Why I love Aerith Gainsborough — Flower Girl & last Ancient
Not only is Aerith an extremely unique character because she is an Ancient and possesses special abilities, but she is also a very endearing character. Your sense of empathy grows for her as the story of Final Fantasy VII unfolds.
The opening scene of FFVII shows Aerith looking at a mystical energy. She then proceeds to walk underneath a sign that reads Loveless. From that moment on I knew she was going to be a captivating and mysterious character who possessed a power far beyond anyone’s comprehension.
After the opening sequence, you randomly meet Aerith and have the option of buying a flower from her. When I first played the game I was completely intrigued by her and wondered: “Why do I keep seeing this flower lady?” — “Why is she so mysterious and beautiful?” — “What’s her story?”
…and when I finally heard her story, it lived up to everything I imagined, and more.
When you encounter her next she essentially saves your life. And I remember being so happy to see her again so I could find out more about her.
I particularly love that right when you formally meet her she is tending to her flowers — the only life that seems to grow in Midgar. At that very moment her character seemed so full of magic and positive energy — a ray of hope in a city full of despair. And her positivity never fades as the game progresses, even in the hardest of times.
As you get to know more about her she becomes an extremely complex and compelling character. You find out that her mother and father died when she was very young. And you also learn about the wonderful relationship she had with her adoptive mother, Elmyra. I love how Elmyra explained Aerith’s childhood and tells everyone about the magical abilities Aerith possesses. Truly one of my favorite scenes in the entire game.
The flashbacks of Aerith’s childhood was when I decided she was my favorite character. For example… I loved when Elmyra explained how Aerith wasn’t sad anymore because Aerith knew her real mother had returned to the planet. Or when Aerith told Elmyra: “Please don’t cry… Someone dear to you has just died… His spirit was coming to see you, but he already returned to the planet” — and then it was revealed through a letter that Elmyra’s husband was killed. Such a sad yet beautiful moment.
Aerith always remained optimistic despite all the struggles she encountered during her short life. From having to deal with her parents deaths, to Shinra constantly chasing her, she always remained hopeful.
And yet… she had a predetermined destiny and responsibility by being the last remaining Ancient. She sacrificed herself to save everyone — the Planet.
Aerith is the true hero of FFVII in my eyes.
Her story has always been tragic, yet she never let it bring her spirits down. Aerith will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m truly grateful that such an amazing piece of music accompanies her character. I can always play her musical theme and remember what a wonderful and touching character she is…
“Then, I’ll be going now. I’ll come back when it’s all over.”
~Aerith; her last words
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