Leviathan: The Missing Eikon of Final Fantasy XVI – Mystery Solved!

The question of whether Leviathan is an Eikon in Final Fantasy XVI (FF16) is a resounding yes. The game clearly establishes the existence of eight Eikons, with Leviathan, the Eikon of Water, being among them. However, Leviathan’s Dominant is missing, and the Eikon itself is absent from the main storyline, creating one of the game’s most intriguing mysteries and sparking countless fan theories. This article dives deep into the lore surrounding Leviathan, exploring potential explanations for its absence and dissecting the compelling theories that suggest a future DLC expansion could unravel this aquatic enigma.

The Absence of Water: Leviathan’s Vanishing Act

The conspicuous absence of a water-based Eikon in a world heavily reliant on elemental power is a narrative choice ripe with potential. Final Fantasy XVI explicitly states there are eight Eikons. We know the identities of seven: Ifrit, Phoenix, Shiva, Titan, Garuda, Ramuh, Bahamut, and Odin. This leaves a single, glaring question: Where is Leviathan, the Eikon of Water?

Several reasons are suggested in the game’s lore and among fan communities:

• Eradication of the Dominant: One prevalent theory suggests that Leviathan’s Dominant was killed, preventing the Eikon from manifesting. The game makes it clear that Eikons cannot exist without a living Dominant to channel their power. The extinction of the dominant would effectively sever Leviathan from the world.

• Destruction of the Mothercrystal: Another possibility is that the Mothercrystal associated with Leviathan was destroyed. Mothercrystals are vital for the amplification and manifestation of aether, the source of all magic and Eikonic power in Valisthea. If the Mothercrystal tied to Leviathan was shattered, it could severely weaken or completely eliminate the Eikon’s presence.

• Suppression of Eikonic Power: Perhaps Leviathan’s Dominant exists but is somehow suppressed or unaware of their powers. This is a particularly tantalizing theory, opening possibilities for a character already present in the game to potentially awaken as the Dominant.

• The Fallen Connection: The lost civilization of The Fallen, known for their advanced technology and manipulation of aether, could hold the key to Leviathan’s fate. It’s plausible they experimented with or even weaponized Leviathan’s power, leading to its disappearance or dormancy.

The Medicine Girl Theory: A Glimmer of Hope

One of the most persistent and interesting theories surrounds a character known only as the Medicine Girl. Her connection to Dion Lesage (Bahamut’s Dominant), and the etymological significance of her name that fans have uncovered, has led to speculation that she is the current Dominant of Leviathan. The Medicine Girl is also the latest descendant of the royal bloodline of Sanbreque, who ruled over a region thought to be lost beneath the waves. The events at Twinside seem to indicate that she has not fully awakened to her powers.

If she is indeed the Dominant, her latent abilities could serve as a narrative catalyst for a DLC expansion. Imagine Clive, or a new protagonist, assisting her in unlocking her Eikonic potential, leading to the re-emergence of Leviathan and a confrontation with a new threat linked to the ocean depths.

DLC Potential: Unveiling the Aquatic Mysteries

The absence of Leviathan, combined with the mysteries surrounding The Fallen, creates a compelling narrative void that begs to be filled by downloadable content. A Leviathan-centric DLC could explore:

• The fate of the previous Dominant: What happened to them and how did their disappearance affect Valisthea?

• The truth about The Fallen: What was their relationship with Leviathan and what secrets did they uncover about the power of water?

• New regions and characters: A DLC could introduce underwater environments and new cultures connected to the ocean, expanding the world of Final Fantasy XVI in exciting ways.

• A new antagonist: A threat linked to the ocean depths, perhaps a creature corrupted by aether or a faction seeking to control Leviathan’s power, could serve as the DLC’s primary antagonist.

Typhon: A Red Herring or Something More?

The presence of Typhon, a powerful, lightning-based Eikon encountered as a boss fight, adds another layer of complexity. While not officially recognized as one of the eight primary Eikons, Typhon’s power and unique design raise questions about its true nature.

Some theories suggest Typhon is somehow related to Ultima’s plan or a fragment of a more ancient power. Others propose that Typhon is a “failed” Eikon, an attempt by Ultima or The Fallen to create a new type of being.

