The Duality Within Akechi

Persona 5 has a lot of cool personas. From Arsene to Azathoth each one provides a unique and interesting comment about their owner. However I think no personas in Persona 5 can rival the symbolism and depth found in Akechi's Robin Hood, Loki, and Hereward. Today we are dissecting exactly how Akechi's other selves are so well crafted, and what they do to clue us in to his character.
Link to Robin Hood video:
• Persona Compendium: Ro...
Music Used:
Persona 3 OST During the Test
Persona 3 OST Troubled
Persona Q OST Strange School
Persona 5 OST The Days When My Mother Was There
Twitter: / 3_waifu
Instagram: / 3waifu
#Persona #P5R #Akechi

[@brunovarao2207]

I like the decision to not make a “redemption arc” for Akechi. Like the jazz song “I do not regret with choices I'm rather proud. I know i won't change, anything because I can only be me, so...”

[@3Waifu]

If the lack of a redemption arc is a theme you're interested in I actually touch on that in a bit more detail in both of the two videos linked here! If you have the time feel free to check them out! Links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6WzgIlsaKaErbs kzbin.info/www/bejne/in3amHdol66hm5Y

[@tomasaguero1041]

To me he doesn't exactly need a redemption arc, more so like a "start over" arc, where he lives a life away from the PT and has bonds and stories of his owm

[@Kazeira]

Robin Hood doesn't only represent his "detective prince" face, he is also his child self (Royal confidant & Proof of Justice OVA)

[@dig1taltoaster]

As a wise man once said: "I've been waiting for this!"

[@LazerShark7777]

Took the words out of my damn mouth

[@assiaelmabrouki5552]

Lmao I love this fandom XD

[@devanshouse5027]

Futaba: Hehehe, I LOVE that reference!

[@nightlypiano4116]

I like how Robin Hood uses round, soft shapes while Loki is very sharp and angular

[@josephkilker6154]

I know this video isn't about the historic context of the personas, but I just want to comment on Hereward's because I know a bit about it. Firstly, Hereward is a combination of Robin Hood's British nature and Loki's nordic origins- Hereward was a British man, but like many people in Anglo-Saxon England was descended from viking invaders who had settled in England, thus making him both nordic and British. However, the real life History of Hereward the wake holds a lot of parallels to Akechi. He was banished by Edward the Confessor, a religious leader, much like Akechi's death was caused by Yaldabaoth, and returned during the reign of William the Conqueror, who filled the role left by Edward the Confessor by winning the 1066 succession crisis, much like Maruki filled the hole Yaldabaoth's death left. After his return he had a violent revolution against this leader in pursuit of vengeance for the death of his brothers, eventually causing his death, much like Akechi rebelled against Maruki purely for personal freedom and died because of this rebellion. In fact, if I remember correctly you can only get Hereward if you decide to fight Maruki, so Akechi gaining his power foreshadows Akechi's death in his rebellion. Oh yeah and also Hereward is apparently a possible inspiration for the story of Robin Hood, though that might be wrong.

[@lukefarag10]

Well it hasn’t actually been confirmed if he’s alive or not but I’m willing to bet that he’s alive because akechi is a survivor heck the entire betrayal proves that there are other ways to leave or enter a palace I just hope down the line we get more him because I love just how complex his character really is and what he symbolizes in the story.

[@IceQueen975]

And this shows a perfect parallel to the rest of the PT's Persona progression: fictional anti-hero or rebel, becoming a divine god of some kind, to finally the real world counterpart/inspiration of the initial Persona.

[@neoncreator]

Atlus put a lot of work into aketchi than people give them credit for

[@aliasmp4]

Also notable in Loki's design; the black and white is very similar to that of the symbol representing Almighty skills, which are characterized by extreme power and indifference to the affinities of the target, and, as far as I'm aware, can only be naturally learned among party members other than Joker, by Akechi. This video is excellent, and I'm always excited to see an upload from this channel! I'm also something of an Akechi fan, so I can't complain about two Akechi videos in a row. Keep up the good work!

[@3Waifu]

This is a really good observation! I think its super interesting that Akechi and Joker are the only party members that can learn Almighty skills. It just serves to deepen the connections already present between the two.

[@janussimonsen24]

@@3Waifu I mean, them and Zenkichi. But yeah, it does still show a connection between the two

[@AJkingwing]

Oh am I mistaken? You probably thought I was going to do the meme, but I'm not. Anyway, good video as always!

