Origins and Explanations of Esper Names

What's the purpose of this file? Many of the names of Espers in

Final Fantasy III have a mythological grounding. Unfortunately, the origin

of these names can often be very obscure, and the player doesn't get the

full meaning of the names.

This file will help you, the reader, to get the most out of

Final Fantasy III. Maybe you'll learn something about mythology, too.

Enjoy!

Please e-mail vestal@computek.net with any updates or

corrections you may have. Thanks!

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Esper: Alexandr Origin: Historical Form: Robot

Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia, conquered Asia Minor,

Syria, Babylonia, Egypt, and Persia, in short, the entire known world,

during his reign (336 BC - 323 BC).

Esper: Bahamut Origin: Mythology Form: Dragon

Bahamut is the mythical king of the dragons.

Esper: Bismark Origin: Historical Form: Whale

The Bismark was a World War II German battleship that was sunk

on May 27, 1941. It was one of the most powerful battleships ever built,

and had eight 15-inch guns.

Esper: Carbunkl Origin: Etymological Form: ???

A carbuncle is a deep-red, almost blood-colored, unfaceted stone.

Esper: Crusader Origin: Etymological Form: Knight

The original name of this Esper was "Jihad". A jihad is a holy

war or crusade fought for religious ideals and beliefs.

Esper: Fenrir Origin: Norse Mythology Form: Wolf

Fenrir is a gigantic wolf, offspring of Loki and Angerboda, who is

the enemy of all the gods. He was banished and bound in Hel, but will break

free at Ragnarok and slay Odin.

Esper: Golem Origin: Jewish Legends Form: Golem

The original Golem was a stone creature that was brought to life

by the sacred word of a holy man. The Golem was a sort of primitive

robot.

Esper: Ifrit Origin: Middle Eastern Legends Form: Fire Sprite

Orignally spelled "Efreet". Efreeti are fire djinns from the

elemental plane of fire who lived in the City of Brass.

Esper: Kirin Origin: Chinese Mythology Form: Kirin

A Kirin is an imaginary creature that is part horse and part

dragon. The male is called "Ki", and the female is called "Rin". It is

capable of flying, and sparks of lightning shoot out from its hooves.

Kirin are considered good luck.

Esper: Maduin Origin: Irish Myth Form: Humanoid

Originally spelled "Mael Duin." Mael Duin is a major hero of Irish Mythology. Son of Ailill, he was raised by nuns after his father was killed by raiders. When told his father's story, Mael Duin sets out with sixteen warriors to avenge his death, and his subsquesent voyages have been called the "Irish Odyssey."

Esper: Odin Origin: Norse Mythology Form: Warrior

Odin is one of the three original Aesir gods who created the world

and mankind. He is the God of war, storms, wisdom, and honor. He had

only one eye, but had inner sight, and nine of his children became gods as

well.

Esper: Palidor Origin: Medieval Legends Form: Bird

A paladin is a virtuous knight who represents the pinnacle of

chivalry and knightly ideals.

Esper: Phantom Origin: Mythology Form: Spirit

A ghost or apparition. This illusion is sometimes believed to be

the soul of a recently departed individual.

Esper: Phoenix Origin: Arabian Mythology Form: Bird

This bird would consume itself in flames every 500 years and then be

reborn from the ashes. Thus it is fitting that the Esper Phoenix teaches

you the Life spells.

Esper: Raiden Origin: Chinese Legends Form: Warrior

Originally spelled "Raijin". Raijin is the god of thunder, and is

often portrayed as a red demon beating a drum. In Japanese, the word

"raiden" means "thunder".

Esper: Ragnarok Origin: Norse Mythology Form: Sword

Ragnarok is the Judgement of the Gods. (From Norse RAGNA, the

general plural of REGIN (God)+ROK (judgement or reason) RAGNAROEKER,

on the other hand, means the day of reckoning, when every god meets

his final destiny. The two terms are often used interchangebly.

Esper: Ramuh Origin: Hindu Legends Form: Magician

Rama is the hero of an epic Indian poem, the Ramayana. He is

handsome, brave, and a model individual. After many trials and tribulations,

he becomes king, and it is revealed that Rama is actually the god Vishnu

in human form.

Esper: Shiva Origin: Hindu Legends Form: Magician

Shiva is one of the three principal Hindu deities. Shiva is a god

of complementary actions. He is portrayed as both destroyer and restorer

of worlds; as a both a giver and a taker. He is part of the triad that

also includes Brahma and Vishnu.

Esper: Shoat Origin: Etymological Form: Boar

A young pig just after weaning.

Form: Siren Origin: Greek Mythology Esper: Singer

From Greek mythology, the Sirens were beautiful maiden-birds that

lived on the rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea. They lured sailors

to their death on the cliffs with their beautiful songs.

Esper: Sraphim Origin: The Bible Form: Angel

A seraph is a holy angel with three pairs of wings. Seraphim

are often paired with cherubim.

Esper: Starlet Origin: Etymological Form: Female

A diminuitive star, or a young aspiring movie actress.

Esper: Stray Origin: Etymological Form: Cat

A stray cat is a non-domesticated cat without a home.

Esper: Terrato Origin: Norse Mythology Form: Serpent

The original name of this Esper was "Midgard's Serpent". Midgard's

Serpent is a gigantic serpent, offspring of Loki and Angerboda, that lay

at the bottom of the ocean. The Serpent was destined to consume the earth

at Ragnarok.

Esper: Tritoch Origin: Etymological Form: Eagle

The prefix "tri-" means "three". Thus it is fitting that the

three-headed Tritoch teaches you three spells, Fire3, Bolt3, and Ice3.

Esper: Unicorn Origin: Medieval Legends Form: Unicorn

A mythical horse with a single spiral horn protruding from its

forehead, the unicorn is often symbolic of purity and virginity.

Esper: ZoneSeek Origin: Etymological Form: Insect

The name might mean that he helps you find another dimension or

a higher plane of existence.

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Last Update: 4.27.97