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The [[Ascian]] race, possessing vast amounts of aether in their being, developed the art of summoning in ancient times when the fear they felt during the final days of [[The Star|their world]] caused them to unconsciously create monsters based on their imaginations. The process was perfected in the summonings of [[Zodiark (Final Fantasy XIV)|Zodiark]] and [[Hydaelyn (character)|Hydaelyn]], both being products of a mass sacrifice. The pair's conflict sundered the world into [[Hydaelyn|the Source]] and the thirteen Shards.
 
The [[Ascian]] race, possessing vast amounts of aether in their being, developed the art of summoning in ancient times when the fear they felt during the final days of [[The Star|their world]] caused them to unconsciously create monsters based on their imaginations. The process was perfected in the summonings of [[Zodiark (Final Fantasy XIV)|Zodiark]] and [[Hydaelyn (character)|Hydaelyn]], both being products of a mass sacrifice. The pair's conflict sundered the world into [[Hydaelyn|the Source]] and the thirteen Shards.
   
Some of the few surviving Ascians now conduct [[Rejoining]]s to restore their world. They teach the way of summoning primals to beast races in the form of praying for the aid of their deity. Unlike the ancient Ascians, the new races that now inhabit the world have little aether, and the ritual requires an ample supply—the most convenient being [[Crystal (term)#Final Fantasy XIV|crystals]]. The aether can also be acquired with other tools, such as the enigmatic horn and tablet stored on [[Seal Rock]], or the eye of a [[First Brood|great wyrm]].
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Some of the few surviving Ascians now conduct [[Umbral Calamity]]s to restore their world. They teach the way of summoning primals to beast races in the form of praying for the aid of their deity. Unlike the ancient Ascians, the new races that now inhabit the world have little aether, and the ritual requires an ample supply—the most convenient being [[Crystal (term)#Final Fantasy XIV|crystals]]. The aether can also be acquired with other tools, such as the enigmatic horn and tablet stored on [[Seal Rock]], or the eye of a [[First Brood|great wyrm]].
   
 
While usually an embodiment of the summoner's desire, there are cases where the summoner transforms into a primal. A primal can also be summoned into a structure or be created in the image of their namesake. Once summoned, primals can "[[Enthrall|temper]]" other beings, instilling fanatical loyalty and creating a secure wellspring of faith. Usually this is an intentional process, but some primals (such as [[Ramuh (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ramuh]]) have shown distaste for it, implying it is a natural byproduct of their existence. While those gifted with the Echo are immune, their soul's aether may still be consumed by a nearby primal if they ever lose their mortal form.
 
While usually an embodiment of the summoner's desire, there are cases where the summoner transforms into a primal. A primal can also be summoned into a structure or be created in the image of their namesake. Once summoned, primals can "[[Enthrall|temper]]" other beings, instilling fanatical loyalty and creating a secure wellspring of faith. Usually this is an intentional process, but some primals (such as [[Ramuh (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ramuh]]) have shown distaste for it, implying it is a natural byproduct of their existence. While those gifted with the Echo are immune, their soul's aether may still be consumed by a nearby primal if they ever lose their mortal form.
   
 
The terms for those enthralled by the primal match with their element: Ifrit's Tempered, Leviathan's Drowned, Ramuh's Touched ("touched" by the primal's divine influence), and Odin's "sundered" due to how his blade tears one "asunder." "Tempered" is the default term for a being brought under a primal's thrall, as violent Sylphs have been referred to as "tempered in the levin light of Ramuh"; during Live Letter XXVII it was mentioned each primal has a phrase correlating to its element and their form of tempering.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/281457-Letter-from-the-Producer-LIVE-Part-XXVII-Digest-%2802-10-2016%29| page name = Letter from the Producer LIVE Part XXVII Digest (02/10/2016)| site url = http://forum.square-enix.com| site name = Official ''Final Fantasy XIV'' forums| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref>
Due to the presence of primals in Eorzea and the massive amount of energy needed to summon them, the flux of aether over [[Mor Dhona|Silvertear Falls]] has been disrupted and the land of Eorzea will slowly perish if this process isn't reversed. The [[Scions of the Seventh Dawn]] thus strive to eliminate any primals that manifest. This is also one of the reasons behind the Garlean Empire's campaign to destroy the primals, according to [[Varis zos Galvus|Emperor Varis]]. [[Gaius van Baelsar]] hoped to achieve a permanent means through the [[Ultima Weapon (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ultima Weapon]]'s ability to absorb primals.
 
  +
 
Due to the presence of primals in Eorzea and the massive amount of energy needed to summon them, the flux of aether over [[Mor Dhona|Silvertear Falls]] has been disrupted and the land of Eorzea will slowly perish if this process is not reversed. The [[Scions of the Seventh Dawn]] thus strive to eliminate any primals that manifest. This is also one of the reasons behind the Garlean campaign to destroy the primals, according to [[Varis zos Galvus|Emperor Varis]]. [[Gaius van Baelsar]] hoped to achieve a permanent means through the [[Ultima Weapon (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ultima Weapon]]'s ability to absorb primals.
   
 
The Ascians also taught the ancient [[Allagan Empire|Allag]] the means to bind primals. The creation of primals has an effect on the mothercrystal Hydaelyn, seemingly as part of the goal to revive her dark counterpart, Zodiark. The primals and the tools to summon them have proven useful in undoing an Ascian, as the supply of aether needed to summon a primal can, if focused, shatter an Ascian trapped in White Auracite. Further, an Ascian's soul can be consumed directly by a primal if its host body is slain by one; primals feed on aether, and a soul is comprised of it.
 
The Ascians also taught the ancient [[Allagan Empire|Allag]] the means to bind primals. The creation of primals has an effect on the mothercrystal Hydaelyn, seemingly as part of the goal to revive her dark counterpart, Zodiark. The primals and the tools to summon them have proven useful in undoing an Ascian, as the supply of aether needed to summon a primal can, if focused, shatter an Ascian trapped in White Auracite. Further, an Ascian's soul can be consumed directly by a primal if its host body is slain by one; primals feed on aether, and a soul is comprised of it.
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== Known primals ==
 
== Known primals ==
By patch 5.01, there are 29 known primals, though one of them was only mentioned.
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By patch 5.3, there are 41 known primals, though one of them was only mentioned.
   
The term "elder primal" indicates those worshiped/summoned in older eras (i.e. before the Sixth Astral Era), often from cultures that no longer exist. For example, Bahamut was originally summoned in the Third Astral Era, whereas Shiva is a recent "newborn" primal.
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The term "elder primal" indicates those worshiped/summoned in older eras (i.e. before the Sixth Astral Era), often from cultures that no longer exist. For example, Bahamut was originally summoned in the Third Astral Era, whereas Shiva is a recent "newborn" primal. In the quest "Gods of Eld" Unukalhai mentions that the term the Allagans used for primals is "eikons." Given the time between the fall of Allag and the present, this would mean all the eikons from the Allagan era are elder primals since they have been around for at least 5,000 years.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Gods_of_Eld| page name = Gods of Eld| site url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com| site name = gamer escape| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref> This also implies that the Garleans took the Allag term since the term "primal" gives them a godly identification, and with Allagans and Garleans being atheists, they prefer the term "eikon" to deny primals this hint of divinity.
   
* [[Ifrit (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ifrit]], Lord of the Inferno, primal of the [[Amalj'aa#Final Fantasy XIV|Amalj'aa]].
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* '''[[Ifrit (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ifrit]]''', Lord of the Inferno, primal of the [[Amalj'aa#Final Fantasy XIV|Amalj'aa]].
 
** '''Ifrit''', Heritor of the Inferno, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of the Inferno made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
* [[Titan (Final Fantasy XIV)|Titan]], Lord of Crags, primal of the [[Kobold (Final Fantasy XIV)|Kobolds]].
 
* [[Garuda (Final Fantasy XIV)|Garuda]], Lady of the Vortex, primal of the [[Ixal#Final Fantasy XIV|Ixal]].
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* '''[[Titan (Final Fantasy XIV)|Titan]]''', Lord of Crags, primal of the [[Kobold (Final Fantasy XIV)|Kobolds]].
 
** '''[[Eden's Gate: Sepulture|Titan]]''', Heritor of Crags, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of Crags made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
* [[Good King Moggle Mog XII]], primal of the [[Moogle (race)#Final Fantasy XIV|Moogles]] known as Moggleguard, who support him, and is modeled after their ancestors' savior.
 
* [[Bahamut (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bahamut]], the Dreadwyrm, elder primal of the dragons of [[Meracydia]] in the image of the Firstbrood of the same name. He was incarcerated inside [[Dalamud]] until the [[Seventh Umbral Era]].
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* '''[[Garuda (Final Fantasy XIV)|Garuda]]''', Lady of the Vortex, primal of the [[Ixal#Final Fantasy XIV|Ixal]].
  +
** '''Garuda''', Heritor of the Vortex, Norvrandt's version of the Lady of the Vortex made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
* [[The Final Coil of Bahamut - Turn 3|Phoenix]], a primal of rebirth created from [[Louisoix Leveilleur]] during the Seventh Umbral Era.
 