[@akechipride1580]

Two Akechi videos so close to each other!

[@3Waifu]

I've been in an Akechi kind of mood it seems!

[@Cadam_]

I think the black and white stripes could be better seen as optical illusions and are definitely there on purpose. You said that they are constantly moving across the body and there are optical illusions that trick the brain into thinking that a still image is moving which further ties into the whole Loki the Trickster God thing and the illusion of Akechi being a hero.

[@chriswolf9063]

I think it would be safe to say that Hereward and Akechi in the 3rd the semester is proof that Akechi became THE anti-hero of Persona 5 and a perfect rival to Joker almost to the point that they are almost identical and the same. The one anf only small difference between Joker and Akechi is how they view their actions and if what they doing is just or not. All Akechi up into the 7th palace ever wanted is revenge towards shido because he hurt both him and his mother. It wasn't until he got his ass beaten not once (in the royal in hos 8th confidant) not twicr but three times where Joker wants to acknowledged as not just his greatest rival but possibly a friend. Just saying all this almost made me tear up because I can't help but pity Akechi but at the same time understand what he has been going through, even though what he did up until that point, from the mental shutdowns, the psychotic breakdowns, conceiving evidence, and so much more, is beyond irredeemable, like the villains in Persona 5 Strikers, I want to forgive him and convince the public to give Akechi a second chance as the detective prince, the 2nd Ace detective without changing his heart. ...at least that's I would have done if I was in Joker's position.

[@lucaswyver3714]

I know this isn't the most popular opinion, but I like to think that Robin Hood was indeed Akechi's first persona, all the way back when he was young and still wanted to be a hero of justice. Eventually he had his second awakening through his growth as a person when he came in contact with Shido, aldo different from everyone else, his growth is not into someone wiser, but Akechi's madness and wish for chaos. Eventually when they fuse into Hereward, it shows who he really is, a mighty and ruthless figure in black, but that seeks more than anything, his own justice. Another reason why I think that is because Akechi doesn't posses the power of the wild card, his power is to make others psychotic. His use of different personas might not be unique to him, because just like all the third awakenings show us, both personas exist, the other members of the cast just didn't had any reason to use their weaker ones.

[@IceQueen975]

I fully agree Robin Hood is his initial Persona. Most likely awakened and born out of a need not to die because he wants justice for his mother and his treatment (as we only know his awakening happened at 15, but are told nothing of the circumstances). We also know AFTER his awakening, he offers his services to Shido. Which I suspect is when Loki emerged, as he began killing or rather was tricked into killing (Shido literally all but says this blatantly before his boss fight) and then must continue. I disagree with him not being a Wild Card, though. Morgana says that he is, but he never realized any bonds, not allowing him to grow that power.

[@samanthashelly8093]

3:40 I love how it cuts away with him at 9hp and his attack getting reflected

[@3Waifu]

bit of a foolish mistake on my part lol I was kinda just mashing for footage

[@Benjome]

This video really dives into the whole idea of third-semester akechi as an antihero, and I love it. Also, I'd say with the way you described Akechi, he is somewhere between true neutral, chaotic neutral, and chaotic good.

[@regigoogas2887]

3Waifu: *Drops some quality content* Me: Finally some good entertainment.

[@prettycvnt1425]

I like this character!

[@booshbush1487]

*why can I imagine akechi seriously just looking on his computer, seeing this video and going "I like this guy!"*

[@turtleknight7015]

Grinding in strikers, and 3Waifu posts. It's a nice night

[@noir3279]

My goodness is this video chunk full of analysis and symbolism. Also I don't know if this is related however Akechi's Personas remind me of the progression of Batman's second Robin Jason Todd, with Robin Hood being like Jason Todd's Robin with a sense of Justice and guidance under Batman which keeps him within Batman's rules. Loki's like Jason Todd when he first dawns on the Red Hood persona (no pun intended) brutal and harbors hate against his former master so to speak. While Hereward's like Robin Hood once Jason gets to calm down and uses his Red Hood name as an anti hero. Killing those who are evil and malignant while also having his own sense of justice. I don't know if this is acurate but that's how I see it. Great work on the video.

