An extensive exploration of the mythology and religious traditions that inspired FFXVI, I am thrilled to announce that volume one of Mythos: Final Fantasy XVI releases at the end of this month! Please help me get the word out! All shares hugely appreciated! Artwork by @tylorhepnerart.bsky.social

Happy birthday, Final Fantasy VII, a game that changed my life. I simply would not have become an author if not for this title. Everything about it brings me joy. I have a feeling the next year or so is going to be very special. Thank you to Hamaguchi-san, Nojima-san, and all involved in FF7R.

Kickstarter backers, Mythos is now ready for you to download in full. All the details have been emailed to you. Please enjoy. PS - printed copies will be ordered in coming days.

Public release date for Mythos will be announced this week. I hope you guys are looking forward to the book. #FinalFantasyXVI

Baby nephew is using my Clive and Torgal plushies to reenact Toy Story, more precisely the “You are a toy” scene. I don’t know how I feel about this. 😂😂

Kitase thinks only Nojima could have connected Crisis Core’s scenario to Final Fantasy VII as cleanly as he did. And he believes it was Nomura’s meticulous directing and editing that shaped Crisis Core's ending cinematic into a powerfully moving lead-in to Final Fantasy VII. (10AU 2007) #FF7 #FFVII

Two years ago, I made 3 video essays based on Final Fantasy VII Remake. If you're starting your journey today on Switch 2 or Xbox, be sure to check it out: 1) Why the Whispers Make Sense 2) Why the Train Graveyard is Key to Everything 3) How Jewish Mysticism explains FF7 youtu.be/GbLmc8WHwg0?...

Once upon a time, I produced an entire video series breaking down all the lore and Easter Eggs in FFVII Remake. There's about 18 hours of content there and you'll find it on KupoCon's YouTube channel. Here’s the first episode - www.youtube.com/watch?v=unkB...

Scientific fact: The hardest part to get past in any Final Fantasy is the prelude music

Friendly reminder that Final Fantasy VII Remake releases on Switch 2 and Xbox tomorrow. If you're dithering about whether or not to try it for the first time, let me reassure you it's a wonderful experience and hugely fun to play. I'm not even a little bit biased or anything...

Perhaps the best known myth of a lost civilisation is Atlantis, said to have sunk into the sea after a cataclysm. Final Fantasy 7’s Forgotten Capital is full of oceanic imagery, from seahorse enemies to coral-like buildings. Even the Key to the Ancients is found by submarine.

In medieval demonology, Eligor was a Grand Duke of Hell who was often depicted as a cloaked spectre riding a semi-skeletal horse and wielding a lance. FF7 Remake adapted the enemy from the OG to more closely match this description, while his rule over the ghosts links to Hell.

Aps(u)/Abzu in Final Fantasy VII is named after the Ancient Mesopotamian god of the freshwater sea. This sea was believed to exist far beneath the earth, below even the underworld. This is why Aps/Abzu dwells in the sewers beneath Midgar and can control the flow of water.

In Greek mythology, the Moirai are three goddesses responsible for determining the destiny of all. They are also known as the Fates. FFVII Remake’s Whispers serve the same function, enforcing the Planet’s desired destiny. In the German script, the Whispers are even called Moiren.

The links between OG Final Fantasy VII’s Nibelheim and Norse myth can be seen with the Odin Materia, the Rune Blade, and its name (based on Niflheimr). Remake continued the trend by including characters from an old runic alphabet on the outfit of Tifa, herself born in Nibelheim.

I knew I'd experienced the Ifrit Risen battle somewhere before...

The links between OG Final Fantasy VII’s Nibelheim and Norse myth can be seen with the Odin Materia, the Rune Blade, and its name (based on Niflheimr). Remake continued the trend by including characters from an old runic alphabet on the outfit of Tifa, herself born in Nibelheim.

In Greek myth, the giant huntsman Orion boasts he can fatally shoot any creature, so Gaia sends a huge scorpion to kill him. In Final Fantasy VII, the giant gun-armed Barret wishes to save the planet (Gaia) through eco-terrorism, so Shinra sends a huge scorpion to kill him.

In Greek myth, the giant huntsman Orion boasts he can fatally shoot any creature, so Gaia sends a huge scorpion to kill him. In Final Fantasy VII, the giant gun-armed Barret wishes to save the planet (Gaia) through eco-terrorism, so Shinra sends a huge scorpion to kill him.

True story

The two-headed Typhon and octopus-like Ultros are recurring fiends in the Final Fantasy series, with the latter also called Orthros. In Greek myth, Typhon is a serpent-limbed monster and Orthros is a two-headed dog, suggesting their names were mixed up in FFVI’s development.

And just like that, the first day of my spring semester Final Fantasy 16 class is done. Let’s find the flame together.

The two-headed Typhon and octopus-like Ultros are recurring fiends in the Final Fantasy series, with the latter also called Orthros. In Greek myth, Typhon is a serpent-limbed monster and Orthros is a two-headed dog, suggesting their names were mixed up in FFVI’s development.

Shiva plays a crucial role in the narrative of FFXVI's expansion The Rising Tide. Its guest character is Shula, a leader and warrior who wields a battle-axe. In Hindu iconography, Lord Shiva is sometimes shown holding an axe or more generally a trident known as the 'Trishula'.

