The Eternians (エタニアン) are a mysterious ancient race of people who lived on the Isle of Seiren. They are featured in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana.
Overview[]
Generally to the Ys' Lore, Eternians are genetic ancestors of present humans. Their civilization can only be found in the Isle of Seiren, with the Aegias City is its the center of Eternian Civilization.
The Eternians also have their own religion that centers around the existence of the Great Tree of Origin, 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 way the Eternians live their lives with.
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 the current humans have the same physical aspect, but the former are much taller and have better physiques. They were initially the offspring of Primordials, or Saurians as the Eternians called them, through the Great Trees blessings.
The average height[1] of Eternian men stand is over 220cm (7'2") and the women are usually over 190cm (6'2"). Dana Iclucia, who is 172cm (5'7") tall, is considered a tall woman among Adol and the castaways of the Lombardia, but she is considered quite short among the Eternians.
They generally wear light clothing which consists of fiber, leather, and metal jewelries. Their clothes oftenl exposes their abdomen and their navel, while the other adults dress clothes that covers most of their body parts. Elderly and people 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 cold weather to a degree.
- ↑ Calculated from height difference chart in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana art book.
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[]
|
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[]
