articles

In Greek mythology, Talos is a roving, bronze sentinel who runs around Crete’s coastline to defend it from outsiders. If you would like to learn how this connects with the automata of FFXIV Shadowbringers, read Dionysos' Mythology Manual essay by clicking the banner link.

Which Titan from Greek mythology does Final Fantasy’s Titan represent? Atlas? Cronus? Prometheus? Etc? The answer? A little bit of all at different times. You can learn how by reading Dionysos’ Mythology Manual essay by clicking the banner link.

Gaia is the ancient Greek personification of the earth and progenitor of most life. FF represents Gaia as a planet, a town, a theory and a person. If you'd like to learn how the franchise adapts mythology in its portrayal of Gaia, read Dionysos' Mythology Manual essay by clicking the banner link.

The Phoenix is frequently imagined as a mythical bird which upon death is reborn anew. This article examines its ancient origins and how it has been represented in the FF franchise (including healthy speculation about the upcoming FFXVI). Click the banner link to read this essay!

Hades is the lord of the underworld in ancient Greek mythology. In adapting this character as a summon, a boss and a villain, the FF franchise has drawn from a range of traditions rooted in antiquity. You can learn about them in Dionysos' Mythology Manual by clicking the banner link.

Variously represented as bird or fish women, sirens in Greek mythology lure sailors to their doom with their song. FF plunges into this but also connects with other, more obscure associations. You can read about FF's reception of sirens in Dionysos' Mythology Manual essay by clicking the banner link

In Greek myth, the Minotaur is a half-man, half-bull monster confined to a labyrinth. In FFVIII he is joined in such a tomb by his brother, Sacred. But who is this mysterious 'brother' + how does this connect with ancient Greek relations with the wider world? Click the banner link to learn more.

*Written By Special Guest Writer M.J. Gallagher Thus far the only Mythology Manual to not be written by Dionysos. M.J. Gallagher (who became the author of Norse Myths that Inspired FFVII) discusses the reception of the Norse god Odin in FF. Article available in Timber Maniacs #3 pages 5-14

Take a deep dive into the turbulent waters of Captain Faris, Final Fantasy V's pirate. This article cross-examines the character's background and associations with the historical golden age of piracy. You can read it by clicking the banner link.

Final Fantasy X's Ixion is more than just a unicorn with a dour expression. In Greek mythology, Ixion was a violent man and ancestor of centaurs who was punished by Zeus. You can learn how Final Fantasy played with his associations by clicking the banner link.

Mythology Manual Article: Shiva The FFFMM is an article series, written & edited by Dionysos, which seeks to explore the mythological and historical origins of many of the Final Fantasy series’ most popular monsters, summons, characters, and concepts.

Mythology Manual Article: Phantom Train / Doomtrain The FFFMM is an article series, written & edited by Dionysos, which seeks to explore the mythological and historical origins of many of the Final Fantasy series’ most popular monsters, summons, characters, and concepts.

Mythology Manual Article: Red XIII The FFFMM is an article series, written & edited by Dionysos, which seeks to explore the mythological and historical origins of many of the Final Fantasy series’ most popular monsters, summons, characters, and concepts.

Mythology Manual Article: Wedge & Biggs The FFFMM is an article series, written & edited by Dionysos, which seeks to explore the mythological and historical origins of many of the Final Fantasy series’ most popular monsters, summons, characters, and concepts.

Mythology Manual Article: Alexander The FFFMM is an article series, written & edited by Dionysos, which seeks to explore the mythological and historical origins of many of the Final Fantasy series’ most popular monsters, summons, characters, and concepts.

Mythology Manual Article: Ultros The FFFMM is an article series, written & edited by Dionysos, which seeks to explore the mythological and historical origins of many of the Final Fantasy series’ most popular monsters, summons, characters, and concepts.

Mythology Manual Article: Carbuncle The FFFMM is an article series, written & edited by Dionysos, which seeks to explore the mythological and historical origins of many of the Final Fantasy series’ most popular monsters, summons, characters, and concepts.