Ardyn Izunia's Origins Explained ► Final Fantasy XV Lore + Episode Ardyn

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When Final Fantasy XV released back in 2016, Ardyn Izunia was presented as the game's main antagonist... but people wanted more, they wanted to get in the mind of Ardyn Izunia.
And thanks to the release of Final Fantasy XV Episode Ardyn, which allowed people to play through the experience in full, we got to do just that, as we saw him resist or submit to his fate, which brought about the official ending to the game's story.
Looking into Ardyn represents our first dive into the lore of Final Fantasy 15, but it felt like the right place to start. And by doing so, we hope to lend some insight into his relationship with Somnus Lucis Caelum, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Aera, Iedolas and Verstael to show why people go "Poor Ardyn", as his tale is one of sadness and woe... but it shows that even though it seem like there's no happy ending, that sometimes there's a greater plan.
We hope you enjoy! Be sure to let us know which character you'd like us to focus on next!
***
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***
Throughout this video, we'll be talking about things like...
- Ardyn Izunia (Ardyn Lucis Caelum)
- Episode Ardyn Prologue
- Ardyn's Role in Kingsglaive
- Ardyn and Somnus
- Ardyn and Bahamut
- Ardyn's Corruption of Ifrit
- Ardyn vs Noctis

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

"Fancy meeting you here!" Oh Ardyn, you're so sassy, yet so sinister. We hope you guys enjoy this Origins video...! It's been a long time coming, but it felt like now was the right time. ~Darryl/Lauren

[@RulerOfYore]

Final Fantasy Union Where did you hear Dawn of the Future was non canon?

[@petrameyer1121]

"Success of the TROJANS at the battle of Thermopylae!" You mean SPARTANS yes?

[@thomasbrown6527]

Can you please do the origins of Emperor Mateus

[@KillFriendsy]

Flat out, thought xv was piss, I mean how long you spent taking that shit. Fuck em and their Earth Sponsors_Colman camp gear_blagh!

[@squallrowlandson8028]

Can you please do the origins of Exdeath?

[@brentmetcalfe1694]

Ardyn is a pretty great antagonist for the franchise. He is suave, with a killer voice actor that nails his snake like qualities. Plus, he actually succeeds in his desires, without that voctory being taken away

[@ShadowViking95]

Anyone else that thinks that Bahamut is the real antagonist in FF 15? Ardyn's story is really sad.

[@Aristocratic13]

Yeah the a Gods screwed him over big time. I wish he got the revenge he ultimately had seek

[@jakeuskun]

Aqu95ila I think Ardyn is still the REAL antagonist. we can sympathize with him, but he’s done bad things, no doubt. yes he was driven to madness, and yes it’s unfair. he’s a prisoner to his own fate. it doesn’t change the fact that he tried to MURDER a king. think about this people, you want to defend someone whom is willing to murder just because he wants revenge, just because he was wronged. I liked Episode Ardyn and it was a good insight to his story and a more sympathetic approach to probably the best final fantasy antagonist. the story is still about Noct AND Ardyn. the Light destroying the Darkness and bringing peace to the land. Bahamut is nothing but a God, the very thing that we all believe exists in our world and leads us on a path. if our god lets people get raped, kidnapped, enslaved, etc, is he the real antagonist of the story of our world? a lot of religious people would disagree. I’m just saying, think differently, when you start to COMPLETELY sympathize with those whose actions are downright sociopathic, you begin to look odd yourself.

[@inthedeadhours]

@@jakeuskun 1.no..no we dont all believe in god. 2. If a god is complacent and watches all of the evil in the world then yes he is evil and just as accountable. These gods manipulated Ardyn knowing full well the outcome..they are the villains.

[@jakeuskun]

Rico The Protagonist Okay but the problem is that most people like to sympathize with the villains. Ardyn, regardless of his fate/destiny did a lot of awful things in order to bring upon the star scourge and take revenge on the lucis bloodline. He did bad things for an awful reason, that makes him an antagonist.

[@jakeuskun]

Rico The Protagonist I do apologize on the comment about believing in god, I was typing a bit too quick and glossed over my assumption of the world.

[@yurifan122894]

Lightning: I have friends Ardyn: What is a friend

[@pleasemyytcommentsaredumb.8189]

My path is paved in blood and darkness alone.

[@ranearia]

😢😭

[@crimsonghost117]

:(

[@mantic5423]

He HAD friends

[@stormwolf8770]

@@mantic5423 than a stab in the back

[@rosaheartlily]

Ardyn's story makes me weep. It makes the story of FFXV the deepest and darkest in the series so far and, therefore, the most satisfying. The problem is in the execution as the main game really doesn't develop Ardyn as much as it could have done. Thank you for making this video and pulling all the threads together!

