Played Sayonara Wild Hearts by developers Simogo and been gobbling up any content/discussions I can find about it. @samspicturesandwords went over the possible symbolism and meanings of the Stereo Lovers and I wanted to do the same with Hermit64. If you haven't played it, please do!
The first is the stage you encounter The Hermit arcana, The Desert of Doubt. In Hermit's voiced song, The World We Knew, the first line is, "I'm too young to remember when the world was alive." Referring to the lifeless desert, where the hermit sits alone, a reflection of the lense they view the world through.
However, in the stage right before that, Night Drift, you see more and more power lines, communication towers, satellite dishes show up along the sides of the road as you near Hermit.
Even though Hermit is isolated, they do have an ear to the outside world. Maybe attempts to reach out or stay connected? Or hold on in a way that's safe?
Getting into the actual encounter, the first thing Hermit does is use The World arcana to turn The Fool into a game cartridge and inserts it into their vr headset.
Hermit64, in their reclusive way, is sharing their world. And what does The Fool find? Despite Hermit's cool and calm presentation, internally, there are all kinds of hostile defenses and obstacles.
A departure from the other solely external arcana fights.
Going back to the line, "I'm too young to remember when the world was alive". Focusing this time on the young part, having felt this way for a very long time. Not remembering life before this desert. Then, "They say begin again, but I'll take any fragments I can find. They say begin again, but I'll treasure any fragments left behind." Of course, in this desert depression, Hermit holds dear to what little they have and can't let go. There's been nothing else. A hint to the nature of this heartbreak.
Also, "Begin Again" a nod and response, maybe a consequence, to the first heartbreak's (Fighting Devils) more upbeat/positive song about the letting go and moving on.
Navigating through the internal world, the defenses, the numerous obstacles, The Fool eventually reaches Hermit64's heart. Which is as big as it is guarded.
Also, something to notice is that there are two times the Fool retaliates in this fight. The first time, is when they were completely surrounded and there was no other option (no screenshot, sorry). And the second at the final encounter.
The Fool fires back at the heart and the fight ends to the line "And it's too late to start anew." Tragically, the Hermit is too stuck (Too old to start changing. Too tired to revive...). Hermit's heart is broken and the Fool moves on.