[@3Waifu]

This is a super cool parallel that I probably wouldn't have picked up on! It's been a long time since I've read/watched Batman Under the Hood but I think there are some interesting conclusions to be drawn here especially because we know Akechi's personas (at least Robin Hood and Hereward) are directly inspired by DC comic book heroes!

[@DR_REDACTED]

I LOVE your videos i remeber when you had 800 subs or so i really hope your channel blows up someday😌

[@jsj0520]

amazing video as always, i'd LOVE to see a persona compendium episode of (P5 STRIKERS SPOILERS BELOW) Zenkichi's persona Valjean. Zenkichi is such a badass phantom thief and i would LOVE to see how Valjean represents him. hell id also love to see Sophias as well on one of your episodes.

[@3Waifu]

Definitely interested in covering strikers stuff! (just need to beat it first lol!)

[@Vinylmelody1517]

I'd live to see videos like this for the other thieves. I can think of several ways the party personas and their evolutions reflect the user. For example one I just noticed recently was how captain Kidd goes from riding a broken and beat up looking pirate ship to a fast and modern speed boat as William reflecting ryuji overcoming his past injury and finding his resolve to keep running. Or how Ann goes from the character of Carmen( a character similar in style and design to the villain in the show she used to watch and who she looked up too) to the actress who played Carmen, Celestine, reflecting her desire to become an actress herself.

[@jackconkers1329]

The duality of Akechi’s personas may also be similar to the duality between the Ancient Greek gods Apollo and Dionysus. Robin Hood and the Detective Prince represent Akechi’s more Apollo side. Apollo was the god of the sun, archery and rationality as well as a lot of other stuff. Robin Hoods weapon is a bow and his colour scheme is bright colours (especially the golden aspects), similar to the bright colours of the Sun. As the Detective Prince, Akechi uses his rationality and logic to solve cases and to help his activities in Palaces. Apollo is also sometimes seen as the most beautiful of all the gods, similar to how popular the Detective Prince is and how Akechi wants people to see him. Loki and the Black Mask represent Akechi’s Dionysus side. Dionysus, as well as being the god of wine, was the god of insanity. In Greek myth Dionysus had the ability to drive people insane, very similar to Loki’s “Call of chaos” ability used to turn shadows berserk. In his role as god of wine, Dionysus was also seen as a liberator in the way wine can bring, in this way Dionysus can also be seen as a trickster. Dionysus is also described as a dark haired god fitting with Loki’s colour scheme. However this may just be my imagination.

[@3Waifu]

This is a really cool take! I love the application of Greek mythology to more modern character arcs as a lot of storytelling mechanics and trends can be traced back to Greek mythology and storytelling!

[@verdeurie8650]

i also like to believe that Akechi's ''Justice'' confidant is also nothing more than a façade. i think hes just like the Hunger arcana from persona 4, so the fact that he disguised even his arcana as ''justice'' to fit in with his theme as a detective prince is a clever touch.

[@LeahLovesNature]

I agree with you, and I'll and that Akechi is not just a foil for Joker, but all of the Phantom Thieves in different ways. I have a fan theory that, just as the villains of Persona 5 explicitly represent the seven deadly sins, the human Phantom Thieves secretly represent the seven heavenly virtues. I won't go over who's who because that would make this comment way too long, but these virtues are hope, faith, charity, wisdom, courage, humility, and justice… all things that Akechi lacks. He has no hope for his future, he has no faith in anyone or anything, he's selfish, foolish (pancakes, anyone?), cowardly, egotistical, and despite him being the "Justice" confidant, his sense of justice is incredibly warped.

[@lukefarag10]

@@LeahLovesNature well I have to disagree with that because I believe there’s hope for everyone especially akechi he is a man who sticks to his guns and I believe he represents justice in his own way plus I like to say that him being a coward is the last thing he is, he puts his body on the line not once but twice in the story during shidos palace and marukis palace to help joker that to me in my eyes makes him an outstanding character and a great rival and friend.

