Final Fantasy XV religious allusions

Final Fantasy XV has various themes involving the battle between forces of light and darkness and life and death. Final Fantasy XV can be interpreted to have allusions to, , and , among others. The allusions listed here are interpretative and not necessarily intended by the creators, however, the Final Fantasy series has a long history of religious and mythological allegory.

Noctis
Many elements appear to draw upon the themes of religious pilgrimage, specifically by central figures of major religions, such as and.

Noctis Lucis Caelum is destined by some accounts to be the "King of Kings" of Eos, a title used in reference to Jesus and his. The True King is prophecied to save the world of Eos from darkness, which hearkens to the concept of from Abrahamic religions, the one chosen to lead the world and thereby save it. In the painting of the prophecy kept at the Citadel in Final Fantasy XV, the True King is surrounded by a, a ring of light. In the context of the game this alludes to the sun, as the True King will herald the coming of a new dawn. In the real world halos have been used in the iconography of many religions to indicate holy or sacred figures, and have been used in images of rulers or heroes.

The Last Campsite visited in Chapter 14 is likely an allusion to the, which in the New Testament was Jesus's last formal gathering with his disciples as he foretold of his fate to his followers.

Noctis stemming from royal blood could allude to that of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) before enlightenment, who was a warrior prince and whose birth was in some accounts destined to be the forthcoming of a great figure of salvation.

Though Buddhism states of tales of  (bodhisattva is anyone who has generated a spontaneous wish and a compassionate mind to attain buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings) having attained Nirvana by reaching buddhahood and transcending the mortal world's limits, Parinirvana, or dying into Nirvana, was how Buddha himself transcended. Like Buddha, knowing of his time to pass on, Noctis says his farewells, and accepts his death. Reunited with his beloved in the next world, Noctis and Luna ascend freely into rest. It is unknown what the afterlife itself is like in the world of Final Fantasy, but their happiness together implies they have transcended the needs of the living world into the beyond.

Noctis's friends
Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto come to bear in mind some of Buddha's followers who accompanied him to help and protect him on his journeys. Within the context of Buddhist iconography and symbolism, specifically within Japanese Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha is popularly portrayed with his followers at his side, said to not just represent Buddha's teachings reaching out to others of different walks of life, but to also help exemplify his virtues and different ways buddhahood can manifest itself.

Gladiolus
Gladiolus can be seen as that of Shukongoshin or Vajrapani, who in legend was Buddha's fierce but benevolent bodyguard. Origins vary on how Vajrapani came into Buddha's following, but a Japanese legend states that a king had a second wife who bore two children who would become the Nio—Japan's interpretation of Vajrapani as Buddha's twin protectors. The eldest, more aggressive son, Kongo Rikishi, wished to grow up to defend Buddha from evil and ignorance. Portrayals of Vajrapani often depict as a muscular warrior and/or that of a yaksha, powerful spirits of nature found within Buddhism and Indo-Asian religions and mythology. Greco-Roman Buddhism studies also find that inspiration for his mighty figure stems from the artistic depictions of the hero Heracles.

Symbolically as a bodhisavva, Vajrapani represents Buddha's power and the might of the enlightened mind. He is known as the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries who upholds truth even in adversities of darkness and ignorance. Represented with him is that of his eponymous vajra, to represent the indestructibility of the truth and its irresistible attraction.

In context of the Nio, Iris can be seen as that of Ungyo or Non-o, who is the youngest sibling, and is said to represent feminine, latent aspects, protecting good entities and helping out in the process of prayer to his fellow laymen.

Ignis
Ignis alludes to that of Monju Bosatsu or Mañjuśrī, the bodhisavva of wisdom, intelligence and willpower. According to scholars, Mañjuśrī is the oldest and most significant bodhisattva in Mahāyāna literature. Though his origins are hard to decipher, he is portrayed as Buddha's wisest follower and helper in the sangha. Portrayals of Mañjuśrī depict him as eloquent, understanding, patient, and beautiful. He is said to have a marvelous voice, an eternally youthful appearance, nearly unshakable demeanor, and to be incredibly charismatic. When combined with his infinite wisdom, this allows him to be straightforward and outreaching to teach others Buddhist virtues.

