Why Does Squall Go by Leon?
Squall Leonhart, the protagonist of Final Fantasy VIII, is a complex and intriguing character. One of the most interesting aspects of his character is his decision to go by the name "Leon" in the Kingdom Hearts series. But why did he make this change? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Squall’s decision to adopt the name Leon.
The Birth of Leon
According to the Kingdom Hearts series, Squall Leonhart was born in Radiant Garden and was a member of the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee. He was also a key character in the events of Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. However, it was not until Kingdom Hearts II that he officially went by the name Leon.
The Reason Behind the Name Change
So, why did Squall decide to change his name to Leon? The answer lies in his backstory. As a member of the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee, Squall was deeply involved in the events of Kingdom Hearts and was a key player in the fight against the Heartless. However, during this time, he began to question his own identity and the meaning of his existence.
As he struggled to come to terms with his newfound role as a hero, Squall began to feel disconnected from his past and his former identity as Squall Leonhart. He felt that the name "Squall" no longer reflected the person he had become, and so he decided to adopt a new name that better suited his new persona.
The Significance of the Name Leon
The name "Leon" has significant meaning in the Kingdom Hearts series. In Greek mythology, Leon was the name of a brave and noble warrior who was known for his strength and courage. These qualities are reflected in Squall’s character, who is also known for his bravery and determination.
Moreover, the name "Leon" has a strong connection to the theme of light and darkness that runs throughout the Kingdom Hearts series. As a symbol of light, the name "Leon" represents hope and redemption, which are central themes in the series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Squall’s decision to go by the name Leon is a significant aspect of his character development in the Kingdom Hearts series. By adopting a new name, Squall is able to shed his past identity and begin anew, reflecting his growth and transformation as a character.
Additional Facts
- Squall’s age in Kingdom Hearts II is 25 years old.
- Leon’s last video game appearance was in Resident Evil 6, where he was 36 years old.
- Kairi was born in Radiant Garden and currently lives on Destiny Islands along with her two best friends, Sora and Riku.
- Leon and Ada are one of the very few ships that are canon, or in this case semi-canon.
References
- Final Fantasy VIII official website
- Kingdom Hearts official website
- Resident Evil 6 official website
- Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts wiki
Table: Squall’s Age in Different Games
| Game | Squall’s Age |
|---|---|
| Final Fantasy VIII | 17 |
| Kingdom Hearts | 25 |
| Kingdom Hearts II | 25 |
| Resident Evil 6 | 36 |
Bullets List: Key Events in Squall’s Character Development
• Squall’s involvement in the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee
• His role in the events of Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
• His struggle to come to terms with his newfound identity
• His decision to adopt the name Leon