Is Xehanort Evil? | The Psychology of Xehanort

[@jezkerjamez7110]

So before the video comes out, just my own assessment of Xehanort. Xehanort is a man who is defined by his duty and perceived destiny as a Keyblade Master, but in a very warped and twisted sense. From birth Xehanort was told he is the child of destiny by his caretaker. Automatically he feels a sense of duty to fulfill this destiny. When he becomes a student of the Keyblade in Scala ad Caelum, he's told that light is good and darkness is evil. However his own experiences and encounters with darkness fills him with doubt. When the events of Dark Road happen, Xehanort witnesses most of his friends fall to darkness. If these Keyblade Wielders who are so devoted to the light could fall to darkness so easily, so quickly, then Xehanort surmised there must be something wrong with the teachings of Keyblade Wielders. Even the Keyblade Wielders of old, fell to darkness in the Keyblade War, and the world was left shattered because of it. I think Xehanort realized that total devotion to the light was flawed. Previous generations of Keyblade Wielders were so devoted to light, they were blind to the darkness in every heart, even their own. As such when the darkness came in ancient times, the Keyblade Wielders were unprepared for it, didn't know how to handle it, and war broke out. When darkness came for his friends, they were unprepared for it, didn't know how to handle it, and they perished. So Xehanort seeing the failures of previous generations of Keyblade Wielders, decided, instead of rejecting the darkness, why not study it? Xehanort realized darkness is unavoidable, it will always keep coming back, it's part of the universe. So he spent his life studying the darkness and after a lifetime he came to master it. Xehanort learned to master the darkness, so that darkness would never hold mastery over him as it did so many others. Xehanort even became a heartless and held onto his sense of self, his mastery was so great. And this is why he could so easily manipulate the darkness of others. Xehanort came to believe that a balance of light and dark was needed, that would could not be blinded by the light nor allow darkness to conquer them, but needed to master the dark and light. However the world he lived in was a result of the failures of previous generations of Keyblade Wielders. Most people in the worlds could not master darkness as he had. So Xehanort decided the only way to correct the errors of his predecessors was to create a blank slate. To reset the world and begin a new. A blank canvas on which to paint his ideal world. In this new world the people that would emerge could be guided and taught Xehanort's idea of balance. That way when the darkness eventually came again, the people would be prepared for it. They wouldn't be caught off guard. They could master it as Xehanort had. In this way the ideal world (at least from Xehanort's standpoint) could be achieved. I believe that in Xehanort's heart and mind he viewed creating this ideal world as not only fulfilling his believed role as the child of destiny, but also as correcting the mistakes of previous Keyblade wielders, and fulfilling his duty as a Keyblade Master. If he could create a world where the people could control their darkness and master it, then he would have created a world where darkness is no longer a threat or the enemy. And thus done what no other Keyblade wielder has done, what every other Keyblade Wielder has failed to do before. I think all of this also explains why he can hurt and manipulate so many people. In the end, this current world will be erased and all those people he used would be reborn into his new world anyways. So in his mind, their suffering is temporary and won't matter in his new world. And if you notice, everyone version of Xehanort desires a new and ideal world. Master Xehanort obviously. Xehanort's Heartless in his reports seeks "nirvana" which is an ideal state of being. Xemnas tells Ansem the Wise "I'm creating a brand new world, one heart at a time." The desire to create a new world is the driving goal of Xehanort wanting Kingdom Hearts no matter the version or the type of Kingdom Hearts used. The methods differ but the goal is the same. In the end he realizes that he didn't have the correct answer, the correct solution. He is overcome by Sora and gains newfound respect for him. He finally seems to realize that while he and Eraqus failed to find the solution Keyblade Wielders have sought for so long, Sora and his friends may be able to find the right answer. Thus he can let go.

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

In the bluntest of perspectives, he became an unforgivable kind of evil I constantly call out through out the series, both from the heroes and the villains. He may have started as an extremist, but what he did to Vanitas (which is not too different from that abusive web between Riku, Roxas, Naminé and DiZ I constantly call out) shows he betrayed the very mission's core. The ending he got in 3 was disrespectful to victims of abuse, in every sense of the word "disrespect", along with giving a bad name to the likes of the military.

