Final Fantasy VII - Just a Game, Or Is It Based on Reality?

### Final Fantasy VII: Just a Game, or is it Based in Reality?

#### Introduction

Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997, is not merely a game; it is a complex tapestry woven with layers of narrative that resonate remarkably with various elements of human experience, ancient mythologies, and socio-political themes. While at face value, it is an engaging role-playing game centered around the adventures of Cloud Strife and his companions in a world teetering on the brink of ecological disaster and governmental corruption, a deeper exploration reveals that it is heavily intertwined with real-life philosophical questions, psychological struggles, and even theological concepts. Grounded in themes such as government control, genetic experimentation, messianic figures, and the search for identity, Final Fantasy VII invites players to delve into a world that echoes many realities of our own.

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#### The Corruption of Governance and Authority

One of the central themes of Final Fantasy VII is its critique of governmental corruption and the associated moral decline. The Shinra Electric Power Company, with its ominous presence, symbolizes a powerful, corrupt entity that not only seeks to dominate the planet's resources but is also indicative of real-world multinational corporations that exploit natural resources without regard for ecological consequences. This allegorical representation resonates with current issues like corporate greed and environmental degradation that permeate our society today.

Shinra's monopolistic control over Mako energy—the lifeblood of both the planet and its inhabitants—mirrors the exploitative practices of modern-day governments and corporations that prioritize profit over environmental health. Indeed, their insidious practices draw parallels between the exploitation of developing nations by industrialized countries in our real world, where economic imperialism often results in socio-environmental suffering.

The corrupt nature of Shinra's governance also finds echoes in history; many governmental regimes throughout time have operated under similar principles. As the player traverses the world of Gaia, it becomes increasingly evident that the struggle against Shinra reflects our own societal struggles against systems of power that thrive on manipulation, deceit, and oppression. In this light, FFVII acts as a profound socio-political commentary that urges players to reflect on their realities.

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#### Genetic Manipulation and Human-Alien Experimentation

As the narrative unfolds, it delves deeper into the realm of human and alien interaction, particularly through the character of Jenova, a being of extraterrestrial origin that possesses petrifying powers capable of manipulating genetics and consciousness. This narrative thread speaks to deeper fears and ethical dilemmas present in modern scientific advancements in genetics. The concept of "super soldiers" represented by the character Sephiroth, a genetically engineered product of human experimentation, raises poignant questions about the morality of advanced genetic manipulation and the consequences of playing god.

Jenova's introduction as an ancient alien entity creates a chilling association with conspiracy theories surrounding government involvement in alien technologies and secret genetic experiments. It embodies existential fears associated with real-life ethical debates over genetic engineering and bio-conducting experiments. This specific narrative element instills a sense of skepticism regarding authority—echoing concerns that real-world governments may exploit scientific advancements for ulterior motives.

Sephiroth embodies the dark consequences of these experiments, serving as both a product and adversary of human ambition gone awry. His quest for power as he seeks to fulfill Jenova's legacy symbolizes an unsettling embodiment of human ambition that betrays its creators. Through Sephiroth, the narrative reveals the danger of unchecked ambition and the overarching question of what it means to be human, elevating the game from mere entertainment to a profound moral inquiry.

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### Aerith Gainsborough: The Last of the Ancients

Aerith, a pivotal character in Final Fantasy VII, embodies the essence of a doomed lineage—the Ancients, or Cetra, who are tied to the Planet’s life force. As the last representative of her kind, Aerith’s existence symbolizes humanity's relationship with nature, loss, and inevitable entropy. Her powers are not only inherent to her character but are also reflections of the ancestral wisdom held within the City of the Ancients.

The Ancients are portrayed as guardians of the planet, possessing knowledge that transcends time, allowing them to communicate with spirits and harness the Planet’s energies. This ability to connect with both the living and the departed suggests a continuity of existence, inviting players to ponder humanity's past and future. Aerith's purpose in the narrative is not merely as a plot device; she becomes the heart of a story that warns of humanity's hubris, drawing ties to historic catastrophes that have shaped global consciousness.

The theme of being the last of one's kind resonates with the concept of loss experienced through significant global events, including the speculative Tartarian Mud Flood. This theory posits that a cataclysmic event involving a massive global flood occurred, erasing civilizations and altering human history. Like Aerith, the narrative encapsulates the idea that ancient wisdom and civilizations may have been lost to time, covered beneath layers of mud, both literally and metaphorically.