[@mehmetjj9163]

The Duality Within Pankackes

[@crimson6553]

Nice video, as always 🙂

[@alleycat2297]

Great analysis! Initially, I was under the impression (and I still kind of enjoy it as a headcanon) that Akechi awakened to Robin Hood after he met Joker, since Joker's influence clearly stirs up something in him and he's always open to discussing the twisted and nostalgic brunt of his past when he's around him (i.e the conversation at the arcade where he shares how he wanted to be a hero growing up). That said, the creators confirmed that he actually awakened to both Loki and Robin Hood at the same time, which only makes me wish we could've seen what his awakening was like. I bet it was like nothing we've ever seen before from other characters, that's for sure, not to mention the fact that he's a Wildcard user like Joker (albeit weak due to his lack of bonds). I don't know where I'm going with this comment, I loved the breakdown of Goro's character and how he represents both Law and Order while also toeing the line in between lawful evil and chaotic good. Very very apt! I recently finished playing Strikers, and I've got to say, while it makes sense that Akechi's not a part of it, all of the rehashing of themes of forgiveness, broken and traumatised people who started out wanting to be heroes sort of got to me, because I think Royal's third semester and Akechi's character as a whole do a far superior job of getting those same points across, as opposed to the Monarchs in the sequel. Of course, that's only my personal opinion. Thanks for the video. Look forward to seeing more of your content!

[@frisolaxod3835]

Honestly I've always disliked it when people call Loki Akechi's "true" persona. Hereward fits who Akechi is and what he represents MUCH better than Robin Hood or Loki.

[@miwhitty8316]

Such a great video! Love Goro, love videos like these! Great job❤

[@grapes9h5]

Another great video!

[@LazerShark7777]

I am once again going to beg for a look into hereward. I literally have no clue who he is but I already love the persona not to mention the other persona's like Loki (which is the best btw)

[@marmotagaming1124]

Hereward is Another name for Robin Hood (the real name(

[@AkieTheLobster]

This guy has eased his way into being one of my favorite KZbins it's nice walking around the house cleaning while listening to the videos like a podcast

[@3Waifu]

Genuinely so happy to hear that my videos can entertain you in the same way that I have been entertained by my favorite creators in the past! I hope I can continue to put out quality stuff for you to enjoy!

[@smilingman4299]

Wow ! You got to level 10 with Akechi ! Well, for your hardship, here's Hereward (a reward).

[@aikoneutral7866]

It's cool that a traitor joins your group. It makes you feel more connected to him.

[@ooofthedegenerate]

I feel like you saying Akechi is in between Law (Robin hood) and chaos (Loki) is if it self a perfect reflection of Akechi him self I always Viewed him as the neutral person the Phantom Thieves being chaos and Yaldobath/Maruki

[@Honest-King]

Herwered !!!! Also waiting for he's episode

[@lettucedawg]

The way you describe things is perfect. I can actively see the personification in akechi to a degree I hadn't even thought of. I think you should cover Kasumi next. I'm not really a big fan of her and don't dislike her her by any means, but I would love to see your take and if she was a worthy addition to the game in your opinion.

[@mariosonic76]

PLEASE do a Hereward video next.

[@dantegrimm6439]

Excellent video. Robin Hood and Loki definitely show the 2 different sides of Akechi's character and Hereward is a perfect combination of them. In my opinion all of the 3rd tier personas should have been like Hereward, a combination of the previous 2 rather than just a modern interpretation of the initial. Any plans for persona 4 symbolism?

[@3Waifu]

I definitely have plans for P4G stuff in the future, I'm still playing through the game right now but once I'm through with it I for sure want to make it part of the channel!

[@dantegrimm6439]

Follow up to my Last comment. I'm personally not sure if it would have been for hereward to have been an alternate form of loki it would still be a fusion of robin hood and Loki, but loki would have been the more prominent since it seems closer to Akechi's character. Sorry if it seems nitpicky but I personally preferred the evolved personas to the 3rd tier, going from a trickster deity to modern rebel feels like more of a downgrade to me. Which do you prefer the evolved or third tier?

[@3Waifu]

@@dantegrimm6439 I think both are really interesting! Loki is super cool and I really like the way he represents Akechi at the time of his use, that said I feel the same way about Hereward. I think in terms of visuals and history I find Loki to be a bit more interesting. However in terms of symbolism and theming Hereward is just so well designed. So for me I like both for different reasons!

[@azolaun]

Man I love this persona series

[@maaster4394]

Another phenomenal video :D

[@redsunset6863]

IMO Akechi in 3rd semester is more chaotic neutral.

[@princecharming8125]

I can imagine a death tarot card persona based around endlessly increasing damage while endlessly lowers the opponents defense automatically severely on every turn plus the foes turn. I can imagine Goro saying, ",Man, your persona would be a absolute savage obliterating our tormentors in battle."