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

You're most welcome Rose, we're so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Libegone]

All of you said is wrong

[@jakelaponder7565]

@@Libegone how literally all of this information isnt in the main game.

[@campkira]

it Shakespeare

[@Sephiroth32vergil]

I don't think they figured out Ardyn's origins until after the game was released.

[@SaikeeKonosukeLuc]

I'm happy how Noct treats him at the end He bears no hate toward him instead he understand his tragedy and tells him 'Sleep forevermore' It means he hope Ardyn to find rest and peace.

[@ultrastormvalentine5483]

I would have agreed with you if adryn hadn't been hacked into pieces by the very same bloodline he hated

[@well-breddelinquentz1094]

Didn’t they jump him like 3 minutes later? lol

[@John-to6sl]

@@well-breddelinquentz1094 i mean thats the only way. It doesnt diminish Nocts remorse for ardyns life

[@36inc]

I think its a family characteristic. Ardyn is unreliable narrator hpw cruel solemn is in his memories contradicts how his brother treats him in the battle in insomnia.the years of poisoning musta gave him the false view of ifrit. And thats why hes not immediately malicious even after years of imprisonment. Its a family trait and only the demons make him otherwise.

[@sethfreeman8095]

Wow, this would have been cool if all of this story was delivered in game. I only played the vanilla version but I am unfamiliar with most of this lore.

[@830hole]

Most was from the downloadable content.they added some of his origin to the ignis,ardyn,and maybey the gladius one

[@ShizzThe69kinG]

Thats because most of the lore was fragmented and not well put together. If they didnt rush and did much more with it maybe it would have done a lot better and stand out better than what is is now.

[@johnquigley2436]

Yeah I didn't he it when I played it either, was disappointed playing it!

[@ShizzThe69kinG]

John Quigley game got potential but was just executed grandly, not just poorly.

[@poppyharlow9377]

The Word of Mouf hmm? Versus 13 had more potential imo. But yeah this game made Ardyn one of my favorite villains ever. Super cool character.

[@UGABulldawg]

I didn't realize Ardyn was so cool and layered. Definitely didn't get this level of detail from playing FFXV

[@Oniontrololol]

Base game story is pretty trashy, the dlc adds so much more to the game

[@FWRL_Athlete]

You would if you read EVERYTHING in the game had in and did everything possible

[@ALGammash]

It was very clear in the original game that there was lot of depth to him and his motivation but they never told us what it was.

[@mr_d-m0ney_swagbruh384]

When u realise it and play ffxv again it just becomes better 😂

[@jonwilliams7312]

Yea you have to pay extra for that

[@LordEcks]

Of worthy note: Ardyn Izunia's Japanese voice actor. FUJIWARA Keiji, passed away a little over a week ago on April 12th from cancer. He was an extremely long running and famous voice actor. Even in Final Fantasy he was more famous as the voice of Reno, the red haired member of the Turks in FF7. Other roles include SIGINT and Drebin in Metal Gear Solid series. Shingo from Initial D. He was also the Japanese dub for Robert Downey Jr's Iron Man in Japanese. He played too many memorable roles to count, and will be missed.

[@IAmKentori]

Rest in peace Fujiwara Keiji

[@OneReallyGrumpyJill]

What's funny is that, if the game was not rushed, I feel like the story would end with Noctis and Ardyn taking down Bahamut. As it stands right now, FF15 is the only game where the bad guy actually wins. Also, I feel like Ardyn is Jesus but, like, humane since he reacted to all the abuse and betrayal he suffered in a very humane fashion.

[@gamingdemigodxiii5630]

A fallen savior. That’s something you don’t see everyday.

[@watercrackersandwaferthinh601]

You mean human right

[@mastergamerleafer]

In one of the novels they had a ending where noctis ask ardyn for forgiveness and he forgives him and both of them fight Bahamat and defeat him but arydn dies and noctis lives I left out some important points in this ending

[@CesarD321]

Stupid

[@TheLaughingMan313]

Kefka. FFVI.

[@unona999]

He’s easily my favorite villain in ff. His story is heart wrenching and you can almost see where he’s coming from.

[@fisharepeopletoo9653]

Ardyns cool and all but ff2 exists. May not have the most touching backstory, but how can a villain who basically conquers the world, gets killed and sent to hell, conquers hell, gets killed and sent to heaven somehow and then somehow conquers heaven not be your favorite villain in ff history? Lol

[@mgp1203]

@@fisharepeopletoo9653 because everyone has their own opinion

[@Radagon543]

@@fisharepeopletoo9653 Go learn what an opinion is.

[@fisharepeopletoo9653]

@@Radagon543 Maybe you should explain to me how my statement is less of an opinion than others? Because it includes a question? Its still an opinion.

