The Greystone Bastard (naming lore query)

[CyrilLucifer]

Honestly, Cilia, I don't think it's solely Jungian psychology. You're putting a lot of emphasis on Jungian shadows, but there's definitely some Freudian psychology in there as well, with the conflict between the Super Ego, the Warrior of Light's outer face that submits to cultural demands, to Fray's Id, more closeted, counter-cultural part of your mind that wants to act on its own.

In case it isn't clear, I do agree with you, though, I'm just debating semantics and hoping to offer a new viewpoint. I don't see how it's a reference to FFVII at all; it's just another type of mental breakdown under stress.

[Cilia]

Honestly, Cilia, I don't think it's solely Jungian psychology. You're putting a lot of emphasis on Jungian shadows, but there's definitely some Freudian psychology in there as well, with the conflict between the Super Ego, the Warrior of Light's outer face that submits to cultural demands, to Fray's Id, more closeted, counter-cultural part of your mind that wants to act on its own.

In case it isn't clear, I do agree with you, though, I'm just debating semantics and hoping to offer a new viewpoint. I don't see how it's a reference to FFVII at all; it's just another type of mental breakdown under stress.

Just to debate psychology:

From what I understand, the Id is supposed to be more like your basic desires than a hidden part of your psyche that even you deny. The Id is, to my knowledge, just the basic animalistic instincts in everyone. In fiction it's typically portrayed by someone who acts more in accord with their emotions, but psychologically speaking that's not quite correct.

You do have a point, though considering Jungian and Freudian psychology do have a considerable degree of overlap (given Jung and Freud worked and developed their theories together), it's not surprising. Still, the Fray you know expresses complex sentiments and condones the same actions you always take, just not for the usual reasons you tell yourself you're doing them for (punishing the wicked vs. protecting the innocent, slaughtering a Qiqirn gang to test your abilities vs. to get the merchant's goods back, etc). The Id doesn't think, it just acts, while "Fray" is clearly capable of thought (i.e. holding back enough to spare innocents, mocking you for not thinking yourself, etc). This puts "Fray" closer to the Warrior of Light's shadow archetype, someone who embodies everything about themselves they don't like and so avert their eyes from, as opposed to their Id, their base desires. There is some Id in there, as Fray is more focused on your desires than anything else, but that's because there is some overlap between the Freudian Id and the Jungian shadow. (Also Fray never asks you to tell him/her about your mother / father...)

I admit I use a lot of Jungian concepts here, but... well, I'm biased. Only human, after all, and the concept of the persona fascinates me precisely because I have an icy cold, iron-clad one in real life. (And a personality disorder. But not one of the widely-known and accepted ones.)

... it really is just semantics, though. Anyway, I think I'll bow out from derailing this thread by saying I don't think there were any parallels between your near-breakdown thanks to the DRK Soul Crystal's influence and Sephiroth's descent into madness.

So, uhh... yeah. The reason Haurchefant is a good friend is precisely because he's not obligated to help you, nor you to help him, and you don't see him often, yet he always treats you with compassion and respect and helps you anyway. That's the kind of friend the Warrior of Light needs. In my opinion.