Summary
- 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.
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 the Elder Scrolls franchise. As off-the-wall as Square Enix's Final Fantasy series can get at times, the genre-defining JRPG is no different.
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Including more traditional portrayals of regular and Dark Elves, the Final Fantasy franchise has also incorporated multiple original interpretations of the character trope, with the likes of the Elvaan and Elezen people.
8 Queen Arbor
The Child-Like Queen Of The Forest-Dwelling Arbor People
Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light
- Released
- October 5, 2010
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS
- Developer
- Matrix Software
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
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 in Final 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.
7 Lunera
A Powerful Yet Kind Elf Of Lore & Legend
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius
Existing as a historical character within Final 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's leadership and openness inspire her people, even if it still results in her untimely death.
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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 within Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and across the franchise, too.
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 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 that this rude old man is 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 of Final Fantasy Dimensions' narrative.
5 Prince Of Elfheim
The Original Introduction Of Elves In The Final Fantasy Franchise
Final Fantasy (1987)
- Released
- December 18, 1987
- Developer(s)
- Square
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Entertainment System, PC, PS1, PS4, PSP, WonderSwan, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Android, iOS
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Arguably one of the most notable example of an Elven character in the Final Fantasy franchise, 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.
4 Fourchenault Leveilleur
A Powerful Sharlayan Who Upholds Tradition Despite Necessary Intervention
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
- Released
- August 27, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
As an intelligent and powerful Mage at the heart of the Sharlayan Forum, Fourchenault is an integral conduit through which players of Final Fantasy 14 can 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.
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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 during Final Fantasy 14's Shadowbringers and Endwalker expansions, culminating in him joining the player's party and providing some incredibly powerful magic during their battle during the 'Forlorn Glory' Role Quest.
3 Haurchefant Greystone
The Fan-Favorite Elezen Lord Who Meets A Warrior's End
- Final Fantasy 14
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 him a fan-favorite companion in Final Fantasy 14, which makes his heroic death all the more devastating.
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
Final Fantasy XI
Being impulsive, tomboyish, and foul-mouthed, Prishe is depicted as being incredibly different compared to other Elvaan people in Final Fantasy 11.
Taking on a pivotal narrative role in the game's Chains of Promathia expansion, 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, as her immortality is stripped when Cardinal Mildaurion's control over her thoughts is removed.
1 Archbishop Thordan IV
A Power-Hungry Twisting Of Elven Character Tropes
- Final Fantasy 14
While the depiction of elf-like characters in Final Fantasy varies 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 of Final Fantasy 14's Heavensward expansion. 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 arguably one of the franchise's best surprise villains.
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