|
|
|
|
- The Goddess Minerva -
"When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end
The goddess descends from the sky
Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting"
Official appearances:
- Crisis Core
- Final Fantasy Trading Card Game
- Final Fantasy VII (Item: Minerva Band)
- Episode: Denzel (Statue)
- Advent Children (Statue)
Weapon:
- Staff
- Bow
-Original description-
With her body clad in an impressive suit
of golden armor, she is an existence that
transcends all matter. Beneath her helmet
she is a beautiful woman with blond hair
and green eyes. In Banora, at the end of
the events of Crisis Core, Genesis fulfills
his wish to meet her, and she appears in
the mission "The Reigning Deity". She is
interpreted to be the Goddess mentioned
in LOVELESS, though her appearance is
similar to a Summon, but it seems that her
actions represent the will of the Lifestream.
- LOVELESS -
-The Poem-
Prologue
When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end
The goddess descends from the sky
Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting
Act I
Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess
We seek it thus, and take to the sky
Ripples form on the water's surface
The wandering soul knows no rest
Act II
There is no hate, only joy
For you are beloved by the goddess
Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds
Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul
Pride is lost
Wings stripped away, the end is nigh
Act III
My friend, do you fly away now?
To a world that abhors you and I?
All that awaits you is a somber morrow
No matter where the winds may blow
My friend, your desire
Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess
Even if the morrow is barren of promises
Nothing shall forestall my return
Act IV
My friend, the fates are cruel
There are no dreams, no honor remains
The arrow has left the bow of the goddess
My soul, corrupted by vengeance
Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey
In my own salvation
And your eternal slumber
Legend shall speak
Of sacrifice at world's end
The wind sails over the water's surface
Quietly, but surely
Act V
Even if the morrow is barren of promises
Nothing shall forestall my return
To become the dew that quenches the land
To spare the sands, the seas, the skies
I offer thee this silent sacrifice
-Inscriptions-
Act I
The infinite mystery
The gift of the goddess is what the three men seek
But their fates are scattered by war
One becomes a hero, one wanders the land
And the last is taken prisoner
But the three are still bound by a solemn oath
To seek the answer together, once again
Act II
Though the prisoner escapes, he is gravely wounded
His life is saved, however
By a woman of the opposing nation
He begins a life of seclusion with her
Which seems to hold the promise of eternal bliss
But as happiness grows, so does guilt
Of not fulfilling the oath to his friends
Act III
As the war sends the world hurtling towards destruction
The prisoner departs with his newfound love
And embarks on a new journey
He is guided by hope that the gift will bring bliss
And the oath that he swore to his friends
Though no oath is shared between the lovers
In their hearts they know they will meet again
-Conversations about LOVELESS-
-Cid's Impression (Final Fantasy VII)
Cid: "You ever see the play "LOVELESS"?"
Cloud: "Yes"
Cid: "Yeah? Really? Well, that's fine.
They've been doin' that play every summer since I was a kid.
An' I remember seein' it just once...
That was when I was in Midgar interviewing to be a pilot.
I had some free time and thought I'd catch the play."
Now, I'm no big fan of the theater or anything.
But this thing put me to sleep, just like I thought it would.
Finally during the last scene, the guy next to me woke me up
tellin' me my snorin' was too loud.
So about all I really remember of that play is the end...
The sister of the lead asks her lover,
"Do you really have to leave?"
And the guy says,
"I promised. The people I love are waiting."
"......I don't understand. Not at all. But......
please take care of yourself."
"Of course... I'll come back to you.
Even if you don't promise to wait.
I'll return knowing that you'll be here."
I remember thinking when I heard those lines,
"*&%! What the hell's he talkin' about?"
But, you know... now I'm
not so sure...
I think I understand......"
-Hojo's Impression (Crisis Core)
Genesis: "My friend, the fates are cruel
There are no dreams, no honor remains
The arrow has left the bow of the goddess"
Hojo: "The entire cast of Hollander's freak show!"
Zack: "Shut up, you!"
Genesis: ""LOVELESS" Act IV."
Hojo: "Where the two friends challenge each other to a duel.
An ancient epic. I read it thinking it might aid my research,
but... pure drivel."
Angeal: "How does the duel end?"
Hojo: "Unknown. The last act is missing,
and yet to be discovered."
Genesis: "There are various theories.
The mysterious gift of the goddess...
What is the meaning behind it? For us, at least."
Zack: "Hold it, Genesis!"
Genesis: "My soul, corrupted by vengeance
Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey
In my own salvation
And your eternal slumber"
-Sephiroth's Impression (Crisis Core)
Genesis: "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess
We seek it thus, and take to the sky
Ripples form on the water's surface
The wandering soul knows no rest"
Sephiroth: ""LOVELESS" Act I."
Genesis: "You remembered."
Sephiroth: "How can I not when you've beaten it into my head?"
