Introduction
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) players have been abuzz with speculation about the identity of the mysterious Fandaniel. While some believe that he is a completely new character, others have suggested that he might be someone we already know. One of the most popular theories is that Fandaniel is actually Hermes, one of the Twelve who first appeared in A Realm Reborn.
Who Is Hermes
Hermes is one of the Twelve, a group of powerful beings who watch over Eorzea. He is known as the God of Travel and Commerce, and his followers include merchants and adventurers. In FFXIV, he appears as a male Hyur wearing a hooded robe and carrying a staff.
Hermes plays a minor role in the main story quests of A Realm Reborn. He first appears in Ul’dah, where he introduces himself to the player character and explains his role as one of the Twelve. Later on, he can be found in various locations throughout Eorzea, offering advice and guidance to those who seek it.
Why Do Some Players Think That Hermes Is Fandaniel
The theory that Hermes is actually Fandaniel is based on several pieces of evidence from both A Realm Reborn and more recent expansions.
Similar Appearance
The most obvious connection between Hermes and Fandaniel is their appearance. Both characters are male Hyur with similar facial features. While Fandaniel wears a mask that obscures most of his face, his eyes are visible – and some players believe they bear a striking resemblance to Hermes’ eyes.
The Name Connection
Fandaniel’s name has some similarities to Hermes’ in that they both contain the letters “an” and “el.” Some players have suggested that Fandaniel’s name might be a corrupted version of an older name – perhaps even Hermes’ original name before he became one of the Twelve.
The Role Connection
Another connection between Hermes and Fandaniel is their roles as gods. While Hermes is the God of Travel and Commerce, Fandaniel is associated with the Ascians – powerful beings who seek to bring about the end of the world. However, it’s worth noting that gods in FFXIV are not necessarily pure or benevolent – some, like Nidhogg and Thordan, have been revealed to have darker sides.
Counterarguments
While there are certainly similarities between Hermes and Fandaniel, there are also some key differences that suggest they might not be the same character.
The Mask
The most obvious difference between Hermes and Fandaniel is Fandaniel’s mask. While it’s possible that he might be wearing a disguise to conceal his identity, it seems unlikely that he would go to such lengths if he were actually a well-known figure like one of the Twelve.
The Lack of Motivation
Another problem with the theory that Hermes is Fandaniel is that it’s not clear what his motivation would be for becoming an Ascian. While we don’t know much about Fandaniel yet, we do know that he is working with Zenos yae Galvus – a powerful Garlean who seeks to conquer Eorzea. It’s hard to imagine why Hermes would ally himself with such a figure.
Conclusion
While there are certainly some intriguing connections between Hermes and Fandaniel, it’s ultimately impossible to say for sure whether they are the same character. Only time will tell whether Fandaniel’s true identity will be revealed – and if it turns out to be Hermes, it will certainly be a major plot twist for FFXIV players.