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|title = Zenithia
|title = Zenithia
|type= Castle
|type= Castle
|image = [[Image:Zenithia_artwork.jpg|center|400px]]
|image = [[Image:Zenithia_artwork.jpg|center|300px]]
|caption = Official art of Zenithia, circa 2001
|caption = Official art of Zenithia, circa 2001
|japanese=
|japanese=
|romanji= Zenith castle
|romanji=  
|old=Same
}}
}}
'''Zenithia''' is the name of a fictional sky castle from the video game series ''[[Dragon Quest]]''.  The first appearance is in ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'', and the castle is one of several elements from ''[[Dragon Quest IV|IV]]'', ''[[Dragon Quest V|V]]'', and ''[[Dragon Quest VI|VI]]'' which connects the three games as a distant trilogy; this group was often called the ''Tenku'' (Japanese for ''Heaven'', or ''Sky''), or the ''Tenkuu no Shiro'' (''Castle in the Sky'') trilogy until Square Enix branded them as the [[Zenithia Trilogy]] in 2008.
'''Zenithia''' is the name of the sky castle that appears in several games in the [[Dragon Quest (series)|series]].  The first appearance is in ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'', and the castle is one of several elements from ''[[Dragon Quest IV|IV]]'', ''[[Dragon Quest V|V]]'', and ''[[Dragon Quest VI|VI]]'' which connects the three games as a distant trilogy; this group was often called the ''Tenku'' (Japanese for ''Heaven'', or ''Sky''), or the ''Tenkuu no Shiro'' (''Castle in the Sky'') trilogy until Square Enix branded them as the [[Zenithia Trilogy]] in 2008.


==Description==
==Description==
Zenithia is home to a powerful [[Zenith Dragon|dragon]], lord of the skies, and the winged, angel-like Zenithian people. Zenithians are an insular culture who avoid contact with those on the ground if at all possible, but there have been instances where they have fallen off the clouds by accident or descended to earth of their own volition.
Zenithia is home to a powerful [[Zenith Dragon|dragon]], guardian of the world, and the winged, angel-like [[Zenithian]] people. Zenithians are an insular culture who avoid contact with those on the ground, but there have been instances where they have fallen off the clouds by accident or descended to earth of their own volition.


Zenithia is one of the few locations in [[Square Enix]]'s DS remake ''[[Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen]]'' to [[List of Name Changes in the Zenithia Trilogy|keep the name]] used in the original localization.
The counterpart to Zenithia is [[Nadiria]], the underworld from which demons crawl forth.
 
The counterpart to Zenithia is [[Nadiria]], the underworld.


==Appearances==
==Appearances==
===''[[Dragon Quest III]]''===
===''[[Dragon Quest III]]''===
A sky castle at the end of ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'s'' remake [[Bonus dungeon|bonus dungeon]] is called Cloudsgate Citadel, and the resident monarch refers to himself as King Zenith. It is unclear whether this castle and Zenithia are one in the same, or merely a reference to later games in the series. More importantly, the castle is home to [[Xenlon]]--the wish-granting guardian of the heavens.  
A sky castle at the end of ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'s'' remake [[Bonus dungeon|bonus dungeon]] is called [[Cloudsgate Citadel (bonus dungeon)|Cloudsgate Citadel]], and the resident monarch refers to himself as King Zenith. It is unclear whether this castle and Zenithia are one in the same, or merely a reference to later games in the series.  


''Reaching the castle''
===''[[Dragon Quest IV]]''===
{{spoiler|start}}
Zenithia made its first appearance as the final overworld location the Chosen travel to before descending into Nadiria. The castle can be accessed by climbing the [[Stairway to Zenithia]] near the [[Azimuth]], which goes as far up to the sky. While at Zenithia, the [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|hero]] is given additional experience points by the Zenith Dragon, enough to raise them one level. The Dragon also unlocks the Zenithian Sword's true powers, as it will be needed for the final confrontation. In the wake of [[Psaro the Manslayer]]'s transformation in Nadiria, an energy beam is emitted and reaches the skies, burning a hole in the clouds. This hole gives the Hero access to the [[Doorway to Nadiria]], directly below the castle.
[[Image:God_Dragon-Zenith.gif|right]]
The citadel is reached by stepping into the light of the stained glass windows at the [[Castle of the Dragon Queen|Dragon Queen's palace]] in the normal world, although this only occurs if the player has already defeated Zoma and seen the ending, earning the "Erdrick" title on their save file on the loading screen.


