Emet-Selch Is Not That Tragic

[Lersayil]

...but his subsequent actions are objectively monstrous.

Square should've revisited General Leo for inspiration if they wanted to do a tragic adversary that would let them toss the word "hero" around.

Objectively monstrous to us. And I don't think anyone tossed the hero tag around in-game.

I have no idea why anybody is trying to spin Emet as any kind of a hero.

Anyone who does so is probably misguided, but not outright wrong. Remember the old saying: every good villain is a hero of his own story. Emet might not define himself as a hero, but does things that he believes to be right and justified. And its not like he doesn't stop and question his deeds every now and then either. He mentioned regularly "testing" the new races if they are worthy enough to give up his quest. And he basically does so with us, as he could've (arguably) easily won just by not confronting us in the Tempest.

The most concise explanation is made by Emet himself:

"Buy yes, moral relativism and all that. Case in point - I do not consider you to be truly alive. Ergo I will not be guillty of murder if I kill you."

(possibly my favorite line from him overall too)