* [[Leviathan (Final Fantasy XIV)|Leviathan]], Lord of the Whorl, primal of the [[Sahagin#Final Fantasy XIV|Sahagin]].
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* '''[[Good King Moggle Mog XII]]''', primal of the [[Moogle (race)#Final Fantasy XIV|Moogles]] known as Moggleguard, who support him, and is modeled after their ancestors' savior.
* [[Ramuh (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ramuh]], Lord of Levin, primal of the [[Sylph#Final Fantasy XIV|Sylphs]].
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* '''[[Bahamut (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bahamut]]''', the Dreadwyrm, elder primal of the dragons of [[Meracydia]] in the image of the Firstbrood of the same name. He was incarcerated inside [[Dalamud]] until the [[Seventh Umbral Era]].
 
* '''[[The Final Coil of Bahamut - Turn 3|Phoenix]]''', a primal of rebirth created from [[Louisoix Leveilleur]] during the Seventh Umbral Era.
* [[Shiva (Final Fantasy XIV)|Shiva]], Lady of Frost, primal of the [[Ishgard|Ishgardian heretics]] in the image of Saint Shiva and summoned into [[Ysayle Dangoulain]].
 
* [[Enkidu#Final Fantasy XIV|Enkidu]], an inadvertently summoned primal created by Gilgamesh, based on the memory of the original Enkidu.
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* '''[[Leviathan (Final Fantasy XIV)|Leviathan]]''', Lord of the Whorl, primal of the [[Sahagin#Final Fantasy XIV|Sahagin]].
  +
** '''[[Eden's Gate: Inundation|Leviathan]]''', Heritor of the Whorl, [[Norvrandt]]'s version of the Lord of the Whorl made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
* [[Ravana (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ravana]], Lord of the Hive, primal of the [[Gnath]].
 
* [[Bismarck (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bismarck]], Lord of the Mists, primal of the [[Vanu Vanu]].
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* '''[[Ramuh (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ramuh]]''', Lord of Levin, primal of the [[Sylph#Final Fantasy XIV|Sylphs]].
  +
** '''Ramuh''', Heritor of Levin, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of Levin made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
* [[Knights of the Round (Final Fantasy XIV)|Knights of the Round]], primals created by Archbishop [[Thordan VII]] using the Ishgardians' faith in their country's founding legend in conjunction with one of [[Eyes of Nidhogg|Nidhogg's eyes]]. King Thordan is supported by his Knights Twelve, the primal forms of the [[Heavens' Ward]].
 
* [[Odin (Final Fantasy XIV boss)|Odin]], the Dark Divinity, described as a roaming elder primal. The sword [[Zantetsuken (weapon)|Zantetsuken]] is the primal, while Odin is a mortal whom the primal blade tempered and blessed with power.
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* '''[[Shiva (Final Fantasy XIV)|Shiva]]''', Lady of Frost, primal of the [[Ishgard|Ishgardian heretics]] in the image of Saint Shiva and summoned into [[Ysayle Dangoulain]].
  +
** '''Shiva''', Heritor of Frost, Norvrandt's version of the Lady of Frost made by the Warrior of Light's memories and summoned into [[Ryne]].
* [[Belias#Final Fantasy XIV|Belias]], an elder primal from an unknown era. Only his egi is encountered. Though the [[Lucavi]] bearing his name makes an appearance in The Ridorana Lighthouse using similar egi to support himself, the nature of the Lucavi makes it uncertain if the Belias encountered is the primal itself.
 
 
* '''[[Enkidu#Final Fantasy XIV|Enkidu]]''', an inadvertently summoned primal created by [[Gilgamesh (Final Fantasy XIV)|Gilgamesh]], based on the memory of the original Enkidu. Though [[Hildibrand Manderville|Hildibrand]] referred to Enkidu as a primal after his summon, many fans originally believed him to be an egi due to the nature of his summoning and behavior. However, on an updated list confirming how many primals there were since Patch 3.15, Enkidu was confirmed to be a full primal.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/pr/blog/001318.html| page name = One Primal, Two Primal, Red Primal, Blue Primal| site url = https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com| site name = Developers' Blog for ''Final Fantasy XIV''| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref>
* [[Alexander (Final Fantasy XIV)|Alexander]], the Creator, primal of the [[Illuminati]] [[Goblin (Final Fantasy XIV)|Goblin]]s.
 
* [[Sephirot]], the Fiend, is the first member of the [[Warring Triad (Final Fantasy XIV)|Warring Triad]] and an elder primal of a tree-like race in Meracydia.
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* '''[[Ravana (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ravana]]''', Lord of the Hive, primal of the [[Gnath]].
* [[Sophia (Final Fantasy XIV)|Sophia]], the Goddess, is the second member of the Warring Triad and an elder primal of a multitude of Meracydian races. Sophia is supported by the giant head Barbelo, though both are the same entity.
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* '''[[Bismarck (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bismarck]]''', Lord of the Mists, primal of the [[Vanu Vanu]].
 
* '''[[Knights of the Round (Final Fantasy XIV)|Knights of the Round]]''', primals created by Archbishop [[Thordan VII]] using the Ishgardians' faith in their country's founding legend in conjunction with one of [[Eyes of Nidhogg|Nidhogg's eyes]]. King Thordan is supported by his Knights Twelve, the primal forms of the [[Heavens' Ward]].
* [[Zurvan (Final Fantasy XIV)|Zurvan]], the Demon, is the third and final member of the Warring Triad and an elder primal of Meracydian centaurs.
 
 
*'''[[Eureka (primal)|Eureka]]''', an elder primal from [[the Forbidden Land of Eureka]] storyline. Sealed inside the isle's castle, but appearing around the place as a masked man, it creates weapons and enthralls their wielders, unless they posses the Echo.
*[[Shinryu (Final Fantasy XIV)|Shinryu]], the Worm, a primal summoned by [[Ilberd Feare]] using the [[Eyes of Nidhogg]] to lay waste to the Empire. It was stopped by [[Omega (Final Fantasy XIV)|Omega]], ending up in the possession of [[Zenos yae Galvus]].
 
*[[Susano (Final Fantasy XIV)|Susano]], the Lord of Revel, the principle primal of the [[Kojin]].
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** '''[[Odin (Final Fantasy XIV boss)|Odin]]''', the Dark Divinity, described as a roaming elder primal. The sword [[Zantetsuken (weapon)|Zantetsuken]] is the primal, while Odin is a mortal whom the primal blade tempered and blessed with power.
  +
** '''Art & Owain'''. The weapons Ostralltach and Moralltach are the real primals.
*[[Tsukuyomi (Final Fantasy XIV)|Tsukuyomi]], Goddess of the Moon and Divinity of night. A minor primal of the Kojin summoned into [[Yotsuyu goe Brutus]].
 
*[[Lakshmi (Final Fantasy XIV)|Lakshmi]], the Lady of Bliss, primal of the [[Ananta]].
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** '''[[Raiden (horseman)#Final Fantasy XIV|Raiden]]'''. The weapon Shin-Zantetsuken is the real primal.
  +
** '''[[Absolute Virtue#Final Fantasy XIV|Absolute Virtue]]'''. The weapon Virtuous Lance is the real primal.
*[[Eureka (primal)|Eureka]], an elder primal from [[The Forbidden Land of Eureka]] storyline. Sealed inside the isle's castle, but appearing around the place as a masked man. It creates weapons and enthralls their wielders, unless they posses the Echo.
 
  +
** '''[[Ozma (Final Fantasy XIV)|Proto-Ozma]]'''. One of the primals inside the Baldesion Arsenal. Unlike the others, the entity is not an illusion from any Eureka weapon, but the real one.
*[[Hydaelyn (character)|Hydaelyn]], the Mothercrystal, elder primal of Light and goddess of the enlightened races of the world, as well as a faction of ancient Ascians.
 
 
* '''[[Belias#Final Fantasy XIV|Belias]]''', an elder primal from an unknown era. Only his egi is encountered. Though the [[Lucavi]] bearing his name makes an appearance in The Ridorana Lighthouse using similar egi to support himself, the nature of the Lucavi makes it uncertain if the Belias encountered is the primal itself.
*[[Zodiark (Final Fantasy XIV)|Zodiark]], elder primal of Darkness and god of the Ascians.
 
 
* '''[[Alexander (Final Fantasy XIV)|Alexander]]''', the Creator, primal of the [[Illuminati]] [[Goblin (Final Fantasy XIV)|Goblin]]s.
* [[Eden's Gate: Inundation|Leviathan]], Heritor of the Whorl, [[Norvrandt]]'s version of the Lord of the Whorl made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
 
  +
* '''[[Sephirot]]''', the Fiend, is the first member of the [[Warring Triad (Final Fantasy XIV)|Warring Triad]] and an elder primal of a tree-like race in Meracydia.
* [[Eden's Gate: Sepulture|Titan]], Heritor of Crags, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of Crags made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
 
  +
* '''[[Sophia (Final Fantasy XIV)|Sophia]]''', the Goddess, is the second member of the Warring Triad and an elder primal of a multitude of Meracydian races. Sophia is supported by the giant head Barbelo, though both are the same entity.
 
* '''[[Zurvan (Final Fantasy XIV)|Zurvan]]''', the Demon, is the third member of the Warring Triad and an elder primal of Meracydian centaurs.
 
*'''[[Shinryu (Final Fantasy XIV)|Shinryu]]''', the Worm, a primal summoned by [[Ilberd Feare]] using the [[Eyes of Nidhogg]] to lay waste to the Empire. It was stopped by [[Omega (Final Fantasy XIV)|Omega]], ending up in the possession of [[Zenos yae Galvus]].
 
*'''[[Susano (Final Fantasy XIV)|Susano]]''', the Lord of Revel, the principle primal of the [[Kojin]].
 
