For theTearRing Saga character, seeSaga:Samson.

Samson (Japanese:サムソンSamson) is ahero appearing inShadow Dragon & the Blade of Light,Mystery of the Emblem and both of the DS remakes. He is a gladiator turned mercenary.

Biography

Samson was once a famous gladiator,^[1] and was a mercenary with high standards for those he would serve.^[2] Some time before A.C. 604, he began to reside ata village inAltea.^[3] During theWar of Shadows in A.C. 604,^[a]Marth had the opportunity to visit his village; if he did, Samson joined and fought under theArchanean League up to the end of the war. After its conclusion, Samson continued life as a mercenary.^[2]

During theWar of Heroes, Samson was hired by PrincessSheena ofGra, then an abused client kingdom ofArchanea. When theAltean League besieged the Gra Bastion, Samson elected to stay with Sheena despite her running out of payment in order to gauge Marth's character.^[6] If Marth took the bastion without harming the Gra soldiers, Sheena aligned Gra with Altea; Samson planned to leave, convinced Marth could protect Sheena, but he stayed at her request and fought under Marth until the end of the War of Heroes. After it concluded, Samson resided within thecapital of Archanea; his status as a veteran soldier made him reliable in emergencies.^[7]

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light

Role

Samson was a gladiator that acquired fame for his deeds, but eventually retired.^[8] During the war, Samson resided in an eastern village near the Altean castle that has bad blood with the neighboring western village. WhenMarth's army arrives to retake Altea, he has to choose between visiting Samson's village and recruiting him, or visiting the other village and recruiting the paladinArran.^[9] If Samson is chosen, he serves as a soldier in Marth's army for the rest of the War of Shadows.

Starting stats and growth rates

Hero Level 1 Movement 7 Experience 0

Recruitment:Chapter 16, visit easternvillage StatsGrowth Rates Max HP 24 Speed 15 Strength 10 Luck 7 Skill 14 Defense 9 W. Level 10 Resistance 0 Max HP 70% Speed 20% Strength 30% Luck 50% Skill 10% Defense 20% W. Level 70% Resistance 0% {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}} Inventory Silver Sword Vulnerary Weapons Sword ✓ Lance ✗ Axe ✗ Bow ✗ Tome ✗ Staff ✗ Ballista ✗ Stone ✗

Analysis

Samson joins in Chapter 16 as a pre-promoted Hero, and because of his late recruitment he does not have as much time to contribute or grow as most units; he is, however, able to perform in combat. His combat potential is strong enough to take on most units: hisspeed is very good at 15, hisweapon level is high enough to use all of the swords available to him, and his strength is fairly solid in conjunction with his potential to double. Hisskill is also very good at 14, but he is somewhat frail with a defense of 9 and HP of 24. His growth rates in strength, skill, speed, anddefense are fairly mediocre and he will likely not grow substantially stronger, though his bases are high enough that he will never become completely useless.

In comparison to Arran

The main disadvantage Samson has to Arran is his movement: Arran is aPaladin with 10 movement, while Samson is a Hero with 7. This difference is significant as it makes Arran much better at traversing the map, and gives him more options to be positioned; Samson's movement is serviceable but is still weaker. Arran is also able to use lances, which Samson cannot, meaning he can use useful weapons like theJavelin,Silver Lance, and potentiallyGradivus if he increases his weapon level by 4—either through leveling up or using theManual. Arran also has stronger growths in strength and speed, which are very significant stats. However, Samson's base stats in strength, skill, speed, and luck are significantly higher, so even with Arran's superior growths in speed and strength he will likely not surpass Samson's stats. His speed in particular make it very easy for Samson to double, so he will more consistently one-round enemies. Arran typically needs some investment to hold his own compared to other units, but Samson can compete as soon as he joins. The most practical reason to deploy Arran or Samson is to fill out a roster, and for that purpose Samson is more useful as he starts stronger, though he does not get access to a weapon as powerful as the Gradivus later.

Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem

Book 1

Role

Samson is a former gladiator of some renown that currently lives in a village near the Altean castle near a feuding neighboring village in the west. WhenMarth's army arrives to retake Altea, he has to choose between visiting Samson's village and recruiting him, or visiting the other village and recruiting the paladinArran. If Samson is chosen, he serves as a soldier in Marth's army for the rest of the War of Shadows.

