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{{cleanup|WAY too much speculation and OR in the KHII section}}
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{{Enemy
{{Character
|name=Sephiroth
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|katakana=セフィロス
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|game1=Kingdom Hearts
|game1=Kingdom Hearts
|game2=Kingdom Hearts II
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|game3=Kingdom Hearts Union χ
|journalKH=Once known as the greatest of swordsmen, his whereabouts have been unknown for some time. He challenged Sora to a one-on-one duel. No one knows why he has suddenly returned. Apparently, he and Cloud have crossed paths before.<br><br>"Final Fantasy VII"
|journalKH=Once known as the greatest of swordsmen, his whereabouts have been unknown for some time. He challenged Sora to a one-on-one duel. No one knows why he has suddenly returned. Apparently, he and Cloud have crossed paths before.<br><br>"Final Fantasy VII"
|journalKH2=Final Fantasy VII<br><br>An unsurpassed swordsman who was once revered as a hero.<br><br>For a long time Sephiroth's whereabouts were unknown, and no one can say for sure why he has returned.<br><br>He seems to have some connection to Cloud's past.
|journalKH2=Final Fantasy VII<br><br>An unsurpassed swordsman who was once revered as a hero.<br><br>For a long time Sephiroth's whereabouts were unknown, and no one can say for sure why he has returned.<br><br>He seems to have some connection to Cloud's past.
|journalUX='''Sephiroth'''<br>KINGDOM HEARTS II (2005)<br>An unsurpassed swordsman once revered as a hero.<br><br>'''Illustrated Sephiroth'''<br>KINGDOM HEARTS II (2005)<br>The ultimate swordsman who was once a hero. He's involved in the events of Cloud's past.<br><br>'''WORLD OF FF Sephiroth'''<br>WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY (2016)<br>A Medal celebrating the collaboration with WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY.<br><br>'''Boss'''<br>When this one-winged angel's HP gets low, it'll begin unleashing attacks that lower your strength and defense.
}}
}}
{{Q|Absurd. Defeating me is meaningless. You know that more than anyone, Cloud. No matter how many times I fall, your darkness keeps calling me back!|Sephiroth to Cloud}}
{{Q|Absurd. Defeating me is meaningless. You know that more than anyone, Cloud. No matter how many times I fall, your darkness keeps calling me back!|Sephiroth to Cloud}}
'''Sephiroth''' is portrayed as Cloud's dark side in Kingdom Hearts. He, along with Cloud, [[Tifa]], [[Aerith]], [[Yuffie]], [[Zack]], and [[Cid]], originate from the Squaresoft game ''[[finalfantasy:Final Fantasy VII|Final Fantasy VII]]'', where he served as the [[w:c:finalfantasy:Sephiroth|main antagonist]]. Sephiroth is the only ''Final Fantasy'' villain so far to appear in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.
'''Sephiroth''' is a mysterious swordsman with a connection to [[Cloud]]'s past. Cloud considers Sephiroth a representation of his own inner darkness. He, along with Cloud, [[Tifa]], [[Aerith]], [[Yuffie]], [[Zack]], and [[Cid]], originates from the Squaresoft game ''{{ff|Final Fantasy VII}}'', where he serves as the {{ff|Sephiroth|main antagonist}}. So far, Sephiroth is the only main antagonist from the ''Final Fantasy'' franchise to appear in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.
 
==Development==
==Development==
Sephiroth originally appears as an optional boss in the international version of ''Kingdom Hearts'', and was retained for the ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' version of the game, which also added a short scene between him and Cloud. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', his role was greatly expanded and he was given a short side-story featuring him, Cloud, and Tifa.{{fact}}<!--there should be a cite about this in one of the Nomura interviews; explain more about the side story, like why they did it, what the purpose is, basically whatever Nomura said.-->
Sephiroth originally appeared as an optional boss in the international version of ''Kingdom Hearts'', and was retained for the ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' version of the game, which also added a short scene between him and Cloud. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', his role was greatly expanded, giving him a short side-story featuring him, Cloud, and Tifa.{{fact}}<!--there should be a cite about this in one of the Nomura interviews; explain more about the side story, like why they did it, what the purpose is, basically whatever Nomura said.-->