*'''[[Tsukuyomi (Final Fantasy XIV)|Tsukuyomi]]''', Goddess of the Moon and Divinity of night. A minor primal of the Kojin summoned into [[Yotsuyu goe Brutus]].
  +
*'''[[Lakshmi (Final Fantasy XIV)|Lakshmi]]''', the Lady of Bliss, primal of the [[Ananta]].
 
*'''[[Hydaelyn (character)|Hydaelyn]]''', the Mothercrystal, elder primal of Light and goddess of the enlightened races of the world, as well as a faction of ancient Ascians.
 
*'''[[Zodiark (Final Fantasy XIV)|Zodiark]]''', elder primal of Darkness and god of the Ascians.
  +
**'''[[Elidibus (Final Fantasy XIV)|Elidibus]]''', a fragment of the Heart of Zodiark made manifest with the original Elidibus's personality and memories.
  +
***'''[[Seat of Sacrifice|Warrior of Light]]''', a primal based on the original Warrior of Light summoned into Elidibus.
  +
* '''Raktapaksa''', Heritor of Fury, fruit of the fusion between the Heritor of the Inferno and the Heritor of the Vortex.
   
 
[[Valefor (summon)|Valefor]] was a primal mentioned by Gagarua that hasn't appeared. Enemies named Valefor appear in the [[Labyrinth of the Ancients]], but these are [[voidsent]] dahaks, not primals or even egis, so Gagarua may have been bluffing.
 
[[Valefor (summon)|Valefor]] was a primal mentioned by Gagarua that hasn't appeared. Enemies named Valefor appear in the [[Labyrinth of the Ancients]], but these are [[voidsent]] dahaks, not primals or even egis, so Gagarua may have been bluffing.
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[[File:Loisoux Seals Bahamut.png|200px|thumb|The Twelve are summoned at the Battle of Carteneau.]]
 
[[File:Loisoux Seals Bahamut.png|200px|thumb|The Twelve are summoned at the Battle of Carteneau.]]
 
In the ''[[Flames of Truth|End of an Era]]'' cutscene, [[Louisoix Leveilleur]] summons [[the Twelve]], appearing briefly during the [[Battle of Carteneau]]. In ''A Realm Reborn'', Gaius van Baelsar hints that these could have been primal versions of the Twelve, since they were summoned through aether and faith, just like the beast tribes summon their deities.
 
In the ''[[Flames of Truth|End of an Era]]'' cutscene, [[Louisoix Leveilleur]] summons [[the Twelve]], appearing briefly during the [[Battle of Carteneau]]. In ''A Realm Reborn'', Gaius van Baelsar hints that these could have been primal versions of the Twelve, since they were summoned through aether and faith, just like the beast tribes summon their deities.
  +
  +
The [[The Burn (Final Fantasy XIV)|Burn]] is known to be a land drained from aether because of repeated primal summonings, but it is unknown which primals were summoned. Another unknown primal, with a known affinity for water, was summoned somewhere in Ilsabard, but it was consumed by the [[Sapphire Weapon]] prior its fight against the Warrior of Light.
  +
 
On the bonus disc included with the physical collector's edition of ''Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn'', Midgardsormr is erroneously referred to as an elder primal.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Loremonger:The_Waning_of_the_Sixth_Sun#cite_note-3| page name = The Waning of the Sixth Sun| site url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com| site name = gamer escape| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref>
   
 
=== Egi ===
 
=== Egi ===
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Some primals summon minions that resemble egis, such as Ramuh's Grey Arbiters and Titan's Granite Gaolers.
 
Some primals summon minions that resemble egis, such as Ramuh's Grey Arbiters and Titan's Granite Gaolers.
   
 
As of patch 4.4, 15 of the 25 known primals also have their own [[Minion (Final Fantasy XIV)|minions]]: Odin, Bahamut, Ifrit, Titan, Garuda, Leviathan, Ramuh, Shiva, Alexander, Ravana, Bismarck, Lakshmi, Susano, Shinryu, and Tsukuyomi.
=== Magicites ===
 
  +
 
=== Magicite ===
 
[[File:FFXIV Heaven-on-High summoning.png|thumb|200px|right|A player using a Heaven-on-High magicite.]]
 
[[File:FFXIV Heaven-on-High summoning.png|thumb|200px|right|A player using a Heaven-on-High magicite.]]
 
In the [[Heaven-on-High]] Deep Dungeon, players have a small chance of receiving [[magicite]] only for use inside said dungeon. Magicite summon a simulacrum of certain primals, based on the user's memories of past encounters with them.
 
In the [[Heaven-on-High]] Deep Dungeon, players have a small chance of receiving [[magicite]] only for use inside said dungeon. Magicite summon a simulacrum of certain primals, based on the user's memories of past encounters with them.
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{{Spoiler}}
 
{{Spoiler}}
 
=== [[Final Fantasy XIV/Legacy|Version 1.0]] ===
 
=== [[Final Fantasy XIV/Legacy|Version 1.0]] ===
A decade prior, the death of the dragon [[Midgardsormr (Final Fantasy XIV)|Midgardsormr]] during the [[Battle of Silvertear Skies]] broke the seal he placed on Silvertear Lake to contain the aether beneath it. The Ascian Paragons used this to teach the summoning ritual to the Eorzean beast tribes, with the resulting primals providing added motivation for the [[Garlean campaign|imperial campaign]].
+
A decade prior, the death of the dragon [[Midgardsormr (Final Fantasy XIV)|Midgardsormr]] during the [[Battle of Silvertear Skies]] broke the seal he placed on Silvertear Lake to contain the aether beneath it. The Ascian Paragons used this to teach the summoning ritual to the Eorzean beast tribes, with the resulting primals providing added motivation for the [[Garlean campaign]].
   
 
The Warrior of Light was made aware of the primals by the [[Elezen]] mage Louisoix Leveilleur, leader of the [[Circle of Knowing]], whose investigation of Garlean Legatus [[Nael van Darnus]] revealed the primals' absorption of the realm's crystals threatens Eorzea. When van Darnus enacted Operation Meteor, Dalamud's descent towards Eorzea weakened the primals as it absorbed their aether.
 
The Warrior of Light was made aware of the primals by the [[Elezen]] mage Louisoix Leveilleur, leader of the [[Circle of Knowing]], whose investigation of Garlean Legatus [[Nael van Darnus]] revealed the primals' absorption of the realm's crystals threatens Eorzea. When van Darnus enacted Operation Meteor, Dalamud's descent towards Eorzea weakened the primals as it absorbed their aether.
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[[Thancred Waters]] asks the Warrior of Light to aid in solving a mystery regarding the disappearances in Camp Drybone. It turns out the Amalj'aa have been kidnapping people to be offered to their primal, Ifrit. During the operation to catch the Amalj'aa red-handed, the Warrior of Light is betrayed and knocked unconscious to be turned into a follower of Ifrit. Through the protection of Hydaelyn, Ifrit's fire has no effect on the Warrior and s/he defeats him.
 
[[Thancred Waters]] asks the Warrior of Light to aid in solving a mystery regarding the disappearances in Camp Drybone. It turns out the Amalj'aa have been kidnapping people to be offered to their primal, Ifrit. During the operation to catch the Amalj'aa red-handed, the Warrior of Light is betrayed and knocked unconscious to be turned into a follower of Ifrit. Through the protection of Hydaelyn, Ifrit's fire has no effect on the Warrior and s/he defeats him.
   
The [[Grand Companies of Eorzea#The Maelstrom|Maelstrom]], the grand company of [[Limsa Lominsa]], requests the Warrior of Light to slay Titan, who has been summoned by Kobolds near the city. [[Y'shtola Rhul]] warns the Warrior that Titan is much stronger than Ifrit, and that advice from the Company of Heroes, a brave band of men and women who have in the past killed him, would come in handy. After performing a series of tasks for the company members, the Warrior of Light receives their blessing and enters Titan's lair, where his/her group defeats him.
+
The [[Maelstrom]], the grand company of [[Limsa Lominsa]], requests the Warrior of Light to slay Titan, who has been summoned by Kobolds near the city. [[Y'shtola Rhul]] warns the Warrior that Titan is much stronger than Ifrit, and that advice from the Company of Heroes, a brave band of men and women who have in the past killed him, would come in handy. After performing a series of tasks for the company members, the Warrior of Light receives their blessing and enters Titan's lair, where his/her group defeats him.
   
 
Later on, the Warrior of Light works with [[Cid nan Garlond|Cid]] and [[Alphinaud Leveilleur|Alphinaud]] to reach Garuda where the Ixal have summoned her in Natalan. Garuda is much more powerful than the previous two primals, able to retain her physical form even after seemingly being beaten. She proclaims to tear down each city-state and leave behind a world where she is revered. Before she can attack the Warrior of Light again, Gaius van Baelsar arrives and mocks her, slaying the Ixal whose prayers were powering her. Garuda rips Ifrit and Titan into existence from their followers whom the Ixal had captured and prepares to feed upon their aether. The intervention of the Ultima Weapon, deployed by van Baelsar, defeats Garuda and the other primals.
 