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

In a "Naruto" fic called "The Daemon of Pain", Nagato (who was never meant to lead, he was only stepping up in his friend's place, hence him being the spacegoat) rejects Obito/Madara, evolving as a leader. You know what that makes me realize ? THAT is Sora's deal too. Right now, he doesn't really possess the qualities of a leader, merely the charisma. If he is to find himself, he can't make the same mistake Xehanort did. The same mistake Roxas and Naminé learned from Xemnas, DiZ and Riku. He MUST NOT give up his own agency again. He must regain it. And for a while, maybe distance himself from both his enemies and friends. By whatever means and time it takes. He doesn't seem to truly understand how messed up the things his..."friends"...did, really were. Time for him to get his own hands dirty. Like Nagato does in that fic, and then, Naruto, by leaving that toxic household he called a Village.

[@redlox2]

I think the moment when MX gives the X-blade to Sora a really powerful moment. It shows his respect for Sora (especially after he called him a “dull, ordinary boy” in DDD).

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@redlox2 Sora IS ordinary, in the sense he lacks whatever sense the other Keyblade wielders possess, having the Keyblade out of his personality alone. That in itself is worthy of respect, which is why even if he isn't the most relatable, he's still my favorite character.

[@redlox2]

@ true but MX in DDD used the term as a derogatory term in DDD and outright dismissing how Sora beat his Heartless and Nobody (albeit I get it it was arguably part of his plan to get them destroyed so he would return as himself but he might have expected a “true” Keyblade wielder to be the one to do it)

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@redlox2 a madman who should be in some lair is hardly a good judge of character (at least at death's bed, clarity overruled his insanity, though I still wished he suffered). His Heartless and Nobody didn't even want to be destroyed at first. They fought with everything they had, as they lacked most of their past memories. Like me, having different interpretations on how the system should work, other than "Power is everything/Friends are strength" If the man wants to be condescending, he should condescend himself as well. But he won't. Because he pretty much has dementia. Such a shame Sora seems to have bought some of his words. And how shameful no one could point out his accomplishments to console him, being instead focused on outdated traditions.

[@Jahof20s]

A Keyblade wielder unlike any he has ever seen.

[@Bed2707]

The intros to the psychology videos are so good but this one is PEAK. 🔥

[@Uxmaset]

I played the start of BBS Final Mix a few days ago, and when I read the letter from Xeha to Eraqus I kept thinking if Eraqus would let Terra pass with only a warning instead of outright failing his test if Xeha didn't made that one remark about darkness inside Terra's heart That line made me remember that sometimes a phrase is more than enough to make the most damage

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

Speaking of damage, In a "Naruto" fic called "The Daemon of Pain", Nagato (who was never meant to lead, he was only stepping up in his friend's place, hence him being the spacegoat) rejects Obito/Madara, evolving as a leader. You know what that makes me realize ? THAT is Sora's deal too. Right now, he doesn't really possess the qualities of a leader, merely the charisma. If he is to find himself, he can't make the same mistake Xehanort did. The same mistake Roxas and Naminé learned from Xemnas, DiZ and Riku. He MUST NOT give up his own agency again. He must regain it. And for a while, maybe distance himself from both his enemies and friends. By whatever means and time it takes. He doesn't seem to truly understand how messed up the things his..."friends"...did, really were. Time for him to get his own hands dirty. Like Nagato does in that fic, and then, Naruto, by leaving that toxic household he called a Village.

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

Sora is Xehanort's true parallel. And Nomura himself said Sora was the one missing the point. But there's still time to set things right. Between him, Kairi and Ventus, there has to be a way to restore true strength and agency. The Disney idiots and "Final Fantasy" lookalikes (they lack the OG's charm) had their chance to do things right. Time to see Red, like the Princess of Hearts.

[@rikuvakevainen6157]

​ @IwakuraYumeko7 Sora is a statue with cracks. His biggest weakness is his love to life. It maybe a nive thing but at the same time he can't handle the loss of the loved ones. In the chain of memories Sora became agressive when his "bond" with Namind became questionable. In KH2 Sora became very depressed when Kairi became a hostage of Organization 13and In KH3 Sora ha a mental breakdown when his friends vanished In the Dark ending. So even if Sora is an opposite of Xehanort, he has cracks in his good nature. As this series keeps going those cracks keep getting wider.

