Sunday, March 26, 2017

What Kingdom Hearts Has Taught Me


WARNING: This post contains spoilers for the Kingdom Hearts series
For about a week now, my mind has randomly started repeating quotes like, “There’s no way you’re taking Kairi’s heart” and “It is I, Ansem, the Seeker of Darkness” in preparation for a very special occasion. Kingdom Hearts is celebrating its 15th anniversary on March 28th, 2017, which is also the release day of Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5, a collection that includes Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts 2, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (phew, that's a lot). It's a perfect package for those who want to either relive their childhood or catch up with the series before Kingdom Hearts 3 comes out.

Of course, I'll be picking up my copy when the time comes because Kingdom Hearts is my favorite series of all time. Part of the reason why it's my favorite is that it taught me valuable life lessons, so I’m honoring it today by listing quotes accompanied by the lessons I've learned.

Sora: "Although my heart may be weak, it's not alone. It's grown with each new experience. And it's found a home with all the friends I've made. I've become a part of their heart, just as they've become a part of mine. And if they think of me now and then, if they don't forget me, then our hearts will be one. I don't need a weapon. My friends are my power!”


Even after you move away, lose contact, or take another path in life, there is still something unexplained that connects you with the ones you care about, and that love is THE most powerful force in the universe.

Sora: "A promise I made to Naminé to keep her safe. Maybe my memories are fake. But the promise is real to me. That's why--I'll keep it."


Sora: "Kairi, remember what you said before? I'm always with you, too! I'll come back to you. I promise!”


Always keep your promises.

Kairi’s Grandmother: "So, listen, child. Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light, and the darkness will never defeat you.”


Riku: "What are you making me choose now?"
DiZ: "Between the road to light and the road to darkness."
Riku: "Neither suits me. I'm taking the middle road."
DiZ: "Do you mean the twilight road to nightfall?"
Riku: "No. It’s the road to dawn."



No matter how many mistakes you've made, there’s always a way back from the darkness; in fact, your struggles make you stronger.

Roxas: “Sora. You're lucky. Looks like my summer vacation is... over.”



Sometimes you must say goodbye to your “summer vacations,” your wants and needs, for the greater good. You learn in time that life isn’t always fair, and that's okay.

Sora: "I know the Keyblade didn't choose me, and I don't care. I'm proud to be a small part of something bigger..."


You can make a difference, even if you see yourself as ordinary or unworthy.
Ansem the Wise: "So many are still waiting for their new beginning, their birth by sleep. Even me... and even you."


You must learn to be patient and to never lose hope.

Roxas: "Xion! Who else will I have ice cream with?!"


Axel: "What's your problem? You both... think you can do whatever you want. Well I'm sick of it. Go on, you just keep running. But I'll always be there to bring you back!"


Nobodies can be somebodies. You may think that you're a misfit, but there are those out there who will understand you.

Sora: “Just stop it!! You treat people’s hearts like bottles on a shelf, but they’re not. Hearts are made of the people we meet and how we feel about them. They’re what ties us together even when we’re apart. They’re what...makes me strong!”


You should never treat people like they’re objects. Rather than use them, cherish them.

Riku: “Are you what's trapping him in that nightmare? 'Cause if you are... I'm what nightmares fear!”


You should always help out your friends and stick by them. Protect them at all cost.

The Master of Masters: “May your heart be your guiding key”


Listen to your heart. Sometimes it may lead you astray, but if you never try, then you'll never know.

Aqua: "The battle for the realm of light... is not won. Thanks to Terra and Mickey, I know what's at stake. I'm not afraid. I will face the long darkness. The next time someone wanders into the realm of darkness, I'll be here. A light to cut through all the shadows. I will be their wayfinder. And one day, I'll return to Terra and Ven. I am Master Aqua. And that's a promise."



Believe in yourself because persistence pays off.  

And lastly, I leave you with this last quote:

Kairi: "Thinking of you, wherever you are. We pray for our sorrows to end, and hope that our hearts will blend. Now I will step forward to realize this wish. And who knows: starting a new journey may not be so hard, or maybe it has already begun. There are many worlds, and they share the same sky - one sky, one destiny."


Though it may sound silly to some, fandoms help shape a person. And if I had to pick one fandom that influenced me the most, it would have to be Kingdom Hearts. It taught me to be understanding and treat others with kindness. Because when we get down to it, no matter our race, religion, gender, or nationality, we're all connected and part of something greater than ourselves. 

What has Kingdom Hearts taught you?

1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for posting this! This series means so much to me. The lessons it has taught me will stay with me for the rest of my life.

    ReplyDelete