The Zu (ズー, Zū?), also known as the Zuu, Zuh, Raven, or Garuda, is a recurring creature in the Final Fantasy series, first appearing in Final Fantasy IV. The Zu is typically a gigantic black bird with a long neck and jagged beak. The Zu has high HP and strong physical attacks.
Appearances[]
Final Fantasy IV[]
The Zu, also known as the Zuu or Raven, appear as an enemy in the Mysidia region, and is easily dispatched due to its vulnerability to death and Cecil's recent acquisition of the Deathbringer.
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years[]
The Zu appears as an enemy in the Baron, Damcyan, and Mysidia regions, Baron Castle, Mt. Hobs, and Edward's Challenge Dungeon. It is also encountered as a boss in the Tower of Trials. It is rather strong when encountered in each tale, and can attack twice.
Final Fantasy V[]
The Zu, also known as the Zuu, appears as an enemy around Karnak up to the Library of the Ancients. It is a moderately powerful enemy at the time it is fought, and offers a great deal of EXP and gil. It can either be fought alone or with two Aegirs.
Final Fantasy VII[]
The Zuu can be fought in either the Battle Square or on the bridge in Mt. Nibel. It can yield a Bird Wing upon defeat.
Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-[]
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis[]
Final Fantasy IX[]
The Zuu appears as an enemy on Cleyra's Trunk. It is not a threat save for its Swallow ability, which removes a character from the battle.
Final Fantasy X[]
The Zu appears as a powerful enemy encountered in the Bikanel Desert. It can appear solo or accompanied by two Cactuars.
Final Fantasy X-2[]
The Zu returns as an an enemy in Bikanel Desert, the Mi'ihen Highroad, and Via Infinito. It is one of the most dangerous enemies when Oversouled, as it can defeat the entire party with just one blow with Chicken Wing Lv.3, and it can destroy specific items.
Final Fantasy XI[]
The Zu appears as a member of the bird family encountered in the Buburimu Peninsula.
Final Fantasy XII[]
The Zu appears as an enemy encountered on the Ozmone Plain. It flies out of reach of melee attacks, and must be hit with ranged weapons, magicks, or Telekinesis or other Technicks.
Final Fantasy XIV[]
The Zu appears as a family of giant cloudkin. The common ZU acts as the second boss of Pharos Sirius, having made a roost near the top of the lighthouse. The Zu can be obtained as a mount in Idyllshire by turning in an Iron Voyage Spoil obtained via Free Company Airship missions.
Final Fantasy XV[]
The Zu appears as a mark encountered during the Feathered Giant of the Firesmoke Hunt.
Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia[]
The Zu appear as a recurring enemy based on its Final Fantasy X appearance. It is also the basis of an enemy family of the same name, though no character has an advantage against the family.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles[]
The Zu appears as an enemy in the Lynari Desert, having extremely high HP and elemental attacks.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates[]
The Garuda appears as a boss, encountered in Mount Vaal and Lunite. While localized as Garuda, it is called a Zu in conversation with Alhanalem, which is also its name in the Japanese release.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time[]
The Garuda returns as a boss in the Library.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers[]
The Zu appears as an enemy the opening sequence, attacking the Alexis II. It can later encountered in the Edge of Oblivion and Yuke Sky City, and is not aggressive, allowing Layle to use it as transport.
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest[]
The Zuh appears as a boss encountered in Doom Castle, being a palette swap of the Pazuzu boss from earlier in the game. It fights just like its previous incarnation.
Final Fantasy Dimensions[]
The Zuu appears as an enemy encountered in the Dragon Valley.
Final Fantasy Dimensions II[]
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call[]
The Zu appears as an enemy in Battle Music Sequences.
Pictlogica Final Fantasy[]
The Zu from Final Fantasy V appears as an enemy.
Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade[]
The Zu appears as a boss encountered in the Living Wood areas 3 and 7.
Final Fantasy All the Bravest[]
The Zu from Final Fantasy V appears as an enemy encountered on the Troia Range and inside the Zanarkand Ruins. It uses Dive and drops the Trident.
Final Fantasy Record Keeper[]
The Zu from Final Fantasy IV appears as an enemy, while the Final Fantasy V Zu appears as a wind-elemental Magicite.
Final Fantasy World Wide Words[]
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius[]
The Zu first appears as a boss in the Dalnakya Plains dungeon, later appearing as a normal enemy in the Kol Badlands and Clouds of Lasting Light. It can also be encountered in the Colosseum and during the Guardian of the Order story event.
War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius[]
Final Fantasy Trading Card Game[]
The Zus from Final Fantasy X and Curtain Call appear as wind-elemental monster cards.
Final Fantasy Portal App[]
The Zu from Final Fantasy V appears as a 1-star 5/3/2/1 card, while the Final Fantasy X Zu appears as a 1-star 6/3/2/2 card.
Non-Final Fantasy guest appearances[]
Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable[]
The Zu appears as a chance card that allows the user to move two more steps.
Etymology[]
Anzû, before misread as Zû, is a lesser divinity or monster in several Mesopotamian religions. He was conceived by the pure waters of the Apsu and the wide Earth, or as son of Siris. Anzû was seen as a massive bird who can breathe fire and water, although Anzû is alternately seen as a lion-headed eagle (like a reverse griffin).
Zu means "fire" in the Sumerian language.