[@YoloSoul]

in the words of xehanort: "very well done." this was such a treat to watch

[@BlitzKitz]

truly an engaging look into Xehanort and his motivations throughout the series. it's interesting yet tragic that he wanted to see his friends from his dreams so badly, he forged the χ-blade twice, and made Kingdom Hearts his endpoint, trying to open it at every chance he got, all in pursuit of those friends, when Eraqus, and the Wayfinder trio by extention, were right in front of him. great video, and keep up the good work

[@Uxmaset]

I think villains who don't exactly have an evil heart or intentions, but are so down bad obsessed with their ways of "saving the world" that they end up making the most vile acts of the story, are the perfect type of main/final antagonist to an story arc

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

I still like Xemnas better than Xehanort himself, both as a character and dare I say, a person.

[@Uxmaset]

@@IwakuraYumeko7 well, you could say that Xemnas have a little bit of Terra in him (cuz of the whole body steal shenanigan), I think that's what makes him so slightly different from actual Xehanort, a Lingering Will maybe lol Tldr yeah Xemnas is the goat

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@Uxmaset that's true. Something that I really appreciate this series mastering, is the double meaning in everything and everyone. It keeps you on your toes, constantly making you question if the characters did the right thing at moment X, and if you truly understand your core. There are multiple ways to look at this series other than the "BFFs are the best" trope seen at first sight. My vision on it may be cynical, but it has its merit. I admire Xemnas (and the Nobodies in general), because they're litterally wired differently (like I am), impact reality differently, and show there are multiple ways to look at the world.

[@DavidRussell323]

really great animations with the camera spinning around the chessboard!! Really cool concept, and I loved the editing in this one

[@PurpleFX1]

2:30 I hate to be that guy, but chronologically he's first introduced in old Scala as an infant at the end of Union X

[@nunuzuzu2991]

Aww man! I wanted to watch this when it released, but I have something I need to prepare for! But I'll definitely watch it tomorrow, hopefully, if I have the time.

[@BioRoxas]

Ahh rip :< I knew Halloween would be tough for some people to schedule around. So sorry about that!

[@nunuzuzu2991]

@BioRoxas It's fine! I know I'll still enjoy it tho. Can't wait to watch it and see many more in the future!

[@Uxmaset]

In the end, Xehanort is what happens when someone goes by life thinking that being a hero is about the result not about the process

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@Uxmaset not just thinking they're the hero, but losing any principle along with it. The reason I'm still "holding grudges" against Riku, DiZ, Mickey, Yen Sid...Pretty much every "mentor" character and close friends, is because not only they keep seeing themselves as the heroes, their methods were just plain horrible, when we see they're more than capable in being actually useful in the battlefield to help lessen the burdens. That, and...Why was Roxas left in the dark for a year ? How dare they sleep at night after abusing Naminé for a year, and not help her in time in order to prevent her pseudo-suicide ?

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@Uxmaset would it have been so wrong for Roxas to beat Sora at their battle in 2 ? I know he accepted his defeat out of integrity (and brainwash from every world visited), but even back then I felt it was wrong choice. And with the consequences from the villains' side, my feelings became pretty much facts. As I said in another comment, there's a lot of double meaning in the series. We are never to see most of the decisions as 100% wrong or right. So who's to say the right choice in that scenario wasn't the dark one ? After all, if it wasn't for Darkness, the worlds would have remained separated because of MoM's machinations.

[@larannoir]

Peak Video. Really glad I had the time to watch it. I hope you feel like it was worth it because it definitely feels like you put a lot of effort in. Also Keyblade…or X-Blade you didn’t really specify.

[@BrunoPA-f2v]

I wished Xemnas, the most curious of the counterparts, had found his way away from his previous incarnations. But just as Roxas and Naminé at the end of 2, I was told to see the "No" as the correct answer, even when both my heart and mind knew the answer was a mistake. The discovery of MoM merely made my decade old suspicions solid.

[@redlox2]

Ooh I can’t wait for the Namine video! Thanks for the teasers at the end of this video!