[@Radagon543]

@@fisharepeopletoo9653 Putting a question mark after a sentence really doesn't directly mean it's a question, it depends on how one understands it and the main purpose of asking. Look at the core meaning of your statement, it seems like your belittling Ardyn compared to the FFII Antagonist. Now tell me, that question mark of yours, what is the meaning of it? Did you have to put a 'Lol' after that question, because it is pathetic to think Ardyn is better isn't it? Learn from your own ignorance. Filling up your stupidity doesn't need others' time spent for you.

[@eliasa4777]

"And i do not intend to kneel before you now" Even facing the bahamut himself he still doesnt accept it his fate. My second fav char of all ff serie

[@alfriesmacdonalds5879]

Who's your first?

[@eliasa4777]

Zack Fair

[@xXNickXxHD]

@@eliasa4777 A man of culture. Zack was something special

[@croplaya]

So bahamut wasn't part of the 6? Was he like the ultimate god of everything? But he couldn't handle a virus???

[@lilithceja7567]

@@eliasa4777 Zake needs more love damn it

[@DeathGodRiku]

When Shiva froze him on the train and told me the story I honestly thought Ardyn was really Ifrit

[@Nanamichanify]

riiiight? glad to know I wasn't the only one who made the connection :)

[@ZeddtheVHSotaku]

Same.

[@lokotroko1]

Me too

[@sou_desu8587]

Bro I thought he turned to ifrit during the boss fight LOL

[@513s.b.y.9]

I thought he was Ifrit the entire time, Especially after Gentiana made it known that she was Shiva

[@BDepastine]

Ardyn is one of my top favorite FF Antagonists. I love how they slowly made him to be the main villain. in my first play through i didnt even realize what he was trying to achieve until toward the end of the game.

[@MidEastBeast99]

Why wasn't this incredible story already implemented in the main game! His story would have improved the game 1000 percent. And also not making the interact button THE SAME AS THE JUMP BUTTON LUL

[@GameoftheYear-fx4mq]

Nah. I'm fine with it like this. Separates the kids who cant afford DLC from the real fans who can buy and watch/read everything FF related and understand the full story.

[@alexanderjay4892]

@@GameoftheYear-fx4mq so you're basically saying you're not a real final fantasy fan unless you buy shit that should have been in the game in the first place.

[@negentropyagent7337]

@@GameoftheYear-fx4mq I am glad that only people with such a stupid mentality like yours get robbed by squarenix

[@rodneyolayinka7742]

@@GameoftheYear-fx4mq you are fucking stupid

[@sefi863]

@@GameoftheYear-fx4mq That is some major neck beard quote dude, just consume product lol. Fuck out of here loser.

[@ranearia]

YAY! Been looking forward to this! I adore Arydn and his story. I cried and felt heartbroken when his DLC came out and it showed so much more. Arydn really turned out to be one of my favorite overall characters and villains.

[@pleasemyytcommentsaredumb.8189]

Ardyn is also an anti hero. I love him so much that I could easily choose him over Sephi and Kef.

[@ranearia]

@@pleasemyytcommentsaredumb.8189 Agree! Plus, he's really the only successful "villian" (I see him more as an anti-hero as well) to have won in the end. He got everything he wanted.

[@BlueBerrySherry]

Rane I totally agree with you. One of the best written Charakters so far. ANd I also cried bc of this DLC ❤️

[@boontube860]

I think part of why I love how Ardyn’s story ended up is because of how disjointed it is. It makes he and his brother feel like these figures from ancient history, and what we know of them comes from many different accounts and records of varying credibility. The exact specifics are hazy, but the picture presented is a fairly clear one of faith, passion, betrayal, and sorrow. In the end, Ardyn just wanted his suffering to end one way or another, and in the end he was able to heal the entire world of the starscourge poetically fulfilling his original healer desires. Plus he has a really fresh outfit. As for who to cover next, my suggestions would be Ramza from Tactics, Prishe from 11, Laguna from 8, or Golbez from 4. If you want to stick with 15 however I’d absolutely love an Aranea video.

[@johnlawful2272]

also wiped out his brothers bloodlined

[@SquallRinoa89]

Prishe! God yes...

[@hafurg]

Ramza! one of the best Final Fantasy characters in my opinion, his story is so deep that Cthulhu lives there.

[@retrogamerdad9621]

Yeah. I get how the disjointedness hurt the experience as a video game. But it strikes me as a much more realistic portrayal than standard fare. There's an incredible game in FFXV somewhere.

[@Mystrohan]

I just love the symbolism of choosing "Adagium" for Ardyn's code name. It's almost as if Somnus was tacitly admitting that the entirety of Insomnia was founded on a lie.

[@NierEnix]

Apparently Darryl thought it was stupid and came out of no where. That's what he saying in their most recent FFUnion Podcast episode.

[@Mystrohan]

@@NierEnix Each to their own. But yes, it came out of nowhere. Reference aside, it is weird that Somnus would have the self-awareness to choose that manner of name.