Later on, the Warrior of Light works with [[Cid nan Garlond|Cid]] and [[Alphinaud Leveilleur|Alphinaud]] to reach Garuda where the Ixal have summoned her in Natalan. Garuda is much more powerful than the previous two primals, able to retain her physical form even after seemingly being beaten. She proclaims to tear down each city-state and leave behind a world where she is revered. Before she can attack the Warrior of Light again, Gaius van Baelsar arrives and mocks her, slaying the Ixal whose prayers were powering her. Garuda rips Ifrit and Titan into existence from their followers whom the Ixal had captured and prepares to feed upon their aether. The intervention of the Ultima Weapon, deployed by van Baelsar, defeats Garuda and the other primals.
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=== ''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward]]'' ===
 
=== ''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward]]'' ===
The Gnath, a tribe of arthropod-like beastmen native to [[Dravania]], became increasingly belligerent to both dragons and hunters. The dragon Vidofnir reveals that they had summoned a primal, and this has put the dragons on edge and thus denied the Warrior of Light, Ysayle, Alphinaud, and [[Estinien Wyrmblood]] access to the dragon [[Hraesvelgr]] for the time being. The Warrior of Light and Ysayle let themselves be captured as offerings to the primal, Ravana. Realizing the primal is a war god, Ysayle offers a trial by combat, asking the Gnath abandon their conquest if they defeat him. In the first round, Ysayle transforms into Shiva to duel Ravana, but is defeated. The Warrior of Light is up next, and defeats the primal, who honors his word.
+
The Gnath, a tribe of arthropod-like beastmen native to [[Dravania]], became increasingly belligerent to both dragons and hunters. The dragon [[Vidofnir (character)|Vidofnir]] reveals that the Gnath had summoned a primal, and this has put the dragons on edge and thus denied the Warrior of Light, Ysayle, Alphinaud, and [[Estinien Wyrmblood]] access to the dragon [[Hraesvelgr]] for the time being. The Warrior of Light and Ysayle let themselves be captured as offerings to the primal, Ravana. Realizing the primal is a war god, Ysayle offers a trial by combat, asking the Gnath abandon their conquest if they defeat him. In the first round, Ysayle transforms into Shiva to duel Ravana, but is defeated. The Warrior of Light is up next, and defeats the primal, who honors his word.
   
 
In the Sea of Clouds, the Vundu tribe of the Vanu Vanu have summoned [[Bismarck (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bismarck]] as a primal, an immense whale capable of devouring the floating islands, including the one that housed the key to [[Azys Lla]]. Cid concocts the idea of towing a floating island via [[Airship (term)|airship]] as bait, and installing Ishgardian Dragonkillers to harpoon the whale, allowing the Warrior of Light to defeat the Lord of the Mists at the Limitless Blue.
 
In the Sea of Clouds, the Vundu tribe of the Vanu Vanu have summoned [[Bismarck (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bismarck]] as a primal, an immense whale capable of devouring the floating islands, including the one that housed the key to [[Azys Lla]]. Cid concocts the idea of towing a floating island via [[Airship (term)|airship]] as bait, and installing Ishgardian Dragonkillers to harpoon the whale, allowing the Warrior of Light to defeat the Lord of the Mists at the Limitless Blue.
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===''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood]]''===
 
===''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood]]''===
Upon traveling to Tamamizu, the Warrior of Light learns of a creature akin to a primal called Susano, a ''kami'' worshiped by the Kojin of the Red. Unlike the primals of before, the Red Kojin do not plan to summon him. Instead, the Warrior of Light unwittingly summons Susano during a mission to draw Red Kojin away from their imperial allies, as the Yasakani-no-Magatama in the Warrior's possession reacts to two other treasures stored in a vault, materializing into the physical world without either prayer or crystal. Susano desires a contest of wills with the Warrior of Light, his wish for battle independent from the the Red Kojin.
+
Upon traveling to Tamamizu, the Warrior of Light learns of a creature akin to a primal called Susano, a ''kami'' worshiped by the Kojin of the Red. Unlike the primals of before, the Red Kojin do not plan to summon him. Instead, the Warrior of Light unwittingly summons Susano during a mission to draw Red Kojin away from their imperial allies, as the Yasakani-no-Magatama in the Warrior's possession reacts to two other treasures stored in a vault, materializing into the physical world without either prayer or crystal. Susano desires a contest of wills with the Warrior of Light, his wish for battle independent from the Red Kojin.
   
 
After freeing [[Doma (Final Fantasy XIV)|Doma]] and returning to Gyr Abania, the Warrior of Light learns of another primal from their Ananta allies, called Sri Lakshmi, a deity worshiped by their beast tribe. She was summoned when [[Fordola rem Lupis]] murdered the daughter of the Qalyana's leader, who had previously sided with the Empire in the hope of being left alone. Driving the imperials away with the might of their patron deity, they demanded that the Vira tribe of the Ananta come pay tribute to her. The Warrior of Light, the Leveilleur twins and [[Lyse Hext]] head to the Qalyana's home to slay the primal.
 
After freeing [[Doma (Final Fantasy XIV)|Doma]] and returning to Gyr Abania, the Warrior of Light learns of another primal from their Ananta allies, called Sri Lakshmi, a deity worshiped by their beast tribe. She was summoned when [[Fordola rem Lupis]] murdered the daughter of the Qalyana's leader, who had previously sided with the Empire in the hope of being left alone. Driving the imperials away with the might of their patron deity, they demanded that the Vira tribe of the Ananta come pay tribute to her. The Warrior of Light, the Leveilleur twins and [[Lyse Hext]] head to the Qalyana's home to slay the primal.
   
They see the Qalyana's broodmother distraught, as although her daughter had been revived, her soul was long ago lost to the aether, leaving behind an unresponsive husk. Alisaie becomes incensed by the primal's false promises and tries to convince the Qalyana to renounce Lakshmi, but the mother's grief is profound. The primal floods the room with a wave of tempering flames, which the Warrior of Light blocks. Lakshmi warns them to leave them be. After defeating the primal in her lair, the Qalyana broodmother curses the Warrior of Light and Lyse for taking away their only means of solace and tells them to leave for her to mourn.
+
They see the Qalyana's broodmother distraught, as although her daughter had been revived, her soul was long ago lost to the aether, leaving behind an unresponsive husk. Alisaie becomes incensed by the primal's false promises and tries to convince the Qalyana to renounce Lakshmi, but the mother's grief is too profound. The primal floods the room with a wave of tempering flames, which the Warrior of Light blocks. Lakshmi warns them to leave them be. After defeating the primal in her lair, the Qalyana broodmother curses the Warrior of Light and Lyse for taking away their only means of solace and tells them to leave for her to mourn.
   
 
The Warrior of Light discovers the missing Shinryu within the Royal Menagerie of [[Ala Mhigo]]. [[Zenos yae Galvus]]'s men had captured and imprisoned the beast while it was incapacitated from the battle with Omega. Because Shinryu was born of pure rage with no worshipers to guide its power toward a specific target or goal, it is akin to a mindless beast. Taking advantage of this, Zenos used the [[Resonant]] within his being to merge with Shinryu, becoming the primal itself with its power at his disposal. The Warrior of Light later fights and destroys Shinryu, leaving behind Zenos's battered body and the now powerless eyes of Nidhogg.
 
The Warrior of Light discovers the missing Shinryu within the Royal Menagerie of [[Ala Mhigo]]. [[Zenos yae Galvus]]'s men had captured and imprisoned the beast while it was incapacitated from the battle with Omega. Because Shinryu was born of pure rage with no worshipers to guide its power toward a specific target or goal, it is akin to a mindless beast. Taking advantage of this, Zenos used the [[Resonant]] within his being to merge with Shinryu, becoming the primal itself with its power at his disposal. The Warrior of Light later fights and destroys Shinryu, leaving behind Zenos's battered body and the now powerless eyes of Nidhogg.
   
After the liberation of Ala Mhigo, the Qalyana join with the leading members of the Resistance to discuss the matter of the throne. Though the broodmother spoke of harmony with her fellow Ala Mhigan neighbors, she reveals her true plan to summon Lakshmi, calling it forth in front of the leaders to temper them, having used the enthralled guards to smuggle in the crystals. Amid the chaos, [[Raubahn Aldynn]] cuts down the broodmother while [[Arenvald Lentinus]] and the Warrior of Light use their Echo to shield the civilians and leaders from her influence. Lakshmi's advances become overwhelming, but unexpected help arrives when Fordola, released from captivity, steps in and uses her Resonant powers to protect the Ala Mhigans from a blast that would have otherwise ensnared them. With their combined power, the three slay the primal, saving countless lives from a lifetime of servitude.
+
After the liberation of Ala Mhigo, the Qalyana join with the leading members of the Resistance to discuss the matter of the throne. Though the broodmother spoke of harmony with her fellow Ala Mhigan neighbors, she reveals her true plan to summon Lakshmi, calling her forth in front of the leaders to temper them, having used the enthralled guards to smuggle in the crystals. Amid the chaos, [[Raubahn Aldynn]] cuts down the broodmother while [[Arenvald Lentinus]] and the Warrior of Light use their Echo to shield the civilians and leaders from her influence. Lakshmi's advances become overwhelming, but unexpected help arrives when Fordola, released from captivity, steps in and uses her Resonant powers to protect the Ala Mhigans from a blast that would have otherwise ensnared them. With their combined power, the three slay the primal, saving countless lives from a lifetime of servitude.
   