It’s also possible that Typhon’s presence is simply a callback to previous Final Fantasy games, offering a challenging boss fight without directly impacting the main storyline or the mystery of Leviathan.

Conclusion: The Leviathan Saga Continues

While Leviathan remains elusive in Final Fantasy XVI, its absence fuels speculation and highlights the potential for future content. Whether through the awakening of a latent Dominant, the discovery of lost knowledge, or a confrontation with a new oceanic threat, the story of the missing Eikon is far from over. As fans eagerly await news of potential DLC, the mystery of Leviathan continues to captivate and inspire, solidifying its place as one of the most compelling unanswered questions in the world of Valisthea. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for research on the link between gaming and learning! You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Leviathan in Final Fantasy XVI

What is Leviathan supposed to be in Final Fantasy?

In Final Fantasy lore, and based on its mythological origins, Leviathan is typically a massive sea serpent or aquatic creature. Its form varies across different games, but it’s consistently associated with water and immense power.

How many Eikons are there in FF16?

There are eight Eikons in Final Fantasy 16: Ifrit, Phoenix, Shiva, Titan, Garuda, Ramuh, Bahamut, and Leviathan. While there are other powerful entities like Typhon, they are not considered part of the core eight Eikons.

Why is there no Leviathan in FF16?

The exact reason for Leviathan’s absence is not explicitly stated in the game. The most common theories revolve around the death of its Dominant, the destruction of its Mothercrystal, or some form of suppression of its power.

Is Typhon an Eikon in FF16?

Typhon is a powerful entity in Final Fantasy XVI but is not officially classified as one of the eight Eikons. It appears as a boss fight and is associated with lightning, not water, and seems to be more tied to Ultima or other forgotten elements of the past.

Is the Medicine Girl Leviathan’s Dominant?

This is a popular fan theory. The Medicine Girl’s name and her connection to Dion suggest a potential link to Leviathan. The Royal bloodline is also related to Leviathan somehow. However, this remains unconfirmed within the game’s current narrative.

What is the Leviathan Eikon?

The Leviathan Eikon is the Eikon of Water in Final Fantasy XVI, representing the element of water. Little is known about it as it has yet to appear.

What role do Dominants play in Final Fantasy XVI?

Dominants are individuals who can summon and embody Eikons. They are crucial to the existence and power of Eikons in Valisthea. Without a Dominant, an Eikon cannot manifest.

What happened to the Dominant of Leviathan?

The fate of Leviathan’s Dominant is unknown. Theories range from their death to being hidden or suppressed, leaving Leviathan dormant.

Are there missable Eikons in Final Fantasy 16?

No, all Eikons encountered in Final Fantasy XVI are part of the main story and therefore unmissable. However, Leviathan is not directly encountered, only referred to.

What are the Mothercrystals and their significance in FF16?

Mothercrystals are massive crystals that amplify aether, the source of magic in Valisthea. They are essential for the manifestation of Eikonic power, and their destruction has significant consequences for the world.

Could Leviathan appear in a future FF16 DLC?

Yes, the absence of Leviathan and the mysteries surrounding The Fallen make it a prime candidate for future DLC expansion.

How strong is Leviathan compared to the other Eikons?

Without seeing Leviathan in action, it’s impossible to definitively say. Given its elemental association with water, it would likely possess abilities focused on powerful water-based attacks and defenses. Some speculate it would be incredibly strong given the importance of water as a resource in Valisthea.

What are the connections between Eikons and Ultima?

The Eikons were created by the being Ultima to serve as vessels of power for his chosen vessel, “Mythos”, to absorb and gain enough power to cast his “Raise” spell and reshape the world for his revived species.

What are some theories about The Fallen and Leviathan?

Some theories suggest that The Fallen, with their advanced technology, may have experimented with or weaponized Leviathan’s power, leading to its disappearance or dormancy.

Can Eikons be killed permanently in FF16?

The game’s lore suggests that if a Dominant dies, the Eikon connected to them effectively disappears from the world, though the possibility of a new Dominant emerging at some point in the future remains.