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What is Earth Called in Final Fantasy XIV?

The planet we know as Earth does not exist within the lore of Final Fantasy XIV. Instead, the game takes place primarily on the world of Hydaelyn. It is important to note that while Earth as we know it isn’t present, certain aspects of the Final Fantasy universe, including elements potentially inspired by Earth’s cultures and history, are woven into Hydaelyn’s tapestry.

Exploring Hydaelyn: The World of Final Fantasy XIV

Hydaelyn is a vibrant and complex planet, rich in history, diverse cultures, and captivating mysteries. It is the stage upon which the epic story of Final Fantasy XIV unfolds, far removed from the familiar geography and history of our own Earth. Understanding Hydaelyn is crucial to appreciating the game’s narrative depth and world-building.

The Star and its Shards

The planet Hydaelyn itself is referred to as “The Star” by many of its inhabitants. However, it’s crucial to understand that Hydaelyn is not a singular, unified world. Thousands of years before the events of the game, a great calamity shattered Hydaelyn into numerous “shards,” each a reflection of the original world but existing in a separate dimension.

The Source is the primary dimension, where the majority of the game takes place, including the regions of Eorzea, Othard, and Ilsabard. Other shards, such as The First, The Second, The Third, The Fourth, The Fifth, The Sixth, and The Thirteenth (also known as The Void), were created as a result of the shattering. The story of Final Fantasy XIV frequently revolves around the reintegration (or preventing the reintegration) of these shards with the Source.

Eorzea: A Land of Adventure

Eorzea is the region most players are introduced to at the beginning of their journey in Final Fantasy XIV. This land is a diverse continent with several independent city-states, each with its own culture, history, and political ambitions. From the maritime city of Limsa Lominsa to the heavily fortified and arid Ul’dah, Eorzea presents a varied landscape ripe for exploration. The other major regions of the Source are:

Othard: A continent inspired by East Asian cultures, known for its samurai traditions and vast plains.
Ilsabard: A continent known for its advanced technology and imperial ambitions, home to the Garlean Empire.

The Importance of Aether

Aether is the life force of Hydaelyn, permeating all living things and the environment itself. It is essential to understand that aether plays a crucial role in the world’s ecology, magic, and even the cycle of rebirth. The manipulation of aether is central to many storylines within Final Fantasy XIV, particularly those involving primals (powerful summoned beings) and the Ascians (ancient beings seeking to rejoin the shards).

The Role of the Crystals of Light

The Crystals of Light are powerful artifacts deeply connected to Hydaelyn and its fate. They represent different aspects of the planet’s essence and are vital to maintaining balance. These crystals often appear throughout the main storyline, serving as both sources of power and objects of conflict. They are intrinsically linked to the events that have shaped Hydaelyn and continue to influence its destiny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Earth and the world of Final Fantasy XIV:

Does Final Fantasy XIV ever mention Earth directly? No, Final Fantasy XIV lore does not explicitly mention Earth or any parallel Earth-like world. The narrative is entirely self-contained within the setting of Hydaelyn and its shards.
Are there any human cultures in Final Fantasy XIV inspired by Earth cultures? Yes, many cultures in Final Fantasy XIV draw inspiration from real-world cultures. For example, Othard is heavily influenced by East Asian cultures, while certain aspects of Eorzea reflect European historical periods.
Can I play as a human from Earth in Final Fantasy XIV? No, you cannot directly play as a human from Earth. You can create a character from one of the established races within Hydaelyn, such as Hyur, Elezen, Lalafell, Miqo’te, Roegadyn, and Au Ra.
Is there any technology in Final Fantasy XIV that is similar to Earth technology? While magic is prevalent, Final Fantasy XIV also features advanced technologies, particularly within the Garlean Empire. These technologies are distinct from Earth-based technology but can be comparable in their function and complexity.
Are there any real-world animals or plants in Final Fantasy XIV? Some creatures and plants in Final Fantasy XIV might bear resemblance to real-world counterparts, but they are typically fantastical variations with unique traits and lore within the game’s universe.
Does Final Fantasy XIV have its own version of the solar system? The cosmology of Final Fantasy XIV is not explicitly detailed, but the lore suggests a different planetary system and celestial arrangement than our own. The focus is primarily on Hydaelyn and its surrounding aetherial currents.
Could the “Source” be considered a parallel version of Earth? No, the Source is a shard of Hydaelyn and is distinct from Earth. It possesses its own history, cultures, and unique magical properties. The game’s narrative emphasizes the internal consistency of Hydaelyn’s world.
Do any characters in Final Fantasy XIV come from another planet? The concept of characters arriving from other planets is not a core element of Final Fantasy XIV’s storyline. The narrative primarily focuses on the events unfolding on Hydaelyn and its shards.
Is there a creation myth in Final Fantasy XIV that resembles Earth’s creation myths? Hydaelyn has its own distinct creation myth, involving the conflict between Hydaelyn (the goddess of light) and Zodiark (the god of darkness). This myth is central to the game’s overarching storyline and is unique to the Final Fantasy XIV universe.
What are the main differences between Hydaelyn and Earth? The most significant differences include the presence of aether, the existence of magic, the shattered nature of the world into shards, and the unique races and cultures that inhabit Hydaelyn.
Are there any religions in Final Fantasy XIV that mirror Earth’s religions? While certain religious practices within Final Fantasy XIV might share thematic similarities with Earth religions, they are deeply embedded in the game’s lore and feature unique deities, rituals, and beliefs.
Does climate change exist in Final Fantasy XIV? Environmental changes are portrayed in the game, often stemming from magical imbalances or the destructive actions of powerful beings, but they are not presented in the same context as Earth’s climate change.
How does the concept of time work in Final Fantasy XIV compared to Earth? Time generally functions similarly to Earth in Final Fantasy XIV, with days, months, and years. However, specific events can alter the flow of time or create temporal distortions within certain areas.
Is there any mention of dinosaurs or prehistoric creatures in Final Fantasy XIV? While not presented as dinosaurs in the traditional sense, Final Fantasy XIV features various ancient and powerful creatures, some of which might evoke prehistoric imagery. These creatures are integrated into the game’s ecosystem and lore.
If Earth doesn’t exist, what is the “real world” counterpart for the Final Fantasy XIV characters? The characters within Final Fantasy XIV inhabit their own fully realized world, and there is no explicit “real world” counterpart for them. They exist within the narrative confines of Hydaelyn and its shards.

Conclusion

While the world of Final Fantasy XIV is rich with inspiration drawn from various sources, including aspects of Earth’s cultures and history, it’s essential to remember that Earth itself is not part of the game’s lore. The world of Hydaelyn, with its unique history, characters, and intricate mythology, stands as a distinct and captivating realm, offering players an immersive and unforgettable experience. Embracing the differences and exploring the nuances of Hydaelyn is key to fully appreciating the depth and complexity of Final Fantasy XIV.

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