The heroes will find themselves on a floating island surrounded by thick clouds. On this island is a deep cave, containing many rooms resembling those seen previously. The floors include:
In one of the castle chambers, a Zenithian woman can be interacted with. Her dialogue seems to imply that she is the Hero's long-lost mother. In addition, a diary can be found in the library reveals more information about the Hero's mother. In the adjacent rooms, the Hero can obtain a phial of [[Yggdrasil dew]] if he/she does not have any at the moment.
*The 2nd and 5th floor of [[Gondo Cave]].
*The 1st floor of [[Orochi's Lair]].
*The 2nd floor of the [[Pyramid]] (the stairway on the upper righthand area leads to a room modeled after the basement of [[Tantegel Castle]]).
*The 2nd floor of the [[Underground Lake]] (The healing spring is also present).
*The 1st floor of Gondo Cave.
*The prison room of [[Manoza]] Castle.


Many fierce monsters populate this dungeon, including an alternate form of [[Baramos]] known as Baramonsters. The final room of the dungeon is a monster arena, where the heroes fight inside the ring.
If the Hero interacts with [[Orifiela]], she will allow her dragon companion, [[Sparkie]], to accompany the Hero as a temporary party member. Sparkie acts on his own accord as do all guest characters, but focuses exclusively on attacking with his claws and breath.  


''Riddles''
====Treasure====
A man in the throne room will ask the player 3 riddles with each one rewarding the player with a different item:
*[[Mini medal]]
*A [[Theddon|town]] in ruins.  [[Beast claw|What]] glitters beneath the cross?
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
*A enclosed [[Cantlin|town]] in a [[Alefgard|dark world]].  [[Dark robe|It]] sleeps among flowers...
*The [[Luzami|gazer of stars]] notices not [[Sage's stone|what]] lies at his feet...
{{spoiler|end}}


===''[[Dragon Quest IV]]''===
===''[[Dragon Quest V]]''===
In ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'', Zenithia makes its first appearance. The castle can be accessed by climbing the [[Stairway to Zenithia]] near the [[Azimuth]], which goes as far up to the sky. It is directly above the entrance to [[Nadiria]]. While at Zenithia, the [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|hero]] is given additional experience points by the Zenith Dragon, enough to raise them one level. The Dragon also unlocks the Zenithian Sword's true powers, as it will be needed for the final confrontation. In the wake of [[Psaro the Manslayer]]'s transformation in Nadiria, an energy beam is emitted and reaches the skies, burning a hole in the clouds. This hole gives the Hero access to the [[Doorway to Nadiria]] where the beam came from.
Zenithia has fallen into a lake south of [[Lofty Peak]] years before the game's story begins. This happened when the [[Golden Orb]], half of a set of magical orbs that power the castle, was knocked from it's pedestal by a cloud of miasma rising from Nadiria during the Zenith Dragon's tour of the world in the form of a human. The orb fell to earth and landed in [[Uptaten Towers]], where it was discovered by the [[Hero (Dragon Quest V)|Hero]] as a child.


In one of the castle chambers, a Zenithian woman can be interacted with. Her dialogue seems to imply that she is the Hero's long-lost mother. In addition, a diary can be found in the library. Its contents reveal more information about the Hero's mother. In the adjacent rooms, the Hero can obtain a [[Yggdrasil dew]] if he/she does not have any at the moment.
The Zenithians sent themselves into suspended animation to survive the flooding of their home during their leader's absence. The Hero and his companions will attempt to raise Zenithia on the behalf of Dr. Agon, a peculiar man that they had rescued from a several decade-long ride in a minecart in the [[Diggery Pokery]]. The man uses magic to observe what had happened to the castle, and sees the golden orb falling to earth, being rediscovered, and then destroyed by [[Bishop Ladja]]. He states that all is not lost, however, and sends the party to the [[Faerie Lea]]--the two orbs that power Zenithia were crafted by the fair folk and there is a chance that duplicates can be made. After a brief stint of time travel at the [[Faerie Palace]], the Hero returns with the Golden Orb in hand and Zenithia rises from it's watery tomb.