Genesis: "There is no hate, only joy
For you are beloved by the goddess
Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds"
Sephiroth: ""LOVELESS" again? You never change."
Genesis: "Three friends go into battle. One is captured,
one flies away, the one that is left becomes a hero."
Sephiroth: "A common story."
Genesis: "If we were to enact it, would I be the one to play
the hero, or would you?"
Sephiroth: "It's all yours."
Genesis: "Indeed. After all, your glory should have been mine."
Sephiroth: "How petty."
Genesis: "In hindsight, perhaps. Now, what I want most...
is the "gift of the goddess.""
Sephiroth: "What do you want of me?"
Genesis: "Your traits cannot be copied unto others.
Your genes can't be diffused.
Therefore, your body cannot degrade.
Share your cells with me.
My friend, your desire
Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess"
[Genesis holds out a Banora White]
Sephiroth: "Whether your words are lies created to deceive me...
or the truth, that I have sought all my life...
it makes no difference."
[Knocks the apple out of Genesis's hand]
"You will rot."
Genesis: "I see...perfect monster, indeed.
When the war of the beasts bring about the world's end
The goddess descends from the sky
Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss
...her gift everlasting."
-Zack's Impression (Crisis Core)
Genesis: "Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul
Pride is lost
Wings stripped away, the end is nigh
Such is... the fate of a monster."
Zack: "We're not monsters, you hear me? We're SOLDIER!
Where's your honor?"
Genesis: "Even if the morrow is barren of promises
Nothing shall forestall my return
If this world seeks my destruction... it goes with me."
Zack: "Genesis..."
Genesis: "Your cells will be my gift of the goddess...
The degradation will cease."
Zack: "You...are twisted."
Genesis: "The monster has been harvested,
and can be discarded."
Zack: "You're the monster!"
Genesis: "Legend shall speak
Of sacrifice at world's end
The wind sails over the water's surface
Quietly, but surely"
Genesis: "The gift of the goddess...
A pure S cell sample will stop the degradation process."
Zack: "Pure?"
Genesis: "There are...two of you, on the run.
One is a former SOLDIER operative. The other, an infantryman."
Hollander: "That infantryman carries within his body the last pure
S-cells in the world!"
Zack: "Hey!"
Genesis: "Do you know the verse in Act IV that leads in to the
final act?"
Zack: "Of course not."
Genesis: "Legend shall speak
Of sacrifice at world's end
The wind sails over the water's surface
Quietly, but surely"
Zack: "Enough about sacrifices and endings!
I don't want to hear it!"
Genesis: "You don't understand the beauty of these words.
How tragic... I'm not surprised. Even I didn't understand all of it.
The greatest mystery behind the gift of the goddess...
"The water's surface." And the answer I have arrived at,
is the Lifestream."
Zack: "What?"
Genesis: "There are various theories regarding the missing
final act.
However, only my theory is correct. And I will prove it to you!"
Zack: "No, that won't be necessary!"
Genesis: "You will understand."
-Mails mentioning LOVELESS-
-From Kunsel
Went to see LOVELESS
Genesis, K.I.A?
Yeah, right. Who do they think they're trying to fool?
Just got back from seeing the stage production of
LOVELESS in Midgar. Genesis was a big fan, wasn't he?
I usually don't care for classic drama, but it was pretty
damned good. The guy is the hero in the original, but
the play was more from the viewpoint of the girl who
helps the guy. When I heard that last line:
"Of course... I'll come back to you. Even if you don't
promise to wait. I'll return knowing that you'll be here."
Aw, man, that's when I lost it and just started bawling.
-From Cissnei
When you come back
Are you in Nibelheim now?
I've got business in another freezing locale myself.
By the way, I couldn't help but notice that you were
reading LOVELESS while you were in Costa Del Sol.
That was Genesis's favorite work, wasn't it?
So have you finished it yet? I bet you got bored
of it in the middle and just tossed it away.
But there's a stage production of
LOVELESS now playing in Midgar. Let's go see it
when you get back. Who knows? It might just give
you the hint you're looking for.
-Red Leather
Genesis Fan Club Newsletter 666
This issue is for the newcomers to Red Leather. As a welcome
gift, here is some basic information about Genesis.
Hobby: Reading. He happened upon a copy of LOVELESS
in his parents' study. It has been his favorite work
ever since.
Why he joined SOLDIER: The heroics of Sephiroth, who
is the same age as Genesis, inspired him to work for the
good of the world.
We will update you on any new information as it
becomes available.
Genesis Fan Club Newsletter 668
This is a report on our memorial service.
All of us in attendance read from LOVELESS,
Genesis's favorite work, and prayed for his soul.
On a lighter note, we are happy to report that
the apple jewelry was a smashing success!
We are planning to sell them online to those of
you who could not attend the event. If you would
like one, please reply to this address.