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### The City of the Ancients: A Literal and Metaphorical Space

The City of the Ancients, also known as the Forgotten Capital, is a vital setting within Final Fantasy VII. This once-thriving metropolis, drenched in the remnants of a glorious past starkly juxtaposed against its present decay, serves as a metaphorical reminder of forgotten histories and lost wisdom. The city, submerged in moonlight and mystery, embodies the ghostly echoes of a superior civilization that once flourished and was ultimately lost.

This allegorical representation aligns well with the Tartarian Mud Flood theory, which posits that substantial portions of history, as represented by various ancient civilizations, were washed away during a significant cataclysm. The architecture of the City of the Ancients, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian structures, presents a vision of a dynamic world where architectural prowess matched the harmony that its inhabitants once shared with their environment.

As players navigate through the City of the Ancients, they encounter remnants of a peaceful past that transcend time. This structure serves as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of civilizations—built to rise, flourish, and eventually face decline and destruction. The catastrophic flood, symbolized through the decay of this once-grand city, prompts reflections on the cyclical patterns witnessed in human history.

The ruins, etched with ancient symbols and hieroglyphics, evoke parallels with the lost records of mankind’s past, which mainstream narratives often overlook. The existence of ancient manuscripts—documenting histories of advanced societies—serves to bolster the proposition that events like the Mud Flood may have distorted the understanding of human history.

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### The Comet: A Catalyst of Catastrophe

Integral to the storyline of Final Fantasy VII is the impending threat of Meteor, a colossal comet that has dire consequences for the Planet. Within the narrative, Meteor acts as a harbinger of doom, a representation of humanity's inability to confront its own destruction. It is an external force that the planet must combat, much like the historical catastrophes that have reshaped human civilization.

The notion of a comet as a catalyst for global catastrophe resonates strongly with the Tartarian Mud Flood theory. It is theorized that a comet or meteor impact in the late 1800s triggered significant geological and climatic alterations, resulting in widespread flooding that obliterated civilizations, as well as significant loss of life. The crux of these events points to a collective amnesia regarding humanity's true history—a sentiment echoed throughout Final Fantasy VII, where the protagonist's journey involves uncovering truths that have been buried, both literally and figuratively.

The duality of human innovation and its destructive tendencies is represented through the characters’ endeavors to confront and resist the consequences of Meteor. They fight not just against the comet, but against their own nature—a reflection of humanity's struggle against external calamities that have resulted from its own transgressions.

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### Hieroglyphics: Echoes of an Ancient Past

The Temple of the Ancients acts as a tangible representation of humanity's lost wisdom, allowing players to delve deeper into the game’s lore. The Temple's inner chambers hosts hieroglyphics that offer insights into the planet's history, hinted prophecies, and the spiritual connection shared between the Ancients and the Planet. The inscriptions serve as a narrative device that enriches the story, suggesting that understanding the past is vital for the future.

This theme strikes a chord with theories surrounding the Tartarian Mud Flood, where the recoverable records of humanity's past were purportedly lost beneath floodwaters. Just as the game provides gateways to lost histories through its depictions of ancient civilizations, the real world begs for a reevaluation of history through the contemplation of ancient artifacts and manuscripts that reveal truths obscured over time.

The concept of hieroglyphics acting as a liaison between the past and present draws a parallel to the selective recounting of history, particularly in relation to the Mud Flood. By bringing to light the importance of understanding age-old wisdom, Final Fantasy VII urges players to question dominant narratives and explore alternative histories that have long been obscured.

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### The Promised Land: A Reflection on Aspirations

Another potent theme interwoven within the fabric of Final Fantasy VII is the notion of the "Promised Land." In Jewish tradition, the Promised Land symbolizes hope, redemption, and the enduring quest for spiritual fulfillment. Within the narrative, the Promised Land represents both a literal location and an aspirational existence, an idyllic state where harmony between humanity and nature is realized.

This theme resonates with contemporary aspirations for humanity to reclaim its relationship with the Earth in light of ecological crises and relentless environmental destruction. The connection to the Tartarian Mud Flood theory serves a dual purpose by framing the concept of lost perfection and the collective hope for restorative justice, both to forgive past transgressions and to search for a rightful place where knowledge and fulfillment may flourish.

In exploring this promised existence, Aerith's ultimate sacrifice exemplifies a profound selflessness intrinsic to the quest for a better world. Her willingness to fight against overwhelming adversity proves to be a reminder that the journey towards the promised land requires personal sacrifice, perseverance, and, above all, a recognition of interconnectedness with the world and its history.

