The trope of the “chosen one”is a cornerstone of fantasy fiction, a narrative device that shapes countless stories across various mediums. While most fantasy narratives follow singular protagonists, “chosen one”tales elevate this theme, often endowing the hero with an extraordinary destiny steeped in the divine.
In these stories, the protagonist often possesses unique abilities, suggesting a cosmic endorsement of their heroism. Supporters are inclined to rally behind them without hesitation, driven by an innate belief in their ordained mission. Given the prominence of this theme in fantasy, it’s no wonder that the video game industry has seen a myriad of interpretations of the chosen one concept, from traditional portrayals to more innovative variations.
Some games present the chosen one as a herald of light, while others subvert the trope with morally ambiguous entities or ambiguous outcomes. This leads to compelling experiences for players, sparking curiosity and engagement. Below, we explore several games that uniquely interpret the chosen one trope, each contributing distinct flavor to this classic narrative.
9. Mother 3
One Of Two
Similar to its predecessor, Earthbound, Mother 3 embodies the chosen one narrative, albeit in a more nuanced way. Rather than positioning Lucas as the singular hero, the lore conveyed by the Magypsies indicates that anyone capable of wielding PK Love can awaken the dragon by pulling the needles. Both Lucas and his twin brother, Claus, qualify for this momentous task.
What sets Mother 3 apart is the uncertainty surrounding the consequences of pulling the needles. Characters hope for Lucas to succeed due to his inherent kindness, whereas antagonistic Porky exploits Claus’s weakened state to assure chaos. This uncertainty culminates in high stakes throughout the game’s conclusion, masterfully keeping players on edge until the very end. Remarkably, the emotional payoff of the characters addressing the player directly in the credits remains profoundly satisfying, reinforcing the game’s narrative impact.
8. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Good Guy, Bad PR
The Dragon Quest series has long showcased chosen ones, often depicted as the reincarnation or descendant of a legendary hero, often adorned with magical blessings. In Dragon Quest 11, the narrative introduces an intriguing twist: the protagonist is thrust into the role of the Luminary, only to face outright hostility from the ruling monarch.
Upon announcing himself, the protagonist is unjustly imprisoned, with the King accusing him of bringing misfortune to the realm. This unexpected turn deviates from the norm, leading to a narrative fraught with political intricacies and moral complexities, shaping an adventure where the protagonist battles not only external foes but also the misconceptions of those he aims to protect.
7. Dark Souls
You And Everyone Else
In the grim and unforgiving world of Dark Souls, players assume the role of the “Chosen Undead.”According to the game’s lore, the Chosen Undead is destined to succeed Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, and grapple with the fate of the Age of Darkness. However, the title of “Chosen” is not a privileged destiny but a widespread designation: any descendant of the Furtive Pygmy can hold this title.
This facet aligns with the game’s overarching themes, emphasizing that in a desolate world bereft of heroes, anyone can take on the mantle—eventually leading to a somber realization that this “chosen” status is more a reflection of desperation than rightful sovereignty.
6. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
I Am Dragon, Hear Me Shout
Every protagonist in The Elder Scrolls series is typically cast as a chosen figure, whether as reincarnations or simply the right person at the right time. In Skyrim, the Dragonborn emerges as the most prominent chosen one, endowed with extraordinary powers that include the ability to unleash devastating shouts.
Unlike other titles, the protagonist in Skyrim frequently defines the battlefield—encounters with comparative mortals reveal the immense power they hold. This prominent position, however, takes a turn when low-level Draugr surprise players by wielding similar abilities, reminding us that no chosen one narrative is devoid of surprise.
5. Kingdom Hearts
Your Chosen-ness Was Somewhat Overstated
Reflecting on my first experience with Kingdom Hearts, I was initially led to believe that Sora gleamed fame as the Keyblade’s chosen hero. However, the narrative unravels to reveal that Riku influenced this title much more profoundly. Sora’s connection to the Keyblade is arguably circumstantial, mixed with a dash of fate, as recognized in later titles which expand on the Keyblade lore and the existence of numerous wielders.
This evolution of Sora’s character into a hero showcases the illusion of true chosen-ness, presenting a nuanced understanding that emphasizes how the chosen one trope can be misleading and full of twists.
4. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
We Can Wait A Century
Link’s role as the chosen hero is integrated deeply within the lore of The Legend of Zelda series. Each game portrays him as a reincarnation of a divinely chosen warrior. However, Breath of the Wild departs from this tradition, exploring the ramifications of a hero’s absence and the stillness that follows centuries of waiting.
When Link awakens after a hundred years, he discovers a Hyrule that has irrevocably changed. The remnants of civilization symbolize the consequences of interrupted destinies, revealing a somber truth: despite the existence of a chosen one, fate can be delayed, leading to unforeseen ramifications for the world.
3. Super Paper Mario
Less “Chosen, ” More “Counterpick”
In Super Paper Mario, the familiar hero, Mario, finds himself cast as the “chosen one”in an ancient prophecy, referred to as the Light Prognosticus. However, the reality is more comical and subversive than heroic. It’s revealed that Mario was selected not for his skills, but merely as a fallback option—favoring possibility rather than certainty.
In a twist, it is Luigi who holds the true prophetic fate with a more sinister destiny in the Dark Prognosticus. This amusing recontextualization invites players to reconsider the attributes of heroism and challenges the typical flashiness of the chosen one trope.
2. Persona 4
Like Being Chosen For A Survey
In Persona 4, the protagonist’s chosen status is not rooted in a noble calling but is revealed to stem from a dubious experiment by the deity Izanami. Unbeknownst to the characters, their involvement comes as a random selection for an unpredictable test of human worth—in stark contrast to the traditional hero’s journey.
This bold narrative twist highlights how often the chosen one trope can mask more complex themes around free will, manipulation, and the ethics of measurement, shaking the foundation of what it means to be “chosen.”
1. Control
The Board Ain’t Picky
In the narrative of Control, the conventional idea of a chosen one faces thorough subversion. After a catastrophic event leaves the Federal Bureau of Control without leadership, the announcement of a new chairman relies on a spontaneous decision made while Jesse Faden simply happens to be in the right place at the right time.
This unexpected turn manipulates the notion that chosen ones are predestined figures, suggesting that sometimes, fate and necessity coincide in uncertain ways. The ambiguity of Jesse’s selection serves as an intriguing commentary on autonomy and destiny as she grapples with the position thrust upon her.
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