==Story==
==Story==
===''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]''===
{{sec-stub}}
<!--in-universe, state what happened and leave implications to the reader
In the cinematic for Quest No. 333, "The Final Trial Pt. 8," a black feather falls in Cloud's hands at the Underworld Caverns: Depths. It's implied that Cloud is searching for Sephiroth, explaining why he willingly went to the Underworld and escaped as soon as he gathered the feather.
-->
<!--See [[Mickey Mouse]]
Sephiroth also appears as a medal.-->
===''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''===
===''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''===
While Terra is in Olympus Coliseum, Zack reveals that he aspires to become a hero like "another", referring to Sephiroth.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]''''': "As in the original game, it's Sephiroth. In "KHI FM" and "KHII" Sephiroth was portrayed as a being of darkness, but at the time of "KH BbS" we don't know whether or not he was a being of darkness."</ref> Later, after Master Xehanort's defeat, a black feather falls before Zack as he watches Hercules train, hinting at Sephiroth's presence.
While Terra is in Olympus Coliseum, Zack reveals that he aspires to become a hero like "another," referring to Sephiroth.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]''''', '''Interviewer''': "Who is the hero "similar to Terra" that Zack aspires to be like?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "As in the original game, it's Sephiroth. In ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'', Sephiroth was portrayed as a being of darkness, but at the time of ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', we don't know whether or not he was a being of darkness." [https://www.khinsider.com/forums/index.php?threads/bbs-ultimania-plot-mysteries-nomura-interview.147009/ Translation via Krexia].</ref> Later, after Master Xehanort's defeat, a black feather falls before Zack as he watches Hercules train, hinting at Sephiroth's presence.


===''Kingdom Hearts''===
===''Kingdom Hearts''===
[[File:Sephiroth 01 KH.png|thumb|left|Sephiroth challenges Sora as the contender for the Platinum Match.]]
[[File:One-Winged Angel 01 KH.png|thumb|left|Sephiroth challenges Sora as the contender for the Platinum Match.]]
Sephiroth appears within the [[Platinum Match]] at Olympus Coliseum, and after a difficult fight, Sora narrowly seizes victory. As Sora leaves the stadium, Cloud enters. Sephiroth invites Cloud to turn to the darkness, but Cloud refuses, launching a high-speed aerial battle whose outcome is not seen.
Needing to find Sephiroth, [[Cloud]] decides to ally with [[Hades]]. Hades promises to locate Sephiroth in exchange for Cloud defeating Hercules in a tournament, with no intention of honoring his agreement.{{fact}}
 
Sephiroth appears during the [[Platinum Match]] at Olympus Coliseum, and after a difficult fight, Sora narrowly seizes victory. As Sora leaves the stadium, Cloud enters. Sephiroth invites Cloud to turn to the darkness, but Cloud refuses, launching into a high-speed aerial battle whose outcome is left unobserved.
{{-}}
{{-}}


===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
[[File:Sephiroth Descends 01 KHII.png|thumb|right|Sephiroth interrupts the gang on their way to stave off the invasion, and inquires about Cloud's whereabouts.]]
[[File:Sephiroth Descends 01 KHII.png|thumb|Sephiroth interrupts the gang on their way to stave off the invasion, and inquires about Cloud's whereabouts.]]
Right before the invasion of [[Hollow Bastion]], Cloud warns Sora and company about Sephiroth, and his ways of the darkness. Later, as Sora exits the castle to go help defend against the invasion, Sephiroth appears. He asks about Cloud's whereabouts, and although Sora says nothing, Donald and Goofy retort that Cloud realizes that Sephiroth is the manifestation of his darkness. Seeing that Cloud is becoming enlightened and desires to fight him, Sephiroth takes his leave.
Right before the invasion of Hollow Bastion, Cloud warns Sora and company about Sephiroth, and his ways of the darkness. Later, as Sora exits the castle to help defend against the invasion, Sephiroth appears. He asks about Cloud's whereabouts, and although Sora says nothing, Donald and Goofy retort that Cloud recognizes Sephiroth to be the manifestation of his own darkness. Seeing that Cloud is becoming enlightened and desiring to fight him, Sephiroth takes his leave.


During the battle, Cloud is surrounded by [[Heartless]], but Sephiroth intervenes, defeating them all in one slash. Cloud intends to defeat his nemesis to escape the darkness, but Sephiroth only replies that Cloud will never be able to do so, and will always cower in the light. Cloud vehemently denies his dark half's claims, but Sephiroth is undeterred, and leaves just as Tifa arrives.
During the battle, Cloud is surrounded by [[Heartless]], but Sephiroth intervenes, defeating them all in one slash. Cloud intends to defeat his nemesis to escape the darkness, but Sephiroth only replies that Cloud would never be able to do so, and would always cower in the light. Cloud vehemently denies his dark counterpart's claims, but Sephiroth is undeterred, and leaves just as Tifa arrives.