If the Hero interacts with [[Orifiela]], she will allow her dragon companion, [[Sparkie]], to accompany the Hero as a temporary party member.
With this partially restored power, the castle can move freely around the lower sky and is one of the methods of travel used by the Hero to traverse around the world map -- it's the only means of reaching the secluded [[Talon Tower]].


===''[[Dragon Quest V]]''===
Aside from the hidden passageway leading to the two orb pedestals, Zenithia's physical layout is largely unchanged from its previous appearance in Dragon Quest IV. The hole in the clouds is still present as well, although it no longer serves any purpose. In addition, the diary containing information about the [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|previous Legendary Hero]]'s mother is still present in the library, although its pages have aged to the point where only a small portion of the original passage can be read.
In ''[[Dragon Quest V]]'', Zenithia has fallen into a lake south of [[Lofty Peak]]. This happened when the [[Golden Orb]], half of a set of magical orbs that supported the castle in the sky, fell from its place in the foundation of the castle to the land below. Once recovered and returned to the [[Zenith Dragon]], it will make Zenithia rise again but not to it's full height. With this partially restored power, the castle can move freely around the lower sky and is one of the methods of travel used by the [[Hero (Dragon Quest V)|hero]] to fly around the world map -- it's the only means of reaching the secluded [[Talon Tower]].


Aside from the hidden passageway leading to the two orb pedestals, Zenithia's physical layout is largely unchanged from its previous appearance in Dragon Quest IV. The hole in the clouds is still present as well, although it no longer serves any purpose. In addition, the diary containing information about the [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|previous Legendary Hero]]'s mother is still present in the library, although its pages have aged to the point where only a small portion of the original passage can be read.
====Treasure====
*[[Grappling hook]]
*[[Mini medal]]
*[[T'n'T ticket]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
*[[Zenithian Tintinnabulum]]


===''[[Dragon Quest VI]]''===
===''[[Dragon Quest VI]]''===
A former location in the [[Upper World]], Cloudsgate Citadel is sealed away by [[Demon Lord]] [[Dhuran]] in ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]'', and a giant hole is left behind in its place. Initially, the castle is corrupted by darkness and becomes a sentient being known as [[Stormsgate Citadel (boss)|Stormsgate Citadel]]. The party will need to defeat "Stormsgate Citadel" in battle in order to explore it. Inside the castle, [[Hero (Dragon Quest VI)|the hero]] and his companions will need to engage Dread Fiend Dhuran in battle to lift the darkness and restore the castle to its proper place. At this time, the castle is inhabited by normal people and is ruled by a human, King Zenith, although the egg containing the unborn Zenith Dragon is present. After [[Mortamor]] is defeated, the upper world begins to fade away; Cloudsgate Citadel remains as the only part of it that can still be seen and, floating above the real world, it becomes the Zenithia known in ''Dragon Quest IV'' and ''Dragon Quest V''. At some point between Dragon Quest VI and V, the castle's inherent ability to float will fade away as well, making the two orbs necessary for the castle to remain in the skies.
The story of the sixth game is the distant past of the Zenithia trilogy, revealing the origins of the flying castle and it's scaled sovereign. Here, it is know as '''Cloudsgate Citadel''' and is presided over by a man named King Zenith.


==Legendary Equipment==
A former location in the [[Upper World]], Cloudsgate Citadel was sealed away by the Dread Fiend [[Dhuran]] prior to the beginning of the game, and a giant hole is left behind in its place. Initially, the castle is corrupted by darkness and becomes a boss battle known as [[Stormsgate Citadel (boss)|Stormsgate Citadel]]. The party will need to defeat the castle itself in battle in order to explore it.  
''Main article: [[Zenithian Equipment]]''
 
There exists a set of legendary weapons and armor hailing from Zenithia.
Most commonly known as the [[Zenithian Sword|Zenithian sword]], armor, shield and helmet; only a hero of Zenithian descent can wear them.  The entire set is required to be allowed entry into the Stairway to Zenithia in ''Dragon Quest IV''--if the hero is not present in the party, the gate will not open.  
 
