Over the years, Square Enix has really leaned intoFinal Fantasy’sstatus as an anthology series. With this in mind, it’s little surprise that its features have changed dramatically between installments, depending on the themes of each universe. Even though the mainline games share a naming structure, each is often detached from the rest. One of the best ways to see this phenomenon in action is to look atFinal Fantasy’s iconic summons.
One summon that’s remained a near-constant presence inFinal Fantasy’s history since his debut, is Odin. Even though the entity in question differs significantly from the one seen in Norse mythology, and itsinspirations likeGod of War: Ragnarok, Square Enix’s Odin is still a formidable force. Considering the character is set to reappear once again inFinal Fantasy 16next year, now is the perfect time to explore how Odin has changed.
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Odin in Final Fantasy 3
Like most of the series' iconic summons, Odin first appeared back in 1990’sFinal Fantasy 3. Most of what fans have come to love about the entity, and what’s helped to keep him popular alongsidethe likes of Ifrit and Shiva, was established during his debut appearance. Despite this, it should be noted that the character actually shares only a few things with his Norse namesake.
Unlike the Odin of Norse mythology, Square Enix’s incarnation has often had more in common with the dark knights found within Arthurian legend. Clad in elaborate armor and a demonic-looking helm, the Odin ofFinal Fantasy 3first established this trend. While the unarmed horse that the summon is always seen riding is inspired by his mythological counterpart, it should be noted that the god preferred an 8-legged steed named Sleipnir.
From a mechanical perspective though,Final Fantasy 3established a blueprint for the franchise’s Odin that has been emulated by almost every installment since. Just like in future games,FF3players had to prove they were worthy enough to summon Odin by beating him in a boss fight. His iconic Zantetsuken attack, which sees him sever enemies in half with a sword, also made its first appearance during this fight.
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Final Fantasy 4’s Odin
Players didn’t have to wait long for Odin’s second appearance, following his debut inFF3. What’s striking about his role inFinal Fantasy 4though, is the fact that the summon takes up a more prominent role within the game’s overarching narrative. Part way through the adventure, it’s revealed that theKing of Baron has been transformedinto Odin following his murder at the hands of Cagnazzo. After a boss fight with the entity within Baron Castle, Rydia is granted the ability to summon him in battle.
Final Fantasy 5’s Odin
Even thoughthe Odin ofFinal Fantasy 5shares a lot in common with the incarnations that followed him, this particular version is worthy of some extra attention. That’s because, out of every Odin that’s appeared within the series, a case can be made forFF5’s being the most mythologically accurate. Riding atop a six-legged horse, similar to Sleipnir, this incantation also wields a spear named Gungnir. Which, significantly, is the same weapon the Norse god utilized.
Odin’s Optional Summon Era
With most of his looks and attacks having been cemented in earlier installments, Odin experienced a period of stability followingFinal Fantasy 5. InFinal Fantasy 6,7,8, and9, the character played more of a background role in terms of gameplay, as an optional summon that players could unlock with extra work. InFF6for example, players could add the summon to their arsenal after stumbling across his magicite in the Ancient Castle.
Similarly, the Odin ofFinal Fantasy 7can be called upon by themembers of Cloud’s party, after his summon Materia has been picked up from the Shinra Mansion in Nibelheim. Like most of these depictions, Odin’s move-set was technically tweaked within the PS1-era JRPG though. Instead of welding the Norse-themed Gungnir for example, this version has access to the setting-appropriate Gunga Lance.
WithinFinal Fantasy 8, players can unlock the ability for Odin to appear at the start of a battle, as a random summon. Doing so isn’t easy though, as he must first be beaten during a time-limited battle within the Centra Ruins, whilst the player rushes to beat a series of puzzles. If this is done before fighting Seifer, Odin will appear at the start of the boss fight. After quickly being taken down by the villain, he will seemingly be reborn as Gilgamesh, and will remain with the player for the remainder of the game.
In comparison to this,Final Fantasy 9’s optional Odinwas changed to be far more straightforward. When it comes to gameplay, Dagger can summon Odin whenever she has been equipped with Dark Matter. Reflecting his role inFF4and8, Odin also plays a minor role within the game’s story. After Queen Brahne has temporarily extracted Dagger’s Eidolons, she uses the summon during her villainous attack on Cleyra.
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Final Fantasy 13’s Odin
Odin’s appearance inFinal Fantasy 13acts as a stark contrast to the era of the series' history, where he was often relegated to an optional summon. That’s because within thepolarizing entry in Square Enix’s franchise, Lighting can access Odin as her own personal Eidolon. After facing him in battle to prove her worth during the game’s story, the entity can be called upon during battle. Unlike the aforementioned incarnations though,FF13’s Odin can transform into a horse when he’s in Gestalt Mode, which allows Lightning to ride him. In a break from tradition, this version of the entity wealds an s-shaped sword.
Odin’s MMO Appearances
Having failed toshow up inFinal Fantasy 10, Odin eventually appeared in the next mainline numbered installment. Considering howFinal Fantasy 11was Square Enix’s first attempt to translate its JRPG series into an MMO, it isn’t shocking that Odin was tweaked for the game. While his physical appearance remained largely unchanged, the way in which players summoned him was altered so that he could fit into an online game.
Initially, when the game launched Odin was only present as the name of one of the MMO’s servers. It wasn’t untilFF11’s March 2010 updatethat Odin physically appeared as an Avatar for Summoners over level 75, under the effect of an Astral Flow. Attempts to include the entity, whilst ensuring the game remained balanced, go some way to explain why his summoning was so complex. This line of thinking has also shaped his second MMO appearance.
In an era when multiplayer games are often persistent experiences that change over time, it’s not shocking that Square Enix has used OdininFinal Fantasy 14along these lines. Even though he can be encountered as a roaming primal, via his sword, it’s arguably his other cameos that are more notable. Under certain conditions and points within the MMO’s story, Odin can appear in a helping capacity. To date he’s also cropped up in special seasonal events as a boss encounter, such asFinal Fantasy 14’s2014 Fan Festivals.
Odin’s Appearance in Final Fantasy 16
Except forFF10andFF15, Odin has technically played a role in every mainlineFinal Fantasygame. WithinFinal Fantasy 12for example, the character appears in cameo-form as an airship within the fleet of the Archadian Imperial Army. Even inthe universe ofFinal Fantasy 15, it’s been established through tie-in media that Odin played a significant role in the War of the Astrals.
When it comes to longevity, there aren’t too many summons withinFinal Fantasy’s history that can compete with Odin as a result. Keeping all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that the entity has already been confirmed to appear inthe upcomingFinal Fantasy 16. On a physical appearance front, the PS5 game’s incarnation appears to be a giant version of what fans have come to expect. Complete with iconic dark armor, sword, and trusty 6-legged horse companion.
Thanks toFinal Fantasy 16’s ‘Dominance’ trailer though, it’s clear that Odin and the series’ other summons will play a central role within the game’s story. On a level that no other entry has ever come close to even trying. Each global power within Valisthea is said to have access to a Dominant, a person who under certain conditions can transform into an Eikon. With Odin being one of these, seemingly forthe Kingdom of Waloedand its monarch, players should be prepared to see the summon in a brand-new role.
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