After the [[Master Control Program]] is defeated, Sora encounters Sephiroth at the [[Dark Depths]] at [[Hollow Bastion]]. The villain again asks about Cloud, but Sora and his companions do not reveal anything. He then inquires about Sora, [[Donald Duck|Donald]], and [[Goofy]]'s identities, but again, they refuse to answer. Sephiroth then notices Sora's [[Keyblade]], and attacks, intending to test Sora's power and that of the Keyblade. Even though Donald and Goofy are with Sora when he confronts Sephiroth, they do not fight with him, since Sephiroth only wishes to battle the Keyblade master. Sora appears to overcome him, but Sephiroth just shrugs off the battle. Sephiroth compliments Sora on his skill with the Keyblade but says that Cloud is the only one that can "''eliminate him''". Sephiroth then tells Sora to find Cloud so that they can settle their feud.
[[File:Conclusion 03 KHII.png|thumb|left|Sephiroth battles Cloud while tempting him to embrace his inner darkness.]]
After the [[Master Control Program]] is defeated, Sora encounters Sephiroth at [[The Dark Depths]]. The villain again asks about Cloud, but Sora and his companions do not reveal anything. He then inquires about Sora, [[Donald Duck|Donald]], and [[Goofy]]'s identities, but again, they refuse to answer. Sephiroth then notices Sora's [[Keyblade]] and attacks, intending to test Sora's power and that of the Keyblade. Even though Donald and Goofy accompany Sora when he confronts Sephiroth, they do not fight alongside him, as Sephiroth only wishes to battle the Keyblade master. Sora appears to overcome him, but Sephiroth simply shrugs off the battle. Sephiroth compliments Sora on his skill in wielding the Keyblade, but says that Cloud is the only one that could "eliminate him." Sephiroth then tells Sora to find Cloud so that they could settle their feud.
 
Cloud arrives later, and initiates a battle with Sephiroth, who desires to draw Cloud into the darkness. However, Tifa protects Cloud, saying that Cloud does have light in him, and that, even if he didn't, then he just needed to be surrounded by light. Nevertheless, Sephiroth and Cloud start off for another battle, and after Tifa's intervention, Cloud glows in light, surprising Sephiroth and causing him to drop his guard. The two disappear in a brilliant flash of light.
{{-}}
{{-}}
==Other appearances==
===''Dissidia Final Fantasy''===
Sephiroth's appearances based on his outfit from ''Kingdom Hearts'' has appeared as an alternate costume for him in the ''{{ff|Dissidia Final Fantasy}}'' series.


[[File:Conclusion 02 KHII.png|thumb|left|Sephiroth battles Cloud while tempting him to embrace his inner darkness.]]
In ''{{ff|Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy}}'', his "Kingdom Hearts Gear" outfit is available as downloadable content.
Cloud arrives later, and they initiate a battle, with Sephiroth desiring to draw Cloud into the darkness. However, Tifa protects Cloud, saying that Cloud does have light in him, and that, even if he doesn't, then he just needs to be surrounded by light. Nevertheless, Sephiroth and Cloud start off for another battle, and after Tifa's intervention, Cloud glows in light, surprising Sephiroth and letting his guard down. The two disappear in a brilliant flash of light.
 
In ''{{ff|Dissidia Final Fantasy NT}}'', his "One-Winged Angel" outfit is available as a purchasable item in the in-game shop.
{{-}}
{{-}}