In ''Dragon Quest VI'', the sword is called the [[Zenithian Equipment#Sword of Ramias|Sword of Ramias]], the armor is the [[Zenithian Equipment#Armour of Orgo|Armour of Orgo]], the shield is the [[Zenithian Equipment#Shield of Valora|Shield of Valora]], and the helmet is the [[Zenithian Equipment#Helm of Sebath|Helm of Sebath]].
 
[[Square Enix]] has released the Zenithian Sword and Sword of Ramias as part of their ''[[Dragon Quest Legend Items]]'' series - miniature collectible toy replicas of artifacts from the ''Dragon Quest'' universe.


[[File:Zenithia.png|right|thumb|200px|Zenithia, from Square Enix's [[Dragon Quest World Gallery]] series]]
Inside the castle, [[Hero (Dragon Quest VI)|the Hero]] and his companions will need to engage  Dhuran in battle to lift the darkness and restore the castle to its proper place. At this time, the castle is inhabited by normal people and is ruled by a human, King Zenith, although the egg containing the unborn Zenith Dragon is present. After [[Mortamor]] is defeated, the upper world begins to fade away; Cloudsgate Citadel remains as the only part of it that can still be seen and, floating above the real world, it becomes the Zenithia seen in the previous two games. At some point between Dragon Quest VI and V, the castle's inherent ability to float will fade away as well, making the two orbs necessary for the castle to remain in the skies.


==Treasures==
====Treasure====
{| border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"
| valign="top" width="30%" |
===(Dragon Quest III)===
*2 [[Seed of strength|Seeds of strength]]
*6 [[Mini medal]]s
*[[Cower ring]]
*[[Destructiball]]
*[[Elevating  shoes]]
*[[Hero book]]
*[[Ruby wristband]]
*[[Staff of Strife]]
*[[Mountaincleaver]]
*[[Shield of shame]]
*[[Seed of life]]
*[[T'n'T ticket]]
===(Dragon Quest IV)===
*[[Mini medal]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
| valign="top" width="30%" |
===(Dragon Quest V)===
*[[Grappling hook]]
*[[Mini medal]]
*[[T'n'T ticket]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
*[[Zenithian tintinnabulum]]
| valign="top" width="30%" |
===(Dragon Quest VI)===
*2 [[Mini medal]]s
*2 [[Mini medal]]s
*2 [[Yggdrasil leaf]]s (2nd one is found after the castle rises into the [[Phantom World]])
*2 [[Yggdrasil leaf]]s (2nd one is found after the castle rises into the [[Phantom World]])
*[[Seed of life]]
*[[Seed of life]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
|}
==Nearby monsters==
''(Dragon Quest III)''
*[[Abracadabrer]]
*[[Baramonster]]
*[[Dragon zombie]]
*[[EvilCrab]]
*[[DarkTroll]]
*[[Gold golem]]
*[[Great keeper]]
*[[Grievous bodily arm]]
*[[King Hydra]]
*[[Infernal serpent]]
*[[Mimic]]
*[[Metal chimaera]]


