Anima

[Ezme]

I know many of the fiends/animals/names have roots in mythology and symbolism but I think anima is brilliant. Anima means soul and its the soul of seymours mother. She is blind on one side, she still loves seymour but is blind to what he's doing(at the start at least.) She's bound, she can't act directly. Her overdrive shows her anger and her breaking free with her emotions only to be overcome buy the chains, her guilt maybe. Anyone else got anything on anima? or any other cool myths or symbols? I love this kinda thing, makes other games seem a little 2D tho.

[Tavrobel]

Try FFCompendium for some Anima refrences, or Wikipedia. There are many elements in FF (especially in the old ones) that can be interpreted as recurring elements in classic literature. (hero-cycle, main characters that develop a conscience during the course of the game, etc.)

[BG-57]

The FF Shrine has the best full length portrait of Anima:

It's clear that Anima is two creatures grafted together. I've heard some arguments that the upper half represents the Animus (Rational, Masculine Soul), and the Overdrive represents the Anima (Feminine, Animal Soul); but they both look female to me. At the very least it is an Aeon that is the product of a tortured, conflicted Fayth.

I just noticed this, but Overdrive Anima is wearing golden metallic bracelets, of the same type that her Fayth favored in life.

[blackraven19]

they both look female to me.

I think that the top one looks more maskulin then feminine

[D.os]

I think that the top one looks more maskulin then feminine

Agree. This Aeon story is very interesting,it was the mother of a child that is the result of two diferent races, sacrifices herself so that her son can defeat Sin and be accepted by the people in Spira.
Her soul was indeed in conflict, she was affraid that her son would be rejected, cuz everybody is affarid of what is new.

[Heero Yuy NWZC]

I like this thread! myhtology rules. I am pretty good at it. Anima is a rather nice topic to have on this. Anyways, besides the masculine and feminine thing, as you have seen in the game, one half is above the surface and the other is below. I think that the other is hidden away as a precaution or that it is in a different realm itself(overdrive background). What do you think?

[Lost Number]

I dont know much mythology, but the FFs are an education.

[D.os]

I like this thread! myhtology rules. I am pretty good at it. Anima is a rather nice topic to have on this. Anyways, besides the masculine and feminine thing, as you have seen in the game, one half is above the surface and the other is below. I think that the other is hidden away as a precaution or that it is in a different realm itself(overdrive background). What do you think?

Yes, u have a point there.. and if you notice, Anima is summoned from the underground, when all the other are summoned above the ground. This can mean that it' has something to hide as Heero Yuy NWZC said and it lives in the depths of the world.

[Ezme]

Thanks for the replies. Anima is described as a Dark aeon which kinda goes with the underground thing. Also her rage and power is hidden below, out of sight. You can kind of imagine her being like that in life, in the shadow of Lord Jyscal, yet everyone now and then when the emotion bubbles over and everything else is brought down to her level where she can be expressive without others seeing. Did you also know that the fiend Ahriman is the son of the Zorroastrian god. (sorry philosophy student and had to do a research project)

[Psydekick]

Has anyone got a pic of Dark Anima, he looks somewhat more ugly if that was possible lol

[Heero Yuy NWZC]

What would be strange is if the whole figure of Anima was summoned above the ground. The whole two sides of it would be hovering. Would it be more powerful with both of it above? WHat would its overdrive be?

[Tavrobel]

If the whole of Anima were above the ground, it's attacking capabilities and Overdrive would either be compromised or simply stay the same. I can't really see how it would benefit. And probably a reaso why the bottom part is the bottom is because it doesn't show its rage except at certain times. And when it does, it ANNIHILATES YOU, while the top part is rather direct with its means of torture, and you must go through the top part before you see the bottom (which supports the idea that the bottom one isn't really in charge -- unless it wants to be). The top does look more masculine than the bottom part, which I think is more female in design.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

[Ezme]

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Damn straight!

I think its perfect it being below ground, it would spoil the symbolism if it wasnt. Shows the multiple layers what people have, even the calmest ones. Acctually, thats another point; the upper half is always so calm in its attacks, just rolls it head rather that running and attacking like the others whereas the lower half is so violent, schitzophrenic even.

[D.os]

I think its perfect it being below ground, it would spoil the symbolism if it wasnt. Shows the multiple layers what people have, even the calmest ones. Acctually, thats another point; the upper half is always so calm in its attacks, just rolls it head rather that running and attacking like the others whereas the lower half is so violent, schitzophrenic even.

Yes, you are right, and even with the chains around the upper body, Anima has no intent to escape, while the lower body when has a chance is ready for that.
There's a dictionary of mythology and i've been shearching for names related to ff.

[Heero Yuy NWZC]

Hey, I was just wondering.