==Appearance==
==Design==
Sephiroth's appearance in both ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'' is largely the same as his appearance in the various games of the ''[[w:c:finalfantasy:Compilation of Final Fantasy VII|Compilation of Final Fantasy VII]]'', though with a few significant differences. He has his distinctive long, silver hair with long bangs that frame his face, and dresses in a black leather coat. The coat has a large collar that reaches his ears even when folded back and is kept closed by a black belt with a silver buckle around his waist. Unlike in the ''Final Fantasy'' games, Sephiroth's coat has red-violet lining in the front. It is also noticeably more tattered in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' games. In ''Kingdom Hearts'', Sephiroth also has regular blue eyes, unlike the green, catlike eyes he and his Remnants have in the main series. The sleeves of his coat end in metal rings in place of normal cuffs, and he wears black leather gloves. For some reason there is an odd, black and red, fin-like growth on his right forearm. Sephiroth's face looks strikingly like Cloud's, which is something that Goofy comments on in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. This similarity would explain Sephiroth's difference in eye color from his original incarnation.
Sephiroth's appearance in both ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'' is largely the same as his appearance in the various games of the ''{{ff|Compilation of Final Fantasy VII}}'', albeit with a few significant differences. He has his distinctive long, silver hair with long bangs that frame his face, and dresses in a black leather coat. The coat has a large collar that reaches his ears even when folded back, and is kept closed by a black belt with a silver buckle around his waist. Unlike in the ''Final Fantasy'' games, Sephiroth's coat has a red-violet lining in the front. It is also noticeably more tattered in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' games. In ''Kingdom Hearts'', Sephiroth also has regular blue eyes, unlike the green, catlike eyes he and his Remnants have in the main series, and he is right-handed rather than left. The sleeves of his coat end in metal rings in place of normal cuffs, and he wears black leather gloves. There is an odd, black and red, fin-like growth on each forearm. Sephiroth's face looks strikingly like Cloud's, which Goofy comments on in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. This similarity may explain Sephiroth's difference in eye color from his original incarnation.


Sephiroth's chest is exposed, showing that he wears some sort of grey strap around his abdomen with two black belts over it, as well as two brown, overall-esque straps that intersect over his chest. He wears black pants and knee-high boots of the same color, with two grey belts wrapped around each boot. His eyes are blue and he wears a silver pauldron over each shoulder. In both games, Sephiroth sports a large, navy blue wing on his right shoulder, a design feature that has carried over to several characters associated with [[w:c:finalfantasy:Jenova|Jenova]] in the ''Compilation of Final Fantasy VII''. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he gains two more wings of the same color sprouting from either of his hips. Also in both games, Sephiroth carries his iconic sword, Masamune, as his weapon. Sephiroth is also one of only two characters who did not reappear in their ''Advent Children'' attire, the other being Cid.
Sephiroth's chest is exposed, revealing a grey strap around his abdomen with two black belts over it, as well as two brown, overall-like straps that intersect over his chest. He wears black pants and black knee-high boots, with two grey belts wrapped around each boot as well as a silver pauldron over each shoulder. In both games, Sephiroth sports a large, navy blue wing on his right shoulder, a design feature that has carried over to several characters associated with {{ff|Jenova}} in the ''Compilation of Final Fantasy VII''. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he gains two more wings of the same color, one of which sprouts from each of his hips, possibly referring the multiple wings of his {{ff|Safer∙Sephiroth}} form as the final boss of ''Final Fantasy VII''. Sephiroth carries his iconic sword, Masamune, as his weapon. Sephiroth is one of only two characters who does not reappear in their ''Advent Children'' attire, the other being Cid.


==Personality==
==Personality==
 
Sephiroth is cold, calculating, and ruthless, though not entirely uncaring. He is taciturn and focused, determined to draw Cloud down the path of darkness. Like many ''Final Fantasy'' characters, Sephiroth displays stoic personality traits, coupled with an almost monotone voice. Almost emotionless, he never overreacts to anything. Sephiroth is incredibly powerful, both physically and mentally, and is convinced that his power surpasses that of anyone else. However, he is not as arrogant as others who had fallen to the darkness, such as [[Maleficent]] and [[Jafar]], but gauges his opponents and admits their skill when they prove it, as he does at the end of his battle with Sora in ''Kingdom Hearts II''.
Sephiroth's persona is one of cold ruthlessness. He is uncaring, having no sympathy for anyone, laughing and grinning at Cloud, seeing him as almost no threat. Like many ''Final Fantasy'' characters, Sephiroth has been shown with stoic personality traits, along with a drawling voice. He is incredibly powerful, both physically and mentally, and is convinced that his power surpasses anyone else's. Almost emotionless, Sephiroth never overreacts to anything.


==Abilities==
==Abilities==
{{main|Game:Sephiroth}}
{{main|Game:Sephiroth}}
In all incarnations, Sephiroth is portrayed as a master swordsman, wielding a long blade known as the Masamune. In the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe, Sephiroth has a large repertoire of techniques that reflects some of abilities he used in ''Final Fantasy VII''. He can move about the battle ground with impressive speed, even fly, and occasionally teleports. He can also activate his attack "Stigma" which summons gigantic pillars of flames that can suck matter in, he can send out orbs of darkness called "Shadow Flares", and his most powerful attack "Super Nova" where he calls down meteors that spin around him and then explode.
In all incarnations, Sephiroth is portrayed as a master swordsman, wielding a long blade known as the Masamune. In the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe, Sephiroth boasts a large repertoire of techniques that reflect some of the abilities he used in ''Final Fantasy VII''. He moves about with impressive speed, and is able to fly and teleport. His "Firaga Wall" attack summons gigantic pillars of flames that can suck matter in. Another attack sends out orbs of darkness called "Shadow Flares". His most powerful attack, "Meteor," calls down meteors that revolve around him before exploding.


