
Originally Posted by
masamune1600
[...]Others have suggested that Tidus is the reincarnation of Shuyin. This has also led to the belief that Yuna is Lenne reincarnated, and that their love was, in a sense, preordained. However, based on the events of and facts revealed in FFX-2, we know that such is far from the case.
Often, in various mythologies, a reincarnated individual retains memories from his former life. Tidus, from what we see in FFX, has no such recollection. While this point does little to disprove a reincarnation theory, it does serve as additional evidence to accompany a host of other points. First, let us recall that Tidus is an Aeon, a Dream. His existence is dependent upon the Dreaming of the Fayth; when the defeat of Yu Yevon at the end of FFX ends the Summoning, the Dreaming ceases and Tidus dies. As a consequence, he goes to the Farplane for two years. We see from this, then, that Tidus’ very existence is dependent upon the fayth. As a result, any basis for spiritual reincarnation would be built on another Dream. It is impossible, in being Dreamt, to move outside this milieu. Tidus, then, could arguably be a reincarnation of Dream Zanarkand’s Shuyin, although there is no reason for this. In any case, he is certainly separated from the real Shuyin, who was never dependent in any way upon Yu Yevon’s Summoning.
Most compelling, however, is the fact that Shuyin still exists in Spira. Consumed by anger, his memories and spirit inhabited the Den of Woe for the 1000 years that followed his death. Shuyin never went to the Farplane; he is, in essence, Unsent. As Shuyin himself is still fully existent in the physical Spira, reincarnation necessarily implies a paradox. Shuyin still exists, which would deny the possibility of spiritual reincarnation.
The original memories point returns more strikingly when we examine Yuna and Lenne. Early in FFX-2, Yuna describes feeling the emotions of another person when utilizing the Songstress Dressphere.
Quote:
Yuna: (narrating) My body just started dancing by itself. I didn't know what was
going on. I was...frightened. Then, while I was dancing, something happened...
In the Celsius...
Rikku: (to Yuna) You sure looked like you were enjoying yourself.
Yuna: I was. It felt like some other person's excitement just took over.
Shinra: That can happen when you use the Garment Grid. The emotions of the
person recorded in the sphere pass to the user.
Note that Yuna feels full and complete separation from these memories, even though they controlled her to a degree. They were someone else’s. As the game progresses, and Yuna becomes aware of Lenne’s story, she still feels no connection. Lenne is fully separate, and their physical and professional (Summoner/musician) similarities seem merely coincidental (or symbolic, as the case may be).
Most important, however, is the concert on the Thunder Plains that takes place in Chapter 4. Here, we see the very spirit of Lenne, come out of the Songstress Dressphere. This helps clarify several ideas. Lenne’s soul crystallized to form the Dressphere. During the concert, her spirit emerged without affecting Yuna.
Finally, note that Lenne’s spirit leaves with Shuyin at the end of the game. Clearly, Yuna is no more a reincarnation of Lenne than Tidus is of Shuyin.