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Batu
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| “ | The... the dark priests... they infect every corner of our world... Sigurd... Stay vigilant, lest you be tricked too! I... I failed the people of Verdane... Sigurd, I beg you... Make this right... Protect... my... people... | ” | — Batu |
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Batu (Japanese:バトゥ) was the last King ofVerdane prior to itsGrannvale annexation. Under his pacifist reign, Verdane ceased its infamous belligerence against neighboring Grannvale, until Batu himself launched what he believed to be a pre-emptive strike against the nation as a result of the machinations of his advisor,Sandima.
Biography
When Batu assumed the Verdane throne, he immediately set to work establishing peace with Grannvale and putting an end to his nation's belligerent history, part of which involved ensuring his aggressive two elder sons,Cimbaeth andMunnir, pacified and under control.[1] Late into his reign, Batu hired a new advisor:Sandima, aLoptrian priest unbeknownst to Batu. Sandima manipulated Batu, Cimbaeth and Munnir into complying with him in every respect, seizing control of the country.[2]
InGrann 757, shortly after the Grannvale army set out to war inIsaach, Sandima falsely informed Batu that Grannvale intended to invade Verdane, and in response Batu tasked Munnir with leading an invasion to stop Grannvale before they could do so.[3] Despite Grannvale being unattended by its army and an initial success in capturingYngvi Castle, the Verdane invaders were defeated by a group led bySigurd ofChalphy, who subsequently led an invasion directly into Verdane in a bid to rescue the abducted LadyEdain of Yngvi. Near the invasion's end, following the deaths of Munnir and Cimbaeth, Batu tasked his sonJamke with leading the final defense of the capital, but afterward began to question Sandima's honesty, for which Sandima fatally wounded him and seized control of the country.[4] Batu stayed alive long enough to be found by Sigurd andOifey following Sandima's defeat, and with his dying breath he warned Sigurd of the threat of the Loptr Church.
Personality
Batu was a staunch pacifist, devoted to ending Verdane's violent history and building a lasting peace, breaking this only in a self-perceived self-defense by ordering a Grannvale invasion solely to prevent Grannvale from threatening Verdane. He was highly trusting toward others, which ultimately led to his downfall through his trust in and reliance upon Sandima.
Trivia
- TheVerdane royal family tree inTreasure and the20th Anniversary Encyclopedia claims that Jamke is not Batu's son, but rather his grandson through his unidentified eldest child.[5]
- Batu bears a strong resemblance toHelman, a character fromThe Blazing Blade who plays a near-identical role as a ruler misled byhis advisor froman antagonistic organization.
Etymology and other languages
| Names, etymology, and in other regions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Definition, etymology, and notes |
| English | Batu | As ofFire Emblem Heroes.[6] FromBatu Khan, a Mongolian khan who lived in the thirteenth century. |
| English (unofficial) | Batou | Used in theGenealogy of the Holy Warfan translation. |
| Japanese | バトゥ | Officially romanized asBator.[5] Corruption of Batu Khan. |
| Spanish | Batu | -- |
| French | Batu | -- |
| German | Batu | -- |
| Italian | Batu | -- |
| Portuguese | Batu | -- |
| Traditional Chinese | 拔都 | Batu |
Gallery
Portrait of Batu inGenealogy of the Holy War.
Batu in artwork of Jamke: Prince of Verdane fromHeroes.
References
- ↑"The nation is widely dubbed a "barbarian kingdom" by Grannvale's people, owing to their constant raids on Grannvalian soil. However, the reign of King Batu has seen an end to Verdane's infamous border raids. A pacifist, King Batu has long worked to build a lasting peace with Grannvale, while also keeping his aggressive sons appeased. Ultimately, however, it was Batu himself who violated the peace he held so dear. Batu's three sons have unexpectedly launched an assault on Grannvale. Cimbaeth, the second son, lord of Genoa... Munnir, the eldest, lord of Marpha... And Jamke, the youngest of the three. Lurking deep within Verdane territory, the three now await the arrival of Sigurd." — Opening narration ofChapter 1,Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
- ↑"Mark my words: this is all the doing of Sandima, his sorcerous advisor. I can just feel it. Eking out a living here's grown tougher and tougher since the day that man arrived, and save for the youngest son, Jamke, both king and country are at his very whim. Please, I beg you... Save our country! Bring back the Verdane that once was!" — A Verdane villager,Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
- ↑"Batu: I... allowed Munnir's raid only because I'd been told that Grannvale would surely come to invade us first. Never did I intend for a war like this.
Jamke: It was that sorcerer, Sandima, who told you that, wasn't it? You, Cimbaeth, and Munnir trusted him too readily. You've all been deceived!" — Batu andJamke,Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War - ↑"Batu: Sandima... Perhaps, for all this time, you may not have been entirely forthright with me. You did assure me that Grannvale hungers to claim our land, and yet...
Sandima: Feh... And just what are you saying now? To think, I believed that your Verdanites would be of use... You truly are naught but savages. You are worthless. Completely and utterly worthless! And from now on, your army is mine to command!
Batu: What?! No, stay back! Back, I- -Guhh...
Sandima: Feh... Feeble-minded old fool." — Batu andSandima,Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War - ↑5.05.1A family tree inFire Emblem: Treasure (scan by Serenes Forest)
- ↑"I am the youngest son of King Batu of Verdane. If you aim to aid the weak, my strength is yours to wield." —Jamke: Prince of Verdane when beingsummoned,Fire Emblem Heroes
 | This article is part ofProject Characters, a project focused on writing articles for every character present in theFire Emblem series. |