Symbolically as a bodhisavva, Mañjuśrī represents Buddha's wisdom and the power of transcendent wisdom that helps lead to enlightening the mind. He is known as the Voice of Buddhist Law, helping represent the faith with both insight and good graces. Represented with Mañjuśrī is a flaming sword, said to represent wisdom cutting through ignorance; a ruyi scepter, said to represent sagacity and good fortune; the Prajnaparamita Sūtra, representative of study and constant refinement to perfect one's understanding of wisdom; a blue lotus, representing enlightenment through transcendent wisdom; and a blue tamed lion, representative of wisdom taming the mind, and its roar signaling dharma overcoming all obstacles.

From Chinese art, Mañjuśrī was given the aesthetic trait of having five curls, or peaks in his hair. These are said to represent five crucial focuses of wisdom in Buddhism: wisdom against anger, envy, desire, ignorance, and pride. In Japan, Monju Bosatsu is revered as the bodhisavva of grace, academics, and studies, and was also once revered as the god of the kitchen, symbolizing the wisdom and discipline to be observed and practiced for the maintenance of the home and hearth.

Prompto
Prompto can be seen as that of Fugen Bosatsu or Samantabhadra, the bodhisavva of practice and conduct. Though that of Avalokitêśvara, or Kannon, the bodhisavva of mercy and compassion represents the Buddha's compassion and how the power of empathy overcomes all vices and attachments. Fugen Bosatsu is popularly revered in Japan for being represented in the Shakya Sanzon with Monju Bosatsu flanking Buddha, and resonating the most with Japanese values, especially that of makoto—dedication, persistence, and unyielding sincerity. Symbolically as a bodhisavva, Samantabhadra comes to represent the importance of conduct and application of wisdom, and the infinite promise of hope and salvation to anyone that they can change their ways for the better, and that all have the potential to reach enlightenment, a realization that Buddha always has his compassion open for.

Represented with Samantabhadra is that of the lotus, showcasing transcendence as it blossoms and spiritual growth as it grows out of the mud; and a lotus leaf parasol, a symbol of the purity of dharma protecting the downtrodden and faithful. Atop is a white elephant with six tusks, representing both the six sensations that must be overcome to achieve salvation—pride, jealousy, desire, ignorance, greed, and hatred—and the six paramitas to try and apply to one's daily life—generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. The elephant itself represents the unstoppable nature of devout passion, and the virtues of Buddhism overcoming all obstacles.

While Prompto does not have the most visual and conceptual traits as compared to his teammates, he has them in spirit, as Fugen Bosatsu is also known as the "Bodhisavva Whose Beneficence is Everywhere". A popular tale within Japanese Buddhism regards a priest who wished to witness Fugen Bosatsu. He was directed to the residence of a courtesan in the city, and upon witnessing the courtesan entertain her patrons, Fugen Bosatsu revealed himself to the priest as the courtesan. Her promiscuous song and image were unveiled as sacred veneration sung and Fugen atop his steed in the priest's eyes. Fugen revealed to the priest that all have his essence and play their role of universal importance in every different life. Prompto being himself, along with his unwavering friendship and constant efforts to be useful, help underline this the most.

Luna
Lunafreya Nox Fleuret's aspects allude those of the Woman of the Apocalypse, who is one of many major figures of salvation in the Book of Revelations. She is described a "a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars" (12:1). The woman is pregnant and about to give birth, "travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered" (12:2)." The child she is to birth is said to grow into a "man who will rule with an iron rod", but is chased by "the Dragon", or Satan or Lucifer, who seeks to devour her child. Upon the Dragon waging its war in the heavens, the Woman escapes into the wilderness onto Earth, to where the Dragon gives chase. Heaven gives wings to the Woman, with which she further eludes the Dragon's breath of water that floods the land, which is absorbed by the earth. The Dragon declares "to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (12:17). Though Luna does not bear direct reference to this, aspects of the Woman is significant in her design and story elements and imagery.

As the fiancee of Noctis, Luna is reminiscent of that of Yasodhara, the wife of Buddha. Said to be a princess, Yasodhara was shocked upon Siddartha's immediate departure after the birth of their son Ragula; upon learning of his departure to attain the hallowed goal of enlightenment, she remained faithful to him by emulating his practices on his quest through correspondence and news of his deeds. Though the two do not yet have a home proper by the time of their elopement, Luna comes to also carry on her own quest as her fiance travels to fulfill his destiny and gather his resources. She prepares for him to take on the astrals' trials and continues her duty as sacred healer.

