Are Rhea and Seteth Related? Unraveling the Family Ties in Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Yes, Rhea and Seteth are related. While their exact relationship isn’t immediately obvious within Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the game’s lore reveals that Rhea is the daughter of Sothis, the progenitor god, and Seteth is one of Sothis’ other children. This makes Rhea and Seteth siblings, though their perceived ages and roles often obscure this fact. They are both members of the Nabatean race, also known as the Children of the Goddess.
The Complex Family Tree of the Nabateans
Understanding the relationships between characters in Fire Emblem: Three Houses requires delving into the history of the Nabateans. Sothis, the progenitor god, had numerous children, including Rhea (also known as Seiros) and Seteth. These children, blessed with long lifespans and unique powers, played crucial roles in shaping the history of Fódlan.
Rhea, being Sothis’ youngest offspring, carries a unique responsibility – to revive her mother and restore the world to its former glory. Seteth, fiercely loyal and pragmatic, serves as Rhea’s right-hand man, aiding her in managing the Church of Seiros and protecting the secrets of the Nabateans.
The Truth Behind the Façade
Seteth and his daughter, Flayn, conceal their true identities by pretending to be siblings. This deception is necessary to protect themselves from those who would exploit or harm them. Revealing their true nature as Nabateans would expose them to significant danger, especially given the long-standing conflict between the Nabateans and those who seek to undermine their influence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rhea, Seteth, and Their Kin
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Rhea, Seteth, Flayn, and their intricate relationships within the world of Fire Emblem: Three Houses:
1. How is Rhea related to Sothis?
Rhea is one of the Nabateans, the original children of the progenitor god Sothis. She is Sothis’ youngest child and holds a deep reverence for her mother.
2. Are Seteth and Flayn siblings?
No, Seteth and Flayn are not siblings. In their paralogue, Seteth reveals that he is actually Flayn’s father. They pretend to be siblings to protect their true identities and prevent unwanted attention.
3. What is the significance of the Crest of Saint Cichol and Saint Cethleann?
Rather than inheriting these crests by birth, Seteth IS Saint Cichol and Flayn IS Saint Cethleann. These are their true identities, and they are revered as saints within the Church of Seiros. The crests are manifestations of their Nabatean power and divine heritage.
4. How is Rhea related to Byleth?
Rhea is related to Byleth through Sothis. Rhea implanted Sothis’ Crest Stone into Byleth as an infant, essentially making Byleth a vessel for Sothis’ power. This connection makes Byleth uniquely important to Rhea’s plans.
5. Why do Seteth and Flayn pretend to be siblings?
They maintain the façade of being siblings to conceal their true identities as Nabateans. This helps them avoid persecution and exploitation from those who seek to harm or control them.
6. Is Byleth canonically male or female?
Byleth’s gender is left ambiguous, allowing players to choose their preferred form. While the game refers to Byleth as male or female in the player’s roster, the narrative allows for interpretation. Some fans even view Byleth as a nonbinary character. The Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, may have discussions analyzing character representation in games.
7. Can you marry Rhea in Fire Emblem: Three Houses?
Yes, you can marry Rhea, but only under specific circumstances. You must follow the Silver Snow route and achieve a high enough support level with her before the time skip.
8. What did Rhea do to Byleth as a baby?
Rhea implanted the Crest Stone of Sothis into Byleth shortly after their birth. This act granted Byleth immense power but also led Jeralt, Byleth’s father, to flee the monastery due to his suspicion of Rhea’s motives.
9. Is Jeralt, Byleth’s father, related to Rhea?
No, Jeralt is not related to Rhea by blood. He served as a knight of Seiros and was deeply involved in Rhea’s plans. His relationship with Rhea is primarily professional, though he harbors concerns about her actions regarding Byleth.
10. Was Flayn’s mother human?
While the exact identity of Flayn’s mother is never explicitly stated, the evidence suggests that she was likely human. This is inferred from Seteth’s dialogue and the location of her grave.
11. What happens to Rhea in the different routes of the game?
Rhea’s fate varies depending on the chosen route. In Crimson Flower and Verdant Wind, she dies. In Azure Moon, she retires to Zanado. In Silver Snow, she can be saved if the player S-Supports her, giving her a happier ending.
12. Is Rhea ultimately a good or bad character?
Rhea’s character is complex and morally ambiguous. While her intentions are often driven by a desire to protect Fódlan and revive Sothis, her methods can be questionable. Whether she is ultimately good or bad is left to the player’s interpretation. She definitely sits in a gray area.
13. Who are the main antagonists in Fire Emblem: Three Houses?
The main antagonists vary depending on the route. Rhea, also known as Seiros and the Immaculate One, serves as one of the antagonists in certain routes, alongside the Flame Emperor (Edelgard) and Thales.
14. What is the lifespan of Rhea and Seteth?
As Nabateans, Rhea and Seteth possess incredibly long lifespans, far exceeding those of humans. Their exact lifespan is not specified, but they have lived for centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations.
15. Are Sylvain and Miklan related to Rhea and Seteth?
No, Sylvain and Miklan are not related to Rhea and Seteth. They are characters from the nobility of Fódlan, with their own distinct family histories and struggles. Miklan is Sylvain’s older half-brother.
Conclusion
The relationships within Fire Emblem: Three Houses are intricate and layered, requiring careful attention to detail to fully understand. Rhea and Seteth’s bond as siblings, their connection to Sothis, and their roles within the Church of Seiros form a crucial part of the game’s narrative. Understanding these relationships enhances the player’s appreciation for the complexities of Fódlan and the characters who inhabit it. By examining their origins, motivations, and the sacrifices they make, players can gain a deeper understanding of the game’s themes of faith, duty, and family.