The Mind-Blowing Influence of Final Fantasy 16's Sleipnir Harbard on Eikons Revealed!
Sleipnir, an intriguing character in Final Fantasy 16, may seem unremarkable at first, but his origin tied to Odin's powerful magic raises intriguing questions about the potential abilities and implications of other Eikons
Highlights
The plot points concerning the Eikons in Final Fantasy 16 remain unresolved or subject to interpretation, leaving us questioning the whereabouts of Leviathan and the enigmatic abilities possessed by Sleipnir.The creation of Sleipnir is introduced in the story but is abruptly abandoned, leaving us wondering about the origins of its extraordinary power and whether other Eikons have the capability to create beings.
Sleipnir's origin in Final Fantasy 16 could potentially be attributed to the utilization of Ultima's power or the Eikons' capability to acquire powers from the Mothercrystals. This allows for room for interpretation and speculation within the game's world.
Ever since its debut, Final Fantasy 16 has garnered positive reception due to its enjoyable combat mechanics and engaging narrative set in the politically tense Valisthea. It effectively manages multiple storylines throughout the majority of its duration, but a number of key plot points in Final Fantasy 16 remain unresolved or intentionally left open to interpretation.
What's the Deal with Sleipnir Being Created by Odin's Magic?
Some elements of Final Fantasy 16 revolve around the game's Eikons, which is quite unexpected considering their significance in the storyline. Although there are numerous revelations regarding their role, the location of Leviathan and a particular inexplicable power remain unexplained.
Sleipnir Harbard often goes unnoticed among the extensive ensemble of Final Fantasy 16 due to his primary role as King Barnabas' loyal aide. However, there are moments when he emerges as a formidable adversary, despite his unassuming appearance, thanks to his sheer physical prowess. Despite lacking Eikonic abilities, he showcases his resilience by engaging in a fierce battle against Clive, showcasing a formidable strength that is revealed to be supernatural, as he is not human after all.
Instead, Sleipnir is unveiled as a creation of Final Fantasy 16's immensely powerful Odin, brought to life through the use of magic. Clive and his companions face an onslaught of these copies, leading to the revelation. However, despite the significance of this revelation, it is inexplicably left unresolved, leaving behind numerous unanswered questions. This turn of events raises doubts about the origin of the original Sleipnir's power and casually introduces the concept that Eikons can generate individuals before dismissing it.
The primary enigma that arises from this revelation centers around whether this extraordinary power is exclusive to Odin or if all Eikons possess the capability to create sentient beings. The game provides no indication that Clive, Jill, or Joshua have the ability to wield magic and bring forth living entities. While Odin showcases immense power through his devastating technique, Zanketsuken, which stands as one of Final Fantasy 16's most potent attacks once unlocked, there is no evidence to suggest his ability to create life. Notably, the Eikon of Darkness exhibits diverse abilities, even without considering this particular capability.
Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Waloed, Odin ensnares Clive and Gav within a force field that stretches from the deserted town of Eistla to the immense tower Clive scales prior to his confrontation with Barnabas. This unique power is employed solely on this occasion, although it seems to derive from the element of Darkness, making it somewhat easier to comprehend.
While this explanation fails to address the creation of Sleipnir, a plausible theory suggests that, despite being an Odin creation, it was imbued with the power of Ultima. Barnabas, unfortunately, is overshadowed by Ultima in the pantheon of Final Fantasy 16 villains. Nonetheless, considering his unwavering devotion to the god-like figure, it is reasonable to assume that he was granted some measure of power to advance their shared objectives.
Final Fantasy 16 presents a significant twist with Ultima being responsible for creating humanity as a subordinate race, intended to enhance Valisthea for their habitation. Given this context, it would seem plausible for Barnabas to harness Ultima's power in order to generate another individual. However, an alternative line of reasoning suggests that Sleipnir's existence might be attributed to the Eikons, who acquire certain abilities from Ultima while channeling power from the Mothercrystals containing fragments of him. Considering that Eikons and Ultima possess a strong connection evident in his final confrontation, where he draws upon all elements, it follows that Eikons may possess extraordinary abilities alongside their elemental powers. Although Final Fantasy 16's world leaves room for various interpretations, the creation of Sleipnir makes sense based on the interpretation of specific events. It would be intriguing if a concrete explanation were to emerge, but for now, it remains a subject of enjoyable speculation.
Final Fantasy 16 is out now on PS5.