His most noticeable technique is "Heartless Angel", an attack that drains Sora's MP and kills him instantly (unless Second Chance is equipped, in which case he will be left with 1 HP), if he is not interrupted in time; this is immediately followed by "Flash", which is fatal unless blocked via Reaction Command. He can also use a variation of Cloud's "Omnislash", in which he flies around the arena slashing wildly. In both games, all of his attacks are extremely powerful, being able to easily kill Sora even when he is maxed out in stats. Sephiroth has extremely high HP in both games. To add to the difficulty of him being a powerful enemy, in both games Sora has to fight him one-on-one without any help from his allies.
His most noticeable technique is "Heartless Angel", which that drains Sora's MP and defeated him instantly (unless Second Chance is equipped, in which case he will be left with 1 HP), if he is not interrupted in time, immediately followed by "Flash", which is fatal unless blocked via Reaction Command. He also uses a variation of Cloud's "Omnislash", in which he flies around the arena slashing wildly. In both games, all of his attacks are extremely powerful, able to easily kill Sora even with maxed stats. Sephiroth has extremely high HP in both games. To add to the difficulty, Sora must fight Sephiroth one-on-one without any help from his allies.


In ''Kingdom Hearts'', Sephiroth is one of the hardest bosses, rivaling [[Kurt Zisa]] and [[Phantom]]; however, in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]'', [[Xemnas]], known at the time as "Unknown", also proved to be difficult. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he is also one of the hardest bosses, having no true rival, standing out as the game's hardest boss. ''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+|Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]'' also has the [[Organization XIII]] rematches and data battles, along with the [[Lingering Will]], all of which are fights that greatly dilute Sephiroth's notorious difficulty.
In ''Kingdom Hearts'', Sephiroth ranks as one of the hardest bosses in the game, rivaling [[Kurt Zisa]] and [[Phantom]], but is arguably surpassed in difficulty by [[Xemnas]], known at the time as "Unknown". In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he is also one of the hardest bosses, but is again surpassed by the [[Organization XIII's Replica Data]] and the [[Lingering Will]].
 
===Magic Stats===
In ''Kingdom Hearts'', Sephiroth is immune to almost all forms of magic, although magic-based attacks such as [[Ragnarok]] do in fact cause damage.
 
In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', all attack magic has no effect as well. The only magic based moves that will affect him are [[Magnet|Magnega]], the aftershock of [[Reflect|Reflega]], and the magic combo of [[Trinity Limit]]. In ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'', all Limits in [[Limit Form]] work well against Sephiroth.


==Origin==
==Origin==
[[File:Sephiroth FFVII.png|250px|left]]
[[File:Sephiroth FFVII.png|250px|left]]
Sephiroth debuted as the main antagonist in ''Final Fantasy VII''. Once revered as a great hero, his discovery of the mysteries surrounding his origins and nature drove him to insanity. Easily recognizable by his foreboding appearance and frighteningly long sword, Sephiroth aspired to become a supreme being by using a destructive item known as the Black Materia to cast Meteor and devastate the world, wherein he would absorb the energy used to heal the Planet, and attain godhood. Constantly impeded by Cloud Strife, Sephiroth has seemingly grown a murderous obsession with him. It should be noted that he is, in fact, ''''''not''' Cloud's dark side'''. In reality, Cloud is a failed attempt at cloning Sephiroth, which would explain their resemblence.
Sephiroth debuted as the main antagonist in ''Final Fantasy VII''. Once revered as a great hero, his discovery of the mysteries surrounding his origins and nature drives him to insanity. Easily recognizable by his foreboding appearance and frighteningly long sword, Sephiroth aspires to become a supreme being by using a destructive item known as the Black Materia to cast Meteor and devastate the world, wherein he would absorb the energy used to heal the Planet, and attain godhood. Sephiroth has developed a murderous obsession with Cloud Strife, who constantly impedes him.
 
