The Bravest Characters In Kingdom Hearts

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As a devoted fan, I’d like to share a perspective that might seem unconventional: the most courageous figures within the Kingdom Hearts universe are undeniably us, the fans. While this statement may sound like a jest, it holds a grain of truth. We, the fans, exemplify an extraordinary degree of patience in the franchise, having endured numerous delays between sequels on more than one occasion.

From intriguing yet peculiar spinoffs to trailers that leave us hanging for years, we have faced our fair share of trials and tribulations. Yet, despite these challenges, we continue to stand strong, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating saga.

In 2022, we got a glimpse of Kingdom Hearts 4, but since then there’s been no significant updates or previews. Although it’s disheartening not to have more news, one thing that can’t be denied about the Kingdom Hearts series is its collection of truly courageous characters. Here’s a spoiler alert as we delve into the bravest acts and tales from the Kingdom Hearts franchise so far, ranking them by their level of bravery.

7. Kairi

A Damsel In Distress

In the first game, Kairi finds herself in a world filled with evil. Out of the three main characters, she’s the one who gets captured, but her role isn’t as action-packed as it seems; she mainly rests. In the second installment, she resides on an island, keeping her fingers crossed for Sora and Riku. She maintains a strong facade of courage not just for her own sake, but also for her companions. However, in Kingdom Hearts 3, she makes a significant sacrifice by offering her body to save Sora. Unfortunately, his response goes against her desires; he sacrifices himself instead, leaving him stranded in limbo.

6. Axel

Defying Evil

In the series, Axel belonged to Organization Thirteen, a significant antagonistic faction. Unlike other members of his kind, known as Nobodies who lack hearts, Axel forms bonds with Roxas and Xion. After Roxas departs and Xion perishes, Axel feels adrift and channels all his animosity towards Sora. He yearns for Roxas’ return and believes that eliminating Sora is the only way to achieve it.

Despite seemingly meeting his end in Kingdom Hearts 2, Axel eventually reappears to challenge his Organization 13 comrades in later sequels. His decision to no longer aid them and his willingness to give up his fiery powers for a regular Keyblade demonstrate great courage.

5. King Mickey

A Kingdom In The Balance

King Mickey, a tiny ruler, sets off from his realm, leaving behind his spouse, companions, and embarks on a solitary journey into the unknown. At that point, he is the only individual known to possess the Keyblade Mastery, understanding the necessity of action against Ansem. His bravery is evident, but it reaches new heights at the end of the first game when he asks Sora to imprison him within Kingdom Hearts to prevent the darkness from escaping. Remarkably, he manages to break free by the events of the second game, and more details about his survival are later disclosed in subsequent sequels. For his size, King Mickey certainly doesn’t behave like he’s hiding any power.

4. Goofy

A Sacrificial Effort

Goofy embodies the spirit of joy and optimism at every gathering. Some might perceive him as simple-minded, yet he chooses to view others positively regardless. His companion Donald can sometimes be overbearing, but Goofy extends forgiveness, such as one instance. Despite being a knight for the kingdom, Goofy opts to employ a shield instead of a sword, prioritizing his own presence to safeguard people. In the game Kingdom Hearts 2, Goofy appears to meet his end when he selflessly sacrifices himself to save King Mickey from collapsing debris, only for it to be revealed that he miraculously survived – albeit momentarily leaving everyone in shock.

3. Aqua

The Fate Of Keyblade Master

In the game “Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep,” Aqua, Terra, and Ventus are the primary characters. Both Terra and Aqua compete to become Keyblade Masters; Aqua wins, causing Terra to feel devastated and angry. Ventus tries to mediate between them, but due to various complications, their relationship deteriorates. Eventually, Ventus’ spirit is trapped inside a young Sora without his knowledge. Terra ultimately merges with Xehanort. To maintain peace, Aqua enters the realm of darkness for many years, which changes her negatively by the time events in “Kingdom Hearts 3” occur. Aqua bears this heavy responsibility courageously, as any Keyblade Master would.

2. Sora

The Power Of Friendship

From the very beginning of the original game, Sora stands as the primary character, which logically makes him a courageous figure. He endures numerous hardships, such as observing his home’s devastation, losing companions, transforming into a Heartless, and being imprisoned in an unending castle, among other trials. His character shares similarities with Goofy, particularly in his strong emphasis on friendship and his desire for power solely to safeguard.

Additionally, he may not be the smartest character around, yet his loyalty towards his friends shines through, even going as far as risking his own well-being, a trait showcased with Kairi earlier. Through the downloadable content for Kingdom Hearts 3, it’s been confirmed that Sora is alive, though he finds himself stranded in another dimension.

1. Riku

The True Protagonist

In the initial game, Riku is given a challenging fate. Destined to be the bearer of the Keyblade, he gets kidnapped by Maleficent and Ansem before this destiny can unfold. Later, Ansem takes control of Riku’s body, compelling him to commit terrible acts. Stricken with regret over his choices, Riku flees into the shadows alongside King Mickey at the game’s end, feeling embarrassed about his appearance now reflecting that of Ansem. With effort and King Mickey’s assistance, Riku learns to forgive himself – a remarkable act of courage. Sora rescued him long ago, and Riku repaid this kindness multiple times over. Similar to Aqua, he too advanced to become a Keyblade Master before Sora, earning recognition from Yen Sid for his valiant deeds and inner strength. Among the series’ characters, Riku undergoes an extensive personal journey.

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2025-03-02 13:06