________________ _______ __ / _______/ / \ / / \ / / / /____ / / /\ \ / / /__\ \ / / Title artwork by / _____/ / / / \ / ____ \ / /____ Chris35389 /__/ /__/__/ \__/__/ \__\ /______/ __________ __ ___________________ __________ ___ / ______/ \ / \ / /____ ____/ \ / /______/\ \ / / / /___ / /_\ \ / / \ \ / / / / / /_\ \ /____ \ \ _/ / / /____/ / _____ \ / / \ \/ / / / / ___ \ _ / \ / /__/ /_/ \_\ /_/ \___/ /_/ /_/ \_\ __/ /__/ ________________ /__ __ __ __/ / / / / / / / / / / / / Origins and Explanations of Artifact Names __/ /_/ /_/ /__ /______________/ What's the purpose of this file? Many of the names of weapons, armor, and items in Final Fantasy III have a mythological grounding. Unfortunately, the origin of these names can often be very obscure, and the player doesn't get the full meaning of the names. This file will help you, the reader, to get the most out of Final Fantasy III. Maybe you'll learn something about mythology, too. Enjoy! Please e-mail vestal@computek.net with any updates or corrections you may have. Thanks! -==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==- Artifact Name: Aegis Shield Origin: Greek Mythology The Aegis was the breastplate of Zeus, and, later, Athena. The word "aegis" means "protection". Artifact Name: Ashura Origin: Assyrian Legends Originally spelled "Ashur". Ashur was the chief god of war and empire. He was always spoiling for a fight, was very mischevious, and was constantly getting in trouble with the other gods. Artifact Name: Atma Weapon Origin: Hindu Legends "Atman" is the Hindu word for the soul or eternal essence. Since the strength of the weapon is determined by your vitality, or essence, the name makes sense. Artifact Name: Cherub Down Origin: The Bible A cherub is a winged celestial being in the second order of angels. Cherub Down, which makes you float, would be feathers from a cherub's wings. Artifact Name: Coronet Origin: Etymological A small crown worn by princes and princesses. Artifact Name: Czarina Origin: Etymological The wife of a czar, or emperor of Russia. Artifact Name: DaVinci Brush Origin: Historical Leonardo Da Vinci was a famous painter of the Italian Renaissance. Some of his famous works include the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper". Artifact Name: Ether Origin: Historical In ancient and medieval times, everything in the heavens was believed to reside and be formed of a substance called "ether". Ether falling to the earth was given as an explanation for dew droplets forming in the morning. Artifact Name: Epee Origin: Weaponry A fencing sword with a bowl-shaped guard and a narrow, fluted blade that tapers to a blunt point. Artifact Name: Excalibur Origin: Medieval Legends A mythical sword from the Arthurian legends. The sword was given to King Arthur from the Lady of the Lake, and returned to her upon his death. Artifact Name: Fenix Down Origin: Egyptian Mythology "Fenix" is an alternative spelling of "Phoenix". The phoenix would consume itself in flames every 500 years and then be reborn from the ashes. Artifact Name: Genji Origin: Japanese Literature _The_Tale_of_Genji_ is a novel written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting to a Japanese empress, during the 1000's. The novel is complex and difficult to follow, but is generally considered the finest work of Japanese fiction. It was the first written work in novel form in Japanese history. Artifact Name: Halberd Origin: Weaponry A weapon with an axelike blade and steel spike on the end of a long shaft. Artifact Name: Illumina Origin: Etymological The name means "The Brightener" or "The Illuminater". Artifact Name: Kotetsu Origin: Weaponry A Japanese sword that is shorter than a Katana but is longer than a Wakizashi. Its shorter length gives it more defensive abilities than the Katana. It is sometimes called Naga-Wakizashi, which means "long Wakizashi". Artifact Name: Minerva Origin: Roman Mythology The Roman name for Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom. Artifact Name: Mithril Origin: Tolkein A metal of legendary strength. The name comes from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Artifact Name: Murasame Origin: Weaponry Literally, "rain that falls in town units", or in other words, short rain. This sword is not to be confused with the Masamune. Artifact Name: Partisan Origin: Weaponry A weapon having a blade with lateral projections on the end of a long shaft. Artifact Name: Ragnarok Origin: Norse Mythology Ragnarok is the Norse apocalypse. On Ragnarok, the day of reckoning, every god meets his final destiny. The story tells of a long winter, the death of most of mankind, and of a final battle in which nearly every god is killed. A new world, our world, arises from the ruins of the old. Artifact Name: Strato Origin: Etymological A strata is a layer of the Earth. Also, Strato was Brutus' aide in Shakespeare's _Julius_Caesar_. Strato holds the blade as Brutus impales himself, committing suicide. Artifact Name: Tao Robe Origin: Eastern Philosophy Taoism is an Eastern philosophy based on the teachings of Lao-Tzu in the 6th century B.C. Artifact Name: Tempest Origin: Etymological A storm or gale of fantastic proportions. The Tempest knife occasionally casts "Wind Slash". Artifact Name: Tincture: Origin: Etymological A small quantity of medicine diluted in alcohol. Artifact Name: Tintinabar Origin: Etymological A tintinnabulum is a small, jingly bell. Originally, this item was called "the bell of a cat". Artifact Name: Trident Origin: Greek Mythology A large three-pronged fork wielded by the sea god Poseidon. Artifact Name: Zephyr Cape Origin: Greek Mythology Zephyr was the gentle West Wind. The word "zephyr" can also mean a gentle wind or breeze. -==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==-==- Last Update: 4.27.97 Send Comments to: andrewv@nkn.net