Almost all of Sephiroth's attacks, such as "Super Nova", "Heartless Angel", and "Shadow Flare", are named for attacks he uses in the ''Final Fantasy'' series. The few attacks he does not know in the ''Final Fantasy'' series, such as "Meteor" and "Flash", are still named for attacks in the series. Sephiroth's ''Kingdom Hearts'' appearance heavily influenced his attacks in ''[[w:c:finalfantasy:Dissidia Final Fantasy|Dissidia Final Fantasy]]'', such as his Flash attack from ''Kingdom Hearts II'' appearing as "Oblivion", and his Shadow Flare using similar graphics as in the two ''Kingdom Hearts'' games in the original Japanese version of ''Dissidia''. His Heaven's Light HP attack appears similar to his aerial combo in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', and in his EX Mode Sephiroth takes on a purple aura similar to his aura when weak in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. Sephiroth also quotes or paraphrases many of his ''Kingdom Hearts'' lines, such as "It's time" (based on "The time has come") and "Know your place."


Almost all of Sephiroth's attacks in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, such as "Supernova", "Heartless Angel", and "Shadow Flare", are named after attacks he uses in the ''Final Fantasy'' series. The few attacks he does not know in the ''Final Fantasy'' series, such as "Meteor" and "Flash", are still named after attacks in the series. Sephiroth's ''Kingdom Hearts'' appearance heavily influences his attacks in ''{{ff|Dissidia Final Fantasy}}'', such as his Flash attack from ''Kingdom Hearts II'' appearing as "Oblivion", and his Shadow Flare, which uses similar graphics to the two ''Kingdom Hearts'' games in the original Japanese version of ''Dissidia''. His Heaven's Light HP attack resembles his aerial combo in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', and in his EX Mode, Sephiroth takes on a purple aura similar to that he takes on in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series when his HP is low. Sephiroth also quotes or paraphrases many of his ''Kingdom Hearts'' lines, such as "It's time" (based on "The time has come") and "Know your place."
{{-}}
==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==
{{reflist|1}}
{{reflist}}


{{BoxTop}}
{{KH1}}
{{KH1}}
{{KH2}}
{{KH2}}
{{UCX}}
{{FFCharacters}}
{{FFCharacters}}

Latest revision as of 18:02, 22 December 2024

Sephiroth

Sephiroth KHII.png

Japanese セフィロス
Rōmaji Sefirosu
Voice actors (Ja:) Toshiyuki Morikawa
(En:) Lance Bass [KH I]
George Newbern [KH II]
Homeworld Radiant Garden
Olympus Coliseum
Origin Final Fantasy VII
Games Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts Union χ
Sephiroth

Kingdom Hearts
Once known as the greatest of swordsmen, his whereabouts have been unknown for some time. He challenged Sora to a one-on-one duel. No one knows why he has suddenly returned. Apparently, he and Cloud have crossed paths before.

"Final Fantasy VII"
Kingdom Hearts II
Final Fantasy VII

An unsurpassed swordsman who was once revered as a hero.

For a long time Sephiroth's whereabouts were unknown, and no one can say for sure why he has returned.

He seems to have some connection to Cloud's past.
Kingdom Hearts Union χ
Sephiroth
KINGDOM HEARTS II (2005)
An unsurpassed swordsman once revered as a hero.

Illustrated Sephiroth
KINGDOM HEARTS II (2005)
The ultimate swordsman who was once a hero. He's involved in the events of Cloud's past.

WORLD OF FF Sephiroth
WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY (2016)
A Medal celebrating the collaboration with WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY.

Boss
When this one-winged angel's HP gets low, it'll begin unleashing attacks that lower your strength and defense.
"Absurd. Defeating me is meaningless. You know that more than anyone, Cloud. No matter how many times I fall, your darkness keeps calling me back!"
—Sephiroth to Cloud

Sephiroth is a mysterious swordsman with a connection to Cloud's past. Cloud considers Sephiroth a representation of his own inner darkness. He, along with Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Yuffie, Zack, and Cid, originates from the Squaresoft game Final Fantasy VII, where he serves as the main antagonist. So far, Sephiroth is the only main antagonist from the Final Fantasy franchise to appear in the Kingdom Hearts series.

Development[edit]

Sephiroth originally appeared as an optional boss in the international version of Kingdom Hearts, and was retained for the Kingdom Hearts Final Mix version of the game, which also added a short scene between him and Cloud. In Kingdom Hearts II, his role was greatly expanded, giving him a short side-story featuring him, Cloud, and Tifa.[citation needed]

Story[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Union χ[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

While Terra is in Olympus Coliseum, Zack reveals that he aspires to become a hero like "another," referring to Sephiroth.[1] Later, after Master Xehanort's defeat, a black feather falls before Zack as he watches Hercules train, hinting at Sephiroth's presence.