Ravus
Ravus Nox Fleuret is reminiscent of that of Devadatta, who is regarded in Buddhism as Buddha's cousin, former bodyguard, and eventually antagonistic rival. According to legend, Devadatta became inspired by Buddha's attainment of enlightenment, but was more enticed by the social and political graces than the profoundness of the teachings of the Sangha. Though he desired the same great spiritual powers of Buddha, his were said to have been an imitation, yet influential enough to fall into the graces of the local kingdom. Still, Devadetta's wisdom and insight paled to Buddha's. Many of his followers were led astray from Buddha's own layhood, and established austerities that were baseless and impractical to spiritual development. Devadetta abused his power, from hiring killers, to practicing violence, slander, and selfishly influencing royalty against Buddha to establish his own school's fame to outshine the Sangha.

There are many tales of the end of his life. One states that Devadetta succumbed to disease before he could make amends for his wrongdoings in light of the realization of his guilt. Another states Buddha ended his life personally during a disguised attempt to assassinate him. Both end with Devadatta falling into the most punishing depths of hell. Like his sister, Ravus's alluding elements can be seen in his role of the story, including desiring to claim the legacy of the Lucii from Noctis and siding with the Niflheim Empire.

Ardyn
Ardyn Izunia, in juxtaposition with Noctis, alludes to enemies and "devil" figures of major religions. In terms of Christianity, he could be compared to the Anti Christ, one of three major figures said to represent the end times, being that who claims to be Jesus but ultimately represents perversion and the straying of Christian principles. How he is of the Caelum line, but comes to plunge Eos into darkness and despair, is most significant of this allusion.

Elements of his betrayal are also reminiscent of that of Cain and Abel, the first offspring of Adam and Eve, and brothers known for their tragic tale that brought about the first act of murder in Christianity. However, thematically they are portrayed differently. Ardyn's role would be akin to Abel, the shepherd that offered to God the flesh and suet of a freshly slaughtered lamb; likewise, Ardyn took upon himself to rid people from the disease of daemons. He was denied the grace of the heavens, and was further demonized by a jealous relative. The relative would be most similar to Cain, who did not go as far as to take the life of another, offering onto God grain and fruit of his crops, but was not graced with His faith, only being granted the blessings of the astrals. Like Cain, that jealous relative would make for his family a city, the first city in the world, originated from sin; like Cain made to wander, Ardyn would be forced to wander for eternity.

In terms of Buddhism, Ardyn can be seen as alluding the one of many forms of that of Mara or Namuci, who is known as the Tempter or the Demon King within Buddhist lore, who attempted to lead Buddha astray from his path to enlightenment. Though Mara is known by its name, Mara in Buddhist thought is known to take on many forms—some corporeal and concrete, some conceptual and abstract. Ardyn can be seen as that of Mara when first encountering Buddha, as a person with a soft-spoken demeanor but ultimately being dissuasive and deceiving.

Some of Ardyn's imagery centers around Biblical themes. There's a piece of concept artwork of Ardyn riding a black chocobo into a city to prayers and cheers, alluding to Palm Sunday. Another piece depicts him stripped shirtless being chained up by men in black robes, alluding to crucifixion. He was originally chosen by to cure the world of Starscourge, but became corrupted and fell from the gods' favor. He also wears an accessory that resembles a single black wing, likening him to a popular image of a.

Emperor Aldercapt
Iedolas Aldercapt comes to represent the third figure of Revelations, the "Beast of the Seas". The Beast of the Seas is considered the hardest aspect to decipher of the three figures of Revelations, but is considered by some to be the metaphorical description of a tyrannical kingdom or empire. Likewise, Niflheim can be considered as the Beast's "body", Iedolas being its "heart". The Beast of the Earth is said to work with the Beast of the Seas to tempt all into worshiping the latter, being in this case Ardyn helping the empire rise to power to usurp and conquer Lucis.

With the Beast of the Seas coming to power, the Beast of the Earth enforces the Beast of the Sea's worship, with the penalty of death to those who refuse its image. This is seen through the empire's employment of magitek forces, enforcing its rule with an iron fist over its conquered nations, and its power turning a majority of the Kingsglaives against their king. Finally, the Beast of the Seas is said to be tempted by the Dragon through giving it the power and authority to rule, which is similar to that of the patriotism and legacy worship displayed by Iedolas hoping to revive the glory of Solheim, which was toppled by Ifrit, and has its forces ironically powered by the energy of daemons.