[@KennyGuyemusic]

Its almost like FFXV was Ardyns story more than even Noctis'.. man, they could have done this game so much better . Had potential to be the best since 7 imo.

[@High_Marshal_Guts]

It is better than 7 (fight me). This is my favorite game of all time.

[@danielijust8776]

@@High_Marshal_Guts i have only 100 hours now and i just recently got Into it. But god damn it i love it so mich. Also The dlcs were good besides Gladiolus. His was the weakest

[@High_Marshal_Guts]

Daniel Ijust I actually have over 170 hours in the Game. The story in this game is just beautiful, hence why I love this game so much, and why it is my favorite game of all time.

[@danielijust8776]

@@High_Marshal_Guts may i ask you what exactly you Like about The Story?

[@KennyGuyemusic]

@@danielijust8776 yeah i loved it. the lore is so deep and wish it all came out when the game first dropped though is all im saying. I waited since the first versus trailer ever dropped YEARS ago, so it sucked when nomura couldnt be the one to finish the project with his vision. But yeah I put over 200 hours in before there were any dlcs or updates. fun times

[@split999]

The main game would have been way better if his full story was incorporated in some way

[@somethingsomething9006]

Exactly. It's one of my biggest problems with XV. Why on Earth did we have to wait THIS LONG for the primary antagonist to be fleshed out and fully explained?

[@stephenv5332]

This would have been soon much better

[@bygtyma05]

Say it louder!

[@Multi211198]

He should have been the main character. Imagine getting to roam around insomnia in its prime state.

[@Aristocratic13]

Ryan Wangsa alternate endings should have been made available too

[@cinnamonbagel1230]

Ardyns story was excellent. I wish it was more prominent within the game. Unfortunately, it may never get the credit it deserves.

[@ben1805]

It’s really a shame that the story wasn’t fleshed out in the main game. The biggest problem with XV was that the story was spread out among other sources including DLC, a movie and anime. When I played through the game I had no idea who he was but felt that I should. I hope the narrative is better when XVI. Comes.

[@dragonstar2011]

I wish they had better handled his story in the main game. He was a good villain, but would have been so much better if we hadn't had to wait so long for his whole story.

[@ImpinAintEazy]

Shame none of this was in the initial game. Ff15 could have been great if it were handled a lot better.

[@10hawell]

Ardyn is like Jesus but one that failed at the desert and said "hell noah" to idea of crucifixion.

[@forbiddensandwich4369]

Why has no one acknowledged that great pun yet?

[@jesusfollowerswomenministries]

Jesus never failed though. Jesus used God's words and the devil fleed from him. Jesus won and it's not ever good to mock him for whosever mock God shall reap, Jesus loves us and wants to save us Jesus is love, Jesus loves us and he came to save us! We can't save ourselves because Sin has affected our souls and without Jesus to come an save you you'll be damned forever in the fire, But God in his great love sent Jesus to save us from sin and hell and death! He took our punishment that we deserved he took our sins to the cross and died to save us but it's not over! God rose him from the dead on third day! Jesus defeated hell and death He's our only salvation and savior, you can have eternal life through Jesus who defeated death it's a free gift you can have it and be a apart of God's family but you must repent to God an ask for his forgiveness of our sins he will hear you then you must believe in him completely and put all faith in him and believe in the Gospel and then believe an confess Jesus is Lord an that God raised Jesus from the dead and that he is alive and then accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord an savior and trust him with your life and he will save you then you will have eternal life and have a personal relationship with Jesus our savior and with God our Father 🕊Romans 10:9 (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.📖🕊Romans 10:10-13 (KJV) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.📖🕊1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Then His blood cleanses us from all sins and we are filled with Jesus's holy Spirit and light! No more darkness will exist in us 📖🕊1 John 1:7 (KJV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

[@walt461]

@@jesusfollowerswomenministries ok.

[@azazel166]

He's both a Christ and an Antichrist figure, like Raziel in Legacy of Kain.

[@10hawell]

@@jesusfollowerswomenministries That's why i wrote **like**, this is an alternative world in which we see the scenario where the Christ-like figure is too human and abandons the path of God. - I don't insult Jesus, I use him as archetype of Savior. I don't know if you can't read or are looking for a reason to argue, but your preaching is unnecessary. EDIT: In this world, Christ-like figure becomes evil and the Antichrist-like figure (Noctis - a descendant of devil-like figure, Somnus Lucis Caelum) acts as "the good guy" which has to force Christ-like figure to fulfill its destiny as a sacrificial lamb.

[@OCMOOO]

FFXV overall tale is tragic But from the tragedy creates heroism, friendship, and a tale of 4 brothers

[@4KPandaAttack]

Honestly, the tragedy was that a full complete and comprehensive game wasn’t released until 2 or 3 years after and to understand the entire story you had to read the comic, watch the movie and pay around twice as much as it was initially released for.

