Fire Emblem - Darkness (Embers/Holy Ground/Abyss)

This video is a mix, or mashup, consisting of several variations on the battle music "Darkness" from the Fire Emblem series. It consists of soundtracks from the Nintendo Switch title known as Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.

The song “Darkness” and its variations shed light on the true meaning of its namesake. The first tune that plays during the battle in Zahras quite literally embodies “Darkness.” From its orchestral hits to its minor key, the music perfectly encapsulates a sense of uneasiness within the unknown. Moreover, the tense percussion and melody obscure the once burning desire for change in the world as the leitmotif named “The Edge of Dawn” is faint in volume. Such polyphony reveals that in the grand scheme of things, personal issues are insignificant in a fight for the greater good. Furthermore, the circumstances in which “Darkness” is heard provide deeper insight into humanity. As the leaders engage in battle with the phantoms of their comrades, mimicking warfare, the true darkness is revealed to all—the innate darkness of war. It is certainly clear that at its core, the flames of war ignite the darkness of evil. Yet the battle against the shadows must not cease to continue. “Darkness (Holy Ground)” soon booms in the chasm as a battle sparks between the leaders and the phantoms of said leaders. This develops a new angle on the idea of darkness, particularly the darkness of man’s heart. Like the embers of war, man’s heart is likewise fundamentally evil, as divulged by the conjunction of darkness and self. Even more, unlike “Darkness,” the song “Darkness (Holy Ground)” possesses the leitmotif from “The Crest of Flames,” creating a particularly bold claim: not only is darkness found in humanity, but it is also found in the goddess itself. Finally, the battle music culminates in “Darkness (Abyss).” A triumphant melody rings in the void; the battle is nearing victory. Peculiarly, a melody parallel to that of “Tempest of Seasons” can be heard in the final battle music. Simply put, the “Tempest of Seasons” is no different from the chaos that comes from the converging paths of the leaders, each corresponding to a season: wind, flower, snow, and moon. But this time, the paths are not conflicting in nature. Rather, they work in unity against a force of sheer evil, creating a colorful yet similar melody lacking the tension of the tempest. The beauty of the teamwork found in the final battle undoubtedly inspires awe. Then, without notice, the iconic motif from “The Apex of the World” echoes in the darkness. Although the battle does not take place in the real world, the leitmotif nevertheless stands as a reminder that the fight is still decisive in nature. The final variation of the music ends with the leitmotif known as “The Edge of Dawn,” but rather than being overshadowed, it resonates loud and clear. Coupled with the teamwork hinted at before, it is plain that humanity all shares a desire for change—but it is only in harmony that these goals may be achieved. Together, there is nothing that is unattainable—however, for the most part, this idea of unification remains unexplored, for the darkness of man’s soul is inherent. And in the midst of the darkness, one can never feel…more alone…

Artwork: https://tinyurl.com/escapefromzahras
Thumbnail: https://tinyurl.com/partnersindestiny

Music:
0:00 Darkness (Embers)
1:44 Darkness
3:09 Darkness (Embers) (Holy Ground)
4:59 Darkness (Holy Ground)
6:37 Darkness (Embers) (Abyss)
9:08 Darkness (Abyss)

#FireEmblem #FireEmblemThreeHouses #FireEmblemWarriorsThreeHopes #NintendoSwitch