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

Sora is Xehanort's true parallel. And Nomura himself said Sora was the one missing the point. But there's still time to set things right. Between him, Kairi and Ventus, there has to be a way to restore true strength and agency.

[@aby-_-1966]

Yay! Another Bio psychology video! I was hoping you would touch on some Dark Road stuff and seeing that you did made me really happy! I’ve been enjoying these videos you made a lot! But I’m curious about something. Are you still interested in making a psychology of Lightning video? I recall you saying you were thinking about doing that. So I thought I should ask if that’s still in the cards. Also I would love to see it if possible. Regardless keep up the good work man! I wish you and your family the best! 👍 Keyblade

[@kirbman255]

Absolute incredible effort you put into this video, great analysis!

[@SarahAbramova]

Maybe his keyblade has goat symbols on it because of its connection to the Union Leaders?

[@Moxaths]

KEYBLADE!!!!!!

[@NathanGamerPlays]

Awesome job bioroxas for the amazing detail and effort into this it truly is awesome and a treat to watch!

[@SarahAbramova]

Very excited! And Happy Halloween!

[@truest0rmofdg41]

What a great video. Thank you Bio!

[@redlox2]

Hey Bio? ANy chance you might do a Psychology of the Foretellers or maybe Psychology of Luxu video? not main characters but interesting backstories.

[@vitrincreates]

Soooo excited!!!!

[@joyhappiness]

X-BLADE

[@BlackLion45]

Hey, great video as always i really loved the transitions and the way we took a closer look at Xehanorts life. A little question: Is a psychology of Axel / Lea video planed? I Know we dont se much of him but i think the few parts we see especially as young Lea are quite interesting.

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

My own conclusion about him: -He evolved. But I still can not forgive him for Repliku. That was careless and monstruous of him, letting him out, alone in the fragile state he was. Heart or no heart, it was obviously a gross miscalculation. I HATE how they started sugarcoating stuff after 2.

[@jerbear8884]

Xehanort is such an interesting antagonist who reflects the main cast in pretty unique ways Also Keyblade

[@redlox2]

Or maybe a Psychology of Eraquas video? (a journey of a Keyblade Master who failed his students due to being clouded by his narrow minded views)

[@GarikWheeler]

FOXY GRANDPA 👴🏽

[@juansnowgaming]

I would be interested in you breakdown the psychology of Nier. That would be a fun video for sure This has been my favorite series btw

[@themasterofmasters37]

X-blade

[@Rose-SunG524]

thank you for another great KH vid! A lot of ppl come away with just thinking Xehanort's some big bad villain when he's just a guy on a mission to make things right even if that means having to sacrifice ppl to get there (maybe a lot like MoM in a way?). And I mean. Also being a big bad ofc. Someone's gotta antagonize & his guy's here to do it. Also!! mentioning that it's not just light=good dark=evil. I feel like Xehanort falls in the same category of "thing is dark, so thing must be evil" (which is needed for his own plans ofc) so he's willing to treat Vanitas so poorly to make a powerful dark entity to rival Ven's powerful light. Idk. Anyway, great work ^^b

[@CocoHikari583]

Keyblade/XBlade.

[@Jahof20s]

Maybe Xehanort somewhere deep down started to see Sora and those he is connected to as his true successors who will succeed at finding proper balance without falling the way he did, even facing the foretellers and whatever that conflict will bring, eith Sora leading the way.

[@energy_ninja]

Keyblade 👆

[@Stachelbeeerchen]

He wasn't evil... Because he didn't do it for evil's sake. He was obsessed. And his obsession just made him pursue everything with the biggest tunnel vision that ever tunel visioned despite his Keyblade having an eye, his were closed to the effect he had.

[@LeonisYT]

:3 Edit: X-BLADE!!!

[@redlox2]

I consider MX an extremist. He doesnt really care about individual rights if it the overall ending is what he considered perfect.

[@BrunoPA-f2v]

He may have started as an extremist, but what he did to Vanitas (which is not too different from that abusive web between Riku, Roxas, Naminé and DiZ I constantly call out) shows he betrayed the very mission's core. The ending he got in 3 was disrespectful to victims of abuse, in every sense of the word "disrespect", as it gives a bad name to the military.