[@Ethonra]

Darkness never looked so good in a fedora. Now just need him in NT and Opera Omnia.

[@garlandgarrison3739]

Ardyn was honestly the best thing about FFXV. Don't get me wrong, it was still a good game. He's also my new favorite FF villain. And am I the only one who thinks Somnus was also being used by Bahamut? Like I think Bahamut told him to do all of that shit to him. Same thing happened to Ardyn. Bahamut literally told him to spread darkness throughout Eos.

[@sabrinah918]

i agree, Somnus's weak point was the arrogance and his proud, Bahamut knew that and used this on his favor perfectly

[@blackobelisk3938]

@@sabrinah918 that's the point, it was all a soap opera and Bahamut was the fucking director

[@jonathansoko1085]

only if 90% of this lore was actually in the game, most of it isnt

[@ColinWilson1980]

This was a wonderfully made video about one of my favourite characters in the Final Fantasy universe. Full points to Darin DePaul for bringing the incredible character to life!

[@crimsonghost117]

:(

[@mjsantos360]

It's intriguing to know Ardyn, as I interpreted, who was locked in Angelgard for two millimenia could easily be unchained by Niflheim soldiers. I was thinking he (Ardyn) didn't really wanna escape knowing he has now become the monster people will tell stories as a nightmare.

[@DustinBarlow8P]

The older I get, the bigger my "eye rolls" get to the whole "I'm Evil because I'm Evil" villain.(That goes for the "I'm Evil because I'm trying to be a god" also). I prefer villains that are only villains to the particular side you are viewing events from. (Ex. During the Vietnam War Ho Chi Minh was "The Evil Bad Guy" to U.S. Forces, but to the Viet Cong he was a liberator and Freedom Fighter.) Like Cardinal Richelieu says in The Three Musketeers... "Evil is just a matter of perception"....

[@thereseemstobeenanerror1219]

Hey, some people really do like the simple antagonist some times. I mean look at Doctor cortex he's still looked upon favorably and he isn't complex at all.

[@saidi7975]

No. Still a valid type of villain. Some people are pieces of shit because they choose to be pieces of shit...

[@mrbarefootbogan6254]

Imagine if Ardyn was the main character in FFXV.

[@charisma7268]

Would have been the first FF that you play as the vilian

[@OwO377]

square enix take that idea.

[@starshipveil]

@@charisma7268 Ardyn did nothing wrong!!! Blame Bahamut!!!

[@grayatreides7327]

Sounds like the story of FFXV would of made an amazing game. Chop it up, add an anime, a movie, mobile game, comic, dlc, and half-finish it all and there you go!....wait...something about that plan doesn't sound right...AH WELL

[@ninjaeris131]

There's a lot of screaming and tears when it comes to Ardyn for me

[@johnnymike8971]

Funny enough, this lore reminds me alot of Lost. The present characters are basically pawns of a 2000 year old battle between brothers. The brother on the dark side being cursed with immortality and his physical form being twisted with darkness. And even scientists being obsessed with studying and taking advantage of the elements of this world.

[@dionysus2098]

Somnus the song has such a beautiful sad tone, but it was his brother who deserves the compassion that comes with this music. I loved Ardyn before I knew anything about him, but this entire story made it so much better. I can't express the feelings I have after learning all of this...

[@danielross6956]

Thanks alot for this! Its strange that many people liked Ardyn throughout the game without really knowing why. Now with his story done, i truely think he was an amazing character

[@Bell_Matt]

Daniel Ross We knew why, you were just too stupid to see the details. Dont insult others when youre w dumbfuck yourself.

[@markuscraig7945]

@@Bell_Matt chill the fuck is wrong with you

[@maxmorgan3370]

This was such an enjoyable origins video! It's not that I didn't understand Ardyn's story, but this video just made it all so much more digestible considering the journey of having been with FFXV from the beginning and playing each subsequent update and expansion. It was nice to get this sole focus on Ardyn and his tale and how everyone was interwoven with him throughout, and it's also nice knowing you took every translation into consideration when making this to try and make it the most universally accurate telling of the tale for anyone who comes into this video. Well done, and I can't wait until the next one!

[@patsg1146]

Great Origins video as always! These are some of my favorite videos on KZbin. Ardyn was a shining bright and dark spot in FF XV and one of my 3 favorite villains.

[@Annie-xq9zx]

Just finished the main game two weeks ago and onto playing episode Ardyn this video helped a lot! FFXV is honestly one of my favourite games of all time already

[@zirasayers]

Thank you for making this excellent video! I've always been a bit confused about Ardyn's backstory due to it being split across multiple media pieces, so this helped explain a lot and put it together!

