Summary
While the fantasy genre is teeming with originality, elves have become a mystical staple of it - from the works of J. R. R. Tolkien to theElder Scrollsfranchise. As off-the-wall asSquare Enix’sFinal Fantasyseries can get at times, the genre-defining JRPG is no different.
Including more traditional portrayals of regular and Dark Elves, theFinal Fantasyfranchise has also incorporated multiple original interpretations of the character trope, with the likes of the Elvaan and Elezen people.
Slightly brattish and mischievous at first glance, Queen Arbor of the city of the same name has an innate dislike of humans and halts players' progress inFinal Fantasy: The Four Heroes of Light.Her short temper and tendency to lash out by transfiguring people into animals may cause players to dislike her. However, she does eventually aid the party after peace has been somewhat restored.
The matriarch of a woodland race of elves, the silver-haired Queen of Arbor develops over the course of the player’s interactions with her. This ranges from being wholly disinterested in their plight, to not only reverting her magic but aiding them with the power to use ‘Lux’ - the ultimate White Magic spell in the game. Beyond that, in proving one’s tenacity, players see that Queen Arbor’s distrust has softened, and Elven-Human relations are once again opened.
Existing as a historical character withinFinal Fantasy Brave Exvius, Lunera is not only portrayed as kind and skilled as a warrior but also welcoming of other non-elf races. Primarily developed through her portrayal in the narrative event ‘A Promise Through Time,’ Lunera’sleadership and openness inspire her people, even if it still results in her untimely death.
Her acts cemented her as a figure in her culture’s mythos for more than 700 years, as she is depicted believing that Elven people hold the responsibility of acting as moral aides to humanity rather than scorning them compared to much of the rest of her race. Ultimately perishing due to disease, Lunera’s kindness and understanding sets her apart from many of her Elven contemporaries withinFinal Fantasy Brave Exviusand across the franchise, too.
6Gramps / Freyr The Elf King
A Rude Intruder Turned Kind-Hearted Elven Monarch
When players are first approached by Gramps in the dead of night around a campfire, many would likely be on their guard, especially when confronted by his blindness, amnesia, and lewd behavior. However, it comes to be thatthis rude old manis none other than the much-loved and respected King Fryer of the Elves.
While his rudeness is jarring, the eventual reveal of his real identity reveals the contrast between his alter ego and royal heritage. A highly skilled archer and selfless leader, his bait-and-switch reveal is still seemingly a highlight ofFinal Fantasy Dimensions' narrative.
Arguably one of the most notable example ofan Elven character in theFinal Fantasyfranchise, the Prince of Elfheim plays an integral role in the narrative of the series' inaugural title.
Cursed to a seemingly eternal slumber by the dark elf Astos, players are tasked with waking him with the help of a Jolt Tonic. Adored by his people, who aided him as much as possible in the five years he was under, he provides the Warriors of Light with the Mystic Key that not only aids them in the plot of their adventure but can open optional rooms and doors throughout the game.
As an intelligent and powerful Mage at the heart of the Sharlayan Forum, Fourchenault is an integral conduit through which players ofFinal Fantasy 14can learn more about the nation in the Northern Empty. A wildwood Elezen, he preaches the ideals of wisdom and reason while maintaining an infuriatingly stoic position on pacifism.
Although he proclaims that he seeks to uphold the traditions and culture of his people, he interacts with the player and other characters with a soft-spoken and gentle demeanor. However, players do see this personality shift as he is questioned by his children and Sharlayan’s non-intervention is called into question. Despite upholding typical elvish values, Fourchenault does develop duringFinal Fantasy 14’sShadowbringersandEndwalkerexpansions, culminating in him joining the player’s party and providing some incredibly powerful magic during their battle during the ‘Forlorn Glory’ Role Quest.
3Haurchefant Greystone
The Fan-Favorite Elezen Lord Who Meets A Warrior’s End
Despite his noble upbringing as a Lord of House Fotemps, Haurchefant Greystone’s openness and care for strangers runs firmly against not only his upper-class upbringing but also the superiority usually seen in elvish characters in fiction. Beyond this, his sincere yet romantic optimism has made hima fan-favorite companion inFinal Fantasy 14, which makes his heroic death all the more devastating.
His well-meaning character is bolstered in his time during the narrative ofFinal Fantasy 14’sA Realm Rebornexpansion before his defense of the player from Ser Zephirin’s spear of light inFinal Fantasy 14: Heavenswardproves 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 duringFinal Fantasy 14’s fourth expansion,Endwalker.
Being impulsive, tomboyish, and foul-mouthed, Prishe is depicted as being incredibly different compared to other Elvaan people inFinal Fantasy 11.
Taking on a pivotal narrative role in the game’sChains of Promathiaexpansion, Prishe goes through arguably one of the most tumultuous periods of character development of any elf-like character in the franchise. Baptized by the Eye of Altana, she is detested by others of her race. However, she is ultimately cherished by her people later as she aids in their escape during the tumultuous fall of Tavnazia. Beyond this, she also grapples with ideas of self and meaning, asher immortality is strippedwhen Cardinal Mildaurion’s control over her thoughts is removed.
1Archbishop Thordan IV
A Power-Hungry Twisting Of Elven Character Tropes
While the depiction ofelf-like characters inFinal Fantasyvaries greatly from person to person, they are often portrayed as being kindly and moral beings. As such, when Archbishop Thordan IV is presented as the firm but fair elderly leader of Ishgard, many players may have taken his appearance at face value.
However, beyond the elderly Elezen’s wise and caring facade is the face of the primary antagonist ofFinal Fantasy 14’sHeavenswardexpansion. Venerated with dictatorial power, Thordan is power-hungry and deceitful, even placing his own son in the firing line as he pursues his goal of becoming a god-king. Condemning innocents is relatively par the course for power-hungry villains, yet as an elf-like character, Thordan throws off the expectations of players and makes for arguablyone of the franchise’s best surprise villains.