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### Reflections on The Past, Present, and Future

Final Fantasy VII presents rich tapestries of allegory deeply intertwined, linking mythos to reality while offering reflections on humanity’s journey through history. The story’s exploration of Aerith, the City of the Ancients, and the threat posed by Meteor invites profound discourse. By incorporating motifs such as the Tartarian Mud Flood theory, the game challenges players to reflect on their understanding of history, civility, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Through Aerith’s journey and the revelations drawn from ancient hieroglyphics, the narrative beckons an awakening—a moment of introspection about humanity's past mistakes and the urgent need for collective redemption. The elements woven throughout Final Fantasy VII underline a global narrative of rebirth, resilience, and hope—a reminder that amid catastrophe, the spirit of life and the quest for understanding will ultimately prevail.

In an era defined by rapid change, the echoes of Aerith, the City of the Ancients, and the comet serve as poignant reminders of both the fragility of existence and the potential for renewal. The truths shared through these stories transcend the borders of fiction, intertwining with historical realities and injecting relevance into contemporary discourse surrounding our relationship with the planet, urging a communal quest for restoration and lasting peace.

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#### Kabbalistic Philosophy and the Exploration of Identity

The themes in Final Fantasy VII are profoundly enriched through their connections to Kabbalistic philosophies, as well as Jewish and Christian spiritual references. Kabbalah, the mystical aspect of Judaism, discusses concepts such as the Sephiroth, a series of emanations through which divine energy flows and which correspond to various aspects of existence. Each character in the game's narrative embodies a certain Sephirot, which can lead to fascinating interpretations of their motivations and journeys.

Cloud Strife, whose journey mirrors a quest for identity, becomes a significant representation in this light. Having undergone intense psychological trauma and manipulation of his memory, Cloud's struggle to understand himself resonates with the Kabbalistic notion of the self and divine connection. His battles are not merely external but profoundly internal as he copes with his identity's fragmentation. Thus, Cloud’s eventual quest for truth and self-acceptance stands as a powerful symbol of humanity’s overarching journey to reconsolidate fragmented identities, empathizing with universal experiences of loss, confusion, and ultimately, enlightenment.

The anti-heroes and messianic themes reflected in the characters of Sephiroth and Cloud also speak to aspects of Jewish and Christian eschatology. Sephiroth as an evil messiah, whose ambitions reflect a distorted version of divine will, introduces a fiction entwined with theological implications; he symbolizes the corruption of divinity and the potential pitfalls of misusing power. Meanwhile, Cloud's rise against Sephiroth mirrors the archetype of a 'true hero' confronting darkness in pursuit of universal truths and salvation.

Ultimately, as the narrative highlights the battle between the forces of good and evil, it also calls for a deeper inquiry about places of moral grey that inhabit our reality. By positioning the characters in relation to Jewish and Christian writings, FFVII opens a broader dialogue about faith, doubt, and the complexities of existence itself.

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#### The Search for Truth

Central to the entire narrative arc of Final Fantasy VII is the search for truth, both on an individual and societal level. The members of AVALANCHE—a group of eco-terrorists standing against Shinra—represent the collective discontent found in society, especially those driven by the desire to reclaim and restore balance in a world marred by corruption. Their journey portrays the human necessity to seek change, emphasizing that even those labelled as "villains" may often have noble intentions.

This pursuit of truth is reflected in Cloud's evolution from an ambivalent character, struggling with dislove and identity, to a robust, individualized hero. It invites players to embark on a journey of introspection about their own perceptions, beliefs, and the realities around them. In this way, the game becomes not just about saving the world from an impending apocalypse, but also about the inner journey each character undergoes to find their purpose and authenticity.

Furthermore, AVALANCHE's rebellion against Shinra serves as a metaphor for all of humanity's resistance against oppressive forces that stifle truth, transparency, and progress. The battles within the game are symbolic gestures of the human condition, reflecting our collective struggles against a multitude of societal issues—environmental change, government corruption, and moral ambiguity.

#### Conclusion: FFVII as a Reflection of Reality

As we navigate through the rich narrative layers of Final Fantasy VII, we uncover that its tale extends beyond mere fiction; it enshrines profound truths regarding human nature, ethical dilemmas, and the quest for meaning and purpose. Through its exploration of governmental corruption, genetic experiments, and spiritual philosophy, FFVII transcends the boundaries of gaming to speak to the universal human experience. It challenges us to question the realities of our world, encouraging a reflective contemplation of our existence, our choices, and the implications of our collective actions.

Just as Cloud and AVALANCHE strive to rid the world of evil, players are invited to engage with this narrative as a mirror of their intrinsic quest for truth. Ultimately, Final Fantasy VII serves as a reminder that our narratives—both fictional and real—shape our understanding of the world, urging us to confront the themes of morality, identity, and the profound search for meaning in our lives. It is a game, but it is also a testament to the complexities of reality, resonating deeply within the souls of those who dare to explore its depths.