During the prisoner exchange between Doma and Garlemald to solidify the united front against primals, [[Asahi sas Brutus]] plans to disrupt the negotiations by forcing [[Yotsuyu goe Brutus]] to regain her memories, bringing her back as acting viceroy of Doma. The supply crates he took from Yanaxia were in fact crystals and the mirror he had given her prior was used as a catalyst for the summoning of a ''kami''. Feeding upon her sorrows, the crystals transform her into Tsukuyomi. Asahi uses her summoning ritual to breach the agreement and orders his men to retreat. As the Warrior of Light battles her, they bear witness to Yotsuyu's innermost turmoil, being overwhelmed by specters of those who had wronged her, though a single light defends her in the form of a ghost of [[Gosetsu Daito]]. Yotsuyu succumbs to her hate, but is defeated. Remnants of the primal's power still linger in her transfigured state, but Asahi repeatedly shoots her. Yotsuyu uses her remaining power to skewer him with swords. Her vengeance sated, she dies peacefully, her lifeless body returning to its original state.
+
During the prisoner exchange between Doma and Garlemald to solidify the united front against primals, [[Asahi sas Brutus]] plans to disrupt the negotiations by forcing [[Yotsuyu goe Brutus]] to regain her memories, bringing her back as acting viceroy of Doma. The supply crates he took from Yanaxia were, in fact, crystals, and the mirror he had given her prior was used as a catalyst for the summoning of a ''kami''. Feeding upon her sorrows, the crystals transform her into Tsukuyomi. Asahi uses Yotsuyu's summoning ritual to breach the agreement and orders his men to retreat. As the Warrior of Light battles her, they bear witness to Yotsuyu's innermost turmoil, being overwhelmed by specters of those who had wronged her, though a single light defends her in the form of a ghost of [[Gosetsu Daito]]. Yotsuyu succumbs to her hate, but is defeated. Remnants of the primal's power still linger in her transfigured state, but Asahi repeatedly shoots her. Yotsuyu uses her remaining power to skewer him with swords. Her vengeance sated, she dies peacefully, her lifeless body returning to its original state.
   
 
===''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]]''===
 
===''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]]''===
In the absence of the Warrior of Light, Ifrit was again summoned. In response, Raubahn enlisted a contingent of Summoners to combat the primal threat, with Arenvald and the newly conscripted Fordola as commanding officers leading the attack. Arenvald's Echo and Fordola's Resonant powers render them immune to the primal's influence and their enhanced strength allowed them to fell the beast.
+
In the absence of the Warrior of Light (who has journeyed to [[the First]], one of the Shards of the Source), Ifrit was again summoned. Raubahn enlisted a contingent of Summoners to combat the primal threat, with Arenvald and the newly conscripted Fordola as commanding officers leading the attack. Arenvald's Echo and Fordola's Resonant powers immunize them to the primal's influence and their enhanced strength allowed them to fell the beast.
   
In [[the First]], the Warrior of Light (now taking on the title of "Warrior of Darkness"), [[Ryne]], [[Urianger Augurelt]] and [[Thancred Waters]] discover a primordial being half-buried in the Empty known as Eden, deduced to be the first [[Sin Eater]] and the one responsible for the [[The Flood|Flood of Light]] that is eroding the First. They discover through some investigating of its inner workings that Eden does not erase aether so much as it simply halts its flow. They devise a means to restore the flow through Eden's own power when Ryne takes control of it after the Warrior defeats its prime form from within. Urianger speculates that to do so, aspects of aether must be introduced in mass quantities, with each element of the astral kind restoring nature piece by piece. The Scions' solution is to use Eden and the Warrior's memories to evoke primals from the Source and defeat them so that their dispersed aether would restore an aspect of the First.
+
In the First, the Warrior of Light (now taking on the title of "Warrior of Darkness"), [[Ryne]], [[Urianger Augurelt]] and [[Thancred Waters]] discover a primordial being half-buried in [[the Empty]] known as Eden, deduced to be the first [[Sin eater|sin eater]] and the one responsible for the [[The Flood|Flood of Light]] that is eroding the First. They discover through some investigating of its inner workings that Eden does not erase aether so much as it simply halts its flow. They devise a means to restore the flow through Eden's own power when Ryne takes control of it after the Warrior defeats its prime form from within. Urianger speculates that to do so, aspects of aether must be introduced in mass quantities, with each element of the astral kind restoring nature piece by piece. The Scions' solution is to use Eden and the Warrior's memories to evoke primals from the Source and defeat them so that their dispersed aether would restore an aspect of the First.
   
Focusing on water first, the Warrior's thoughts turn to Leviathan. When confronted with the beast its form appears different, now having two heads. After defeating it, Urianger speculates that its altered form was due to the Warrior's hazy memory of having fought the primal so long ago, and may have confused its form with how it was originally fought in addition to other water-aspected primals encountered during their travels. Flowing water returns to the Empty, and they next focus on earth. Titan springs to mind and his form is also significantly altered, now appearing as a less hefty humanoid covered in large iron tires that it rides upon. With its defeat natural soil returns to the world. Though their successful efforts seem localized, Urianger theorizes that the restored aether may have reappeared in focal points across the world. Ryne, exhausted from the summonings and having spent an extended amount of time in the Empty, regroups with her friends to Norvrandt.
+
Focusing on water first, the Warrior's thoughts turn to Leviathan. When confronted with the beast its form appears different, now having two heads. After defeating it, Urianger speculates that its altered form was due to the Warrior's hazy memory of having fought the primal so long ago, and may have confused its form with how it was originally fought in addition to other water-aspected primals encountered during their travels. Flowing water returns to the Empty, and they next focus on earth. Titan springs to mind and his form is also significantly altered, now appearing as a less hefty humanoid covered in large iron tires that it rides upon. With its defeat natural soil returns to the world. Though their successful efforts seem localized, Urianger theorizes that the restored aether may have reappeared in focal points across the world. Ryne, exhausted from the summonings and having spent an extended amount of time in the Empty, regroups with her friends to [[Norvrandt]].
  +
  +
Upon returning to the Empty with the newly awakened [[Gaia (Final Fantasy XIV)|Gaia]] from an earlier excursion, Urianger proposes to focus on the aspect of thunder, this time summoning Ramuh. The Warrior's memories summon a centaur, the upper half being a slightly younger version of the wise primal and the lower body of Ixion from Gyr Abania. After defeating him, the crystal outside changes color though no outward change seems apparent at first. Urianger notices that the very air is now less stifling and more humid. Without wind to carry storms and no fire to evaporate water, the thunder aspect can't be fully realized. Gaia and Ryne propose to introduce fire and wind simultaneously, requiring the Warrior to fight two primals at the same time. Summoning Ifrit and Garuda, the latter is more or less the same as her original form, but Ifrit is more humanoid in appearance. The two merge to form a new entity called Raktapaska, but are yet destroyed and their combined aether changes the crystal to a red and green bi-color palette, returning rain to the Empty.
  +
  +
With the group's mission nearly complete, they only need bring forth the aspect of ice. They are delayed when Gaia's faerie's voice intrudes her mind and manifests in physical form as the Idol of Darkness. After destroying the threat and freeing her, the group continues with their mission. Ryne summons aether into her own being to transform into Shiva, just as Ysayle once did. Despite Urianger's and Thancred's objections, Ryne insists on doing this to prove herself strong enough, should Eden run amok while she's trying to control it.
  +
  +
Shiva manifests in a new form and takes over Ryne, attacking the Warrior. Ryne's power as the Oracle of Light further transforms Shiva by turning her into a robed figure resembling Hydaelyn's depiction in the stone walls of the Qitana Ravel. Shiva's power grows unstable and she blasts herself and the Warrior in an explosion of light-aspected ice, freezing them both solid. Gaia emerges from a dark portal and summons a hammer of darkness to shatter most of the ice, freeing the Warrior. With their combined strength, they destroy Shiva's form, freeing Ryne from her influence. They celebrate their victory and with the ice element, greenery returns to the land, completing their mission. Though the planet's rejuvenation could take decades, the channeling of Eden's massive power, if undisturbed, should see that all is well in the foreseeable future.
 
{{Endspoiler}}
 
{{Endspoiler}}
   
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== Etymology ==
 
== Etymology ==
 
The Garlean word "eikon" (borrowed from the Allagans) may derive from the Greek word ''eikon'', translated in English as "image," which is the root word for the English work "icon" whose early definition was religious imagery.
 
The Garlean word "eikon" (borrowed from the Allagans) may derive from the Greek word ''eikon'', translated in English as "image," which is the root word for the English work "icon" whose early definition was religious imagery.
 
== Trivia ==
 
* In the original opening CG of version 1.0, the shapes of Ifrit and Titan emerge from the aether pillar formed after the death of Midgardsormr. Unlike Ifrit, Titan did not appear until ''A Realm Reborn''.
 
* On the bonus disc included with the physical collector's edition of ''Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn'', Midgardsormr is erroneously referred to as an elder primal.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Loremonger:The_Waning_of_the_Sixth_Sun#cite_note-3| page name = The Waning of the Sixth Sun| site url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com| site name = gamer escape| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref>
 
* The terms for those enthralled by the primal match with their element: Ifrit's Tempered, Leviathan's Drowned, Ramuh's Touched ("touched" by the primal's divine influence), and Odin's "sundered" due to how his blade tears one "asunder."
 
**"Tempered" is the default term for a being brought under a primal's thrall, as violent Sylphs have been referred to as "tempered in the levin light of Ramuh." This was confirmed during Live Letter XXVII, where it was mentioned each primal has a phrase correlating to its element and their form of tempering.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/281457-Letter-from-the-Producer-LIVE-Part-XXVII-Digest-%2802-10-2016%29| page name = Letter from the Producer LIVE Part XXVII Digest (02/10/2016)| site url = http://forum.square-enix.com| site name = Official ''Final Fantasy XIV'' forums| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref>
 
* Though [[Hildibrand Manderville|Hildibrand]] referred to Enkidu as a primal after his summon, many fans originally believed him to be an egi due to the nature of his summoning and behavior. However, on an updated list confirming how many primals there were since Patch 3.15, Enkidu was confirmed to be a full primal.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/pr/blog/001318.html| page name = One Primal, Two Primal, Red Primal, Blue Primal| site url = https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com| site name = Developers' Blog for ''Final Fantasy XIV''| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref>
 
* Square Enix's [[Eorzea Cafe]] has served dishes based on the primals.
 