Dwarves and elves are staples of modern fantasy, but they derive from races in Norse mythology known as dvergar and alfar. Final Fantasy (1987) pays homage to these roots with Mt Duergar being home of the dwarves and Elfheim (from the Norse 'Alfheimr') being home of the elves. #FinalFantasymythology

Ignis and Gladiolus as members of King Noctis's high council. Did these as a part of the FFXV playing card deck I made a few years ago and still really like them. #FFXV

Just finalized my syllabus for the spring semester of my Final Fantasy 16 class, “Mythos to Logos: A Philosophy of Religious Deconstruction and Reconstruction.” Had to make Clive and Jill the header, obvs. Check out who made the list of this semester’s required texts 👀 @mjgallagher.bsky.social

We begin #FFIX with a conversation about its legacy & reception, how/why it feels like such a throwback, the importance of the animal characters, & an examination of the main themes through each main character. That gives us just enough time to break down the iconic intro: #FinalFantasy

Midgardsormr is the great serpent of Norse myth that lives in the ocean encircling the known world, Midgard. At Ragnarök, the snake will fill the air and sea with poison. In FFVII Rebirth, Midgardsormr attacks with Toxic Waters to exhale poison, contaminating its surroundings

From over here in bonnie Scotland, I wish you all a wonderful and chilled Xmas, surrounded by people and/or things you love.

The biblical tale of Cain killing his brother Abel is often used as an allegory for sibling rivalry or fratricide. In FF16, the tragic events at Phoenix Gate between Clive and Joshua are hinted at during the preceding fight - the dragoon adopts the iconic pose of FF4’s Kain. #FinalFantasymythology

Did you know M. J. Gallagher's gaming journey begins with Sonic..? The Streamer Stories Podcast Christmas special has just dropped! Go give @mjgallagher.bsky.social a follow and check the full episode on YouTube and Spotify! 🔴 www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rey... 🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/2Dtk...

It brings me so much joy to know that a whole new generation of gamers will soon get to experience the feeling of this moment…

It's time for a Christmas Turbo Test!! Here's @mjgallagher.bsky.social attempt, how did they get on..? Check out our Christmas Streamer Stories Podcast Special that drops this Sunday 6pm GMT!! Set a reminder: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rey...

According to Gnostic myth, God of the Old Testament is not the true Almighty, but rather an imperfect creator deity (the demiurge). Gnostics pursued enlightenment on the Almighty. This is reflected in FFXVI through Ultima’s creation of mankind, whose greatest sin is free will.

STREAMER STORIES PODCAST CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: @mjgallagher.bsky.social M. J. Gallagher is a pillar in the Final Fantasy community, writing some of the most popular books around the mythological inspirations around FF7 and other titles in the series. The episode drops Sunday 21st December at 6pm GMT!

I'm also doing sound design commissions as well, now! So if you have a voice demo you want mixed, an audio drama that needs some stellar sound to match the vocal performances, or if you're a Vtuber looking for somebody to help with those fun POV audios, check me out! vgen.co/AMTRAX/servi...

Kickstarter backers, I’ve just sent out an update on Mythos’ imminent release. You should find it in your email inbox.

Early Christmas gift The Greek Myths that Inspired FINAL FANTASY VII by M.J. Gallagher @mjgallagher.bsky.social As I research my own graphic novel, a fantasy within a more modern setting, having this as reference will be very useful!

Kickstarter backers, I’ve just sent out an update on Mythos’ imminent release. You should find it in your email inbox.

In Hindu tradition, Lord Shiva’s abode is Mount Kailash, part of a snowy range in the Himalayas, where he almost freezes the god Indra in anger. This is reflected in the lore of FFXVI’s Eikon Shiva, whose Dominants hail from the frozen highlands of the Northern Territories.

With 2026 marking 25 years of Final Fantasy X, it’s only right we celebrate with the summoner herself! Hedy Burress, the beloved voice of Yuna in FFX and FFX-2, will join us at MegaPom! Join us in London, Feb 14–15 2026 at the Novotel London West for a FINAL FANTASY extravaganza.

Final Fantasy and Mythology!!! We chat with author @mjgallagher.bsky.social about his books Greek Myths and Norse Myths that inspired Final Fantasy VII Maybe my favorite episode we've ever done:

In Norse mythology, the god Odin sends two ravens around the Nine Realms every day to gather news and bring him knowledge. During Final Fantasy XVI, Clive and Cid encounter elite scouts from Waloed (ruled by Odin's Dominant), whose black-hooded captain is the Midnight Raven.

🚨#MND #GameOver Auction!🚨 So far we have raised over £800, streaming for over 200 hours, but there's more! We are launching an auction tonight at 8pm GMT in aid of @mndassoc.bsky.social! Thank you to everyone who donated items 🎮♥ More info in the comments 👇

Thank you to @mjgallagher.bsky.social who donated signed copies of Greek and Norse Myths that inspired #finalfantasy VII! #MND #GameOver #ffvii

We’re delighted to announce our next MegaPom guest! Please welcome Bethan Walker, the voice of Alisaie Leveilleur from Final Fantasy XIV! 🔥✨ Join us in London, Feb 14–15 2026 at the Novotel London West for an unforgettable Final Fantasy weekend. 🎟️ Tickets on sale now.

In FFXVI, religious converts gather at Mikkelburg to be cleansed of their sins and attain salvation, as instructed by King Barnabas. It’s here that the relic Titus emerges. Saints Barnabas and Titus were early Christians who baptised others and converted them to Christianity.

In FFXVI, religious converts gather at Mikkelburg to be cleansed of their sins and attain salvation, as instructed by King Barnabas. It’s here that the relic Titus emerges. Saints Barnabas and Titus were early Christians who baptised others and converted them to Christianity.

The term ‘ifrit’ appears once in the Islamic Qur’an and is typically translated from Arabic as a ‘mighty’ or ‘rebellious’ jinn (genie). These characteristics are embodied by Ifrit in Final Fantasy XVI, who is immensely strong and acts in direct defiance of the fate of Mythos.