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War of Liberation

From Fire Emblem Wiki, your source on Fire Emblem information. By fans, for fans.
For the chapter in Fire Emblem: Thracia 776, see The War of Liberation.
War of Liberation

Cg fe11 misc 02.png
Anri's battle with Medeus at the climax of the war, as depicted in Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon.

World

Archanea

Date(s)

Archanean year 493–498

Combatants
Holy Kingdom of Archanea
Altea
Dolhr
Commanders
Anri
Caldas
Ordwin
Iote
Medeus
Outcome
  • Death of Medeus, the Shadow Dragon
  • Collapse of the Dolhr Empire
  • Restoration of the Holy Kingdom of Archanea
  • Founding of the Kingdoms of Aurelis, Altea, Grust, and Macedon
Appearance(s)

The War of Liberation (Japanese: 解放戦争 Liberation War) was a war that lasted five years on the continent of Archanea in the backstory of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light, Mystery of the Emblem, Shadow Dragon, New Mystery of the Emblem, and Archanea Saga. It was the second large-scale conflict to take place on Archanea chronologically; it took place over a millennium after the war between earth dragons and humans, and about a century before the War of Shadows.

Background

Thousands of years before the outbreak of the War of Liberation, Archanea housed an advanced civilization of dragons that declined due to natural causes.[1] Some of the dragons decided to take on human forms to stave off this decline, becoming known as Manaketes.[1] After the fall of the dragons, humanity emerged as the dominant race of Archanea and the Holy Kingdom of Archanea was founded by them; Manaketes suffered under human rule and were oppressed.[2] Due to this, Medeus, the only earth dragon to become a Manakete, left his post at the Dragon Altar and founded the Dolhr Empire to take revenge on humanity in the Archanean year 490.[2][3] This empire consisted mainly of oppressed Manaketes that had been gathered by Medeus.

War

Early stages

In 493, three years after the founding of Dolhr, the empire attacked the Holy Kingdom of Archanea and took its capital.[4] The kingdom fell as a result and almost all members of its royal family, House Archanea, were executed.[5] This gave rise to an age of despair on Archanea, as humanity was enslaved, and led to the conquest of the continent at the hands of Dolhr.[5] However, one member of House Archanea, Princess Artemis managed to evade capture and fled to the city of Altea.[6] In response, Medeus sent troops to Altea and demanded the extradition of Artemis;[6] Artemis wanted to sacrifice herself to save the people of Altea, but they rose up to defend her.[7]

The Three Heroes and the hero Anri

Due to the sacrifice of the Altean people, the Archaneans learned that Artemis was still alive and resumed the battle against Dolhr as a result.[8] A liberation army was raised by Duke Caldas of Altea, who was given the Fire Emblem by Artemis because she believed he could save the world.[8] General Ordwin of Archanea was presumably another member of this army.[citation needed] At some point, the Dolhrian slave Iote and several other slaves learned to tame degenerated Wyverns in the forests of the empire and started a rebellion as well.[9] Presumably, these three individuals are those who later became known as the Three Heroes of the War of Liberation.[citation needed]

In response to the renewed vigor of humanity, Medeus decided to make a move himself in the war,[8] reversing much of their progress and threatening their continued resistance.[10] However, Gotoh appeared in Altea, and informed its peaple of Falchion, the Blade of Light, enshrined in the Ice Dragon Temple to the distant north, that could kill Medeus.[2][10] In response to this, the young man Anri travelled through the inhospitable lands of northern Archanea; the Mamorthod Desert, the Flame Barrel, and the cold mountains around the Ice Dragon Temple itself.[10] He obtained Falchion from the temple and then defeated Medeus, causing the collapse of Dolhr and the end of the War of Liberation in 498.[11][12]

Aftermath

Following the defeat of Dolhr, the Holy Kingdom of Archanea was re-established with Caldas as its new king. Although Anri and Artemis loved each other, the Archanean nobility did not want a commoner to become their new king and so they encouraged Artemis to marry Caldas.[13] Artemis did this in tandem with a saying passed down in House Archanea: "The bearer of the Fire Emblem must give their life to the royal family".[13] Anri, who had been acclaimed by the people of Altea as their first king, was not told this and remained unmarried for the rest of his life.[13][14] Instead, he was succeeded by Marcelus, his younger brother.[14] Artemis also died soon after giving birth to her first child.[14]

