"You've been on a path, one we laid out for you. That sigil on your chest is the proof."
The Recusant's Sigil, often represented by the "X",[1] is a symbol seen throughout the Kingdom Hearts series. It is believed to be derived from the χ-blade and is said to have a special meaning for the forces of darkness.[2]
Story[edit | edit source]
Between Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts II[edit | edit source]
A year after the disappearance of Aqua, Terra, and Ventus, Ansem the Wise's apprentices, led by Xehanort, overthrow him and cast their hearts away, becoming Nobodies.[3][4] Xehanort's Nobody, Xemnas, drawing on memories of Master Xehanort's fixation on the χ-blade,[5] grants each member of the newly-formed Organization XIII the Recusant's Sigil.[2] Along with it, he gives them a name, an anagram of their original name with the letter "X" added to it.[5][1][2] Xemnas continues to do this with each member of the Organization.[6]
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[edit | edit source]
After being reconstituted, the Real Organization XIII uses Ansem's appearance at the Destiny Islands[7] before their fall in order to infiltrate Sora and Riku's Mark of Mastery exam.[8] Part of what they did at that time was brand Sora with the Recusant's Sigil. As a result, throughout his exam, Sora wore a silver "X" on his shirt, which the Real Organization XIII used to track his whereabouts in the sleeping realm and guide him back to their trap.[9]
Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind[edit | edit source]
During the battle in the Keyblade Graveyard, Lea, Roxas, and Xion fight Xemnas to take back the sigil he had granted them, reclaiming it for themselves. The sigil, Lea explained, was the foundation of the bond they share. While it would disappear with Xemnas's defeat, Roxas had sought to reclaim the sigil for himself, and reclaiming it turns it into a representation of their connection and friendship.[10]
Origin[edit | edit source]
Historically, the term "recusant" referred to English Roman Catholics during the late 16th to late 18th centuries who refused to attend Church of England services, which at the time was required by law.[11][12] In the modern day, the term refers to anyone who refuses to comply with authority or regulation. In the Japanese version of the games, the term "mark of heresy" is used, with "heresy" referring to an opinion or practice contrary to the truth or what is generally accepted to be truth.[13]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance — Glossary: "Recusant's Sigil"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kingdom Hearts III — Glossary: "Recusant's Sigil"
- ↑ Kingdom Hearts II: Secret Ansem Report 3
- ↑ Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance: "My Name is Ansem"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania
- ↑ Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix: "Roxas"
- ↑ Kingdom Hearts: "This World Has Been Connected"
- ↑ Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance: "Just Before the Darkness"
- ↑ Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance: "The Recusant's Sigil"
- ↑ Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind: "The Sigil"
- ↑ Cambridge Dictionary: "Recusant" (English meaning)
- ↑ Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "Recusant"
- ↑ Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "Heresy"