In terms of Buddhism, Iedolas likely represents Mara on one account when confronting Buddha in the form of elderly, weary men; one being a farmer, the other a brahmin, to remind Buddha of the inevitable fate of death, passing of all things, and the fear of a tiring, dull life. Upon dispelling Mara's disguise, Mara took the forms of natural disasters, dangerous animals, objects of instinctual sensual desires, and even the unsuspecting calm of life, to frighten into Buddha the fear of death. He was overcome when Buddha told of him his outlook on life, that though human life can be short and fleeting, it is also precious, and that through modesty and bravery, one must strive to attain what one's heart needs most to achieve enlightenment in their own way. While Noctis's journey throughout Eos is a metaphor for this, this all comes to a head when Iedolas succumbs to the Starscourge and becomes the daemon Foras in Zegnautus Keep, where Noctis is stalked by the daemon at his most vulnerable.

Ifrit
Ifrit comes to define the original definition of efreet found in Islamic lore, being enormous flaming derivatives of djinn that inhabit ruins and reside underground, and are feared for their wicked nature. Ifrit is also reminiscent of that of Iblis or Shaytan, who in Islam was originally a djinn that refused to bow down to Adam, the first human; some reasons state of his pride as a djinn and the leader of a fellow tribe, others state of Iblis's loyalty to Allah being a flaw to where Iblis only saw evil and imperfection in man.

In Christian terms, Ifrit is comparable to that of Satan or Lucifer, who is spiteful of God's creations after he and his followers are cast from heaven due to his pride. In the Book of Revelations, Satan is referred to as one of the three figures, this time known as The Dragon, who again stirs a war in heaven and is cast down onto the earth to prepare for another war against God. This includes inciting one to become the "Beast of the Earth", or the Anti Christ.

In Buddhist terms, Ifrit can be seen as Mara taken form as that of Namuci or Dairokuten Maou, who is said to be the Demon King proper. He is both the divine being who is said to keep all in the Desire Realm—a realm of sensual and material sensations that includes the Six Realms of existence, one of them being the world of Men—under his control, and the ultimate obstacle of enlightenment, through both his temptation and the employ of his demon hordes to keep all in fear and eternal cycles of Samsara at his enjoyment. This can be seen through the Starscourge and daemon hordes that spawn because of Ifrit's influence.

The Demon King's most notable appearance is when Buddha, on the grasp of enlightenment, is confronted by Mara. Mara comes to offer sensual delights and temptations, which are dispelled by Buddha's understanding. Mara resorts to threats and summons his demon armies, who are defeated when Buddha gives evidence of those who bear witness of his achievements, being that of the Earth and all of the heavens, who come to Buddha's side. Noctis, likewise, leads the battle against Ifrit who is summoned by Ardyn. As Noctis continues on, the astrals, too, come to his side as those who bore witness of Noctis's feats, helping him defeat Ifrit.

Souls and death
Śarīra are spiritual relics of Buddhist nature, which are the crystallized remains of bodhisavvas found after cremation, and made existent after the passing of Buddha. It is believed that they embody the spiritual knowledge, teachings, realizations or living essence of spiritual masters prior, and are taken as evidence of the masters' enlightenment and spiritual purity. The bonding of souls and the crystalline fragments that represent spiritual energy strongly resemble this, just as the Ring of the Lucii bestows upon the wisdom of Lucian kings past.

In early development, the kingdom of Lucis was said to have worshiped Etro (the goddess of death). As development furthered, worship turned to the Grim Reaper. Though it is alluded that such worship is to the deceased kings of Lucis's past, it also symbolizes many of the central beliefs of the aforementioned major religions regarding that of the sensual and material. It stresses the importance of spiritual pursuits and enlightenment and balancing one's secular and spiritual needs to avoid attachment and obsession to the mundane and materialistic, including the rejection and realization of how it is that of a spiritual dimension, rather than that of the fleeting material world, that brings about happiness. A peaceful death and release from the world without attachment in this context, is one of many highly regarded aspects of salvation and enlightenment.

Starscourge
Kegare is a prime concept in Shinto, Japan's national religion, describing of the importance of cleanliness and the need to wash away impurity, which is believed to stem from disease, filth, and the result of death and bodily harm; some depictions also state that extreme degrees of negative emotions and evil are also that of kegare on a spiritual level. Such states of impurity were believed to spawn demons and evil kami. One old belief of Japanese superstition was that sickness was the result of demons. With the Starscourge said to be comprised of that of photosynthetic microorganisms, and the original name for daemon being that of "corpses,", the Starscourge works with the context of Kegare as a malevolent disease that reanimates the corpses of the dead into unholy creatures of darkness.