In addition to the Holy Kingom of Archanea and the Kingdom of Altea, several other nations were established with Archanea's help on the continent following the War of Liberation: the Kingdom of Grust, founded by Ordwin;[15] the Kingdom of Macedon, founded by Iote;[9] and the Kingdom of Aurelis, founded on the subjugated northern plains by Caldas, and ruled by his younger brother Marlon.[16]

Finally, several cultural artifacts of the War of Liberation were also introduced in the Archanean continent. The inhospitable northern portion of Archanea where few humans lived became known as Anri's Way[17] and the tale of Anri was documented in a work of literature known as the Anri Saga.[18] The tragedy of princess Artemis also gave rise to Artemis's Curse; when the princess was parted from Anri forever, she cursed the Fire Emblem.[19] It was said that the emblem was the end of both love and war, and would cost to those who were involved with it changing hands.[19]

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology, and notes
English

War of Liberation

Presumably named for Caldas's liberation army or humanity's liberation from Dolhr.

Japanese

解放戦争

Liberation War

Spanish

Guerra de la Liberación

War of Liberation

French

Guerre de libération

War of Liberation

German

Befreiungskrieg

War of Liberation

Italian

Guerra di liberazione

War of liberation

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Tens of thousands of years ago, the dragon tribe settled down on this continent, and created a civilization. They possessed intellect and abilities far exceedin' those of humans. But suddenly, outta nowhere, their day of destruction came. [...] The elders warned that the end of dragons as a species was approachin'. [...] However, there was one way they could survive: to discard their identities as dragons and live on as humans. The dragons fell into a panic. Those who believed the elders sealed their forms within stones and became humans." — Xane in Chapter 12, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Medeus, an Earth Dragon prince, was the only one of his tribe who become a Manakete. And, as ordered by Naga, he guarded the Dragon's Altar. But the once peaceful human race, drunk with power, began to rule with tyranny. They oppressed the dragons who had done nothin' wrong. Furious at their betrayal by humans, the Manaketes gathered in Dolhr, and they created a nation for their people. Then they fought to conquer humanity. To save the humans, Gotoh gave them the divine sword Falchion." — Xane in Chapter 13, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  3. "490: The King of the Earth Dragon tribe, Medeus, founds the Dolhr Empire. He is hostile towards mankind." — Perfect ending timeline, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
  4. "493: The Dolhr Emprie marches on Millennium Court, the royal capital. Fall of the Holy Kingdom of Archanea." — Perfect ending timeline, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
  5. 5.0 5.1 "A century ago... The Holy Kingdom of Archanea, governor of this continent, was ravaged by the dragonkin. The people back then lived days of misery, as the dragons' slaves. House Archanea, the people's only hope, was eradicated, and the world descended into despair." — Jagen in the "Anri Saga" base conversation in Chapter 12, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  6. 6.0 6.1 "But, at the time, there were rumors of an Archanean princess hiding out in Altea, which back then was no more than a provincial town among many. The furious Dolhrian Empire sent troops to Altea, demanding the princess's extradition." — Jagen in the "Anri Saga" base conversation in Chapter 12, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  7. "That princess—Artemis—planned to sacrifice her own life in order to save the citizens. However, the people of Altea protected her, and vowed to fight, knowing they would be massacred." — Jagen in the "Anri Saga" base conversation in Chapter 12, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Thanks to the heroic people of Altea who stood up to protect the princess, the people of Archanea came to know she was alive, and resumed their battle against Dolhr. Their liberation army was led by Duke Cartas, who fought with the royal shield given to him by Artemis, and thanks to their efforts, the tides of battle turned to their favor. However, the king of the earth dragons, Medeus, finally decided to make his move." — Jagen in the "Anri's Way" base conversation in Chapter 13, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  9. 