheim

The Original Introduction Of Elves In The Final Fantasy Franchise

As a devoted fan, it’s hard to overlook the captivating Elven prince from the mesmerizing world of Elfheim within the Final Fantasy universe. This enigmatic character undeniably leaves an indelible mark on the storyline of the franchise’s debut game.

Under the never-ending sleep enchanted by the powerful dark elf Astos, players find themselves on a mission to awaken him using a potent Jolt Tonic. Beloved by his people who assisted him tirelessly for five years during his slumber, he bestows upon the Champions of Light the Mystic Key, an artifact that not only advances their storyline but also unlocks extra rooms and doors within the game as well.

4 Fourchenault Leveilleur

A Powerful Sharlayan Who Upholds Tradition Despite Necessary Intervention

Within the Sharlayan Forum, Fourchenault serves as a crucial link for players of Final Fantasy 14 to deepen their understanding of the Northern Empty’s nation. Born as a thoughtful Elezen from the wildwoods, he advocates for wisdom and rationality while adhering to an exasperatingly silent stance on pacifism.

In contrast to his assertion of preserving his people’s heritage and customs, Fourchenault exhibits a quiet and courteous disposition towards the game’s protagonist and other characters. However, some players perceive a transformation in his character when he is challenged by his offspring and the inactivity of Sharlayan is scrutinized. Despite adhering to traditional elvish principles, Fourchenault undergoes development throughout the expansions of Final Fantasy 14, most notably in Shadowbringers and Endwalker. This progression leads to him joining the player’s team and employing formidable magic during their struggle in the ‘Forlorn Glory’ Role Quest.

3 Haurchefant Greystone

The Fan-Favorite Elezen Lord Who Meets A Warrior’s End

  • Final Fantasy 14

Regardless of being born into nobility as Lord Haurchefant Greystone of House Fotemps, his warmheartedness towards strangers contrasts significantly not just with his aristocratic upbringing but also the aloofness often portrayed in elvish characters within fantasy literature. Additionally, his genuine and optimistic romanticism has endeared him to many fans as a beloved companion in Final Fantasy 14, which intensifies the emotional impact of his heroic demise.

His well-meaning character is bolstered in his time during the narrative of Final Fantasy 14‘s A Realm Reborn expansion before his defense of the player from Ser Zephirin’s spear of light in Final Fantasy 14: Heavensward proves deadly. Although he dies in the player’s arms, his spirit does take the form of his sword and shield in defense of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn during Final Fantasy 14‘s fourth expansion, Endwalker.

2 Prishe

The Smart-Mouthed Elvaan Who Rapidly Matures

Prishe stands out among the Elvaans in “Final Fantasy 11” due to her spontaneous nature, tomboyish demeanor, and strong language, making her quite distinct.

In the expansion of the game titled “Chains of Promathia,” Prishe assumes a crucial storyline part. She undergoes an extremely dramatic character evolution, possibly the most turbulent among any elf-like characters in the series. After being consecrated by the Eye of Altana, she is shunned by her kin. Nevertheless, they eventually admire her as she facilitates their evacuation during Tavnazia’s chaotic collapse. Furthermore, she wrestles with questions about identity and purpose when Cardinal Mildaurion’s influence over her mind is lifted, causing her immortality to vanish.

1 Archbishop Thordan IV

A Power-Hungry Twisting Of Elven Character Tropes

  • Final Fantasy 14

The representation of elf-like characters in Final Fantasy can be quite diverse, yet they’re commonly depicted as benevolent and ethical beings. Consequently, when Archbishop Thordan IV is shown as a stern but fair elderly leader of Ishgard, some players might assume his appearance to be accurate.

Contrary to his benevolent and nurturing exterior, the elderly Elezen actually serves as the main antagonist in the expansion “Heavensward” of Final Fantasy 14. Wielding dictatorial authority, Thordan is driven by ambition and deceit, going so far as to endanger his own son in pursuit of becoming a king like a god. Despite being typical of power-hungry villains, Thordan’s status as an elf-like character adds an unexpected twist, making him one of the franchise’s most compelling surprise villains.

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2024-10-26 07:34