''(Dragon Quest VI)''
====Nearby monsters====
*[[Battering ram (Dragon Quest VI)|Battering ram]]
*[[Battering ram (Dragon Quest VI)|Battering ram]]
*[[Darkgoyle]]
*[[Darkgoyle]]
Line 126: Line 67:
*[[Jumping jackal]]
*[[Jumping jackal]]
*[[Urnexpected]]
*[[Urnexpected]]
*'''[[Überkilling machine]]'''
*'''[[Iron tortoise]]'''
*'''[[Terry]]'''
*'''[[Dhuran]]'''
==Legendary Equipment==
''Main article: [[Zenithian Equipment]]''
There exists a set of legendary weapons and armor hailing from Zenithia, which are mandatory obtained in order to advance through the game. Most commonly known as the [[Zenithian Sword|Zenithian sword]], armor, shield and helmet; only a hero of Zenithian descent can wear them.  The entire set is required to be allowed entry into the Stairway to Zenithia in ''Dragon Quest IV''--if the hero is not present in the party, the gate will not open.
In ''VI'', the items are not grouped together yet and have different names: the sword is called the [[Zenithian Equipment#Sword of Ramias|Sword of Ramias]], the armor is the [[Zenithian Equipment#Armour of Orgo|Armour of Orgo]], the shield is the [[Zenithian Equipment#Shield of Valora|Shield of Valora]], and the helmet is the [[Zenithian Equipment#Helm of Sebath|Helm of Sebath]].
[[Square Enix]] has released the Zenithian Sword and Sword of Ramias as part of their ''[[Dragon Quest Legend Items]]'' series - miniature collectible toy replicas of artifacts from the ''Dragon Quest'' universe.
[[File:Zenithia.png|right|thumb|200px|Zenithia, from Square Enix's [[Dragon Quest World Gallery]] series]]


==Bosses==
''(Dragon Quest VI)''
*[[Überkilling machine]]
*[[Iron tortoise]]
*[[Terry]]
*[[Dhuran]]


==Inhabitants==
An inhabitant of Zentihia is called a zenithian; notable zenithians appearing in ''Dragon Quest IV'', ''V'', or ''VI'' are:


* '''[[Zenith Dragon]]''' (formerly ''Master Dragon'') - The ruler of Zenithia in ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'' & ''[[Dragon Quest V]]''. In IV, he asks the party to defeat [[Psaro the Manslayer]]. In V, he offers to carry the party on his back through the skies after the castle is restored.
==Notable inhabitants==
* '''[[Orifiela]]''' (formerly ''Lucia'') - She appears in the game ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'', as a Zenithian who has fallen to the world below and was unable to return to Zenithia. The party meets her at the top of the [[Yggdrasil]], and she participates in battle as an uncontrollable partner.
* '''Zenith Dragon''' - The ruler of Zenithia in the fourth and fifth games. In IV, he defeated Estark in the past and asks the party to defeat Psaro the Manslayer. In V, he offers to carry the party on his back through the skies after the castle is restored.
* '''Dr Agon''' (formerly ''Pusan'') - An enigmatic person who comes from the Castle of Zenithia. He appears in ''[[Dragon Quest V]]'', and he may be more than he seems at first.
* '''Orifiela''' - She appears in the the fourth game as a Zenithian who has fallen to the world below and was unable to return to Zenithia. The party meets her at the top of the [[Yggdrasil]], and she participates in battle as an uncontrollable partner.
* '''King Zenith'''. The ruler of Cloudsgate Citadel in ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]''. He is humanoid, unlike the Zenith Dragon, and advises the party after the dreadfiend Durhan is removed from his home.
* '''Dr Agon''' - An enigmatic person who comes from the Castle of Zenithia. He appears in ''Dragon Quest V'', and he may be more than he seems at first.
* '''[[Sparkie]]''' (formerly ''Doran'') - A young dragon who is sent by Zenith Dragon to help the party in their fight against [[Psaro the Manslayer]]. He appears in ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'' as an uncontrollable party member.
* '''King Zenith'''. The ruler of Cloudsgate Citadel in the sixth game. He is humanoid, unlike the Zenith Dragon, and advises the party after the dreadfiend Durhan is removed from his home.
* '''[[Oopsy and Daisy]]''' - Both are elfin girls who first appear in [[Birdsong Tower]] in Chapter 2 of ''DQIV''.  They leave upon [[Alena]], [[Kiryl]] & [[Borya]] reaching the top of the tower, and accidentally drop [[Birdsong nectar]].  They appear again in Chapter 5 & 6 in Zenithia voicing their distrust of human, but concede respect for The Hero and company upon their victory of [[Psaro]] ([[Aamon]] in Chapter 6).
* '''Sparkie''' - A young dragon who is sent by Orifiela to help the party in their fight against Psaro the Manslayer.  
* According to the games, at least one  woman from Zenithia became involved in a relationship with a human, leaving an offspring that is half-human and half-Zenithian.
* '''[[Oopsy and Daisy]]''' - Both are elfin girls who first appear in [[Birdsong Tower]] in Chapter 2 of ''IV''.  They leave upon [[Alena]], [[Kiryl]] & [[Borya]] reaching the top of the tower, and accidentally drop the [[Birdsong nectar]].  They appear again in Chapter 5 & 6 in Zenithia voicing their distrust of humans, but concede respect for The Hero and company upon their victory of Psaro.