* As of patch 4.4, 15 of the 25 known primals have their own [[Minion (Final Fantasy XIV)|minions]]: Odin, Bahamut, Ifrit, Titan, Garuda, Leviathan, Ramuh, Shiva, Alexander, Ravana, Bismarck, Lakshmi, Susano, Shinryu, and Tsukuyomi.
 
* In the quest "Gods of Eld" Unukalhai mentions that the term the Allagans used for primals is "eikons." Given the time between the fall of Allag and the present, this would mean all the eikons from the Allagan era are elder primals since they have been around for at least 5,000 years.<ref>{{Refwebsite| page url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Gods_of_Eld| page name = Gods of Eld| site url = https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com| site name = gamer escape| access time = 17:45, November 29, 2018 (UTC)}}</ref> This also heavily implies that the Garleans took the Allag term since the term "primal" gives them a godly identification, and with Allagans and Garleans being atheists, they prefer the term "eikon" to deny primals this hint of divinity.
 
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Revision as of 17:22, 28 August 2020

Template:Sideicon

FFXIV Primals

Some of the primals of Final Fantasy XIV along with the Ultima Weapon and the Moogleguard.

O mighty Ifrit, Lord of the Inferno and Champion of Sun! Thy humble servants have summoned Thee forth from the boundless aether, that Thou might cleanse these heathens' souls of their transgressions with Thine holy flames.

Amalj'aa Transfigurator

The primals (蛮神, Banshin?, lit. Barbarian Gods), also known as eikons, are magical beings in Final Fantasy XIV worshiped by the beast races of Eorzea. They are classic Final Fantasy summoned monsters, and may be related to both the Echo and the sudden new attacks from the Garlean Empire who considers them a threat. Each beast race has its own primal and plans to use them to its own ends, either to harass the city-states, self protection, or to fight the Garleans.

Profile

Divine seeds were ever wont to quicken in Eorzea's fertile soil. We need only lead men to the field, and by their eager hands shall a new deity arise.

Primals are constructs of concentrated aether made manifest by the will of the summoner in the form of legendary figures or mythical creatures. Due to the nature of their existence, a primal must consume aether from its surroundings, thus becoming a threat to the world of Hydaelyn.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. (Skip section)

The Ascian race, possessing vast amounts of aether in their being, developed the art of summoning in ancient times when the fear they felt during the final days of their world caused them to unconsciously create monsters based on their imaginations. The process was perfected in the summonings of Zodiark and Hydaelyn, both being products of a mass sacrifice. The pair's conflict sundered the world into the Source and the thirteen Shards.

Some of the few surviving Ascians now conduct Umbral Calamitys to restore their world. They teach the way of summoning primals to beast races in the form of praying for the aid of their deity. Unlike the ancient Ascians, the new races that now inhabit the world have little aether, and the ritual requires an ample supply—the most convenient being crystals. The aether can also be acquired with other tools, such as the enigmatic horn and tablet stored on Seal Rock, or the eye of a great wyrm.

While usually an embodiment of the summoner's desire, there are cases where the summoner transforms into a primal. A primal can also be summoned into a structure or be created in the image of their namesake. Once summoned, primals can "temper" other beings, instilling fanatical loyalty and creating a secure wellspring of faith. Usually this is an intentional process, but some primals (such as Ramuh) have shown distaste for it, implying it is a natural byproduct of their existence. While those gifted with the Echo are immune, their soul's aether may still be consumed by a nearby primal if they ever lose their mortal form.

The terms for those enthralled by the primal match with their element: Ifrit's Tempered, Leviathan's Drowned, Ramuh's Touched ("touched" by the primal's divine influence), and Odin's "sundered" due to how his blade tears one "asunder." "Tempered" is the default term for a being brought under a primal's thrall, as violent Sylphs have been referred to as "tempered in the levin light of Ramuh"; during Live Letter XXVII it was mentioned each primal has a phrase correlating to its element and their form of tempering.[1]

Due to the presence of primals in Eorzea and the massive amount of energy needed to summon them, the flux of aether over Silvertear Falls has been disrupted and the land of Eorzea will slowly perish if this process is not reversed. The Scions of the Seventh Dawn thus strive to eliminate any primals that manifest. This is also one of the reasons behind the Garlean campaign to destroy the primals, according to Emperor Varis. Gaius van Baelsar hoped to achieve a permanent means through the Ultima Weapon's ability to absorb primals.

The Ascians also taught the ancient Allag the means to bind primals. The creation of primals has an effect on the mothercrystal Hydaelyn, seemingly as part of the goal to revive her dark counterpart, Zodiark. The primals and the tools to summon them have proven useful in undoing an Ascian, as the supply of aether needed to summon a primal can, if focused, shatter an Ascian trapped in White Auracite. Further, an Ascian's soul can be consumed directly by a primal if its host body is slain by one; primals feed on aether, and a soul is comprised of it.

Spoilers end here.

Known primals

By patch 5.3, there are 41 known primals, though one of them was only mentioned.

The term "elder primal" indicates those worshiped/summoned in older eras (i.e. before the Sixth Astral Era), often from cultures that no longer exist. For example, Bahamut was originally summoned in the Third Astral Era, whereas Shiva is a recent "newborn" primal. In the quest "Gods of Eld" Unukalhai mentions that the term the Allagans used for primals is "eikons." Given the time between the fall of Allag and the present, this would mean all the eikons from the Allagan era are elder primals since they have been around for at least 5,000 years.[2] This also implies that the Garleans took the Allag term since the term "primal" gives them a godly identification, and with Allagans and Garleans being atheists, they prefer the term "eikon" to deny primals this hint of divinity.

  • Ifrit, Lord of the Inferno, primal of the Amalj'aa.
    • Ifrit, Heritor of the Inferno, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of the Inferno made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
  • Titan, Lord of Crags, primal of the Kobolds.
    • Titan, Heritor of Crags, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of Crags made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
  • Garuda, Lady of the Vortex, primal of the Ixal.
    • Garuda, Heritor of the Vortex, Norvrandt's version of the Lady of the Vortex made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
  • Good King Moggle Mog XII, primal of the Moogles known as Moggleguard, who support him, and is modeled after their ancestors' savior.
  • Bahamut, the Dreadwyrm, elder primal of the dragons of Meracydia in the image of the Firstbrood of the same name. He was incarcerated inside Dalamud until the Seventh Umbral Era.
  • Phoenix, a primal of rebirth created from Louisoix Leveilleur during the Seventh Umbral Era.
  • Leviathan, Lord of the Whorl, primal of the Sahagin.
    • Leviathan, Heritor of the Whorl, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of the Whorl made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
  • Ramuh, Lord of Levin, primal of the Sylphs.
    • Ramuh, Heritor of Levin, Norvrandt's version of the Lord of Levin made by the Warrior of Light's memories.
  • Shiva, Lady of Frost, primal of the Ishgardian heretics in the image of Saint Shiva and summoned into Ysayle Dangoulain.
    • Shiva, Heritor of Frost, Norvrandt's version of the Lady of Frost made by the Warrior of Light's memories and summoned into Ryne.
  • Enkidu, an inadvertently summoned primal created by Gilgamesh, based on the memory of the original Enkidu. Though Hildibrand referred to Enkidu as a primal after his summon, many fans originally believed him to be an egi due to the nature of his summoning and behavior. However, on an updated list confirming how many primals there were since Patch 3.15, Enkidu was confirmed to be a full primal.[3]
  • Ravana, Lord of the Hive, primal of the Gnath.
  • Bismarck, Lord of the Mists, primal of the Vanu Vanu.
  • Knights of the Round, primals created by Archbishop Thordan VII using the Ishgardians' faith in their country's founding legend in conjunction with one of Nidhogg's eyes. King Thordan is supported by his Knights Twelve, the primal forms of the Heavens' Ward.
  • Eureka, an elder primal from the Forbidden Land of Eureka storyline. Sealed inside the isle's castle, but appearing around the place as a masked man, it creates weapons and enthralls their wielders, unless they posses the Echo.
    • Odin, the Dark Divinity, described as a roaming elder primal. The sword Zantetsuken is the primal, while Odin is a mortal whom the primal blade tempered and blessed with power.
    • Art & Owain. The weapons Ostralltach and Moralltach are the real primals.
    • Raiden. The weapon Shin-Zantetsuken is the real primal.
    • Absolute Virtue. The weapon Virtuous Lance is the real primal.
    • Proto-Ozma. One of the primals inside the Baldesion Arsenal. Unlike the others, the entity is not an illusion from any Eureka weapon, but the real one.
  • Belias, an elder primal from an unknown era. Only his egi is encountered. Though the Lucavi bearing his name makes an appearance in The Ridorana Lighthouse using similar egi to support himself, the nature of the Lucavi makes it uncertain if the Belias encountered is the primal itself.
  • Alexander, the Creator, primal of the Illuminati Goblins.
  • Sephirot, the Fiend, is the first member of the Warring Triad and an elder primal of a tree-like race in Meracydia.
  • Sophia, the Goddess, is the second member of the Warring Triad and an elder primal of a multitude of Meracydian races. Sophia is supported by the giant head Barbelo, though both are the same entity.
  • Zurvan, the Demon, is the third member of the Warring Triad and an elder primal of Meracydian centaurs.
  • Shinryu, the Worm, a primal summoned by Ilberd Feare using the Eyes of Nidhogg to lay waste to the Empire. It was stopped by Omega, ending up in the possession of Zenos yae Galvus.
  • Susano, the Lord of Revel, the principle primal of the Kojin.
  • Tsukuyomi, Goddess of the Moon and Divinity of night. A minor primal of the Kojin summoned into Yotsuyu goe Brutus.
  • Lakshmi, the Lady of Bliss, primal of the Ananta.
  • Hydaelyn, the Mothercrystal, elder primal of Light and goddess of the enlightened races of the world, as well as a faction of ancient Ascians.
  • Zodiark, elder primal of Darkness and god of the Ascians.
    • Elidibus, a fragment of the Heart of Zodiark made manifest with the original Elidibus's personality and memories.
      • Warrior of Light, a primal based on the original Warrior of Light summoned into Elidibus.
  • Raktapaksa, Heritor of Fury, fruit of the fusion between the Heritor of the Inferno and the Heritor of the Vortex.