Kingdom Hearts[edit]

Sephiroth challenges Sora as the contender for the Platinum Match.

Needing to find Sephiroth, Cloud decides to ally with Hades. Hades promises to locate Sephiroth in exchange for Cloud defeating Hercules in a tournament, with no intention of honoring his agreement.[citation needed]

Sephiroth appears during the Platinum Match at Olympus Coliseum, and after a difficult fight, Sora narrowly seizes victory. As Sora leaves the stadium, Cloud enters. Sephiroth invites Cloud to turn to the darkness, but Cloud refuses, launching into a high-speed aerial battle whose outcome is left unobserved.

Kingdom Hearts II[edit]

Sephiroth interrupts the gang on their way to stave off the invasion, and inquires about Cloud's whereabouts.

Right before the invasion of Hollow Bastion, Cloud warns Sora and company about Sephiroth, and his ways of the darkness. Later, as Sora exits the castle to help defend against the invasion, Sephiroth appears. He asks about Cloud's whereabouts, and although Sora says nothing, Donald and Goofy retort that Cloud recognizes Sephiroth to be the manifestation of his own darkness. Seeing that Cloud is becoming enlightened and desiring to fight him, Sephiroth takes his leave.

During the battle, Cloud is surrounded by Heartless, but Sephiroth intervenes, defeating them all in one slash. Cloud intends to defeat his nemesis to escape the darkness, but Sephiroth only replies that Cloud would never be able to do so, and would always cower in the light. Cloud vehemently denies his dark counterpart's claims, but Sephiroth is undeterred, and leaves just as Tifa arrives.

Sephiroth battles Cloud while tempting him to embrace his inner darkness.

After the Master Control Program is defeated, Sora encounters Sephiroth at The Dark Depths. The villain again asks about Cloud, but Sora and his companions do not reveal anything. He then inquires about Sora, Donald, and Goofy's identities, but again, they refuse to answer. Sephiroth then notices Sora's Keyblade and attacks, intending to test Sora's power and that of the Keyblade. Even though Donald and Goofy accompany Sora when he confronts Sephiroth, they do not fight alongside him, as Sephiroth only wishes to battle the Keyblade master. Sora appears to overcome him, but Sephiroth simply shrugs off the battle. Sephiroth compliments Sora on his skill in wielding the Keyblade, but says that Cloud is the only one that could "eliminate him." Sephiroth then tells Sora to find Cloud so that they could settle their feud.

Cloud arrives later, and initiates a battle with Sephiroth, who desires to draw Cloud into the darkness. However, Tifa protects Cloud, saying that Cloud does have light in him, and that, even if he didn't, then he just needed to be surrounded by light. Nevertheless, Sephiroth and Cloud start off for another battle, and after Tifa's intervention, Cloud glows in light, surprising Sephiroth and causing him to drop his guard. The two disappear in a brilliant flash of light.

Other appearances[edit]

Dissidia Final Fantasy[edit]

Sephiroth's appearances based on his outfit from Kingdom Hearts has appeared as an alternate costume for him in the Dissidia Final Fantasy series.

In Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy, his "Kingdom Hearts Gear" outfit is available as downloadable content.

In Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, his "One-Winged Angel" outfit is available as a purchasable item in the in-game shop.

Design[edit]

Sephiroth's appearance in both Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II is largely the same as his appearance in the various games of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, albeit with a few significant differences. He has his distinctive long, silver hair with long bangs that frame his face, and dresses in a black leather coat. The coat has a large collar that reaches his ears even when folded back, and is kept closed by a black belt with a silver buckle around his waist. Unlike in the Final Fantasy games, Sephiroth's coat has a red-violet lining in the front. It is also noticeably more tattered in the Kingdom Hearts games. In Kingdom Hearts, Sephiroth also has regular blue eyes, unlike the green, catlike eyes he and his Remnants have in the main series, and he is right-handed rather than left. The sleeves of his coat end in metal rings in place of normal cuffs, and he wears black leather gloves. There is an odd, black and red, fin-like growth on each forearm. Sephiroth's face looks strikingly like Cloud's, which Goofy comments on in Kingdom Hearts II. This similarity may explain Sephiroth's difference in eye color from his original incarnation.

