Hythlodaeus

Hythlodaeus is a character from Final Fantasy XIV, hailing from the world before its sundering. He was introduced in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers during the final quests in Amaurot. Hythlodaeus has the gift of soul sight, a trait not uncommon among the magically inclined ancients but for the strength in it that he possesses.
==History==
=== Early life ===
Though the gift of soul sight was not rare among the ancients, Hythlodaeus was one of the few born with a great strength in it, and as such was sought out to be recruited into Amaurot's Convocation of Fourteen for the seat of "Emet-Selch". However, lacking any other skills that would make use of this talent, Hythlodaeus turned it down in favor of his friend Hades, a powerful mage who was known for his strength in aether manipulation and whose soul sight nearly matched his. While he would not serve on the Convocation, Hythlodaeus was named Chief of the Bureau of the Architect, the leader of the organization responsible for approving new concepts for creatures and other magical constructs to be released into the world. He was friends with the ancient who held the seat of Azem, whom he secretly sometimes aided during their travels throughout the world of Etheirys. When Etheirys was besieged by the Final Days, Hythlodaeus was among those who sacrificed themselves to summon Zodiark, a primal that would halt the calamity.
=== Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers ===
When the Warrior of Darkness confirmed their entry into the recreation of Amaurot to confront Emet-Selch, the Lightwardens assaulted them by the Light stored inside the Warrior. The pain subsided when a replica of Hythlodaeus asked the Warrior if he could sit next to them, distracting them from the pain.
The Hythlodaeus shade knew he was not real, theorizing that Emet-Selch had made a mistake while creating him, while revealing what he knew of the Final Days. His soul sight allowing him to see Ardbert, the Warrior of Light's counterpart on the First. He revealed that both were fragments of Azem, calling the latter his "new old friend" before taking his leave.
When the Warrior of Darkness returned to Amaurot to rescue Y'shtola Rhul from Elidibus and discovered the Convocation members' memory crystals, Hythlodaeus awaited by Emet-Selch's stone. He implored the Warrior to keep the stones. While he passed no judgment on their battle with Elidibus, he wished for the Warrior to live so that they might keep their promise to remember Amaurot. He offered the Warrior Azem's memory stone, which Emet-Selch had secretly created, uncertain if he was doing it of his free will or not.
=== Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker ===
The real Hythlodaeus appeared on the moon along with the spirits of those sacrificed to create Zodiark. He recognized the Warrior of Light as Azem reborn and offered his aid to keep the other shades at bay. When Zodiark was destroyed, Hythlodaeus's soul returned to the star.
Unbeknownst to Hythlodaeus, when he was alive, he and Emet-Selch had encountered the Warrior of Light during a visit to Elpis to learn more about its chief overseer, Hermes. Hythlodaeus recognized the Warrior's aether, despite it being thin from being sent back in time, and encouraged Emet-Selch to use his aether to construct a physical form for them. In the course of their interactions with Hermes, the group met up with Venat and pursued Hermes through Ktisis Hyperboreia, where they witnessed Meteion succumb to despair and declare her annihilation of Etheirys. Hermes invoked the power of Kairos to alter the memories of all present, as a test for mankind to find the will to live and avert this demise. Hythlodaeus and Emet-Selch helped Venat and the Warrior escape before the memory reconfiguration system activated, and although they could not recall the events of their time in Elpis, Hythlodaeus was hopeful that they would regain their lost memories when they returned to the star.
In Ultima Thule, the Warrior of Light used Azem's crystal to summon the spirits of Hythlodaeus and Emet-Selch to help them convince Meteion that hope yet remained. Hythlodaeus and Emet-Selch used their creation magicks to conjure a field of Elpis flowers, a bloom that changed color in response to feelings; the flowers' presence and color served as proof to her that despair no longer ruled on the dead star. As they faded away, Hythlodaeus hoped that the three of them—himself, Emet-Selch, and the Warrior/Azem—would be reunited in another life.
==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
Hythlodaeus has soft facial features and pale purple hair tied into a braid that rests over his left shoulder.
Emet-Selch's recreation of Hythlodaeus appears much like the shades of ancients that populate Amaurot in the Tempest. He towers over the Warrior of Darkness and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, wearing the signature Amaurotine black robes and white half-mask.
===Personality===
Despite being aware of being a shade, the recreation of Hythlodaeus chooses to continue as normal, aware that he cannot change anything as he is. He is friendly and easygoing when talking to the Warrior, and seeks to confirm their resolve.
In "Tales from the Shadows", Hythlodaeus was said to be friendly but incurably smug for little escaped his perception. He could perceive the Underworld as well as the essence and appearance of the aether of others. He teased Hades with coy remarks but nevertheless respected his close friend. In spite of his cheekiness, he was humble, having declined the seat of "Emet-Selch" despite his sight being the keener of the pair.
When he speaks with the Warrior of Light in Elpis, Hythlodaeus reveals that outside of his ability to see souls, which surpasses even Emet-Selch's, he has no real talents for manipulation, declaring himself unable to transform. He believes that his purpose in life is to help and support Azem and Emet-Selch.
==Voice==
Hythlodaeus is portrayed by Toby Regbo in the English version, who also portrayed young Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
He is voiced by Soichiro Hoshi in the Japanese version, who also portrays Bartz Klauser in the Dissidia Final Fantasy series.
== Gameplay ==
===Party member===
Hythlodaeus is a Trust System party member for the scenario mode of . His class is Soulseer and he wields a Bow of the Wanderer, essentially filling the same role as the Bard job. 
===Triple Triad===
==Etymology==
His name came from Raphael Hythlodaeus ("Hythlodaeus" meaning "Speaker of Nonsense" in Greek), a character from Thomas More's .
==Notes==
Category:Characters in Final Fantasy XIV
Category:Ancients in Final Fantasy XIV
Category:Rangers