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

You're most welcome! Glad you enjoyed our interpretation. :)

[@830hole]

Even after playing ardyn it was confusing but I didnt play the other downloads

[@HJLusio]

Ardyn's definitely in my Top 3 FF Villains along with Sephiroth and Kefka.

[@StevenMKelly]

Love Ardyn. He's probably my favourite character from anything, so multifaceted and entertaining. The best swagger. Great video! I particularly liked your interpretation of what happened at Altissia, piecing together the chronology of everything that happened there; with Ardyn's shifting motivations and brief burst of impatience, wanting to outright kill Noctis there. I agree, I think despite his playfulness he had definitely lost patience there. When I played the game I would put on the different languages and type their subtitles into google translate to get the differences in what he was saying in scenes. As you say, there's interesting discrepancies in translation hah. There's also the extra dialogue him and Noctis have in the final battle in the Pocket Edition, it's a shame that wasn't put into the main game.

[@LiminalMan777]

This was incredibly well done. Your channel has been such a happy find for me.

[@callmezeldaonemoartime]

Absolutely wonderful, I love these videos so much

[@j.jbinks9669]

Despite how his DLC was handled, Ardyn is definitely one of my favourite antagonists in recent memory!

[@nunothedude]

This is the most interesting story i have ever seen like omg its so deep and so many layers to this story, how depressing his life was, i wish he had a good life cuz ardyn is such an amazing charater and the best ff villiam

[@whitters1211]

This was so helpful! I was totally confused about his story before watching this. Thank you!

[@zemari5180]

Ardyn really wanted to be a protagonist but fate said no your the antagonist and beat him down until he took the persona

[@LunaP1]

So, Somnus is responsible for everything going to shit, and Ardyn was the one (by demi-god or god level standards) who might save or destroy humanity depending on what happens. It’s like the gods had put Ardyn as a judgement meter to determine whether humanity deserves to live or suffer. That is nuts and yet, somehow, it works as a great narrative. I’m impressed and I’ve never played this game yet.

[@belias360]

Somnus, but really, it's Bahamut. He's the one truly behind all the BS. He chose to do nothing about the starscourge save for making Ardyn a tool to cure that, then they force him to suffer BECAUSE he did what Bahamut and the gods told him to do, then tortured him into submission so he'd submit to being killed by Noctis in order for Noctis to save the world, leading to both of their deaths. There's no real meaning behind the god's plans. They're just assholes to be assholes.

[@garlandgarrison3739]

Am I the only one who thinks Bahamut told Somnus to betray Ardyn.

[@garlandgarrison3739]

@@belias360 yeah. I honestly think Somnus was told by Bahamut to betray Ardyn.

[@claudiopolonia7854]

I can’t help but take pity on Somnus, he was genuinely remorseful during his fight with Ardyn in the episode dlc. At the end of the day, they were both intended to fulfill the fate Bahamut had planned for his unwitting pawns.

[@seanscarborough4023]

Great work man. Really enjoyed this. Explained so much to me :)

[@Darkness117Dark]

Simply Thank you for your hard work ! I really appreciate it keep them coming plz !

[@jasonhernandez9023]

Thank you for this, good Sir. With graphics, loot, multiplayer aspects, and microtransactions sadly taking centerstage in much of our beloved gaming industry, it's good to see well written characters find their due place in our hearts and, even more so, to find a channel such as yours to help explain the complexity of some characters. I always felt Ardyn was such a charismatic character and I'm glad to finally know the full extent of this background and fall from grace, so to speak. You've earned a sub from me and I look forward to future adventures diving into characters lore. :)

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thank you so much Jason!

[@prince1022]

Ardyn is now officially favorite villain and now I understand his motives, have demise is still sad though. Does this video fuel a "what happened in FFXV"?

[@chimaru3512]

such a nice video! also hearing the soundtrack of ffxv just makes me want to play the whole game again

[@bygtyma05]

been waiting for this for soooo long! thank you

[@AubreyTheKing]

Yes! Thank you guys! I'm really pleased with this one! Great job, Darryl! Explaining Ardyn's story is a bit confusing, considering there are so much information givin to us, aside from the Episode Ardyn DLC! So putting all that together was incredible! Next to Caius from FFXIII-2, I can understand the struggle Ardyn had to go through! Square really knows how to make you feel empathy for these villains! They do a damn good job at it! And Darryl & Lauren do a damn good job explaining the motivation of these characters, and making you feel even more empathy towards the characters! Keep up the outstanding job you two! Now that Final Fantasy XV is complete with all the DLCs we have, I HOPE you guys can get to the other FFXV characters as well! :)

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Agreed, there are so many parallels between Ardyn and Caius, both antagonists you can very much empathise with, as you said.

[@yannispirou101]

Finished the game yesterday. Really great antagonist, but I really wish more of his origins were in the game and not only in the DLC

[@Billy-cn5vs]

Hell yes! Great video, very well done! So happy you guys are now getting into FF XV, keep up the great work!