Supplies are limited. Order now!
-Study Group
An invitation to LOVELESS
LOVELESS on stage is as popular as ever.
This year's production retains the love story from
the female point of view, with the focus on
Acts II and III, as usual. This interpretation features
additional scenes of the two friends, making it
closer to the original text.
Acts II and III of LOVELESS have become famous
thanks to the plays, but pundits agree that the
story's true value lies in Act IV.
Could this year's production make up for it?
Join us at the theatre as we decide for ourselves.
Declaration
The reason Genesis adored LOVELESS so much? He
claimed it provided answers to do many of the
mysteries in our world regarding history, science,
art, and astronomy.
But experts agree that the answer to the biggest
mystery was in the final act, which was scattered
and lost--and thus is worthy of further study.
Our dear Genesis also devoted his life to interpreting
the missing final act. As a devoted study group,
let's inherit his life's work in his memory!
Message to members
We have managed to compile Genesis's theories
on LOVELESS's final act into a single volume.
We are going to publish this book ourselves,
and decided that the book will be the basic
text for our future studies.
Participants in the LOVELESS study group are
required to purchase a copy.
Mystery of the final act
Our self-published book on Genesis's LOVELESS
theories have become a runaway bestseller.
Let's use this momentum to move forward in
our studies of the final act.
The biggest mystery of the final act is
what happens to the world after the "gift
of the goddess" is given.
The key to understanding this is in how we
interpret "the goddess" in this context, but
experts still cannot come to a consensus.
Thoughts on "the gift of the goddess"
The "gift of the goddess," the source of life, is said
to bring immortality. The most widely accepted theory
equates the gift of the goddess to the Banora White.
There is, however, another theory which advocates that
it is the planet, not any human, that becomes immortal.
This suggests two other interpretations of the gift.
One is an all-consuming destruction;
the other is an all-healing salvation.
Genesis believed in the latter, predicting some sort
of salvation from the gift of the goddess.
Our upcoming secret event!
Fellow Genesis fan club members:
Our annual memorial event is coming soon!
Of course, with all the witness accounts that keep
pouring in, it won't be so much a memorial for Genesis
as a gathering to wish his full-fledged return.
As for our always popular goods for sale,
this year we have prepared copies of
LOVELESS bound in custom leather.
We look forward to your attendance, and
don't forget to buy your special LOVELESS!
-Posters and Premiere Dates-
Before Crisis
-Location: Midgar
Crisis Core
"LOVELESS Special stage
in 7.19 mon - 7.00 Premiere"
([ ν ] - εγλ 0001)
-Location: LOVELESS Avenue
Final Fantasy VII
"LOVELESS
MY BLOODY VALENTINE
6/25 6:00- Premiere"
([ ν ] - εγλ 0007)
-Location: Midgar
Advent Children (Complete)
"POUVEI (Power?) CO
STATION BUILDING
EAST STATION EDGE HEAD OFFICE
HOTEL EDGE SOUTHERN TOWER
S-EDGE Sta. Southern Gate
OPEN 6/25 18:00
LOVELESS"
([ ν ] - εγλ 0009, Friday)
-Location: Edge
Dirge of Cerberus
-Location: Edge
-Merchandise-
-LOVELESS Silver Pendant-
A LOVELESS silver pendant was released in December 2007.
-LOVELESS Bag-
A LOVELESS bag was released on May 16, 2012.
-FINAL FANTASY XIII-2-
"Loveless" is used an alternative answer to one of Captain
Cryptic's quiz questions in FINAL FANTASY XIII-2.
-LOVELESS
-LOVELESS Avenue
- Advent Children Limited Edition DVD Staff Commentary -
According to the staff commentary track,
there is a "secret meaning" to the winged
statue outside of 7th Heaven, although
they did not reveal what.
- Crisis Core: The Complete Guide -
-The Meeting with Minerva
"Minerva is similar to a Summon, and her intention was not
necessarily to revive Genesis. The image of Minerva in her
actions and expressions is a reflection of the will of the
Lifestream."
"Genesis, wanting to regain his pride as a SOLDIER, decided
that it could not be found simply in the duty of SOLDIER.
He then came to the conclusion that "I am not afraid of
degradation or death". In short, Genesis's goal was that
of "surmounting death". Genesis's strong desire to "fulfill
the duty of a SOLDIER" was accepted by the Lifestream,
in a way saying: "Then fulfill it"."
"Minerva's facial expressions are meant to be a hint
of the Lifestream's judgment, such as "Genesis has
not yet fulfilled his duty as a SOLDIER" and
"Genesis still has much left to learn"."
"Thus, Genesis was able to achieve his goal of
"surmounting death." And this event is connected
to his future actions."
