The Four Lords and the implications (spoilers)

[Anonymoose]

Yeah, the whole world-lore side of this came on like a sucker-punch from stage left. However, we're only recently arrived to Othard and this is all rooted existing Eastern mythologies, so I've just been taking it at face value until we get more specifics. I'm not very learned in the nuances but nigi-mitama, ara-mitama, (I guess no saki-mitama or kushi-mitama) and and the auspicious beasts all ring familiar. If you were looking to do some research, start with this: 瑞獣. At the very least, it explains the mentions of Tamamo-no-Gozen and Kamaitachi. (Though the latter, combined with mitama existing as a concept of duality, reminds me of the later, more standardized yokai references, lol.)

At first glance it seems like a logical progression form the crossroads of kami and the Four Symbols, but a deeper connection might actually exist in less basic mythology that I'm unfamiliar with. Whatever these are, they seem closer to kami than Susano, at least.

Though I would also like to point out that "born with the Echo" seems like a misnomer. It's true that Eorzean legend describes "immortal souls reborn on the cusp of each Calamity" but as far as we know people are chosen to be gifted the Echo deliberately - often as adults.

[Eloah]

but as far as we know people are chosen to be gifted the Echo deliberately - often as adults.

Isn't that incorrect though. We know for sure Ysayle was a child when she had the echo, as the vision she had while lost in the snow was what spurred her to become Iceheart; my giess is 8 or 9, old enough to understand the vision, young enough to misinterpret it. And based on his accounts Arenvald was a child when he got his. He's nineteen, one could argue he is still a child, but if we go back 5-7 years that makes him 12-14. I believe he indicated he used what little the echo gave him to help him survive. By his account though weak, he seems to have a bit of foresight, similar to what Fordola has.

Also that begs the question, what is our unique Echo manifestation?

So i just realized you said often... T.T

[RomildaRayne]

Isn't that incorrect though. We know for sure Ysayle was a child when she had the echo, as the vision she had while lost in the snow was what spurred her to become Iceheart; my giess is 8 or 9, old enough to understand the vision, young enough to misinterpret it. And based on his accounts Arenvald was a child when he got his. He's nineteen, one could argue he is still a child, but if we go back 5-7 years that makes him 12-14. I believe he indicated he used what little the echo gave him to help him survive. By his account though weak, he seems to have a bit of foresight, similar to what Fordola has.

Also that begs the question, what is our unique Echo manifestation?

So i just realized you said often... T.T

Quick note, Ysayle was an adult when she saw her vision 5 years ago. She was fleeing the cold brought on by the Calamity when she chanced upon Hraesvelgr and the Echo granted her the vision that led her down her path.

As she was 24 when we met her, she was probably 19 when she discovered the power.

[Eloah]

snip.

Yeah I just reread the lore book and it does indicate that, I was going by what I recall her saying about herself, specifically a "child freezing alone in the snow". She often referred to herself as a child when referencing her past. But maybe it's more symbolic than litteral.