“Vivi” — how games teach us how to live
People overlook their benefits and frame the gaming experience as a waste of time. Like everything else in this world, balance is key. While it’s true that spending too much time on gaming can jeopardize your health and social life, the proper amount of doing what you love is always a blessing to have in anyone's life.
Games are a big part of my life. They are my friends, my mentors, and my inspirations. They taught me valuable lessons and mindset growing up. They taught me to be resilient and not give up on what I believe in. They have shaped me into who I am today.
In the vast realm of video games, one element that creates a lifetime impression is the inspiring characters. Certain characters possess the power to transcend the digital landscape and leave a lasting impact on players. Among these memorable figures is Vivi Ornitier, a small black mage from the beloved game Final Fantasy IX.
Vivi’s Background:
Vivi is a manufactured black mage from a small village and was designed to be a soulless puppet that kills people as ordered. However, he fell off the cargo ship and was found by a man who slowly raised him.
Despite not knowing who he was, he started learning human ways of living. After the man, who he considered his grandpa, died, Vivi went to Alexandria city where he met Zidane a protagonist. Thus the beginning of his quest to find who he was.
Beyond his endearing appearance lies a profound and inspiring character whose journey offers valuable lessons on embracing our true selves, finding purpose, and navigating the complexities of life.
How long do we have left?
Vivi initially grapples with the existential question of his own identity and mortality. He became aware that black mages like himself have a short lifespan and are destined to eventually stop functioning. This knowledge creates a sense of urgency and sadness within him as he contemplates the fleeting nature of his existence.
Vivi's limited lifespan also affects his relationships with his companions. He forms deep connections with them and experiences moments of joy, friendship, and love. However, the knowledge that he may not be able to stay with them forever weighs heavily on his heart, leading to moments of melancholy and bittersweetness.
The moment when Vivi found out about he was manufactured
As Vivi's story unfolds, he grapples with questions about free will and the value of life. Despite his manufactured origins, he demonstrates a strong sense of individuality, emotions, and empathy. He questions the purpose of his existence and challenges the notion that his life is less valuable because of his limited time.
I deeply relate to the aspect of Vivi’s story arc. I had a moment when I thought I’d have only a short amount of time to live. It takes tremendous power and bravery to embrace the existential dilemma. The fact that he decided to cherish his time instead of giving up or hurting others inspires me to be a kind and strong soul like him.
Vivi's story showcases how we can cope with what life’s throwing at us. We can choose to play a victim role, lamenting and ruminating about the past or how we wish we could do things differently. Or we can follow Vivi’s footsteps and make the most out of what we have.
You are perfect as who you are
Vivi's friendship story in Final Fantasy IX is one of the most heartwarming and memorable aspects of the game. Throughout his journey, Vivi forms deep and meaningful friendships with the other members of the protagonist group, which greatly impacts his personal growth and emotional development.
One of Vivi's closest friendships is with Zidane, the game's main protagonist. Zidane serves as a caring and supportive figure to Vivi, offering guidance and encouragement. Zidane's outgoing and lighthearted nature helps Vivi break out of his shell and find the strength to face his inner demons.
Another significant friendship is with Steiner, a loyal knight who always called him “Master Vivi” since it was only a few who could cast black magic. Steiner's perspective on Vivi evolves throughout the journey. He came to recognize Vivi's individuality, kindness, and bravery, leading to a strong bond and encouraging Vivi to believe in himself.
We would be extremely blessed to have friends like Vivi did. To have someone by our side who respects and like us for who we are, gives us tremendous power to keep going through the storms of life.
On the other hand, I believe Vivi (and all of us) only deserves this support only if we’re doing the same to our friends and family. Relationships and friendship require both parties to be genuine, supportive, and kind to each other.
Summary
Vivi's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the lessons we can learn from video games and apply them to our own lives. Through his existential struggle, Vivi teaches us to embrace our true selves, find purpose, and make the most of the time we have. Just as Vivi chose to cherish his limited time and make the most of it, we, too, can choose to make the most of what we have.
Games can be more than mere entertainment. They can be profound sources of inspiration, teaching us valuable lessons about resilience, friendship, and the beauty of embracing our true selves. So let us draw inspiration from characters like Vivi and apply these lessons to our own lives, creating a meaningful and fulfilling journey of our own.