-The Gift of the Goddess
"What the three heroes of LOVELESS were searching
for. Genesis believed that it would be able to cure his
degradation and thus sought it out, attempting to recreate
the conditions of LOVELESS in order to receive the Gift of
the Goddess at the conclusion of his plan. However, after
fighting with Zack, Genesis realized during his sleep that
his "SOLDIER pride" was the Gift of the Goddess.
Yet, the general theory is that the result of receiving the
Gift of the Goddess is perpetual youth and longevity which
in turn is connected to theories regarding the health
benefits of Banora White apples. Moreover, while it is
impossible for a person to become ageless, it has been
proposed that this theory can be applied to the Planet
itself, and in that case the Gift of the Goddess becomes
"all-consuming destruction" or "all-healing salvation".
-The Goddess Materia
"The Materia required to open up the door that divides the
Banora Underground. Before the door is a pedestal used to
bring out their potency when all seven [the Light, Heaven,
Ground, Star, Life, Being and Sabbath Materia] are
placed in their respective sockets."
-The Goddess Statue
"A statue of the Goddess installed The Light of Doom in
the Banora Underground. It was part of Genesis's
attempt to recreate the world of LOVELESS, and after
his meeting with Minerva the statue shattered."
-The Red Orb
"Refers to the red orb set in a large tree growing in
The Light of Doom in the Banora Underground. It is a
special kind of Materia which Genesis discovered by
chance, and during his reenactment of LOVELESS it serves
as the "Gift of the Goddess". In the game it is seen
absorbing the surrounding Lifestream and giving its power
to Genesis, but the details of its effects are unknown."
-The Great Cavern of Wonders
"A large, mysterious cavern discovered in the north.
The Shinra army, Wutai remnants, and Genesis's Copy Army
all sought what lurked deep inside of it. When the Wutai
and Genesis forces were finally annihilated, only SOLDIER
remained. Furthermore, within the cavern lurked monsters
and machines and other things of abnormal strength, and
in its darkest depths was where Minerva reigned as the
source of the mysterious energy which permeated it."
- The Banora White -
"The official name is Banora White. The trees bear
fruit at random times during the year. Because of that,
the townspeople affectionately call them dumbapples.
The local farms had plenty to spare."
-Angeal
A unique, bluish species of apple which only grows
in Banora. It has been interpreted by many as
"Gift of the Goddess" mentioned in the
famous epic LOVELESS.
The popular Banora White Apple Juice is
also produced in Banora.
- Mails Mentioning the Goddess -
Mystery of the final act
From: Study Group
Our self-published book on Genesis's LOVELESS
theories have become a runaway bestseller.
Let's use this momentum to move forward in
our studies of the final act.
The biggest mystery of the final act is
what happens to the world after the "gift
of the goddess" is given.
The key to understanding this is in how we
interpret "the goddess" in this context, but
experts still cannot come to a consensus.
Thoughts on "the gift of the goddess"
From: Study Group
The "gift of the goddess," the source of life, is said
to bring immortality. The most widely accepted theory
equates the gift of the goddess to the Banora White.
There is, however, another theory which advocates that
it is the planet, not any human, that becomes immortal.
This suggests two other interpretations of the gift.
One is an all-consuming destruction;
the other is an all-healing salvation.
Genesis believed in the latter, predicting some sort
of salvation from the gift of the goddess.
Breaking news
From: Red Leather
Here at Red Leather, we have received
numerous reports of Genesis sightings.
If Genesis does indeed live, despite
being reported as killed in action,
has he perhaps solved the riddle that
surround the "gift of the goddess"?
Genesis can never do wrong, and he
deserves our support!
A SOLDIER legend, so they say
From: Kunsel
Someone apparently took care of this thing that's
been on the back burner forever. All the bigwigs
and everyone in SOLDIER are freaking out that
it's the return of the SOLDIER legend.
The source of the problem was apparently more powerful
than a summon. Its materia reaction was so beyond measure,
the gauge started to smoke. In fact, the materia power
was so intense that other monsters, and even robots,
became overloaded with mako and started going berserk.
Anyway, I was thinking...This SOLDIER legend...
Could everybody be talking about...YOU?
- Changes -
The appearance of the
Goddess statue was changed
for the overseas release
due to religious reasons.
- The Minerva Band -
Minerva Band can be found in Ancient Forest
or stolen from Elena. This piece of armor can only be
worn by women.
Minerva armour is commonly featured in the FINAL FANTASY
series and can usually only be worn by women.
Also, Menrva is the name of the fal'Cie rukh in FINAL FANTASY XIII.
- The Wings of the Goddess -
The design used for various ornaments and
decorations, such as the detail on Buster
Sword's hilt and in the church in the Midgar
slums.
On a side note, it is identical to the Cosmos
symbol from Dissidia.
-Concept Art-
-CG Renders-
-CG Render - Goddess Statue (North American Edition)-
-FINAL FANTASY TRADING CARD GAME-
|
| |