==Background music==
 
==Musical themes==
* The theme for Zenithia was called "Unknown Castle" in the Japanese [[soundtrack]] for ''Dragon Quest IV''.
* The theme for Zenithia was called "Unknown Castle" in the Japanese [[soundtrack]] for ''Dragon Quest IV''.
* ''[[Dragon Quest V]]'''s theme was simply called "Heaven".
* ''[[Dragon Quest V]]'''s theme was simply called "Heaven".
* ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]'' does not have a special theme for Zenithia; instead it uses the regular castle theme, "At the Palace".
* ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]'' does not have a special theme for Zenithia; instead it uses the regular castle theme, "At the Palace".


==Notes==
* The Zenithians could be compared to [[Celestrian]]s in ''[[Dragon Quest IX]]'', though they play a significantly smaller role in the world they inhabit than the latter does, with only the Zenith Dragon taking an active role in world affairs.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
<center><gallery>
Image:DQ VI SF Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle earthbound in ''Dragon Quest VI'' ([[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SF]])
File:Cloudsgate citadel.jpg|Cloudsgate in its natural state
File:Stormsgate Citadel.png|The corrupted Cloudsgate
File:DQ Museum Zenithia.png|''Dragon Quest Museum'' Shibuya, Japan
File:Zenithia rising.jpg|Zenithia rising from its sunken slumber
Image:DQ IV NES Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle in ''Dragon Quest IV'' (NES)
Image:DQ IV NES Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle in ''Dragon Quest IV'' (NES)
Image:DQ V SF Zenithian Castle underwater.png|Underwater Zenithia Castle in ''Dragon Quest V'' (SF)
Image:DQ V SF Zenithian Castle underwater.png|Underwater Zenithia Castle in ''Dragon Quest V'' (SF)
Image:DQ V SF Zenithian Castle risen.png|Zenithia Castle risen in ''Dragon Quest V'' (SF)
Image:DQ V SF Zenithian Castle risen.png|Zenithia Castle risen in ''Dragon Quest V'' (SF)
Image:Zenith-DQIII.gif|Cloudsgate Citadel as presented in the remakes of ''III'
Image:DQ VI SF Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle earthbound in ''Dragon Quest VI'' ([[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SF]])
File:DQ III SF Zenith dungeon.png|The citadel's layout
File:Stormsgate Citadel.png|The corrupted Cloudsgate
File:Cloudsgate citadel.jpg|Cloudsgate in its natural state
File:DQ Museum Zenithia.png|''Dragon Quest Museum'' Shibuya, Japan
File:Zenithia rising.jpg|Zenithia rising from its sunken slumber
</gallery></center>
</gallery></center>


==See Also==
==See Also==
*[[Alefgard]]
*The [[Observatory]]
*[[Ice Cave]]
*[[Pinnacle Chapel]]
*[[Reaper's Peak]]
*[[Zenithia.com]]
*[[Zenithia.com]]
{{DQIII}}
{{DQIV}}
{{DQIV}}
{{DQV}}
{{DQV}}
{{DQVI}}
{{DQVI}}
[[Category:Recurring elements]]
[[Category:Recurring elements]]
[[Category:Bonus dungeon]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest III locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest IV locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest IV locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V vehicles]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V vehicles]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest VI locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest VI locations]]

Revision as of 11:55, 23 December 2019

Zenithia is the name of the sky castle that appears in several games in the series. The first appearance is in Dragon Quest IV, and the castle is one of several elements from IV, V, and VI which connects the three games as a distant trilogy; this group was often called the Tenku (Japanese for Heaven, or Sky), or the Tenkuu no Shiro (Castle in the Sky) trilogy until Square Enix branded them as the Zenithia Trilogy in 2008.