[@BrunoPA-f2v]

In a "Naruto" fic called "The Daemon of Pain", Nagato (who was never meant to lead, he was only stepping up in his friend's place, hence him being the spacegoat) rejects Obito/Madara, evolving as a leader. You know what that makes me realize ? THAT is Sora's deal too. Right now, he doesn't really possess the qualities of a leader, merely the charisma. If he is to find himself, he can't make the same mistake Xehanort did. The same mistake Roxas and Naminé learned from Xemnas, DiZ and Riku. He MUST NOT give up his own agency again. He must regain it. And for a while, maybe distance himself from both his enemies and friends. By whatever means and time it takes. He doesn't seem to truly understand how messed up the things his..."friends"...did, really were. Time for him to get his own hands dirty. Like Nagato does in that fic, and then, Naruto, by leaving that toxic household he called a Village.

[@ChibiTails]

Did you just say spacegoat? And "Sora's stick"? You didn't even finish your last thought. Are you okay, dude?

[@BrunoPA-f2v]

@ChibiTails thank you SO MUCH for the warning ! I have no idea how I wrote such a flawed comment. Oh ! And be sure to read "The Daemon of Pain". So far, so good. And truth be told, I'm enjoying it more than canon.

[@Uxmaset]

If Xehanort actually comes back "reincarnated" as a shibuya citizen they have to name him Shiiha Naruto

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@Uxmasetthat would be SO fun ! I wonder how he'd feel about his past life, though. I REALLY hope the Watcher and Loki meet him.

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@Uxmaset sorry for this random question, but how controversial would it be to have a "KH" fic involving a corrupted Mickey ? And, do you know anyone whose parents are divorced ? I need to know specifics on their reactions to such news.

[@Uxmaset]

@@IwakuraYumeko7 first answer, would be a little bit controversial but not enough that I would say to script the idea altogether Second answer, no I'm sorry (but I'd reccomend searching for actual professional counseling on that topic)

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@Uxmaset I need to know, because I'm writing my fic version of "KH". The messages, characters and goals remain mostly the same. What changes are most of the worlds visited, some of the "altruistic" events being turned upside down to test the characters' morality further...And what I'm most proud, hardly any ressurections, and the characters having a harder time getting along. Because if I expand beyond Disney, I expand the magic. And why surrender to friendship, when there are SO MANY ways of power to write your story with ? Sora's parents are the ones who get divorced, btw. It happens during the year he's commatose, because of the void he left in their minds and hearts.

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

@@Uxmaset thanks for the input. This fic is kinda risky, so I want it to be as perfect as possibld. In the sense I'm trying to get a more "Grimm Brothers" vibe out of it, so right from the get go, I'm already deviating from a huge canon component, which is that every world is nice and easy to make friends with.

[@danil6305]

I wonder who will be next? Maybe Ventus? Or maybe Vanitas?

[@wasayqureshi34]

Bro, the music is too loud. This video is probably great but it’s unwatchable for this reason.

[@ariesdaly9408]

I thought the thumbnail was Xehanort kissing another man

[@WaterKH]

keyblade

[@joyhappiness]

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas

[@TheAnimatedIgnoramas]

uuuuh is the Xehanort's Incarnations chapter supposed to list Ansem twice or is one of those meant to be Xemnas lmao

[@joannamyers1268]

I haven't finished the video yet, but I got a bit over halfway. I find it interesting, especially seeing Xehanort's perspective from Dark Road. It's cool to see how he started so empathetic, and how he became the person he was. That does nothing whatsoever to change my opinion on my anger towards him as a character for the pain he caused, and how little he cared about the lives he used along the way. Not to mention his arrogance and wish for 13 lives plus one more. In my opinion, that makes it worse. This explains but doesn't excuse him.

[@IwakuraYumeko7]

In the bluntest of answers, yes. He may have started as an extremist, but what he did to Vanitas (which is not too different from that abusive web between Riku, Roxas, Naminé and DiZ I constantly call out) shows he betrayed the very mission's core. The ending he got in 3 was disrespectful to victims of abuse, in every sense of the word "disrespect", as it gives a bad name to the military.

[@KeyMerVin]

KIBLADE!!! "Ki"... KIRBY? KIRBUREDO?