Originally Posted by
Darth Anarcus
Well, personally, the character of Ultimecia represents so much more for me than a bland character who was randomly thrown in there. Yes, I believe an R=U theory (and you'll notice that I said an R=U theory, and not the R=U theory, meaning that I have my own which has been extensively thought out and does not contradict anything stated by Square, including in the Ultimania Guide). Ultimecia represents what Rinoa has the potential to become should she use her newfound powers unwisely. Squall's quote, "Even if the entire world is against you, I will be your knight" (paraphrased), while never actually explored in the game, was intended to make us ponder what it would be like if those words came back to haunt him. Does he defend Rinoa and her evil and unethical ways, or does he stick up for what's right and turn against his true love? This is also represented by the character of mythical beast Griever, who symbolizes Squall, the "Lionheart." Is this creature Squall? Is he bound to Ultimecia because he decided to keep his promise and fight along side her for unjust causes? Or did he turn against her, and did she not let him go and somehow imprison him, altering him into "the most powerful GF in his mind," bound by his promise he kept all those years ago?
Not only that, but for me--and you can call me cheesy if you'd like--I see lots Christological imagery throughout the entire thing, which I'm sure was unintentional. Your entire party is the collective Christ figure, where each character symbolizes a different virtue of Christ (Squall being courage, Rinoa being purity, etc.). In other words, they all make up the Body of Christ, or the Church. However, the members of the Church are not perfect, but have their weaknesses, like we see in the characters. Rinoa as an angel is important, because I see Ultimecia as the devil. And since I believe my own R=U theory, the imagery of a fallen angel works perfectly. Since each character represents a part of Christ, Rinoa--being purity--is "crucified" to Adel's chest--Adel, being an evil sorceress of the past, represents all the sins of the world--thus creating the image of the perfect Christ taking our sins upon himself. The team's plunge into the Time-Compressed World and Ultimecia's castle immediately thereafter is like the decent into Hades. And finally, Squall's "resurrection" at the end, after nearly losing his mind--remember that each character is a part of Christ, so it works that not the same one who was cruficied is the one that resurrects, since they are all the collective Christ figure--obviously represents the Resurrection. And the clouds parting and Time Compression being destroyed represents the curse being lifted from the world.
Those are my takes on things at least.