Description

Zenithia is home to a powerful dragon, guardian of the world, and the winged, angel-like Zenithian people. Zenithians are an insular culture who avoid contact with those on the ground, but there have been instances where they have fallen off the clouds by accident or descended to earth of their own volition.

The counterpart to Zenithia is Nadiria, the underworld from which demons crawl forth.

Appearances

Dragon Quest III

A sky castle at the end of Dragon Quest III's remake bonus dungeon is called Cloudsgate Citadel, and the resident monarch refers to himself as King Zenith. It is unclear whether this castle and Zenithia are one in the same, or merely a reference to later games in the series.

Dragon Quest IV

Zenithia made its first appearance as the final overworld location the Chosen travel to before descending into Nadiria. The castle can be accessed by climbing the Stairway to Zenithia near the Azimuth, which goes as far up to the sky. While at Zenithia, the hero is given additional experience points by the Zenith Dragon, enough to raise them one level. The Dragon also unlocks the Zenithian Sword's true powers, as it will be needed for the final confrontation. In the wake of Psaro the Manslayer's transformation in Nadiria, an energy beam is emitted and reaches the skies, burning a hole in the clouds. This hole gives the Hero access to the Doorway to Nadiria, directly below the castle.

In one of the castle chambers, a Zenithian woman can be interacted with. Her dialogue seems to imply that she is the Hero's long-lost mother. In addition, a diary can be found in the library reveals more information about the Hero's mother. In the adjacent rooms, the Hero can obtain a phial of Yggdrasil dew if he/she does not have any at the moment.

If the Hero interacts with Orifiela, she will allow her dragon companion, Sparkie, to accompany the Hero as a temporary party member. Sparkie acts on his own accord as do all guest characters, but focuses exclusively on attacking with his claws and breath.

Treasure

Dragon Quest V

Zenithia has fallen into a lake south of Lofty Peak years before the game's story begins. This happened when the Golden Orb, half of a set of magical orbs that power the castle, was knocked from it's pedestal by a cloud of miasma rising from Nadiria during the Zenith Dragon's tour of the world in the form of a human. The orb fell to earth and landed in Uptaten Towers, where it was discovered by the Hero as a child.

The Zenithians sent themselves into suspended animation to survive the flooding of their home during their leader's absence. The Hero and his companions will attempt to raise Zenithia on the behalf of Dr. Agon, a peculiar man that they had rescued from a several decade-long ride in a minecart in the Diggery Pokery. The man uses magic to observe what had happened to the castle, and sees the golden orb falling to earth, being rediscovered, and then destroyed by Bishop Ladja. He states that all is not lost, however, and sends the party to the Faerie Lea--the two orbs that power Zenithia were crafted by the fair folk and there is a chance that duplicates can be made. After a brief stint of time travel at the Faerie Palace, the Hero returns with the Golden Orb in hand and Zenithia rises from it's watery tomb.

With this partially restored power, the castle can move freely around the lower sky and is one of the methods of travel used by the Hero to traverse around the world map -- it's the only means of reaching the secluded Talon Tower.

Aside from the hidden passageway leading to the two orb pedestals, Zenithia's physical layout is largely unchanged from its previous appearance in Dragon Quest IV. The hole in the clouds is still present as well, although it no longer serves any purpose. In addition, the diary containing information about the previous Legendary Hero's mother is still present in the library, although its pages have aged to the point where only a small portion of the original passage can be read.

Treasure

Dragon Quest VI

The story of the sixth game is the distant past of the Zenithia trilogy, revealing the origins of the flying castle and it's scaled sovereign. Here, it is know as Cloudsgate Citadel and is presided over by a man named King Zenith.

