The Fate of Insomnia in Final Fantasy XV: After Noctis Dies
Final Fantasy XV is a tale of destiny, sacrifice, and hope. With the death of Noctis, the fate of the kingdom of Insomnia takes a significant turn, impacting its people, the royal lineage, and the world’s balance. This article explores how Insomnia changes following Noctis’ death and the broader implications for the game's narrative.
Destruction and Chaos
Following Noctis’ death, the kingdom of Insomnia is left vulnerable. The city, already under threat from the Niflheim Empire, experiences increased chaos and destruction. Noctis, destined to bring peace, leaves a power vacuum, making the city more susceptible to external threats. This marks the beginning of a period of turmoil for the once-peaceful kingdom.
The Lucian Legacy
The Lucian royal line, represented by Noctis, is effectively extinguished with his death. This impacts the legitimacy of any remaining royal authority and leaves the citizens of Insomnia without a clear leader or protector. The emblem of a unified and hopeful future is shattered, placing the kingdom in the hands of uncertain rulers.
Eternal Darkness
The game suggests that the world falls into a state of darkness as Noctis was meant to be the light that would combat the darkness brought by the Starscourge. His sacrifice is necessary to fulfill his role as the Chosen King; however, this sacrifice leaves Insomnia and the world in a precarious state, hinting at a period of uncertainty and impending doom.
Future Hope
In the epilogue of the game, titled Incarceron - Dawn of the Future, there is a sense of balance and new beginnings. While Noctis does not die off-screen, his sacrifice marks a significant turning point in the game's narrative. The cycle of light and darkness continues, and with the return of Luna and Noct, the kingdom of Insomnia finds hope and a renewed path forward.
However, the story doesn't end there. A Dawn of the Future DLC was cancelled and transformed into a novel titled Skyward Kingdom, explaining the aftermath and the true ending that fans had been anticipating. This novel reveals that Noct and Luna eventually overcome the Trials of Bahamut, a battle that restores the balance of the world and allows for a new and hopeful future.
Despite the death in the game, there is a sense of continuity in the Skyward Kingdom. Noct and Luna return to life, bringing with them a renewed hope and the possibility of a brighter future for the kingdom of Insomnia. The cyclical nature of light and darkness in Final Fantasy XV is further emphasized, with sacrifice and hope forming the core of its narrative.
The fate of Insomnia after Noctis’ death signifies both a tragic loss and a necessary step toward eventual restoration. This stark contrast between despair and hope adds depth to the game's narrative and encourages players to reflect on the themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of light and darkness that permeate the game.
Whether through the game's narrative or its expansion, the story of Final Fantasy XV continues to captivate fans, offering a rich and fulfilling experience that explores the complexities of fate and the resilience of the human (and divine) spirit.