9.0 9.1 "A young man stood up against such tragic conditions. Iote was his name. He and his companions fled to the forests and fought, astride wyverns, to free the slaves. After Dolhr's demise, the slaves established their own country in these now abundant lands. And the hero Iote was chosen as their first king." — Opening narration of Chapter 3, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Before his overwhelming might, it seemed like Altea's resistance wouldn't last any longer. But then, a sage appeared before them. He spoke of a divine sword enshrined in the ice shrine in the distant north. With that blade, it would be possible to fell Medeus, but the way to obtain it would be by no means easy... And that would be Anri's Way. The way we're going through right now..." — Jagen in the "Anri's Way" base conversation in Chapter 13, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  11. "Kris, the Ice Dragon Shrine stands before our eyes. For his beloved Artemis, Anri—Altea's forefather—obtained the divine sword Falchion here. He then proceeded to defeat Medeus and, acclaimed by the people of Altea, become their first king." — Jagen in the "Artemis's curse" base conversation in Chapter 14, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  12. "498: Anri, a youth of Altea, a town in development in a remote region, obtains the Divine Sword Falchion and slays Medeus. Fall of the Dolhr Empire. The Kingdom of Archanea is restored." — Perfect ending timeline, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 "The nobles of Archanea didn't want Anri, a commoner, to become their king. More than that, they strongly encouraged the princess to wed Duke Cartas, who led the liberation army. Princess Artemis had no way of refusing. "The bearer of the Fire Emblem must give their life to the royal family." That is a saying passed down unchangingly in House Archanea. And so, without telling a word to Anri, the princess accepted her engagement to Duke Cartas." — Jagen in the "Artemis's curse" base conversation in Chapter 14, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 "The princess was just as worthy of pity. It's said she died soon after giving birth to her newborn prince. King Anri never married. So, the kingdom of Altea was then succeeded by his younger brother, King Marcelus—Prince Marth's great-grandfather." — Jagen in the "Artemis's curse" base conversation in Chapter 14, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  15. "It was General Ordwin, one of the Three Heroes of the War of Liberation, who put Grust on the map. His peerless knights tamed their neighbors the barbarians in the kingdom’s infancy, securing its place as one of the greatest of the Seven Kingdoms." — Opening narration of Chapter 20, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
  16. "499: The King of Archanea, Cartas, subjugates the northern plains, and founds there the Kingdom of Aurelis. Its first king is Count Marlon, King Cartas's younger brother." — Perfect ending timeline, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
  17. "Kris: By the way, Sir Jagen, why exactly is it called Anri's Way?
    Jagen: Oh yes. It's a long story, but I'll tell you the legend of Anri.
    " — Kris and Jagen in the "Anri Saga" base conversation in Chapter 12, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem
  18. "This is the death desert of Mamorthod. There was a story about it in the Anri Saga." — Jagen in Chapter 11 of Book II, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
  19. 19.0 19.1 "There was a princess named Artemis who loved your ancestor, Anri, with all her heart. He loved her as well–but when Medeus appeared, the two were parted forever. She cursed the Fire Emblem–called it the end of war, but also the end of love." — Nyna in Chapter 20, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