[@yaboiskinnymannn7861]

Boop

[@guchhaapav]

I'm so glad you made this vid, I have been thinking about this for long and was sad that no one had brought it up!

[@mmorpgal4229]

I am currently playing on Series X (new game plus) and for awhile in my first playthrough I loathed Akechi as much most hated villain (Micah Bell from RDR 2). Reading up on him though and getting more context made me like him more though. Great vid man. Keep it up

[@jkfbekfh2535]

i always saw the bless/curse skills as how Joker (Being that arsene is a curse based persona and all) and Akechi perceive Shido, Joker as a curse since, well, Shido does nothing but make him suffer and Akechi has the facade that he sees Shido as a blessing (Robin Hood) with how they cooperate and all that, but social link says how he hates his dad (Curse in Robin Hood), but once he drops the facade he just shows how much he truly despises him. Also same argument could be made for how they view being the slected ones in the Yaldabaoth (sorry if i butvher the name-)

[@xv1thanatos956]

Akechi is like yin Yang “In Evil there is goodness” or something like that

[@DigiSky1]

Please do a compendium for Hereward. I’d love to see it

[@fmuci]

his video quality is great why does he have so little subs?

[@Allthingsasian]

I would love a game of him as the protagonist tbh

[@envy5517]

Hey I’d love to see a video on Akechi’s third persona!

[@xCaptainChloex]

Hello! I'd love to see a video about Goemon and Johanna:3

[@tag0006]

I would love to learn more about Hereward!

[@mr_vizier]

This was a good video.

[@AdachiCabbage]

A person on Twitter went into depth with Goro Akechi by explaining every single thing about the Japanese adoption system, including how at 15 he was homeless with no other option at all. It was pretty deep and explained a lot of things.

[@stanDman291]

I prefer Duality by Slipknot, that doesn't mean I don't have this game though. (I have this game, just to clarify)

[@Maxler5795]

After akechi, i get PTSD when i hear the words "delicious" or "pancakes"

[@eclipse9726]

okay okay so with loki and his feet i think maybe they are based of that one myth were he transformed into a horse to lure away the giants horse so he wouldn't finish the wall of asgard in time but that is just a speculation of mine

[@marcusbullock2753]

Can't wait to see Hereward.

[@FernandaHaiabe]

Idk if anyone mentioned that but the hooves are maybe a reference to the story where Loki gave birth to a horse in Norse mythology? LOL, I might be wrong, but that's my 2 cents.

[@nightlypiano4116]

Maybe Akechi had a Persona (probably Hereward) and when he started his scheme to kill shido, (and also when he made his Detective Prince) it split into Robin Hood and Loki.

[@Wolf-bz6kq]

Too bad i found 2 uears later but gotta say they missed out giving akechi sherlock holmes as his false persona only to be revealed to be Moriarty and Loki would be his final one.

[@SebiTheHunter]

Can someone send this the streamer Crystaaahl? She loves him. Also I just love your videos and finished Persona 5 (Royal) for the first time last week and I always look forward to your new video

[@OFranzy]

also, robin hood is weak to curse while loki is weak to bless

[@shaunrobertson9494]

I still dont get the love Akechi gets from folks. Dudes literally a serial killer, to include parents of 2 of your other companions (literally made Futaba an orphan and arguably put her in the spiral she went down). He might be the best written and complex character, but fuck Akechi, I hope he burns.

[@cafkn3664]

This video is great but can u help me in saes palace ahah

[@matthewmacaballug5151]

Can you please make an analysis of Satanael?

[@KousakaHonoka12]

In the original persona 5 goro doesn't have a 3th persona

[@sonic23233]

Loki is just a reskin of Izangi

[@dystopianroyal4795]

I got a question. Spoilers btw. So I gotta ask. was Robin hood a persona from jokers link? Hes the only one akechi interacted with semi-genuinely. He has no bonds with anyone else and has only 2 personas. Imo this makes him a really bad wildcard though it's not his fault since yaldy probably didnt think that telling him how to do shit was necessary since the game was rigged.

[@wnabi8469]

666 views omg

[@SicklySeraph]

It was always kind of funny how you NEVER get to use hereward, its some real miss potential there.

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

:)