Valefor was a primal mentioned by Gagarua that hasn't appeared. Enemies named Valefor appear in the Labyrinth of the Ancients, but these are voidsent dahaks, not primals or even egis, so Gagarua may have been bluffing.

The Warrior of Light discovers that some youths from Little Ala Mhigo were plotting to summon Rhalgr in the same way beast tribes summon their deities to combat the Garleans, which would have created Rhalgr as a primal. This plot is halted before they do anything reckless.

Loisoux Seals Bahamut

The Twelve are summoned at the Battle of Carteneau.

In the End of an Era cutscene, Louisoix Leveilleur summons the Twelve, appearing briefly during the Battle of Carteneau. In A Realm Reborn, Gaius van Baelsar hints that these could have been primal versions of the Twelve, since they were summoned through aether and faith, just like the beast tribes summon their deities.

The Burn is known to be a land drained from aether because of repeated primal summonings, but it is unknown which primals were summoned. Another unknown primal, with a known affinity for water, was summoned somewhere in Ilsabard, but it was consumed by the Sapphire Weapon prior its fight against the Warrior of Light.

On the bonus disc included with the physical collector's edition of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Midgardsormr is erroneously referred to as an elder primal.[4]

Egi

Tristan and Belias XIV

An egi of elder primal Belias summoned.

Egi are tiny versions of primals, made of concentrated elemental essence. Only Summoners can call them forth after binding their power with the aid of their Soul Crystal. These egi bear many characteristics of the respective primal, but lack the personality and aether-draining properties of the full-scale forms. Currently, players are only allowed to summon egi versions of Ifrit, Titan, and Garuda, but much larger and more fully-formed versions of Bahamut and Phoenix can be summoned via Demi-Bahamut and Demi-Phoenix, respectively.

Some primals summon minions that resemble egis, such as Ramuh's Grey Arbiters and Titan's Granite Gaolers.

As of patch 4.4, 15 of the 25 known primals also have their own minions: Odin, Bahamut, Ifrit, Titan, Garuda, Leviathan, Ramuh, Shiva, Alexander, Ravana, Bismarck, Lakshmi, Susano, Shinryu, and Tsukuyomi.

Magicite

FFXIV Heaven-on-High summoning

A player using a Heaven-on-High magicite.

In the Heaven-on-High Deep Dungeon, players have a small chance of receiving magicite only for use inside said dungeon. Magicite summon a simulacrum of certain primals, based on the user's memories of past encounters with them.

These kind of summons are similar to those from other Final Fantasy titles by making their appearance just to unleash their signature attack before leaving.

Currently, players are only allowed to summon Ifrit, Titan, Garuda, and Odin. The former three instantly kill all normal enemies on the floor and deal roughly 20% damage to bosses, while also granting temporary invincibility. Odin will instantly kill even bosses, but is extremely rare, and best saved for the final boss on floor 90 if acquired.

Story

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. (Skip section)

Version 1.0

A decade prior, the death of the dragon Midgardsormr during the Battle of Silvertear Skies broke the seal he placed on Silvertear Lake to contain the aether beneath it. The Ascian Paragons used this to teach the summoning ritual to the Eorzean beast tribes, with the resulting primals providing added motivation for the Garlean campaign.

The Warrior of Light was made aware of the primals by the Elezen mage Louisoix Leveilleur, leader of the Circle of Knowing, whose investigation of Garlean Legatus Nael van Darnus revealed the primals' absorption of the realm's crystals threatens Eorzea. When van Darnus enacted Operation Meteor, Dalamud's descent towards Eorzea weakened the primals as it absorbed their aether.

During the Seventh Umbral Calamity Dalamud was revealed as Bahamut's prison. Louisoix tried to use the power of the Twelve, Eorzea's guardian deities, to reseal Bahamut, but the attempt failed and Bahamut's rage was unleashed on the realm, triggering the Seventh Umbral Era. In the catastrophe's aftermath, the beast tribes focus on rebuilding.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

Thancred Waters asks the Warrior of Light to aid in solving a mystery regarding the disappearances in Camp Drybone. It turns out the Amalj'aa have been kidnapping people to be offered to their primal, Ifrit. During the operation to catch the Amalj'aa red-handed, the Warrior of Light is betrayed and knocked unconscious to be turned into a follower of Ifrit. Through the protection of Hydaelyn, Ifrit's fire has no effect on the Warrior and s/he defeats him.

The Maelstrom, the grand company of Limsa Lominsa, requests the Warrior of Light to slay Titan, who has been summoned by Kobolds near the city. Y'shtola Rhul warns the Warrior that Titan is much stronger than Ifrit, and that advice from the Company of Heroes, a brave band of men and women who have in the past killed him, would come in handy. After performing a series of tasks for the company members, the Warrior of Light receives their blessing and enters Titan's lair, where his/her group defeats him.

Later on, the Warrior of Light works with Cid and Alphinaud to reach Garuda where the Ixal have summoned her in Natalan. Garuda is much more powerful than the previous two primals, able to retain her physical form even after seemingly being beaten. She proclaims to tear down each city-state and leave behind a world where she is revered. Before she can attack the Warrior of Light again, Gaius van Baelsar arrives and mocks her, slaying the Ixal whose prayers were powering her. Garuda rips Ifrit and Titan into existence from their followers whom the Ixal had captured and prepares to feed upon their aether. The intervention of the Ultima Weapon, deployed by van Baelsar, defeats Garuda and the other primals.

After the defeat of the Garlean Empire and the resurrected primals, Alisaie Leveilleur asks the Warrior of Light to investigate a dungeon beneath Castrum Occidens called the "Binding Coil of Bahamut" to uncover the mystery behind Bahamut's sudden disappearance. They find fragments of Bahamut's body, and at the center see its head held in place by technology from Dalamud. They see Louisoix and Nael van Darnus, alive, watching over Bahamut. Unable to do any more, the two take their leave.

The Sahagin accumulate enough crystals to summon their primal, Leviathan. After being warned by the Scions of the Seventh Dawn of the impending crisis, Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn mobilizes the Maelstrom in launching a preemptive strike against the Sapsa Spawning Grounds. They find a Sahagin priest calling forth Leviathan, who claims he will achieve eternal life through the Echo. He transfers his mind into the bodies of fellow Sahagin after being shot by the admiral, but is absorbed by the awakened Leviathan. To take out the Lord of the Whorl on the open seas before he can unleash a catastrophic tidal wave, a special barge called the Whorleater is created to enable the Warrior of Light to approach and defeat the ocean primal.

The touched Sylphs call forth Ramuh, Lord of Levin. The sylphs of Little Solace had previously assured Ramuh was of minimal concern, focused only with the protection of the forest, and it was believed that an influx of refugees from the unrest in Ul'dah pushed the touched ones' hands into summoning their primal. When confronted by the Scions, the Lord of Levin condemns the actions of man. Questioning the Warrior's resolve to be the Bearer of Light, Ramuh bids him/her to undertake his trial. Once defeated, he grants the Warrior of Light his blessing and leaves the physical world.

The heretic Ysayle Dangoulain summons forth Saint Shiva as a primal. Being a user of the Echo, she can channel the primal into herself, becoming its avatar—a feat previously unknown. Shiva is defeated by the Warrior of Light, and reverts to Ysayle. Frustrated, she condemns their involvement, insisting she's doing this for the sake of peace.

Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

The Gnath, a tribe of arthropod-like beastmen native to Dravania, became increasingly belligerent to both dragons and hunters. The dragon Vidofnir reveals that the Gnath had summoned a primal, and this has put the dragons on edge and thus denied the Warrior of Light, Ysayle, Alphinaud, and Estinien Wyrmblood access to the dragon Hraesvelgr for the time being. The Warrior of Light and Ysayle let themselves be captured as offerings to the primal, Ravana. Realizing the primal is a war god, Ysayle offers a trial by combat, asking the Gnath abandon their conquest if they defeat him. In the first round, Ysayle transforms into Shiva to duel Ravana, but is defeated. The Warrior of Light is up next, and defeats the primal, who honors his word.