Playable characters Book 1 AbelArranAstramBantuBarstBoahBordCaedaCaesarCainCastorCatriaCordDolphDraugEliceEstGordinHardinJagenJeorgeJulianLenaLindeLorenzMacellanMariaMarthMatthisMerricMidiaMinervaNavarreOgmaPallaRaddRickardRosheaSamsonSedgarTikiTomasVylandWendellWolfXane
Book 2 AbelArlenArranAstramBantuCaedaCainCastorCatriaCecilDraugEliceEstPhinaGordinJeorgeJubeloJulianLenaLindeLukeMariaMarishaMarthMatthisMerricMidiaMinervaNavarreNynaOgmaPallaRickardRoderickRosheaRyanSamsonSamuelSheenaSiriusTikiVylandWarrenWendellXaneYuliya
Non-playable characters Book 1 GotohMalledusNynaTalys King
Book 2 Aurelis KingBoahCamusGotohJagenLangLorenzMichalis
Bosses Book 1 CamusEmereusGazzakGharnefGomerHarmeinHollstadtHymanJiolKannivalKhozenMedeusMerachMichalisMorzasTikiVolzhinXemcelZharov
Book 2 DallEibelEllereanFire DragonGailGharnefHardinHereticIce DragonJeorgeLangLorenzLumelLykkeMage DragonMedeusNehringSheenaTorusWillowWyvernYodel
Background characters AdrahAnriArtemisCaldasCorneliusIoteLizaLudwikMarlonMarcelusNagaOrdwin
Regalia and personal weapons AumAuraExcaliburFalchionFire EmblemGradivusImhulluMercuriusParthiaRapierStarlight
Chapters Book 1 1: Marth Embarks • 2: The Pirates of Galder • 3: A Brush in the Teeth • 4: Champions of Aurelis • 5: Fire Emblem • 6: Lefcandith Gauntlet • 7: Port Warren • 8: Princess Minerva • 9: Knorda Market • 10: The Ageless Palace • 11: Land of Sorrow • 12: An Oasis of Magic • 13: The Battle for Altea • 14: Star and Savior • 15: Manakete Princess • 16: Camus the Sable • 17: A Knight-Filled Sky • 18: Dark Pontifex • 19: The Dragonkin Realm • 20: Chosen by Fate
Book 2 1: The Grustian Expedition • 2: Rebellion at Macedon • 3: Abducted Princess • 4: Joy and Sorrow • 5: Liberation of Grust • 6: The Nest of Evil • 7: The Scarlet Sword • 8: Soulful Bridge • 9: Sanctuary of Sorcery • 10: Two Sorcerers • 11: Anri's Way • 12: Graveyard of Fire Dragons • 13: Frozen Land • 14: A Mystery Revealed • 15: Return of the Prince • 16: Regaining the Capital • 17: Gra's Sun Sets • 18: Battle of the Pass • 19: The Last Decisive Battle • 20: Dark Emperor • E1: The Wyvern's Dale • E2: The Dragon Altar (part 1part 2part 3)
Locations ArchaneaAlteaAnri's WayAurelisDolhr (Dragon Altar) • Empire of ArchaneaGraGrustKhadeinMacedonTalys
Groups, objects and concepts Archanean LeagueCoyote's MenDragons (Divine DragonEarth DragonManakete) • DragoonsHereticsSable OrderWar of HeroesWar of LiberationWar of ShadowsWhitewinged Order
Lists ChaptersCharactersClasses (Class change) • Hidden treasureItemsScriptsSupportsWeapons
Related topics Anime adaptationName chart • Other games (Shadow Dragon & the Blade of LightGaidenGenealogy of the Holy WarArchanea SagaNew Mystery of the EmblemAwakening) • Pre-release information (Unused content) • Sound MuseumTimeline
Fire Emblem: Archanea Saga
Playable characters Episode I BoahDolphMacellanMidiaNynaTomas
Episode II CatriaEstFrostHardinMinervaRosheaWolf
Episode III CastorDiceLenaMaliceNavarreRickard
Episode IV BelfCamusNynaReidenRoberto
Non-playable characters King of ArchaneaMedeusPalla
Bosses BrzakGouberRubenVaam
Regalia Gradivus
Episodes 1: The Capital Falls • 2: Red Dragoon • 3: Righteous Thieves • 4: The Beginning
Locations ArchaneaAurelisEmpire of ArchaneaMacedon
Groups, objects and concepts Sable OrderWar of HeroesWar of LiberationWar of ShadowsWhitewinged Order
Related topics Name chart • Other games (Shadow Dragon & the Blade of LightGaidenMystery of the EmblemNew Mystery of the EmblemShadow DragonAwakening) • Timeline
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
Playable characters AbelArranAstramAthenaBantuBarstBeckBoahBordCaedaCaesarCainCastorCatriaCordDarrosDolphDraugEliceEstEtzelFreyGordinGotohHardinHoraceJagenJakeJeorgeJulianLenaLindeLorenzMacellanMariaMarthMatthisMerricMidiaMinervaNagiNavarreNorneOgmaPallaRaddRickardRogerRosheaSamsonSedgarTikiTomasVylandWendellWolfWrysXaneYmir
Non-playable characters Aurelis KingMalledusNynaTalys King
Bosses BathysBentheonCamusCaptainDactylDejaniraEmereusGazzakGharnefGomerGrigasHarmeinHeimlerHollstadtHymanJiolKannivalKhozenLarissaMannuMedeusMerachMichalisMorzasOrridyonSternlinTikiVolzhinXemcelZharov