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thanks Billy, we'll try our best!

[@sharpenedhands]

I’ve been playing FF for over 20 years. Content on your channel on point and researched. Subscribed :)

[@mskiara18]

I express my thanks for giving your time to create and narrate the video. I do sympathize with Ardyn with the cruel and forced choice to plague Eos with the starscourge, crying out to the Gods for an answer only to be ignored (until Bahamut intervened in saving Regis), and the characters inflicted with a fate chosen for them which they did not ask for. I relate to how I see mankind and all life on this Earth in reality with a preordained fate and comparing the Biblical references to the actions made by the Calems and Flurex family with the Astrals. I was not aware that the novel was not canonical, as the story is to serve as an alternate path of what the characters would do if they go against Bahamut's demands. As for my suggestion, I will like to see Ignis story be shared, as his devotion to protecting Noctis and to choose to go against fate and sacrifice his life so that Noctis can live is a noble and honorable action that deserves to be shared.

[@katherinemerkel3505]

It is canon

[@mskiara18]

@@katherinemerkel3505 If so, thank you for informing me.

[@shadowskill111]

That was really cool. Maybe next time Square-Enix wont pull a Destiny 1 and actually put the story in FF16. It would have been nice if this was in the game 2 or 3 years ago.

[@evoSieg]

This was awesome! More please!

[@djquick5839]

Thank you for the vid. It’s sadly relatable of my life regarding much. I like the breakdown of the vid.

[@MetalHeadBanger0111]

Still can’t believe we had to pay for the story of the games final boss.

[@Akira-jq6nj]

I love your videos

[@khuatthelong]

This is the best review and analystic video for Ardyn Ep.

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Thank you so much for your kind words Khuat! :)

[@mrlakiro5526]

26:16 I noticed that, seeing Ignis being accepted must’ve been interesting to think about.

[@Bluepriest18]

What about Freya from ff9? I don't know why but shes always fascinated me for years.

[@chovue2363]

Same! She is a must have in my party.

[@eliotwildermann]

I haven't played the dlc but watching this has shown that gaming narratives have evolved and r really trying to make u feel when experiencing the story an ardyns life is just so damned sad

[@--Paws--]

His story almost sounds like Zeref, Natsu's brother in Fairy Tail (anime and manga series). Zeref wanted to do something that he thinks would help the world and many are already amazed by his genius and abilities. Yet in the end he became a villain and was cursed to be opposite of what he wanted.

[@walalang8596]

Very hard work, nice video.

[@ddanford1]

This is so sad and I love it.

[@SpringStargazer]

I'm so excited for this video!!!! I do have a question though about Ardyn and Somnus' parents and family though. I haven't seen all there is to see with FFXV so just let me know if I'm wrong. I thought there was evidence in the game through the Pitios dungeon that suggested Ardyn and Somnus were twins born from Eos herself. Is there evidence that suggests this isn't true that I'm not aware of? I love the story behind the Pitios dungeon so I'm secretly hoping it's true. Final Fantasy Peasant as a couple videos that explain that are awesome. Anyway, great job on the video! Thanks for posting!

[@ravibanskar3205]

Michelle Ryan xxxv /xx

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

Hey Michelle, thanks for commenting! Square Enix have stated in an official capacity that Somnus is Ardyn's younger brother via tweets and the game's Dossier. I hope that helps to clarify!

[@SpringStargazer]

@@FinalFantasyUnion I didn't know that! Thanks!

[@aiox82]

Really, this may be the only FFXV lore video needed. This covers almost all the major points. Please do more FFXV if you like, but this is the right one to start with. Kain Highwind would be fun too.

[@Santannais]

Thanks for the subtitles in Portuguese! My english is not good enough to understand 100% of the video, but thanks to the subtitles I could enjoy this amazing vídeo. ❤

[@Intellyellthismyoldchannel]

It's hard to choose a favorite villain between Kefka, Sephiroth and Ardyn.

[@RadishDoctor]

Ardyn slays with his voice alone. Easy choice

[@Wise_Crack17]

They all have such uniqueness and quality in their backgrounds and motivations.

[@sonyabelmontfarenheght1189]

Sephiroth is my first FF favorite.Ardyn is very close to him

[@MetalHorrorGamer]

While I love Ardyn, no one will ever Top Sephiroth imo. He’s just way too awesome and badass.

[@fullmetalalkami6466]

Sephiroth

[@nightmarex735]

This is an amazing story

[@ReynoldsCosta]

Thank you for accepting my subtitles, now more Brazilian people can watch your exquisite content.

[@LazyboyZZZyobyzaL]

wow such a sad story. Feel so bad for Ardyn. Thanks for piecing together his story! Love it

[@pitaariel1920]

What happened to Ardyn was horrible, but what happened to Noctis was worse, he had to pay for the mistakes of his ancestors. He never had the chance to live or to choose, he didn't even have romantic memories with Lunafreya to recall in his darkest hours. If it wasn't for his friends he would have died of sadness as a child.

