Song Lyrics in FFXIV: Compilation, Discussion, and Interpretation

[Mysteltain]

With Sophia's lyrics, I think the line is "Speak an ancient truth" instead of "rite" and "Her breath passes from her lips" instead of "Breathless as from her lips."

Can't fully hear the line that begins with "Without" but it sounds like "Without the pillar we (something)" instead of "Without strength the (something)" though I'm not terribly certain about the word pillar.

I definitely agree with the changes to the first two lines, so thank you! After listening to this for quite a bit of the day I keep hearing what I thought I heard, not what it actually is. That said, barring the second set of lines you mention, I'm reasonably confident in the rest of them.

Of particular interest to me are the words "Truth is but the melody that memory shall reveal." That sounds a bit like the Echo.
Completely long-shot theory: Much like how Ysale summoned Shiva based on limited understanding and exceptional faith, Sophia is a bastardised image of Hydaelyn. That makes her kick-arse dangerous.

And that may be possible, Catapult. A major aspect of Sophia seems to be balance, so this ancient civilization may value the equilibrium of existence--something that only the planet can control. That then makes me wonder if what truly separates an Eikon from a Primal is that Eikons are embodiments of the natural order of the world rather than just aetheric aspects given a more substantial form. Aether is fluid, in the sense that it flows from one thing to another. It may have an element, but it is always moving from one state or host to another, lending the Primals their relatively ephemeral nature. But concepts such as life and death are far more permanent and long-standing in people's thoughts. As Primals are prayers and thoughts made manifest, wouldn't it make sense that far more permanent aspects be much sturdier and long-living?

Sephirot is Life. Odin is Death. Sophia is Order. Would Zurvan be Chaos, then? Amusingly enough, these concepts are much more "Primal" than Primals themselves (pardon the pun, haha!)

EDIT: And, just had this thought: that is why they don't require followers or crystals to maintain themselves. They aren't fueled by the thoughts or prayers of a small handful of followers, but by nearly every living thing in existence! Their source of sustenance is, for all intents and purposes, infinite. Although, as we learned with Odin, they still need Aether, and since they aren't offered crystals and their worship is very indirect, they draw aether from their environment to reform themselves assuming they aren't eliminated outright.