What Happens to Oliver After Ni no Kuni?
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Oliver’s journey in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch culminates in a bittersweet ending. After bravely confronting and defeating the White Witch, and saving the Other World, Oliver chooses not to remain in the fantastical realm where he’d forged such strong bonds. Instead, he bids farewell to his new friends and returns to Motorville. This decision leaves the player with a sense of melancholy, as the majority of the game is spent in this vibrant world, only for Oliver to ultimately leave it behind. Oliver’s return is not an easy one, as he comes back to a world where he has lost something precious, his mother. But what does this mean for his future? While the game itself does not explore this further, this ending provides food for thought for fans regarding what could have happened to him after his magical adventure. Oliver’s primary goal in the Other World was to bring his mother, Allie, back to life. Despite his valiant efforts, and even obtaining her pendant, he is ultimately unable to resurrect her. His mother’s death was a result of severing her connection to her soulmate when she moved forward in time and this connection was unrecoverable. Oliver must ultimately learn to accept that and move on. He takes his experiences from the Other World back with him to Motorville, hopefully impacting the way he approaches his life and interactions there, having grown from his experiences.
The Significance of Oliver’s Return
Oliver’s choice to return to his home world, despite the allure of the Other World, speaks volumes about the game’s themes. While the Other World provided Oliver with purpose and a chance to embark on a grand adventure, his true roots lie in Motorville. This return can be seen as a coming-of-age realization, understanding the value of where you come from, and the importance of home and belonging, even after experiencing amazing things in another realm. The game’s ending implies that Oliver doesn’t forget his time in the other world, with the connections he made there impacting his life going forward. The lessons he learned from Drippy, his friends and challenges will change him for life.
Theories and Speculations about Oliver’s Future
Since Ni no Kuni doesn’t explicitly show what happens to Oliver after his return, fans have developed various theories. Some believe that Oliver carries the magic of the Other World with him, which may subconsciously influence his life in Motorville. Others speculate that the emotional impact of his adventure, and the loss of his mother, shapes his character, making him a more thoughtful, empathetic person. The game leaves it to the player to decide how Oliver’s experiences influenced the rest of his life. It’s the very openness that allows fans to speculate on whether, for instance, Oliver may still be using his magical abilities at home, which also leaves open the door for potential spin-offs or sequels based on Oliver’s experience after the game ends.
The Connection to the “Old Man” Theory
One interesting theory suggests that the “old man” seen in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom might actually be an older Oliver. This theory is supported by a few visual and thematic clues. The old man possesses the Mornstar, a unique wand associated with Oliver, and wears traveler’s garb that’s reminiscent of Oliver’s clothes in the first game. Furthermore, while it’s minor and not overly explicit, the old man’s hairstyle and eye color do somewhat resemble Oliver’s. While the game doesn’t confirm this theory and there is no direct evidence that this is the case, this creates a strong connection between the characters, and it adds to the overall mythology of the Ni no Kuni universe. This theory enhances the feeling that all the titles in the series are connected.
Oliver’s Family and Soulmates
The question of Oliver’s father and soulmate raises interesting points. It is suggested that the main antagonist, Shadar, may have been his soulmate, however, it is not confirmed that they are actually connected, and also because the game establishes that soulmates are meant to live in harmony, which the pair definitely do not, this theory is highly unlikely. The fact they are considered soulmates was also a surprise to players. The game doesn’t establish who Oliver’s father is, however. The loss of his mother and the confusion around the identity of his father can be seen as some of the more difficult things Oliver is forced to come to terms with. This, combined with his time in the other world, further cements the idea of Oliver going on a coming of age journey. He must deal with both the loss of his mother, and the confusion of another world, as well as come to terms with who he is.
FAQs About Oliver and Ni no Kuni
1. Does Oliver’s mom come back to life in Ni no Kuni?
No, despite Oliver’s efforts and obtaining her pendant, his mother, Allie, does not come back to life. Her death was due to a severed soulmate connection when she moved forward in time, making her resurrection impossible.
2. Why couldn’t Oliver bring back his mom?
Oliver couldn’t bring back his mother because her connection to her soul mate was severed when she moved forward in time. This is presented as an insurmountable obstacle in the game’s lore.
3. Is the “old man” in Ni no Kuni II Oliver?
There is some speculation that the “old man” in Ni no Kuni II is an older Oliver. This theory is based on his possession of the Mornstar, his attire, and his resemblance to Oliver. However, it’s unconfirmed by the game.
4. Is Shadar Oliver’s father?
It is unknown if Shadar is Oliver’s father. Some fans suggest this based on their connection. However, this idea is unlikely because they are considered soulmates, which is supposed to be harmonious.
5. How old is Oliver in Ni no Kuni?
Oliver is 13 years old in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. The developers chose this age to showcase a coming-of-age story, allowing children to empathize with Oliver and adults to relive their adolescence.
6. Who does Evan marry in Ni no Kuni II?
The most logical choice for Evan’s wife is Tani, as she is the only human female close to his age that is part of the main story. This is heavily implied by their relationship throughout the game.
7. Is Ni no Kuni II a prequel to the first game?
No, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is not a prequel. While it does reveal Evan is a descendant of King Tom from the first game, it’s a completely different story, and you don’t need to play the first game to understand it.
8. Who is the main villain in Ni no Kuni?
The main villain in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is the White Witch (Cassiopeia/Reinas). She is responsible for influencing Shadar and causing the deaths of many.
9. Is Drippy actually the Lord High Lord of the Fairies?
Drippy is a self-proclaimed “Lord High Lord of the Fairies,” which is a humorous title, but it does not necessarily mean that he is the actual head of the fairies.
10. Are Haru and Yu the same person?
No. Haru and Yu are soulmates, and Haru travels to Yu’s world to save him from a dog. However, Yu’s presence in Haru’s world causes everyone, except Haru, to forget about him.
11. What is the best familiar for Oliver in Ni no Kuni Remastered?
Whippersnapper is considered a great tank familiar for Oliver. It’s an early-game familiar that can be found in the Deep Dark Wood, and its evolutions (Trapper Snapper, Snaptrap/Claptrap) are also very effective.
12. Who is the secret boss in Ni no Kuni?
The Guardian of Worlds is the final secret boss in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. Defeating this boss unlocks the King of the World trophy.
13. Are Ni no Kuni 1 and 2 related?
The games take place in the same world but ages apart. The only direct connections are locations like Ding Dong Dell and certain concepts like soulmates. There is no direct story connection between the two games.
14. Does Oliver Queen come back to life in Arrow?
Yes, Oliver Queen does come back to life during the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, which is separate from the Ni no Kuni franchise.
15. Why does Drippy have a Welsh accent?
Drippy’s Welsh accent was chosen for the English dub because one of the writers was a Welsh speaker from North Wales and the accent works well for comedy. The creators felt it was a good fit for the character.
Conclusion
Oliver’s story is a poignant tale of growth, loss, and the acceptance of one’s place in the world. While the game’s ending may seem bittersweet, it leaves room for imagination and speculation, allowing fans to engage with the narrative long after the credits roll. The theories surrounding Oliver’s future, his family, and his connections to other characters only add to the rich tapestry of the Ni no Kuni universe, making it a captivating and beloved game for many fans.