[@thespoonerist7623]

Please do noctis for the next one I’m really confused on the ff15 story and this one helped me understand some of it

[@justinhasnoloveforem]

I bought this game, a year ago and never got around to playing it; but you my friend, may have just persuaded me to start investing time in to it. Thank you

[@slaymonhakim9511]

Soo well made!!!

[@jhon1406]

I beat this game at release + loved it so imagine my surprise when the plot got this deep while I was away from it. Maybe one day in the future I will play the Royal Edition + experience it all, anime included. :) Thank you for this awesome video!

[@justsomeguywithoutamustach3275]

Me too

[@kg9177]

Because of the release of the expanded story of Ardyn, I named my son after him

[@kingvenus7093]

I did the same thing 😂

[@GeassKing0]

What hurts the most, is that the betrayal exists in real life. That just makes this whole story of Ardyn so sorrowful. So relatable. He sinks into true despair. Things would've been different if he didn't hide himself away but instead just let everyone known that by him taking their illness, he is becoming ill. They would've still have been grateful and accepted and protected him. Then later he would've found out that the illness was actually power, slowly manifesting. Transparency and Trust and Honesty go a long way. It's a sad and complex story, and it's well told throughout the many different parts. It really is tragic but it does have a completed cycle. Though I wish things were different... great video! As always. 🥺

[@rodrickhatton8636]

(Pat's self on back) Great video!

[@SamYeagerSlimehammer]

Shouldn’t that have been the *spartans in the battle of Thermopylae? Or is this a different one you referenced? Great video though!!!

[@danle2577]

yes not the trojans lmao

[@georgehouliaras7239]

People are always saying about Sephiroth or Kefka as being the best and most memorable villains in the series but to me, those titles clearly go to Caius and Ardyn. They are so well written characters.

[@sonyabelmontfarenheght1189]

Sephiroth and Ardyn are the best

[@perryshearer3059]

i only "play" ff games so alot of this went over my head this was so nice to hear thank you

[@johnmichaelkane69]

Awesome work

[@madambutterfly1997]

It's almost pathetic to this how Regis didn't even know that 90% of his entire personal guard had switched sides to the Empire. I can't even say 90% because Nyx was the only one still loyal to Regis in the end. And in the spin-off game why would Bahamut reach out to the Traitors to test their loyalties when their loyalties were made perfectly clear during the Battle of insomnia.

[@princessmoonlightx1606]

But the thing is that he did know. Regis himself said that he was aware that there was more to the peace treaty then the empire had led on. However his top priority was always his son and making sure he fulfilled his destiny. That is in fact why Noctis and Regis had a rocky relationship it was because Regis was aware that Noctis had to die and so all he could do is prepare him for what lied ahead. Yes he was a bit harsh on him with all the training and life events he put him through but it becomes clear that he did it out of the fact that he cared for his son. They grew distant but in the end his intentions are true, and Noctis realizes this. It may seem pathetic but trust me Regis knew what had to be done from the moment his son was picked as the chosen king and he was prepared to see it through. 😭

[@luvstagrind]

In the end, Ardyn was actually the true hero of this story.

[@ikkenhissatsu8564]

I only ever played the vanilla version of 15. This is actually an incredible story. I just wish it was coherently told the first time

[@choomendoza]

I just watched this video and I've never been more interested and supportive of Ardyn!

[@jeffersonjjohnson]

Frodo defeated Sauron? MiddleErf.exe has stopped working.

[@AccipiterSmith]

Sam was the one who defeated Sauron while Frodo is a jerk that was brainwashed by the ring that almost jeopardized their final mission.

[@Wise_Crack17]

I honestly don't understand all the hate FF15 gets. I understand that the game had problems during production and they could have done a better job with some of the storytelling, but the characters in this game were some of my favorite. Obviously, including Ardyn. I have never felt so much empathy and sadness for the main villian in any game, movie, or book.

[@somethingsomething9006]

Most of the hate comes from the fact that the base game really lacked important info like this, and it really doesn't do the game any favors. FFXV was very clearly rushed, and a _lot_ happened behind the scenes, and it shows in the game. Granted, with all the DLC and Royal Edition, it's far better, but we shouldn't have to wait THIS LONG for something so basic as getting extensive info about the main antagonist.

[@Wise_Crack17]

@@somethingsomething9006 I feel you completely on this. Everyone who bought it on day 1 missed most of the important details or were given vague references.

[@manuelrosas2770]

wow what an amazing video, thanks man.

[@FinalFantasyUnion]

It was our pleasure Manuel, glad you enjoyed! :)

[@imreplyingtothiscomment2378]

Nice work