The Eternians (エタニア人) are a mysterious ancient race of people who lived on the Isle of Seiren. They are featured in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana.
Overview[]
Eternians are the genetic ancestors of present-day humans. Their civilization can only be found on the Isle of Seiren, with Aegias as the center of Eternian civilization. They were initially thought to be the offspring of Primordials, or Saurians as the Eternians called them, through the blessings of the Great Tree. However, this was a lie propagated by a faction of Eternians to instill reverence for the Great Tree of Origins.
The Eternians also have their own religion that centers around the existence of the Great Tree of Origins, a massive tree located on the Northern side of Gendarme Mountain. Their religion is headed by an appointed priestess named the Maiden of the Great Tree. The tree itself has the power to show visions, or future premonitions, which is the most essential aspect of how the Eternians live their lives.
Additionally, some Eternians also possess the ability to harness Essence, which is a form of natural energy that can manipulate the laws of nature.
Aegias, located to the Northern parts of the island, is a massive ancient city ruled by the Aegian Royalty whom, with the Maiden of the Great Tree, have the same influence to lead their people.
Appearance[]
Eternians and present-day humans share the same physical characteristics, but Eternians are much taller and have better physiques.
The average height of Eternian men is over 220cm (7'2"), and the women are usually over 190cm (6'2").[1] Dana Iclucia, who is 172cm (5'7") tall, is considered a tall woman among Adol and the castaways of the Lombardia, but she is relatively short among the Eternians.
They generally wear light clothing made of fiber, leather, and metal jewelry. Their clothes often expose their abdomen and navel, while other adults wear clothes that cover most of their bodies. Elderly people and those in certain positions, such as Essence Masters, wear long robes instead. The Eternians wore the same type of clothing even during winters, as they had Essence equipment to protect them from the cold to some degree.
Society[]
The Eternian society was based around the royal family as the head of state and the Maiden of the Great Tree as their spiritual leader. The visions of the future the Maiden receives by the Great Tree helped them avoid or take precautions against disasters like wildfires, floods or famines.
Aegias, the capital of the Kingdom of Eternia, built under Light King Alchea right by the Great Tree, was one of the leading centers of Eternian culture and a major trading city.
Not much is known about the Eternians living outside of Aegias.
Extinction[]
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Spoiler warning! This section contains plot details of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. Do not read it if you have not played the game and intend to do so in the future. |
The end of the Eternian civilization was brought by the Lacrimosa of the Great Tree. It came in the form of a meteor shower, followed by earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions that filled the sky with ash. This induced a change in climate which slowly killed off the remaining Eternians, with the exception of Dana Iclucia, as she became an immortal Warden of Evolution.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Calculated from height difference chart in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana art book.