Background characters AdrahAnriArtemisCaldasIoteLizaLudwikMarlonMarcelusNagaOrdwin
Regalia and personal weapons AumFalchionFire EmblemGradivusImhulluHauteclereMercuriusParthiaRapierStarlightWing Spear
Chapters P: Prologue I • P: Prologue II • P: Prologue III • P: Prologue IV • 1: Marth Embarks • 2: The Pirates of Galder • 3: A Brush in the Teeth • 4: Battle in the Lea • 5: Champions of Aurelis • 6: Fire Emblem • 6x: In War's Grip • 7: Lefcandith Gauntlet • 8: Port Warren • 9: The Pyrathi Dragon • 10: Princess Minerva • 11: Knorda Market • 12: The Ageless Palace • 12x: A Traitor's Worth • 13: The Wooden Cavalry • 14: Land of Sorrow • 15: An Oasis of Magic • 16: The Battle for Altea • 17: Star and Savior • 17x: Helena Castle • 18: The Sable Order • 19: Manakete Princess • 20: Camus the Sable • 20x: The Lair of Fire • 21: Clash in Macedon • 22: A Knight-Filled Sky • 23: Dark Pontifex • 24: The Dragonkin Realm • 24x: The AlterspireE: Chosen by Fate
Locations ArchaneaAlteaAurelisDolhrGraGrustKhadeinKingdom of ArchaneaMacedonPyrathiTalysThabes
Groups, objects and concepts Archanean LeagueDragons (Divine DragonEarth DragonManakete) • DragoonsSable OrderWar of LiberationWar of ShadowsWhitewinged Order
Lists ChaptersCharactersClasses (Class change) • ConversationsItemsScriptsSupportsWeapons
Related topics List of version differences (Name chart) • Other games (Shadow Dragon & the Blade of LightGaidenNew Mystery of the EmblemAwakening) • Pre-release information (Unused content) • Sound RoomTimeline
Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem: Heroes of Light and Shadow
Playable characters AbelArlenArranAstramAthenaBantuBarstBeckBelfBordCaedaCaesarCainCastorCatriaCecilCordDarrosDiceDolphDraugEliceEstEtzelFreyFrostGordinHoraceJakeJeorgeJubeloJulianKatarinaKrisLenaLindeLukeMacellanMaliceMariaMarishaMarthMatthisMerricMichalisMidiaMinervaNagiNavarreNorneNynaOgmaPallaPhinaRaddReidenRickardRobertoRoderickRogerRosheaRyanSamsonSamuelSedgarSheenaSiriusTikiTomasVylandWarrenWendellWolfWrysXaneYmirYuliya
Non-playable characters Aurelis KingBoahCamusGotohJagenLangLorenz
Bosses ArlenAthenaCaedaCainClarisseDallDraugEibelEremiyaEstGailGharnefHardinIce DragonJagenJeorgeKatarinaLangLegionLorenzLumelLukeLykkeMedeusNehringOgmaRoderickSheenaTorusWillowWyvernYodel
Background characters AdrahAnriArtemisCaldasIoteLudwikMarlonMarcelusNagaOrdwin
Regalia and personal weapons AumFalchionGradivusHauteclereImhulluMercuriusParthiaRapierStarlightWing Spear
Chapters Main story P1: MeetingP2: Young SquiresP3: Training BeginsP4: New Companions (Jeorge, Athena) • P5: March DutyP6: Bonds (Ogma, Draug) • P7: The Final Test (Est, Cain) • P8: Assassination of the Hero-King • 1: The Grustian Expedition • 2: Rebellion at Macedon • 3: Abducted Princess • 3x: Shadows Behind the Scenes • 4: Joy and Sorrow • 5: Liberation of Grust • 6: The Nest of Evil • 6x: Mercenary Squad • 7: The Scarlet Sword • 8: Soulful Bridge • 9: Sanctuary of Sorcery • 10: Two Sorcerers • 10x: The Mask Laughs • 11: Anri's Way • 12: Graveyard of Fire Dragons • 13: Frozen Land • 13x: Within the White Darkness • 14: A Mystery Revealed • 15: Return of the Prince • 16: Regaining the Capital • 16x: Reunion • 17: Gra's Sun Sets • 18: Battle of the Pass • 19: The Last Decisive Battle • 20: Dark Emperor • 20x: Bottom of the Deep Abyss • 21: The Wyvern's Dale • 22: The Dragon Altar • 23: The Dark Pontifex LivesE: Light and Shadow
New Archanea Saga 1: The Capital Falls • 2: Red Dragoon • 3: Righteous Thieves • 4: The Beginning
DLC bonus chapters 1: Wind and Thunder • 2: Three Assassins • 3: That Which Was Done by the Sword Shall Be Undone by the Sword
Locations ArchaneaAlteaAnri's WayAurelisDolhr (Dragon Altar) • Empire of ArchaneaGraGrustKhadeinMacedonTalys
Groups, objects and concepts Coyote's MenDragon (Divine DragonEarth DragonManakete) • HereticsSable OrderFire Emblem/Binding ShieldWar of HeroesWar of LiberationWar of ShadowsWhitewinged Order
Lists Base conversationsChaptersCharactersClasses (Class change) • Hidden treasureItemsScriptsSupportsWeapons
Related topics Name chart • Other games (Shadow Dragon & the Blade of LightGaidenMystery of the EmblemArchanea SagaShadow DragonAwakening) • Pre-release information (Unused content) • Sound RoomTimeline