The Starscourge may represent a manifested concept of "original sin", which in Christian doctrine was brought upon the act of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when tempted by the serpent to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. To bring "original sin" to absolution and repentance requires one to turn to Jesus Christ as their savior, who came to die for the sins of mankind in the New Testament. Starscourge is a menacing plague Ifrit wrought on mankind in his spite of men. Noctis, who gives his life to end the Starscourge as the True King, does it to bring absolution to Ardyn's soul, and ultimately, to bring about the redemption of the original sins of the Caelum family, that brought Eos to its current state.

Angels
The Messengers are known as angels in the Japanese version of Final Fantasy XV. Among the Messengers are Gentiana, Umbra and Pryna. Messengers are magical beings sent by astrals—the gods of Eos—to help the Oracle and make the gods' will known to mankind through her. Angels are non-physical entities or spirits found in various religions and mythologies. In Abrahamic religions and Zoroastrianism, angels are often depicted as benevolent celestial beings who act as intermediaries between God or Heaven and Earth, or as guardian spirits or a guiding influence. Their other roles include protecting and guiding humans, and carrying out God's tasks. In art, angels are often depicted with bird-like wings, a halo, robes and various forms of glowing light.

The Oracle in the prophecy painting is an angelic figure who has one wing. She also appears on the game's logo. The Oracle being depicted with one wing may refer to her origin as a mortal who wields divine power as a gift from the gods, as beings sent by the astrals are depicted with two wings in Cosmogony. The insignia of Lucis is a winged skull and the Lucian kings' royal arms bear white wings, but usually only one. This could further reinforce the idea that mortals given divine power are associated with a single angel wing.

There is also an island called Angelgard.

The end of the world
The last parts of the game have elements significant to the interpretations of the "end of days" or the end of the world, be it the Christian Book of Revelation, otherwise known as the Armageddon, or that of Mappo or Kali Yuga, the Latter Days of the Dharma.

The Book of Revelations describes many fantastical entities and beings of chimerical features believed to be allegorical depictions of major figures of divine intrigue that would help orchestrate the end of the world, or would salvage those who would be worthy of a new world after the destruction of the old. Much of the imagery of Revelations also describes major events of disaster that would render the world nearly uninhabitable and wipe out great populations before its ultimate destruction and recreation. Revelations mentions an empire that would be a major catalyst for this event; many scholars have concluded this be the foretelling of the end of the Roman Empire, who at the times of Jesus's adult life oppressed and colonized over Israel and the Jews.

Descriptions of Mappo through the context of Buddhism vary widely, though all bear themes of existential misery and great suffering. Japanese Buddhism dated from the Heian Era describes Mappo as the days when the universe has exhausted its karma. The earth itself would rupture open, its fissures leading into Naraka (Hell), and out would pour demon consorts of Yama, the Judge of the Dead, to capture those who have not repented for their karma to be thrown into the depths of eternal damnation. Only those who turn to Buddha and all of his bodhisavvas would to be saved.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse signal the end of the world as told in the Book of Revelations, described as ghastly beings who ride on a steed and bear armaments that represent the events they signal. Throughout Final Fantasy XV, their order of appearance is significant:

The first is Conquest, who is popularly known as Pestilence, who comes riding on a white horse bearing a crown and a bow. Conquest is interpreted to be the rise of an empire coming to conquest, or a religious zeal similar to or is that of Christianity bent on converting the world into its faith with force. Pestilence is also believed to be the spread of fatally communicable disease and plague. Some also believe Conquest to be that of the coming of the Anti Christ to enact his plans.

The second is that of War, who rides on a red horse brandishing a greatsword. Though War represents battle, it is also believed to represent genocide and mass slaughter, as well as an empire's collapse.

The third is that of Famine, who comes riding on a black horse and carries weighing scales. Famine signals times of hardship and economic collapse, as well as imperial oppression as the empire is in its last straights.

The last of the Horsemen is Death, who comes riding on a "pale", rotting horse, and is believed to be followed by the Grim Reaper or Hades. It is sometimes depicted wielding a scythe. It signals waves of casualties and the aforementioned empire would face its end by judgment through "sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts".