Unveiling Zodiark: Why the Ancients Summoned the Primal of Darkness

The Ancients of Etheirys summoned Zodiark, the primal of darkness, as a desperate measure to avert the Final Days, a cataclysmic event threatening to destroy their world. Faced with imminent annihilation, the ruling body, the Convocation of Fourteen, concluded that creating a powerful entity capable of “weaving the laws of reality anew” was their only hope. This involved a great sacrifice. Half of the planet’s population willingly offered themselves as aetheric fuel for Zodiark’s summoning. This act was intended to stabilize the aether, quell the impending doom, and ultimately restore their dying world.

The Genesis of a Primal: Desperation and the Convocation

The story of Zodiark begins with the Ancients, a race possessing immense aetheric power and a harmonious connection to their planet. However, this idyllic existence was shattered by the Final Days, a phenomenon that warped reality, transforming living beings into monstrous entities and threatening to unravel the very fabric of their world.

Faced with this existential threat, the Convocation of Fourteen, the governing body comprised of the most powerful and influential Ancients, convened to find a solution. After much deliberation, they arrived at a radical conclusion: to create a primal, a being of immense power fueled by the collective will and aether of living beings, capable of rewriting the laws of reality itself. This primal would be Zodiark.

The summoning of Zodiark was not undertaken lightly. It required a tremendous sacrifice. To provide the necessary aether, half of the population of Etheirys willingly sacrificed themselves. This momentous act demonstrated the Ancients’ profound sense of responsibility toward their world and their willingness to make unimaginable sacrifices for the sake of its survival. Zodiark was then summoned, he staved off the final days, yet would cause the creation of the splinter that is Hydaelyn.

The Role of Elidibus: Heart and Emissary

Following Zodiark’s summoning, Elidibus, one of the members of the Convocation of Fourteen, was sacrificed to become the Heart of Zodiark. This position granted him a unique connection to the primal, allowing him to mediate its power and act as its emissary.

However, after the initial crisis subsided, Elidibus separated himself from Zodiark. He wished to facilitate discussions within the Convocation on the best path forward. This decision highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding the use of primals and the potential for conflicting ideologies within the Ancient civilization.

The Legacy of Zodiark: A World Divided

While Zodiark initially succeeded in averting the Final Days, his creation ultimately led to further conflict and division among the Ancients. The remaining members of the Convocation grappled with the implications of their actions, with some advocating for a return to the original world state and others seeking a different path.

This internal conflict eventually culminated in the summoning of another primal, Hydaelyn, by Venat (who would later become known as Hydaelyn). Hydaelyn opposed Zodiark and the Ascians, leading to the Sundering, an event that shattered the original world and its inhabitants into fragmented versions. This conflict is at the very heart of the Final Fantasy XIV story.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Lore of Zodiark

Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the lore surrounding Zodiark and the events that led to his summoning:

Was Zodiark First Mentioned?

Zodiark wasn’t explicitly mentioned by name until the stinger scene at the end of A Realm Reborn (ARR). Before that, the Ascians obliquely referred to him as “the one true god,” maintaining an air of mystery around their ultimate goal.

Did Zodiark Stop the Final Days Permanently?

No, while Zodiark provided a temporary reprieve by stabilizing the aether and halting the immediate threat, the Final Days were not permanently eradicated. The underlying conditions that triggered the calamity remained, paving the way for future recurrences.

Did Zodiark Temper the Ancients?

Yes, Zodiark did temper the Ascians. This meant that they were influenced and controlled by him.

Is Zodiark a God?

The Ascians revered Zodiark as their god, acknowledging his immense power and believing in his ability to restore their lost world. However, whether Zodiark truly possesses divine status is a matter of perspective and interpretation within the game’s lore.

Why did the Convocation Summon Zodiark?

As mentioned earlier, the Convocation summoned Zodiark as a last resort to combat the Final Days. They believed that his ability to “weave the laws of reality anew” offered the only chance to avert the impending destruction of their world.

What did Azem do During the Final Days?

Azem, a member of the Convocation of Fourteen who opposed the plan to create Zodiark, dissented from the Convocation’s plan to sacrifice half of their surviving population. Azem disagreed with the Convocation’s decision.

Was Hythlodaeus Sacrificed to Zodiark?

Yes, Hythlodaeus, a prominent Ancient and close friend of Emet-Selch, was among those who willingly sacrificed themselves to summon Zodiark. His decision underscores the gravity of the situation and the widespread belief that Zodiark offered the only hope for survival.

Why is Elidibus a Primal?

Elidibus became a primal after withdrawing from Zodiark. He became a symbol of “salvation” and the “Warrior of Light”.

Did Zodiark temper the Ascians?

Yes, the Ascians were tempered by Zodiark, meaning they were subject to his influence and control. This tempering affected their motivations and actions, driving them to pursue the restoration of Zodiark at all costs.

What is the Purpose of Zodiark?

Zodiark’s primary purpose is to restore the natural state of the universe by folding all of Hydaelyn’s creations back into the Void, where his power is strongest. This objective reflects the Ascians’ desire to undo the Sundering and return to the unified world of the Ancients.

Do Ascians Have Bodies?

Ascians are primarily aetherial beings, meaning their souls exist independently of physical form. However, they can manifest in the physical world by possessing the bodies of mortals, utilizing dark crystals to facilitate this process.

Was Emet-Selch in Love with Azem?

There are multiple clues scattered in cutscenes that suggest Emet-Selch was actually Azem’s boyfriend.

Who was the Heart of Zodiark?

Elidibus was the Heart of Zodiark, a role that granted him a unique connection to the primal and allowed him to mediate its power. However, he later separated himself from Zodiark to pursue his own agenda.

Why is Y’shtola Blind?

Yshtola lost her sight after her time in the Lifestream. With aether she can still see using magic as a supplement.

Is Emet Selch tempered by Zodiark?

Emet-Selch states that he was tempered, but there is some contention.

Understanding the Complexity of the Ancients’ Choice

The decision to summon Zodiark was not a simple one. It was born out of desperation and a profound sense of responsibility toward their world. While the act itself was undeniably drastic, it highlights the complex moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the Ancients in their fight for survival.

By understanding the context surrounding Zodiark’s summoning, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich lore and nuanced characters that define the world of Final Fantasy XIV. The tale of the Ancients serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked power and the enduring struggle between hope and despair.

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