Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by James
Kingdom Hearts is a popular video game series that combines the worlds and characters of Disney and Final Fantasy in a unique and epic adventure. The series follows the journey of Sora, a young boy who wields a magical weapon called the Keyblade, and his friends Riku and Kairi, as they travel across various worlds to protect them from the forces of darkness.
However, behind the scenes of this seemingly simple story lies a complex and intricate plot that spans multiple games, timelines, and dimensions. And at the center of it all is Xehanort, the main antagonist of the series and the leader of the Seekers of Darkness, a group of thirteen incarnations of himself from different times and worlds.
Xehanort is a mysterious and ambitious character who seeks to unlock Kingdom Hearts, the source of all hearts and worlds, and start a new Keyblade War, a conflict that would recreate the world in his image. To achieve his goal, he uses various methods such as creating and manipulating Heartless, Nobodies, Organization XIII, Real Organization XIII, Replicas, Data Simulations, and others to serve his purposes.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Xehanort, his origins, motives, plans, actions, battles, and legacy in the Kingdom Hearts saga. We will also analyze his character development and redemption in the final game of the series, Kingdom Hearts III.
Who is Xehanort?
Xehanort is a Keyblade Master who was born on Destiny Islands, a small world that is connected to other worlds by a mysterious door. He was fascinated by the stories of other worlds and wanted to see them for himself. He also had a natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge about the mysteries of the universe.
He left his home world when he was young and became an apprentice of Ansem the Wise, the ruler and scientist of Radiant Garden, a world that was known for its advanced technology and research. There, he met other apprentices such as Braig, Dilan, Even, Aeleus, Ienzo, and Isa. He also encountered Ventus, a young boy who had his heart damaged by Master Xehanort.
Master Xehanort was an elderly Keyblade Master who had traveled across many worlds in search of Kingdom Hearts. He was obsessed with the balance between light and darkness and believed that the world needed to be reset by a new Keyblade War. He had chosen Ventus as his vessel to create the χ-blade (pronounced “chi-blade”), a weapon that can unlock Kingdom Hearts.
However, Ventus’s heart was too pure for Master Xehanort’s plan. He extracted Ventus’s darkness from his heart and created Vanitas, his dark counterpart. He then left Ventus on Destiny Islands to die. However, Ventus’s heart was saved by Sora’s newborn heart when he reached out to him.
Master Xehanort then took Ventus to Land of Departure, where he entrusted him to his old friend Master Eraqus. Master Eraqus was another Keyblade Master who valued light above all else. He trained Ventus along with his other two pupils: Terra and Aqua.
Xehanort became interested in Master Xehanort’s research and secretly followed his footsteps. He discovered that Ansem the Wise had hidden a chamber beneath his castle that contained a door to Kingdom Hearts. He also learned about the Heartless, creatures that are born from the darkness in people’s hearts.
He decided to betray Ansem the Wise and conduct experiments on the Heartless without his permission. He also convinced some of his fellow apprentices to join him in his quest for power. He eventually created a device that could extract people’s hearts from their bodies.
He used this device on himself and his allies, turning them into Heartless and Nobodies. A Heartless is a being that has lost its heart to darkness. A Nobody is a being that is left behind when a person with a strong will becomes a Heartless.
Xehanort’s Heartless retained his memories and identity. He took on the name Ansem after stealing Ansem the Wise’s research notes. He then traveled across various worlds to spread darkness and find Kingdom Hearts.
Xehanort’s Nobody also retained his memories and identity. He took on the name Xemnas after rearranging the letters of Ansem and adding an X. He then formed Organization XIII, a group of powerful Nobodies who sought to reclaim their hearts by creating Kingdom Hearts from the hearts of worlds.
Xehanort’s original plan was to use both his Heartless and Nobody to create Kingdom Hearts and then reunite them into his original self. However, he also had a backup plan in case his Heartless and Nobody were defeated. He had implanted a fragment of his heart into several other people, creating vessels that could host his essence.
These vessels included his younger self, Young Xehanort, who had traveled through time with the help of a mysterious Robed Figure. They also included some of his former apprentices, such as Braig, who became Xigbar, and Isa, who became Saïx. They also included some of the members of Organization XIII, such as Larxene and Marluxia.