Starting stats and growth rates

Hero Level 1 Movement 7 Experience 0

Recruitment:Chapter 13, visit easternvillage StatsGrowth Rates Max HP 24 Luck 7 Strength 10 W. Level 10 Skill 14 Defense 9 Speed 17 Resistance 3 Max HP 70% Luck 50% Strength 30% W. Level 70% Skill 10% Defense 20% Speed 20% Resistance 3% {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}} Weapons Items Silver Sword -- Weapons Sword ✓ Lance ✗ Axe ✗ Bow ✗ Tome ✗ Staff ✗

Analysis

Samson has 17 speed at base, which is enough to double every enemy left in the game. His base 24 HP and 9 defense is sufficient for him to withstand one hit from any enemy butCamus orMedeus. He can reliably one-roundManaketes with aWyrmslayer, even intoEndgame, with just his bases. His bases are also enough to two-round every enemy before Chapter 20 with aSilver Sword, exceptGenerals, who require anArmorslayer; a single point of strength allows him to two-round every generic enemy left in the game.

Samson's 10 strength is insufficient to one-round promoted enemies without acritical hit. He can two-round reliably with a Silver Sword, but this will require he be healed, as his bulk is not enough to take two hits from most enemies; however, his inability to one-round can be a benefit, as it prevents him from exposing himself to additional attacks he cannot withstand. Furthermore, his reliance on two rounds of combat and inability to take two hits makes him very dependent on a healer, requiring a designated healer to heal Samson every turn if he is to see much combat.

Book 2

Role

By the events of theWar of Heroes, Samson has been employed bySheena, the new leader ofGra. When Marth's seasonedAltean army attacks Gra en route toArchanea, the inexperienced and overwhelmed troops of Gra flee and abstain from combat. Sheena offers Samson to leave, as she has no money to pay him for the likely ensuing defeat, but Samson insists on staying with Sheena until the end. If none of the Gra soldiers are killed, Marth can recruit Sheena to his side, who in turn can talk to Samson and insist that she would like him to remain by her side, recruiting him to Marth's forces.

Starting stats and growth rates

Hero Level 5 Movement 7 Experience 0

Recruitment:Chapter 17, talk to withSheena StatsGrowth Rates Max HP 28 Luck 7 Strength 12 W. Level 12 Skill 16 Defense 11 Speed 19 Resistance 3 Max HP 70% Luck 50% Strength 30% W. Level 70% Skill 10% Defense 20% Speed 20% Resistance 3% {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}} Weapons Items Silver Sword -- Weapons Sword ✓ Lance ✗ Axe ✗ Bow ✗ Tome ✗ Staff ✗

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

Role

Samson was once a famous swordfighter but now lives in a village near theAltean castle that has bad blood with the neighboring western village.^[10] WhenMarth's army arrives to retake Altea, he has to choose between visiting Samson's village and recruiting him or visiting the other village and recruiting the paladinArran.^[11] If Samson is chosen, he serves as a soldier in Marth's army for the rest of theWar of Shadows.

Starting stats and growth rates

Hero Level 10 Movement 8

Recruitment:Chapter 16, visit easternvillage StatsGrowth Rates Max HP 24 Speed 16 Strength 10 Luck 7 Magic 1 Defense 9 Skill 14 Resistance 3 Max HP 70% Speed 25% Strength 35% Luck 55% Magic 0% Defense 15% Skill 25% Resistance 0% {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}} Inventory Silver Axe Vulnerary Weapon Levels D -- B -- -- --

Growth rates when reclassed

Analysis

In Chapter 16 ofShadow Dragon, either Samson orArran can be recruited, depending on which village you visit. Samson is the better choice by far, because the Hero class bases alone carry him. He has a substantial skill and speed lead, a slight strength lead as well as similar physical bulk. In the harder difficulties, Arran will get doubled by enemies at base, while Samson will not, which helps his survivability quite a bit. Other than having decently good bases, Samson has a high axe rank at B, which allows him to use thePoleaxe, a very good axe effective against cavalry, and also theHammer, which is effective against armored units. As such, he is useful even at base level, which ultimately makes him a decent unit in the short term. There is no need to train Samson for him to be of some use to the player.

Unfortunately, Samson's usefulness begins and ends with his base stats and axe rank. Long-term, he is not quite as good. His growth rates are mediocre and he cannot improve much past his starting point, considering his high level and promoted status. He also suffers from a lack of availability—he joins past the halfway point of the game and does not stay relevant for long. However, he can still contribute for a few chapters with the qualities he does have, which makes him usable and sometimes helpful.

Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem

Role

This section has been marked as astub. Please help improve the page by adding information.

