Final Fantasy X Remaster, 6: The Moonflow and Shiva.

  Back on Spira, after obtaining the fayth Ixion from the Djose temple, the guardians next had to tackle the Moonflow, a large river. The Moonflow was unique in many ways, it drew pyreflies in great amounts, lightning up the night sky, and deep beneath it's surface lay massive ruins. 

  Thousands of years ago, the people of Spira had a built a city over the river, however, their hubris outweighed their ingenuity, and the city sank beneath the roiling waters. Yet another example of the punishment for the sin of using machina to ease one's life, at least according to Wakka.

  Perhaps most peculiar of all about the Moonflow was the mode of transport across it. A group of small, bug-eyed fellows called hypello were the caretakers of massive beasts called shoopufs. These shoopufs could swim across the river, with folks riding in comfort upon their backs.

I really love how the hypello say "Ride ze shoopuf?"

   I must admit, a game with as much story as Final Fantasy X has become a bit of a slog to write anecdotes too, because I just find it too hard to skip plot points. I'm going to have to though, otherwise this will take forever! I actually completed the game a few weeks ago, and am working on catching up with the blog. So, for games like this, just keep in mind that there is a lot more depth to the story than I can touch on here. Also, if the story piques your interest, it is probably best experienced by playing the game! In the realm of the Final Fantasy games, this blog is going to be more about analysis and history.

After crossing the Moonflow, the guardians enter Gaudosalam. It is not only the home of Maester Seymour, but also this, the entrance to the Farplane.

Shiva's fayth.

  The next Aeon that Yuna obtains is Shiva, who much like Ifrit, has been a staple of the series since the summons were introduced. Shiva most likely borrows her name from the Hindu religion. The following is from the Final Fantasy Wiki: "Shiva shares her name with the Hindu god, Shiva (also spelled Śiva). The Hindu Shiva once saved the world by consuming poison, giving him blue skin around the area of the neck and throat. It should also be noted that Shiva is a male god, but can merge with his consort Parvati. Together they become Ardhanari an androgynous Hindu god of duality. Shiva is the god of destruction, along with Vishnu, who is the god of preservation, and Brahma, the god of creation. Together they are the three principle deities of the Trimurti (Hindu Triad). Also, in paintings Shiva was frequently mistaken for a woman due to his long hair and facial features."

A statue of the Hindu god Shiva, showing somewhat effeminate features.

  Beyond the Moonflow and Guadosalam, the guardians traversed the frozen temple where the fayth of Shiva slept.. However, many alarming things happened once they reached the home of Maester Seymour... to find out more, come back next time... for This Bard's Tales!