Xehanort’s ultimate goal was to gather thirteen vessels that would form the Real Organization XIII, also known as the Seekers of Darkness. These thirteen vessels would then clash with seven guardians of light, chosen Keyblade wielders who would oppose Xehanort’s plan. The clash between the thirteen darknesses and the seven lights would forge the χ-blade and open the way to Kingdom Hearts.
What is Xehanort’s role in the Kingdom Hearts series?
Xehanort is the main antagonist and driving force behind the events of the Kingdom Hearts series. He is involved in almost every game in some way or another, either directly or indirectly. He is responsible for many of the conflicts and tragedies that occur throughout the series.
Here is a brief summary of Xehanort’s role and actions in each of the main games of the series:
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
This game is a prequel that takes place ten years before the first Kingdom Hearts game. It follows the story of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, three Keyblade wielders who are caught up in Master Xehanort’s scheme. Master Xehanort manipulates Terra into embracing his darkness and becoming his vessel. He also uses Vanitas to fuse with Ventus and create the χ-blade. He then kills Master Eraqus and destroys Land of Departure. Aqua manages to stop Master Xehanort and Vanitas, but at a great cost. She sacrifices herself to save Terra from falling into darkness. She ends up trapped in the Realm of Darkness, a dimension where light does not exist. Terra’s body is taken over by Master Xehanort, becoming Terra-Xehanort. Ventus’s heart falls into a deep sleep after being shattered by the χ-blade. He is taken to Castle Oblivion, a mysterious place that can alter memories.
Kingdom Hearts
This game is the first game in the series and introduces Sora, Riku, and Kairi as the main protagonists. Sora is chosen by the Keyblade when his world is attacked by the Heartless. He teams up with Donald Duck and Goofy, two emissaries from Disney Castle who are looking for their king, Mickey Mouse. Riku is tempted by Ansem (Xehanort’s Heartless) into opening his heart to darkness. He becomes possessed by Ansem and kidnaps Kairi, who has lost her heart due to an accident caused by Maleficent, an evil fairy who works with Ansem. Sora travels across various worlds to find his friends and stop Ansem from reaching Kingdom Hearts. He eventually confronts Ansem at the End of the World, a place where all worlds destroyed by darkness end up. He defeats Ansem and sacrifices his own heart to restore Kairi’s heart. He becomes a Heartless himself, but is saved by Kairi’s light. He then seals Kingdom Hearts with Riku and Mickey’s help, but becomes separated from them.
Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
This game is a sequel to Kingdom Hearts that takes place immediately after its events. It follows Sora’s journey through Castle Oblivion, where he encounters members of Organization XIII for the first time. Organization XIII is led by Xemnas (Xehanort’s Nobody) and consists of Nobodies who seek to create Kingdom Hearts from the hearts of worlds.
They use Naminé, a special Nobody who can manipulate memories, to alter Sora’s memories and make him forget his past. They also try to turn him into their puppet by making him use cards that contain his memories as weapons. Sora manages to overcome their manipulation and defeats several members of Organization XIII along the way.
He also learns about Roxas, his Nobody who was created when he became a Heartless. Roxas joined Organization XIII but left them after having doubts about their motives. He then meets Axel, another member of Organization XIII who becomes his friend.
Sora eventually reaches Naminé and regains his true memories. He decides to enter a pod that will put him in a deep sleep and restore his memories. Meanwhile, Riku also arrives at Castle Oblivion and faces his own inner darkness. He is confronted by Ansem, who tries to take over his body again.
He also meets DiZ, a mysterious figure who wears a red cloak and a bandaged face. DiZ helps Riku fight against Ansem and guides him to the basement of the castle. There, Riku encounters Mickey, who has been looking for him. Riku decides to accept his darkness and use it for good. He also befriends Naminé, who reveals that she is Kairi’s Nobody. Riku then leaves Castle Oblivion with Mickey and DiZ, who reveals his true identity as Ansem the Wise.
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
This game is a side story that takes place between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II. It follows the story of Roxas, who works as a member of Organization XIII. Roxas is unaware of his true identity as Sora’s Nobody and believes that he is a normal person.