Starting stats and growth rates

Hero Level 5 Movement 8

Recruitment:Chapter 17, talk to withSheena (Reverts to enemy status if aGra soldier is subsequently killed) StatsGrowth Rates Max HP 34 Speed 18 Strength 14 Luck 11 Magic 1 Defense 13 Skill 15 Resistance 3 Max HP 90% Speed 30% Strength 50% Luck 70% Magic 0% Defense 35% Skill 35% Resistance 0% {{{content3}}} {{{content4}}} {{{content5}}} {{{content6}}} {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}} Inventory Silver Axe Weapon Levels D -- B -- -- --

Growth rates when reclassed

Original set

Second set

These classes are only available after beating Hard Mode.

Analysis

Samson isn't very useful. He joins with a decent axe rank, but an embarrassing sword rank for this late into the game, along with bases more fitting for a unit that joined a few chapters earlier. Along with that he also has somewhat low growths compared to most units inNew Mystery, though by no means bad, which make it unlikely that he will significantly improve even with training. As such the only way for Samson to improve is to be given a large amount of stat boosting items and forges which could be used better by other characters. Samson can perform decently on lower difficulties, but he simply cannot keep up with enemies on Lunatic and Lunatic Reverse. Overall, the combination of his mediocre bases, join time and growths make Samson a hard unit to be made viable.

Personality

This section has been marked as astub. Please help improve the page by adding information.

Unlike many mercenaries, Samson has a very strong code of ethics and will not compromise his morals for gold.^[12] He developed a close friendship withSheena after being employed by her, to the point of working without payment.^[13]

Supports

Mystery of the Emblem

Samson Hero Supports: Sheena General Bonus: 10 [[{{{supportg2}}}]] Bishop Bonus: {{{bonusg2}}} [[{{{supportg3}}}]] Bishop Bonus: {{{bonusg3}}} Supported by: Sheena General Bonus: 10 [[{{{supporto2}}}]] Bishop Bonus: {{{bonuso2}}}

Shadow Dragon

Samson Hero Mutual supports: None. [[{{{supportm1}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm1}}} B: {{{bm1}}} A: {{{am1}}} [[{{{supportm2}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm2}}} B: {{{bm2}}} A: {{{am2}}} [[{{{supportm3}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm3}}} B: {{{bm3}}} A: {{{am3}}} [[{{{supportm4}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm4}}} B: {{{bm4}}} A: {{{am4}}} [[{{{supportm5}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm5}}} B: {{{bm5}}} A: {{{am5}}} Supported by:* Marth Lord C: 5 B: 8 A: 35 [[{{{supporto2}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co2}}} B: {{{bo2}}} A: {{{ao2}}} [[{{{supporto3}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co3}}} B: {{{bo3}}} A: {{{ao3}}} [[{{{supporto4}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co4}}} B: {{{bo4}}} A: {{{ao4}}} [[{{{supporto5}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co5}}} B: {{{bo5}}} A: {{{ao5}}}

New Mystery of the Emblem: Heroes of Light and Shadow

Samson Hero Mutual supports: Sheena General C:0 B: 3 A: 6 Arran Paladin C: 3 B: 6 A:- [[{{{supportm3}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm3}}} B: {{{bm3}}} A: {{{am3}}} [[{{{supportm4}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm4}}} B: {{{bm4}}} A: {{{am4}}} [[{{{supportm5}}}]] Bishop C: {{{cm5}}} B: {{{bm5}}} A: {{{am5}}} Supported by:* Kris Mercenary C: 3 B: 6 A:- [[{{{supporto2}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co2}}} B: {{{bo2}}} A: {{{ao2}}} [[{{{supporto3}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co3}}} B: {{{bo3}}} A: {{{ao3}}} [[{{{supporto4}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co4}}} B: {{{bo4}}} A: {{{ao4}}} [[{{{supporto5}}}]] Bishop C: {{{co5}}} B: {{{bo5}}} A: {{{ao5}}}

Base conversations

Main article:Samson/Conversations

Endings

Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light

Samson
Turns his talents toward being a leader to villagers who suffered under Dolhr.

Mystery of the Emblem

Book 1

Samson, Roaming Hero
Samson continued to ply his trade as a mercenary, but never sold his sword to any but those who met his standards.

Book 2

Samson, Sheena's Hero
He moved to the Archanean capital and gave up his mercenary life, content to live in peace.

Shadow Dragon

Samson, Roaming Hero
Samson continued to ply his trade as a mercenary, but never sold his sword to any but those who met his standards.

New Mystery of the Emblem: Heroes of Light and Shadow

Samson, Sheena's Hero
After the war, Samson settled down in the palace town. As a veteran soldier, the people often relied on him in emergencies.

Quotes

Battle quotes

Death quotes

Everyone's Conditions quotes

Other appearances

Fire Emblem Trading Card Game

Samson was featured on one TCG card, from the fifth card series.

