Somnus (theme)

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"Somnus"

The title of this song, played during the trailer for FF Versus XIII, means 'sleep,' but there is nothing restful about the forceful vocals singing of coming war.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy description

"Somnus" is the main theme of Final Fantasy XV. It was composed by Yoko Shimomura and served as background music in the debut trailer for Final Fantasy Versus XIII.

"Somnus" opens with a somber piano melody, and its Latin lyrics are sung by Aundréa L. Hopkins. The song is a bonus track on the album Drammatica: The Very Best Of Yoko Shimomura.

Lyrics

Latin

Deus dormit

Et liberi ignem faciunt

Numquam extinguunt

Ne expergisci possit

Omnia dividit

Tragoedia coram

Amandum quae

Et nocte perpetua

In desperatione

Auroram videre potest

Mane tempus expergiscendi.

English translation

God sleeps

And his children start a fire,

Which they cannot extinguish,

and he will never be able to awaken.

Every tragedy divides,

Before our very eyes,

those things which ought to be loved.

And through this endless night,

In despair,

He can see the dawn,

Which will awake him the next morning.

Game appearances

Final Fantasy XV

An arrangement of "Somnus" featuring a solo violin plays on the title screens of Final Fantasy XV Episode Duscae, Platinum Demo – Final Fantasy XV, and Final Fantasy XV. Another arrangement is heard each time Noctis Lucis Caelum obtains one of his ancestors' weapons in a royal tomb.

The original version of "Somnus" plays when Noctis and his friends return to Insomnia in the final chapter. A third arrangement of the piece, called "Magna Insomnia," serves as the final boss theme. A fourth version, titled "Somnus Ultima", plays as Noctis deals the final blow before the end credits.

A fifth rendition plays after the party defeats Cerberus in Chapter 14 of the Windows and Royal Editions.

Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn

A festive arrangement of "Somnus" plays during the episode's prologue, taking place during the Founder's Day Festival.

"Magna Insomnia" plays during the Kingly Clash against Noctis.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

"Somnus" is used in a downloadable Field Music Sequence. It is categorized as being a song from Final Fantasy Versus XIII. The background that appears during this FMS depicts a city similar in appearance to Insomnia. "Somnus" is the only downloadable piece not to be available in the iOS version.

Other appearances

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV

An instrumental version of "Somnus" is heard during the scene in which King Regis holds a party to celebrate the signing of a peace treaty between Lucis and Niflheim. A grand piano and a violinist appear briefly on the background when the theme starts to play.

Arrangement album appearances

FINAL FANTASY XV Original Soundtrack: Piano Arrangements

A piano arrangement of "Somnus" is included in the piano arrangements album included with the game's limited edition soundtrack. It is the first track of the album.

Piano Collections: Final Fantasy XV

"Somnus" appears on the Piano Collections album released on 22 February, 2017.

Live performances

Final Fantasy XV Live at Abbey Road Studios

"Somnus" was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios on September 7, 2016.

Distant Worlds IV: more music from FINAL FANTASY

The instrumental version of the theme performed by Distant Worlds Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is included on the album. Arnie Roth performed the violin.

Etymology

[view · edit · purge]Somnus means "sleep" in Latin. Somnus is also the name of the Roman personification of sleep, whose equivalent in Greek mythology is Hypnos.

Trivia

• The logo of Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy XV is designed to represent a closed eye, in reference to "Somnus."
• The Founder King, Somnus Lucis Caelum, appears to be named after the theme.