He performs missions for the Organization and collects hearts from the Heartless. He also forms a friendship with Axel and Xion, two other members of the Organization. Xion is a special Replica, a copy of Sora created by Xemnas from his memories.
She has the ability to wield the Keyblade and resembles Kairi. However, Xion’s existence causes Sora’s memories to be unstable and prevents him from waking up. Roxas begins to have dreams and visions of Sora’s past and questions his own existence. He also learns that Xion is a fake and that she plans to return to Sora.
He tries to stop her, but ends up fighting her. He defeats her and absorbs her into himself, gaining her memories and appearance. He then decides to leave the Organization and find out the truth about himself. He is confronted by Riku, who wants to capture him and bring him back to DiZ.
They fight and Riku wins by using Ansem’s power. He then takes Roxas to DiZ, who puts him in a virtual simulation of Twilight Town, a world where Roxas lives as a normal teenager with his friends Hayner, Pence, and Olette.
Kingdom Hearts II
This game is a sequel to Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It follows the story of Sora, who wakes up from his sleep after Roxas merges with him. He reunites with Donald and Goofy and resumes his journey to find Riku and Kairi.
He also learns about Organization XIII and their plan to create Kingdom Hearts from the hearts of people. He travels across various worlds and fights against the Organization’s members, as well as other enemies such as Maleficent, Pete, Hades, Jafar, Scar, Ursula, Oogie Boogie, Captain Barbossa, Shan Yu, Master Control Program, Sark, Sephiroth, and others.
He also meets new allies such as King Mickey, Yen Sid, Merlin, Stitch, Tron, Mulan, Jack Sparrow, Simba, Aladdin, Ariel, Beast, Jack Skellington, Santa Claus, Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, Leon (Squall Leonhart), Yuffie Kisaragi, Cid Highwind, Aerith Gainsborough, and others.
He also reunites with Kairi, who was kidnapped by Axel and brought to the Organization’s headquarters. He also finds Riku, who has taken on Ansem’s appearance to fight the Organization. He also encounters DiZ and Naminé, who reveal their roles in restoring his memories. He also learns about Roxas and Xion, who are part of his heart.
He then confronts Xemnas at The World That Never Was, the Organization’s home world. He defeats Xemnas and his remaining members, as well as Ansem the Wise, who sacrifices himself to destroy Xemnas’s Kingdom Hearts. He then returns to Destiny Islands with Riku and Kairi.
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
This game is a side story that takes place between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II. It follows the story of Roxas, who works as a member of Organization XIII. Roxas is unaware of his true identity as Sora’s Nobody and believes that he is a normal person.
He performs missions for the Organization and collects hearts from the Heartless. He also forms a friendship with Axel and Xion, two other members of the Organization. Xion is a special Replica, a copy of Sora created by Xemnas from his memories. She has the ability to wield the Keyblade and resembles Kairi.
However, Xion’s existence causes Sora’s memories to be unstable and prevents him from waking up. Roxas begins to have dreams and visions of Sora’s past and questions his own existence.
He also learns that Xion is a fake and that she plans to return to Sora. He tries to stop her, but ends up fighting her. He defeats her and absorbs her into himself, gaining her memories and appearance. He then decides to leave the Organization and find out the truth about himself.
He is confronted by Riku, who wants to capture him and bring him back to DiZ. They fight and Riku wins by using Ansem’s power. He then takes Roxas to DiZ, who puts him in a virtual simulation of Twilight Town, a world where Roxas lives as a normal teenager with his friends Hayner, Pence, and Olette.
Kingdom Hearts coded
This game is a side story that takes place after Kingdom Hearts II. It follows the story of Data-Sora, a digital version of Sora created by King Mickey from Jiminy Cricket’s journal.
The journal contains the records of Sora’s adventures across various worlds. However, it also contains mysterious messages that hint at hidden truths and secrets. King Mickey decides to digitize the journal and enter it with Data-Sora to investigate the messages.
They encounter Data-Riku, a digital version of Riku who acts as the journal’s protector. They also encounter Maleficent and Pete, who have entered the journal to steal its data and use it for their own purposes.