In the Sea of Clouds, the Vundu tribe of the Vanu Vanu have summoned Bismarck as a primal, an immense whale capable of devouring the floating islands, including the one that housed the key to Azys Lla. Cid concocts the idea of towing a floating island via airship as bait, and installing Ishgardian Dragonkillers to harpoon the whale, allowing the Warrior of Light to defeat the Lord of the Mists at the Limitless Blue.

It is revealed the Archbishop Thordan VII and his elite knights, the Heavens' Ward, used Ascian teachings to channel the legend of King Thordan and his Knights Twelve as a primal of the church. At the floating continent of Azys Lla, Thordan uses the power of Nidhogg's right eye to transform into King Thordan with the intent of eliminating all conflict in the world and ruling as a God-King. As his first act, the primal executes the Ascian Lahabrea and absorbs the Ascian overlord's aetherial essence. The Knights of the Round are defeated by the Warrior of Light in the Singularity Reactor. Alexander is awoken in the Dravanian Hinterlands, while the Warring Triad stirs from their slumber.

Later, atop Baelsar's Wall, Ilberd Feare uses the Eyes of Nidhogg and the sacrifices of himself as well as his soldiers to summon Shinryu and bring calamity upon the Empire, but moments after its release Shinryu is confronted by a recently activated Omega. The battle ends in a stalemate as the clashing energies result in a massive explosion that sends both flying away to parts unknown.

Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood

Upon traveling to Tamamizu, the Warrior of Light learns of a creature akin to a primal called Susano, a kami worshiped by the Kojin of the Red. Unlike the primals of before, the Red Kojin do not plan to summon him. Instead, the Warrior of Light unwittingly summons Susano during a mission to draw Red Kojin away from their imperial allies, as the Yasakani-no-Magatama in the Warrior's possession reacts to two other treasures stored in a vault, materializing into the physical world without either prayer or crystal. Susano desires a contest of wills with the Warrior of Light, his wish for battle independent from the Red Kojin.

After freeing Doma and returning to Gyr Abania, the Warrior of Light learns of another primal from their Ananta allies, called Sri Lakshmi, a deity worshiped by their beast tribe. She was summoned when Fordola rem Lupis murdered the daughter of the Qalyana's leader, who had previously sided with the Empire in the hope of being left alone. Driving the imperials away with the might of their patron deity, they demanded that the Vira tribe of the Ananta come pay tribute to her. The Warrior of Light, the Leveilleur twins and Lyse Hext head to the Qalyana's home to slay the primal.

They see the Qalyana's broodmother distraught, as although her daughter had been revived, her soul was long ago lost to the aether, leaving behind an unresponsive husk. Alisaie becomes incensed by the primal's false promises and tries to convince the Qalyana to renounce Lakshmi, but the mother's grief is too profound. The primal floods the room with a wave of tempering flames, which the Warrior of Light blocks. Lakshmi warns them to leave them be. After defeating the primal in her lair, the Qalyana broodmother curses the Warrior of Light and Lyse for taking away their only means of solace and tells them to leave for her to mourn.

The Warrior of Light discovers the missing Shinryu within the Royal Menagerie of Ala Mhigo. Zenos yae Galvus's men had captured and imprisoned the beast while it was incapacitated from the battle with Omega. Because Shinryu was born of pure rage with no worshipers to guide its power toward a specific target or goal, it is akin to a mindless beast. Taking advantage of this, Zenos used the Resonant within his being to merge with Shinryu, becoming the primal itself with its power at his disposal. The Warrior of Light later fights and destroys Shinryu, leaving behind Zenos's battered body and the now powerless eyes of Nidhogg.

After the liberation of Ala Mhigo, the Qalyana join with the leading members of the Resistance to discuss the matter of the throne. Though the broodmother spoke of harmony with her fellow Ala Mhigan neighbors, she reveals her true plan to summon Lakshmi, calling her forth in front of the leaders to temper them, having used the enthralled guards to smuggle in the crystals. Amid the chaos, Raubahn Aldynn cuts down the broodmother while Arenvald Lentinus and the Warrior of Light use their Echo to shield the civilians and leaders from her influence. Lakshmi's advances become overwhelming, but unexpected help arrives when Fordola, released from captivity, steps in and uses her Resonant powers to protect the Ala Mhigans from a blast that would have otherwise ensnared them. With their combined power, the three slay the primal, saving countless lives from a lifetime of servitude.

During the prisoner exchange between Doma and Garlemald to solidify the united front against primals, Asahi sas Brutus plans to disrupt the negotiations by forcing Yotsuyu goe Brutus to regain her memories, bringing her back as acting viceroy of Doma. The supply crates he took from Yanaxia were, in fact, crystals, and the mirror he had given her prior was used as a catalyst for the summoning of a kami. Feeding upon her sorrows, the crystals transform her into Tsukuyomi. Asahi uses Yotsuyu's summoning ritual to breach the agreement and orders his men to retreat. As the Warrior of Light battles her, they bear witness to Yotsuyu's innermost turmoil, being overwhelmed by specters of those who had wronged her, though a single light defends her in the form of a ghost of Gosetsu Daito. Yotsuyu succumbs to her hate, but is defeated. Remnants of the primal's power still linger in her transfigured state, but Asahi repeatedly shoots her. Yotsuyu uses her remaining power to skewer him with swords. Her vengeance sated, she dies peacefully, her lifeless body returning to its original state.

Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

In the absence of the Warrior of Light (who has journeyed to the First, one of the Shards of the Source), Ifrit was again summoned. Raubahn enlisted a contingent of Summoners to combat the primal threat, with Arenvald and the newly conscripted Fordola as commanding officers leading the attack. Arenvald's Echo and Fordola's Resonant powers immunize them to the primal's influence and their enhanced strength allowed them to fell the beast.

In the First, the Warrior of Light (now taking on the title of "Warrior of Darkness"), Ryne, Urianger Augurelt and Thancred Waters discover a primordial being half-buried in the Empty known as Eden, deduced to be the first sin eater and the one responsible for the Flood of Light that is eroding the First. They discover through some investigating of its inner workings that Eden does not erase aether so much as it simply halts its flow. They devise a means to restore the flow through Eden's own power when Ryne takes control of it after the Warrior defeats its prime form from within. Urianger speculates that to do so, aspects of aether must be introduced in mass quantities, with each element of the astral kind restoring nature piece by piece. The Scions' solution is to use Eden and the Warrior's memories to evoke primals from the Source and defeat them so that their dispersed aether would restore an aspect of the First.

Focusing on water first, the Warrior's thoughts turn to Leviathan. When confronted with the beast its form appears different, now having two heads. After defeating it, Urianger speculates that its altered form was due to the Warrior's hazy memory of having fought the primal so long ago, and may have confused its form with how it was originally fought in addition to other water-aspected primals encountered during their travels. Flowing water returns to the Empty, and they next focus on earth. Titan springs to mind and his form is also significantly altered, now appearing as a less hefty humanoid covered in large iron tires that it rides upon. With its defeat natural soil returns to the world. Though their successful efforts seem localized, Urianger theorizes that the restored aether may have reappeared in focal points across the world. Ryne, exhausted from the summonings and having spent an extended amount of time in the Empty, regroups with her friends to Norvrandt.

Upon returning to the Empty with the newly awakened Gaia from an earlier excursion, Urianger proposes to focus on the aspect of thunder, this time summoning Ramuh. The Warrior's memories summon a centaur, the upper half being a slightly younger version of the wise primal and the lower body of Ixion from Gyr Abania. After defeating him, the crystal outside changes color though no outward change seems apparent at first. Urianger notices that the very air is now less stifling and more humid. Without wind to carry storms and no fire to evaporate water, the thunder aspect can't be fully realized. Gaia and Ryne propose to introduce fire and wind simultaneously, requiring the Warrior to fight two primals at the same time. Summoning Ifrit and Garuda, the latter is more or less the same as her original form, but Ifrit is more humanoid in appearance. The two merge to form a new entity called Raktapaska, but are yet destroyed and their combined aether changes the crystal to a red and green bi-color palette, returning rain to the Empty.

With the group's mission nearly complete, they only need bring forth the aspect of ice. They are delayed when Gaia's faerie's voice intrudes her mind and manifests in physical form as the Idol of Darkness. After destroying the threat and freeing her, the group continues with their mission. Ryne summons aether into her own being to transform into Shiva, just as Ysayle once did. Despite Urianger's and Thancred's objections, Ryne insists on doing this to prove herself strong enough, should Eden run amok while she's trying to control it.

Shiva manifests in a new form and takes over Ryne, attacking the Warrior. Ryne's power as the Oracle of Light further transforms Shiva by turning her into a robed figure resembling Hydaelyn's depiction in the stone walls of the Qitana Ravel. Shiva's power grows unstable and she blasts herself and the Warrior in an explosion of light-aspected ice, freezing them both solid. Gaia emerges from a dark portal and summons a hammer of darkness to shatter most of the ice, freeing the Warrior. With their combined strength, they destroy Shiva's form, freeing Ryne from her influence. They celebrate their victory and with the ice element, greenery returns to the land, completing their mission. Though the planet's rejuvenation could take decades, the channeling of Eden's massive power, if undisturbed, should see that all is well in the foreseeable future.

Spoilers end here.

Other appearances

Final Fantasy Trading Card Game

Some of the primals appear on cards.

Triple Triad

Some of the primals appear on Triple Triad cards in the version available via Final Fantasy Portal App.

Gallery

Artwork/renders
Screenshots

Etymology

The Garlean word "eikon" (borrowed from the Allagans) may derive from the Greek word eikon, translated in English as "image," which is the root word for the English work "icon" whose early definition was religious imagery.

References