Fire Emblem Trading Card Game data for Samson
	Class:Hero	Level 10 Infantry	Direct Attack
	Energy: 7	Atk.: 5 / Counter: 2	WLv.: A
	Equip:Silver Sword	Skills:Force Back (Energy 2: If a direct attack deals damage, the enemy unit retreats one square) Emblem Skills:[Strength] (Energy 2) •[Speed] (Discard 3)
	Card #5-017 •Rarity: ★ •Artist:Katsuyoshi Koya
Card scans and information translation provided byAquantis.

Fire Emblem Cipher

Samson is featured on one card inFire Emblem Cipher.

Fire Emblem Cipher data for Samson
	Twilight Hero, Samson
		"Y'know what? If you're gonna insist on staying, then so will I. I'm with you to the very end. It oughta be an fun challenge, if nothing else."
		Attack: 70	Support: 10	Range: 1	Deploy Cost: 4
		Class: Hero		Tier:Advanced	Class Change Cost: 3
		Celeritous Hero:[Activate] [Tap an ally "Sheena" ] Untap this unit. "I will protect you.":[Always] During your opponent's turn, your lord gains +10 attack.
	Card #B15-037HN • Artist:Homakura
Some card information translation provided by Serenes Forest. For more detailed strategic information on these cards, seetheir TCG wiki article on Samson .

Flavor text

Choose Your Legends placement history

Round	Placement	Character	Votes

CYL 1 (2017)	630	Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon	102
	715	Samson Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem	58

CYL 2 (2018)	600 (−30)	Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon	129
	681 (−34)	Samson Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem	73

CYL 3 (2019)

422 (−73)

Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem

356 (+152)

CYL 4 (2020)

507 (+38)

Samson Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon

186 (−170)

CYL 5 (2021)

549 (+42)

Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem

106 (−80)

CYL 6 (2022)

554 (+3)

Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem

112 (+6)

CYL 7 (2023)

553 (−1)

Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem

78 (−34)

CYL 8 (2024)

483 (−70)

Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem

97 (+19)

CYL 9 (2025)

592 (+109)

Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem

54 (−43)

CYL 10 (2026)

500 (−92)

Samson Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light /Shadow Dragon Mystery of the Emblem /New Mystery of the Emblem

56 (+2)

Total results		This character has 12 entries across all Choose Your Legends polls.	1,407

Trivia

• Samson's name, paired with the name ofArran's, who the player must choose between in FE1/11, is a possible pun on major Nintendo characterSamus Aran.
• The developers originally intended for the plot of FE1/11 to change depending on whether the player recruited Arran or Samson, but the limitations of theFamily Computer made this impossible. This concept later served as the basis of the split versions and storylines ofFire Emblem Fates, in which theprotagonist must choose to side with eitherthe country that adopted and raised them,the country of their birth, or neither, with their decision determining the course of the plot from that point onward.^[14]
• Whilst Samson is introduced residing in anAltea village, he is never said to be of the Altean himself and is consistently shown to be loyal to no singular country. It is further stated in a conversation added inNew Mystery of the Emblem, that Samson resided in a town near Archanea's capital before moving into Altea.^[15]

Etymology and other languages

Gallery

Sprite Gallery
Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light Hero Sword Levin Sword
Mystery of the Emblem Hero Sword
Shadow Dragon GeneralHeroWarriorHorsemanBerserkerSorcerer General Lance Bow Hero Sword Axe Warrior Axe Bow Horseman Bow Sword Berserker Axe Sorcerer Tome {{{content7}}} {{{content8}}} {{{content9}}} {{{content10}}} {{{content11}}} {{{content12}}} {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}}
New Mystery of the Emblem PaladinDracoknightSniperSwordmasterSageBishopGeneralHeroWarriorHorsemanBerserkerSorcerer Paladin Sword Lance Dracoknight Lance Axe Sniper Bow Swordmaster Sword Sage Tome,Staff Bishop Tome,Staff General Lance Bow Hero Sword Axe Warrior Axe Bow Horseman Bow Sword Berserker Axe Sorcerer Tome {{{content13}}} {{{content14}}} {{{content15}}}

Official artwork

• 
  Artwork of Samson fromShadow Dragon & the Blade of Light.
• 
  Artwork of Samson from theTrading Card Game.
• 
  Artwork ofSheena and Samson from theMemorial Book Akaneia Chronicle.

Cipher artwork

• 
  Artwork of Samson withSheena.

Notes

References

This article is part ofProject Characters, a project focused on writing articles for every character present in theFire Emblem series.