They also encounter Data-Naminé, a digital version of Naminé who reveals that she is the one who wrote the messages. She explains that there are people who are connected to Sora’s heart but are still in pain and need his help. These people include Roxas, Xion, Naminé, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. She also reveals that there is a new threat that is related to Xehanort and his plan.
She asks Data-Sora to deliver a message to the real Sora, who can save these people and stop Xehanort. Data-Sora agrees and completes the journal’s data. He then returns to King Mickey, who decides to send a letter to Sora with the message. Data-Sora then bids farewell to Data-Riku and Data-Naminé and returns to the journal.
Kingdom Hearts 3D
Dream Drop Distance: This game is a sequel to Kingdom Hearts coded and a prelude to Kingdom Hearts III. It follows the story of Sora and Riku, who are summoned by Yen Sid to undergo a Mark of Mastery exam, a test that will prove them as true Keyblade Masters.
Yen Sid explains that Xehanort is about to return with his thirteen vessels and that they need to prepare for the final battle. He sends Sora and Riku to the Realm of Sleep, a dimension where worlds that have been restored from darkness are still asleep. There, they have to awaken seven sleeping keyholes and unlock the secrets of the past.
They also encounter Young Xehanort, who has traveled through time with the help of the Robed Figure, who is revealed to be Ansem (Xehanort’s Heartless). Young Xehanort reveals that he is gathering the other vessels of Xehanort from different times and worlds to form the Real Organization XIII.
He also reveals that he has chosen Sora as one of the vessels and that he plans to put him in a state of deep sleep and take over his body. He also reveals that Riku is not actually in the Realm of Sleep, but in Sora’s dreams, where he acts as his guardian. He then traps Sora in a nightmare and leaves him to be consumed by darkness.
Riku manages to enter Sora’s nightmare and rescue him from Young Xehanort and his allies. He then wakes up Sora from his sleep and returns to Yen Sid’s tower. There, he learns that he has passed the Mark of Mastery exam and become a Keyblade Master.
He also learns that Sora has failed the exam due to his vulnerability to darkness. He also learns that Kairi has been brought by King Mickey and Lea (Axel’s original self) to train as a Keyblade wielder. He also learns that Ansem the Wise has survived his explosion and has left behind data that can help them save the people connected to Sora’s heart. He then decides to stay with Sora and help him recover his strength.
Kingdom Hearts III
This game is the final game in the series and concludes the Xehanort saga. It follows the story of Sora, who has lost most of his power after his ordeal in the Realm of Sleep. He decides to travel across various worlds with Donald and Goofy to regain his power and find a way to awaken the power of waking, a skill that can restore lost hearts.
He also hopes to find Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, who are still missing after their battle with Master Xehanort. He also encounters members of the Real Organization XIII, who taunt him and try to stop him from interfering with their plan. He also meets new allies such as Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Baymax, Hiro Hamada, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven, and others.
He also reunites with Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Lea, and the other Keyblade wielders who have been training and searching for the missing guardians of light. He also finds Aqua, who has been corrupted by darkness after spending years in the Realm of Darkness. He manages to purify her and bring her back to the Realm of Light.
He then helps her find Ventus, who has been sleeping in Castle Oblivion. He also confronts Vanitas, who has been revived by Xehanort and tries to merge with Ventus again. He defeats Vanitas and frees Ventus from his influence. He then joins forces with Terra, who has been freed from Xehanort’s control by Lingering Will, his armor that has been guarding his body.
He then prepares to face Xehanort and his thirteen vessels at the Keyblade Graveyard, the site of the original Keyblade War. There, he engages in a fierce battle with the Real Organization XIII and their allies. He also witnesses the death of some of his friends at the hands of Xehanort and his minions.
He then falls into a state of despair and is swallowed by a storm of darkness. He is saved by Kairi’s light and transported to The Final World, a place where hearts that are barely clinging to life reside.
There, he meets Naminé and Chirithy, a spirit that guides him back to reality. He also meets Xion and Roxas, who have been brought back to life by Sora’s heart and the power of friendship. He then returns to the Keyblade Graveyard and reverses the events that led to his friends’ deaths.
He then defeats Xehanort’s vessels one by one and reaches Scala ad Caelum, a world that was once the seat of power for Keyblade Masters. There, he faces Xehanort himself in a final showdown. He manages to overcome Xehanort’s power and persuade him to surrender. He then seals Kingdom Hearts with Xehanort’s help and prevents it from being used for evil. He then returns to his friends and celebrates their victory.