Sephiroth's chest is exposed, revealing a grey strap around his abdomen with two black belts over it, as well as two brown, overall-like straps that intersect over his chest. He wears black pants and black knee-high boots, with two grey belts wrapped around each boot as well as a silver pauldron over each shoulder. In both games, Sephiroth sports a large, navy blue wing on his right shoulder, a design feature that has carried over to several characters associated with Jenova in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. In Kingdom Hearts II, he gains two more wings of the same color, one of which sprouts from each of his hips, possibly referring the multiple wings of his Safer∙Sephiroth form as the final boss of Final Fantasy VII. Sephiroth carries his iconic sword, Masamune, as his weapon. Sephiroth is one of only two characters who does not reappear in their Advent Children attire, the other being Cid.

Personality[edit]

Sephiroth is cold, calculating, and ruthless, though not entirely uncaring. He is taciturn and focused, determined to draw Cloud down the path of darkness. Like many Final Fantasy characters, Sephiroth displays stoic personality traits, coupled with an almost monotone voice. Almost emotionless, he never overreacts to anything. Sephiroth is incredibly powerful, both physically and mentally, and is convinced that his power surpasses that of anyone else. However, he is not as arrogant as others who had fallen to the darkness, such as Maleficent and Jafar, but gauges his opponents and admits their skill when they prove it, as he does at the end of his battle with Sora in Kingdom Hearts II.

Abilities[edit]

Main article: Game:Sephiroth

In all incarnations, Sephiroth is portrayed as a master swordsman, wielding a long blade known as the Masamune. In the Kingdom Hearts universe, Sephiroth boasts a large repertoire of techniques that reflect some of the abilities he used in Final Fantasy VII. He moves about with impressive speed, and is able to fly and teleport. His "Firaga Wall" attack summons gigantic pillars of flames that can suck matter in. Another attack sends out orbs of darkness called "Shadow Flares". His most powerful attack, "Meteor," calls down meteors that revolve around him before exploding.

His most noticeable technique is "Heartless Angel", which that drains Sora's MP and defeated him instantly (unless Second Chance is equipped, in which case he will be left with 1 HP), if he is not interrupted in time, immediately followed by "Flash", which is fatal unless blocked via Reaction Command. He also uses a variation of Cloud's "Omnislash", in which he flies around the arena slashing wildly. In both games, all of his attacks are extremely powerful, able to easily kill Sora even with maxed stats. Sephiroth has extremely high HP in both games. To add to the difficulty, Sora must fight Sephiroth one-on-one without any help from his allies.

In Kingdom Hearts, Sephiroth ranks as one of the hardest bosses in the game, rivaling Kurt Zisa and Phantom, but is arguably surpassed in difficulty by Xemnas, known at the time as "Unknown". In Kingdom Hearts II, he is also one of the hardest bosses, but is again surpassed by the Organization XIII's Replica Data and the Lingering Will.

Origin[edit]

Sephiroth FFVII.png

Sephiroth debuted as the main antagonist in Final Fantasy VII. Once revered as a great hero, his discovery of the mysteries surrounding his origins and nature drives him to insanity. Easily recognizable by his foreboding appearance and frighteningly long sword, Sephiroth aspires to become a supreme being by using a destructive item known as the Black Materia to cast Meteor and devastate the world, wherein he would absorb the energy used to heal the Planet, and attain godhood. Sephiroth has developed a murderous obsession with Cloud Strife, who constantly impedes him.

Almost all of Sephiroth's attacks in the Kingdom Hearts series, such as "Supernova", "Heartless Angel", and "Shadow Flare", are named after attacks he uses in the Final Fantasy series. The few attacks he does not know in the Final Fantasy series, such as "Meteor" and "Flash", are still named after attacks in the series. Sephiroth's Kingdom Hearts appearance heavily influences his attacks in Dissidia Final Fantasy, such as his Flash attack from Kingdom Hearts II appearing as "Oblivion", and his Shadow Flare, which uses similar graphics to the two Kingdom Hearts games in the original Japanese version of Dissidia. His Heaven's Light HP attack resembles his aerial combo in Kingdom Hearts II, and in his EX Mode, Sephiroth takes on a purple aura similar to that he takes on in the Kingdom Hearts series when his HP is low. Sephiroth also quotes or paraphrases many of his Kingdom Hearts lines, such as "It's time" (based on "The time has come") and "Know your place."

Notes and references[edit]

  1. ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania, Interviewer: "Who is the hero "similar to Terra" that Zack aspires to be like?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "As in the original game, it's Sephiroth. In Kingdom Hearts Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts II, Sephiroth was portrayed as a being of darkness, but at the time of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, we don't know whether or not he was a being of darkness." Translation via Krexia.