The Growth of Artoirel (One of the Most Underrated Characters in FFXIV)
It’s the end of the world, and Ishgard is preparing for battle. Yet where do we find Artoirel?
At his younger brother’s memorial.
Lacking Emmanellain’s comedy or Edmont’s sage guidance, Artoirel is often pushed to the side in terms of popularity, now seen more as a sidekick to Aymeric in keeping Ishgard’s affairs in order with the occasional background appearance. And with a lack of exciting or distinct personality traits, he’s easily forgotten, lost in a sea of NPC faces.
And yet, this simple scene, even at only a few seconds, reminds us just how strong of a character - and future potential - Artoirel has.
His whole life had been spent ignoring Haurchefant - looking down upon him, and probably even bullying him to a certain extent. Grant it, it was out of loyalty to his mother, but Artoirel had been programmed since Haurchefant’s birth to despise his half-brother.
A protector by nature, Artoirel probably thought he was guarding his mother’s name and honor by shoving Haurchefant out of his life. And when Edmont tried to bring Haurchefant in, Artoirel accepted it, but only outwardly for appearances’ sake. How could this son of the other woman be anything worthwhile? Artoirel probably thought. He’s not a true Fortemps, but a mistake.
This secret disdain remained with him all the way until Heavensward when the Warrior of Light arrived. And when Artoirel began to notice that Haurchefant was on to something with this strange outsider, and that Haurchefant himself had grown rather attached to them, Artoirel probably felt some sort of relief. Good. Let the hero deal with my half-brother. I can focus on taking care of the family and Haurchefant can move on with this new person.
But then the unexpected happened. Haurchefant was killed, giving his life for an outsider.
Remember what Artoirel said to the Warrior after giving them the Fortemps shield? “You were like a brother/sister to him. Will you now be one to me?”
A line that was perfectly timed, coming right after Edmont’s admission of viewing Aymeric as a son, like Haurchefant. We see in that scene an angry Artoirel, following his father in a seething silence, wondering if he was jealous of Aymeric.
But maybe the anger wasn’t directed at Edmont or Aymeric. Maybe it was directed at Artoirel himself.
In essence, asking the WoL to be like a sibling to him was Artoirel’s way of telling the Warrior, “I should’ve been there for my brother, but I wasn’t. I was blind to his goodness and honor. You were there for him, though. Believed in him. Loved him as he was. You were everything that I was supposed to be, and I need to change. Can you help me?”
This is the moment where the guilt finally hits Artoirel. He realizes he failed as Haurchefant’s brother.
Notice, now, who Artoirel is near? Aymeric. Aymeric is the new Haurchefant, at least in Edmont’s eyes. And Artoirel is bound and determined to not let history repeat itself. He remains at Aymeric’s side as often as possible, whether in politics or on the battlefield.
And so, we are left with that scene in Endwalker. A few seconds long, but still just as powerful. The world is facing destruction and unending despair, but who does Artoirel go to when he needs to find hope and strength?
Haurchefant.
I’m not sure what words were spoken as the game leaves it to our imagination, but I wonder if it was an apology for all the words left unspoken.
“Maybe you’d be alive today if I was at your side.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t protect you like I should’ve.”
“I wish I took the chance to know you like the Warrior of Light did.”
“I promise, I’ll hold on to hope. It’s what you would’ve done, after all.”
A growing bond between brothers, even after death. I can’t help but feel Haurchefant would be proud.
