Kurma

Kurma is a Persona in Persona: Story. Kurma, as well as his representation of the World Turtle, has never appeared in Megami Tensei prior.

## General Information

Origin: Hindu Mythology

First Appearance: Persona: Story

Arcana: World

Persona User: Akira Ashihara

Awakens from: Beowulf

## History

Kurma is the second incarnation of the Dashavatara, serving as one of the ten principal avatars of the god Vishnu. He is traditionally represented as a turtle or tortoise, large and powerful enough to support the entire Earth on his back. He is said to appear in times of crisis to restore balance to the universe. He is believed to represent the need for support, meditation, and resolution.

## Design

Kurma's appearance is that of a Galapagos tortoise with green skin. He wears a mask resembling the visor of a knight's helmet, which covers his milky white eyes. His four legs and belly possess brown colored armor modelled after a tortoise's shell. His actual shell in silver with the appearance of a gigantic shield with a large representation of the planet Earth imbedded within the uppermost place.

## Profile

*"Kurma is the second incarnation of the Hindu god Vishu. An interpretation of the world turtle archetype seen in many religions, he carries the weight of the Earth on his back. His most famous feat is churning the Ocean of Milk to rejuvenate the universe."*

-Compendium Description

Kurma is the ultimate Persona of Akira Ashihara and the sole World Persona in the game. He was awakened in the road to the afterlife when Akira tore off Beowulf's armor. Encouraged by what his friends thought were empty farewells as he ascended to Heaven and the words of his other self, Akira denied entry into Heaven and used Kurma's phenomenal power to resurrect himself. Engaging in a one-on-one rematch with the Questing Beast, Akira dealt an effortless defeat to him before finishing him off with Weight of the World.

In New Game+, Kurma can be fused using an advanced fusion once level 90 is reached. In addition to Weight of the World, Kurma can learn Almighty skills and specializes in granting single party members incredible buffs.

## Stats

"Once more, your desire to be reborn has allowed me to return to your side. Wield me once more, and no harm shall come to those under your watchful eye."

Arcana: World

## Symbolism

* Kurma appearing at a time of crisis is similar to him being how Akira saves the world. His resurrection is intended to reference Kurma's status as an avatar and the belief of reincarnation held in the Hindu religion.
* Kurma's design is intended to be an evolution of Beowulf's. Beowulf's armor was excessive, covered every part of his body, and the design is meant to invoke the appearance of hiding. Kurma's armor is minimal, covers only the major parts of his body, and represents Akira finally "coming out of his shell" once and for all. Akira even begins having regular lines of dialogue with voice acting rather than the player choosing his dialogue for him, symbolizing that he is reborn once more into an open-minded person.
* Kurma's white eyes are meant to reference white's symbolic association with holiness (Kurma is a form of a major god) as well as Kurma's feat of churning the Ocean of Milk (the shade used is specifically *milky* white).