What is Xehanort’s character development and redemption?
Xehanort is a complex and controversial character who has undergone several changes throughout the series. He is not a pure evil villain who wants to destroy the world for no reason. He is a curious and ambitious seeker who wants to understand the nature of the world and its balance between light and darkness.
He believes that the world is imperfect and needs to be reset by a new Keyblade War. He thinks that he is doing the right thing by creating Kingdom Hearts and forging the χ-blade. He does not care about the consequences of his actions or the lives of others. He is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone for his goal.
However, he is not completely heartless or emotionless. He does have some moments of compassion and remorse for his deeds. He also has some respect and admiration for his enemies, especially Sora.
He also has some bonds with his allies, such as Master Eraqus, Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Young Xehanort, Ansem (Xehanort’s Heartless), Xemnas (Xehanort’s Nobody), Braig (Xigbar), Isa (Saïx), Larxene, Marluxia, Luxord, Demyx, Vanitas, Ansem the Wise (DiZ), Riku-Ansem (Dark Riku), Repliku (Riku Replica), Xion, Roxas, and others. He also shows some signs of regret and remorse for his actions, especially in the final game of the series.
He admits that he was wrong and that he underestimated the power of the heart. He also acknowledges that Sora is a worthy opponent and a remarkable person. He also accepts his defeat and surrenders to Sora.
He then reunites with his old friend Master Eraqus in the afterlife and apologizes to him for everything he has done. He also expresses his gratitude to Sora for ending his journey and freeing him from his obsession. He then fades away peacefully with Master Eraqus, leaving behind his Keyblade and his legacy.
Xehanort is a character who has challenged and shaped the Kingdom Hearts saga with his actions and decisions. He is a character who has inspired and provoked many emotions and reactions from the fans and the characters. He is a character who has left a lasting impact on the series and its themes. He is a character who has redeemed himself in the end and found peace in death. He is a character who will always be remembered as the mastermind behind the saga.
Kingdom Hearts Xehanort Quotes
Some famous quotes from Xehanort from Kingdom Hearts are:
- “Darkness is a beginning, you see, not an end. At birth, every one of us emerges from darkness into a world of light, do we not?” – Master Xehanort to Terra in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep1
- “The Keyblade War will reveal the true Keyblade Master. Union χ is nothing but a petty fantasy of yours.” – Young Xehanort to Ava in Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover
- “You see? An empty world, like a prison. I imagine you will be right at home.” – Ansem (Xehanort’s Heartless) to Riku in Kingdom Hearts
- “Kingdom Hearts! Where is my heart?” – Xemnas (Xehanort’s Nobody) after being defeated by Sora and Riku in Kingdom Hearts II
- “You’re too late. A χ-blade has been forged. And now, the final battle for Kingdom Hearts and the ultimate clash between light and dark.” – Young Xehanort to Sora and Riku in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
- “I know I started my journey on Destiny Islands, and now it’s time I go back. But the closer I get, the harder it is to let go. Maybe it’s time for a new beginning.” – Terra-Xehanort to Ansem the Wise in Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
- “I have waited patiently, but together we shall unlock the Keyblade War’s secrets. Now we forge it—the ultimate key—the χ-blade!” – Master Xehanort to his thirteen vessels in Kingdom Hearts III
- “Very well done. Terra, look after them for me, would you?” – Master Xehanort to Terra before fading away with Master Eraqus in Kingdom Hearts III
Conclusion
Xehanort is one of the most influential and controversial characters in the Kingdom Hearts series. He is the main antagonist and the mastermind behind the saga. He is a seeker of knowledge and power who wants to unlock Kingdom Hearts and start a new Keyblade War. He is a manipulator and a schemer who uses various methods and allies to achieve his goal. He is a complex and conflicted character who has some moments of compassion and remorse for his deeds. He is a character who has challenged and shaped the series with his actions and decisions. He is a character who has inspired and provoked many emotions and reactions from the fans and the characters. He is a character who has redeemed himself in the end and found peace in death. He is a character who will always be remembered as the mastermind behind the saga.
