Four Symbols The Four Symbols is a recurring theme in the " Final Fantasy " series . They refer to the four mythological creatures in the Chinese constellation . The symbols have permeated into pop culture , and have recurred in the series as follows . Appearances . " Final Fantasy XI " . Four Notorious Monster s are named according to the Japanese Shijin , and each refer to themselves as the " Divine Guardian " of the four cardinal directions . These monsters can be found at the Ru ' Aun Gardens in Tu ' Lia , but only after summoning them using a particular stone and gem named after their respective Season and Direction . " Final Fantasy XII " . The boss monsters Slyt , Phoenix , Fenrir and Pandaemonium are each referred to the " Sì Xiàng " in their bestiaries . They are found at the Pharos both as bosses and a Mark hunted within the Subterra . " Final Fantasy Tactics " . An Artefact called the " Four - Deity Plate " is described as " a set of four small brooches , each crafted in the image of an Eastern Deity of direction . The intricate inlay of fine jewels suggests the collection once belonged to nobility " . " Final Fantasy Tactics Advance " . The Shijin is referred to in the " Shijin Shield " , a Mythril shield dedicated to the four shijin gods . A mythril shield called " Shield of the Four " is described as " made in honor of the Four Gods " and " bears the symbols of the Four upon its surface " . " Final Fantasy Type - 0 " . The world of Orience is comprised of four nations known as the Crystal - States , as each nation controls one of four Crystals named after the Shijin . The Dominion of Rubrum holds the Vermilion Bird Crystal , which specializes in magic . The Militesi Empire holds the White Tiger Crystal , which specializes in technology . The Lorican Alliance holds the Black Tortoise Crystal , which specializes in weapons and armor . The Kingdom of Concordia holds the Azure Dragon Crystal , which specializes in the controlling of wild creatures . The four nations are geographically placed by their symbols ' cardinal directions . In the English localization , the names of the four symbols are literally translated , save for the Nox Suzaku and the l ' Cie Soryu , a manifestation of the Azure Dragon . Pandæmonium , where the Rursus Crystal is assumed to be located , appears at the peninsula that stands at the middle of Orience . In the mythology of the four symbols , the original incarnation featured the Shenlong or Koryu , the Golden Dragon representative of the Wu Xing element of Earth , the direction of center , and the highest powers that govern over the rest of the Four symbols . Its Japanese analogue rather sees no beast represent the aspects of center , and instead represents the element of Sky , or the Void . " Final Fantasy Type - Next " . Ace is revived by the power of the Vermilion Bird and also has a new armor with Vermilion Bird ' s burning tails . " The Final Fantasy Legend " . The Four Fiends are servants of Ashura , and through him , the Creator . They are based on the four symbols of Chinese astrology and are given the Japanese names for those symbols . In the English version , they go by the name of Gen - Bu , Sei - Ryu , Byak - Ko , and Su - Zaku . " Final Fantasy Dimensions " . The four Blades of Nil , Despair , Suffering , Misery and Anguish , are each based on the Shijin ( Genbu , Suzaku , Byakko and Seiryu , respectively ) . " Final Fantasy Legends II " . Suzaku , Seiryu , Byakko , and Genbu are fought as a boss .