A former location in the Upper World, Cloudsgate Citadel was sealed away by the Dread Fiend Dhuran prior to the beginning of the game, and a giant hole is left behind in its place. Initially, the castle is corrupted by darkness and becomes a boss battle known as Stormsgate Citadel. The party will need to defeat the castle itself in battle in order to explore it.

Inside the castle, the Hero and his companions will need to engage Dhuran in battle to lift the darkness and restore the castle to its proper place. At this time, the castle is inhabited by normal people and is ruled by a human, King Zenith, although the egg containing the unborn Zenith Dragon is present. After Mortamor is defeated, the upper world begins to fade away; Cloudsgate Citadel remains as the only part of it that can still be seen and, floating above the real world, it becomes the Zenithia seen in the previous two games. At some point between Dragon Quest VI and V, the castle's inherent ability to float will fade away as well, making the two orbs necessary for the castle to remain in the skies.

Treasure

Nearby monsters

Legendary Equipment

Main article: Zenithian Equipment

There exists a set of legendary weapons and armor hailing from Zenithia, which are mandatory obtained in order to advance through the game. Most commonly known as the Zenithian sword, armor, shield and helmet; only a hero of Zenithian descent can wear them. The entire set is required to be allowed entry into the Stairway to Zenithia in Dragon Quest IV--if the hero is not present in the party, the gate will not open.

In VI, the items are not grouped together yet and have different names: the sword is called the Sword of Ramias, the armor is the Armour of Orgo, the shield is the Shield of Valora, and the helmet is the Helm of Sebath.

Square Enix has released the Zenithian Sword and Sword of Ramias as part of their Dragon Quest Legend Items series - miniature collectible toy replicas of artifacts from the Dragon Quest universe.

Zenithia, from Square Enix's Dragon Quest World Gallery series


Notable inhabitants

  • Zenith Dragon - The ruler of Zenithia in the fourth and fifth games. In IV, he defeated Estark in the past and asks the party to defeat Psaro the Manslayer. In V, he offers to carry the party on his back through the skies after the castle is restored.
  • Orifiela - She appears in the the fourth game as a Zenithian who has fallen to the world below and was unable to return to Zenithia. The party meets her at the top of the Yggdrasil, and she participates in battle as an uncontrollable partner.
  • Dr Agon - An enigmatic person who comes from the Castle of Zenithia. He appears in Dragon Quest V, and he may be more than he seems at first.
  • King Zenith. The ruler of Cloudsgate Citadel in the sixth game. He is humanoid, unlike the Zenith Dragon, and advises the party after the dreadfiend Durhan is removed from his home.
  • Sparkie - A young dragon who is sent by Orifiela to help the party in their fight against Psaro the Manslayer.
  • Oopsy and Daisy - Both are elfin girls who first appear in Birdsong Tower in Chapter 2 of IV. They leave upon Alena, Kiryl & Borya reaching the top of the tower, and accidentally drop the Birdsong nectar. They appear again in Chapter 5 & 6 in Zenithia voicing their distrust of humans, but concede respect for The Hero and company upon their victory of Psaro.


Musical themes

  • The theme for Zenithia was called "Unknown Castle" in the Japanese soundtrack for Dragon Quest IV.
  • Dragon Quest V's theme was simply called "Heaven".
  • Dragon Quest VI does not have a special theme for Zenithia; instead it uses the regular castle theme, "At the Palace".


Gallery

  • Cloudsgate in its natural state
    Cloudsgate in its natural state
  • The corrupted Cloudsgate
    The corrupted Cloudsgate
  • Dragon Quest Museum Shibuya, Japan
    Dragon Quest Museum Shibuya, Japan
  • Zenithia rising from its sunken slumber
    Zenithia rising from its sunken slumber
  • Zenithia Castle in Dragon Quest IV (NES)
    Zenithia Castle in Dragon Quest IV (NES)
  • Error creating thumbnail: File missing
    Underwater Zenithia Castle in Dragon Quest V (SF)
  • Error creating thumbnail: File missing
    Zenithia Castle risen in Dragon Quest V (SF)
  • Zenithia Castle earthbound in Dragon Quest VI (SF)
    Zenithia Castle earthbound in Dragon Quest VI (SF)

See Also

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