Flammie

Flammie
Echoes of Mana artwork Trials of Mana HD artwork Secret of Mana HD artwork Heroes of Mana sprite Dawn of Mana screenshot Children of Mana artwork Trials of Mana artwork Secret of Mana artwork
First appearance	Secret of Mana (1993)
Latest appearance	Echoes of Mana (2022)
Title(s)	Winged DefenderToM/HoM Guardian BeastDoM
Homeland	Cave of the White DragonSeoM Celestial PeakToM MortmontDoM
Role	Support
Gender	Male
Species	Benevodon(?)
Counterpart(s)	Ramcoh

Flammies, sometimes spelled Flammy, are a recurring species of dragons in the Mana franchise, and first appear in Secret of Mana. Though not principally a main character, Flammie nonetheless serves an important role by transporting party members on its back, usually to access some location that they couldn't before.

Several characters have appeared with the name "Flammie" throughout the series: a male version is in Secret of Mana, a female is in Trials of Mana, and a third Flammie, also female, appears in Children of Mana.

Flammie lore

The history of the Flammies is detailed throughout the various games in the Mana series, particularly Legend of Mana, and are described as "beautiful yet powerful beasts" created by the Moon Gods, a race of omnipotent beings responsible for most of the life in the world. While the Flammies featured within the games of the series are depicted as off-white or yellow, the ancient world was populated by Flammies of six different colors, a new one being born when each Moon God went to sleep.

Eventually, the Moon Gods attempted to prove each was better than the others by creating new, powerful beasts to roam the land. These creatures, along with the Flammies themselves, often quarreled at the gods' expense, tearing apart the world as they struggled to sustain it. A rift to another world was opened in the process, unleashing dark magic across the land, and sparked wars that were fought by terrible beasts that threatened the gods themselves. The prolonged fighting damaged the Mana Tree, a gigantic tree that served as the central life force of the planet. In order to keep the power of Mana from diminishing, the gods divided crystallized portions of energy from the tree itself and gave it to six Flammies, who scattered their power across the world, becoming a "flying river of Mana".

The efforts of the Flammies were enough to empower the planet to such an extent that the rift to the dark world was closed, but as they returned to their home, the gods were nowhere to be found. Saddened, they flew far into the sky, never to be seen again. Many years passed, and new races such as humans and fairies began to populate the world. One day, six brightly colored rays of light descended on the land, imbuing the land in life energy and ushering in a new golden age. New species began to appear that resembled the Flammies, such as dragons, however they were said to lack the beauty and divinity of true Flammies, though no one had ever laid eyes on one. Creatures similar in power to Flammies called wyrms were summoned to the land by powerful mages, and were used to carry out their various purposes.

Biology

While a Flammie's appearance is overall very draconic, they do possess several unique traits that makes it difficult to attribute their features to any one particular animal, and it appears to be as much mammalian as it is reptilian. While Flammies have a scaley, ribbed underside, the rest of their body is covered in a fine fur, with a tuft of thick hair at the top of their heads. They also possess a beak-like mouth with two large fangs near the back, and a pair of long ears. Their hind legs are larger and thicker than their front, and have four small fleshy pads at the bottom to aid in sitting.

The Flammie's most distinguishing feature, however, are the twin pairs of large, feathery wings that extend from its upper back. These wings, though not exceptionally large, work in tandum to generate the lift needed to keep both Flammie and its passengers in the air. If its activity in the games is any indication, Flammies can remain airborne for extreme periods of time, and by tilting their wings slightly, they can move up or down as well as side to side without losing momentum.

Flammies share several biological characteristics with luckdragons.

History

Secret of Mana

Main article: Flammie (Secret of Mana)

Screenshot showing Flammie flying around the world map of Secret of Mana

According to Matango lore, Matangese residents used to ride a race of white dragons. However, the species came to disappear over the centuries, with the few specimens remaining settling around the Cave of the White Dragon.

After gaining the elemental power of Sylphid, the party decides to head north in search of the next Mana Seed. They stumble upon a friendly Mushboom village where they meet with King Truffle who tells them about a dragon of legend waiting for them in a cave nearby. After defeating a Serpent, the trio of adventurers discover a stray white dragon child. Randi surmise the mother was probably killed off by the giant snake trying to defend her offspring. Now the last of its kind, the fluffy dragon is sent under the care of King Truffle, who decides to name him Flammie while Randi, Primm and Popoi continue their adventure.

Later on, the party is caught in the midst of a blaze atop the Imperial Palace after a dying Geshtar decided to ignite the structure to trap them. They are fortunately rescued by Truffle riding on a fully grown Flammie, as they head back to Matango. The royal fungus lends them the beast's favorite toy to call upon him anywere on the overworld.

Serving as a means of aerial transport, Flammie can carry the three main characters on his back, and allows them access to nearly any location in the world, including the flying Mana Fortress. With the aid of a 3D map (made possible in the original version by the Super Nintendo Entertainment System's Mode 7 rendering), players can control Flammie from a "behind the back" third-person perspective, and fly over the landscape as it scrolls beneath them. This view can be switched to a top-down perspective; however, this view is the only option once Flammie flies low enough to land.

A creature similar to Flammie called the Mana Beast was summoned by the actions of the dark magician Thanatos in response to the Mana Fortress. This monster, though resembling Flammie, was considerably more mature and powerful than the one the heroes found, and possessed the ability to breathe fire. As the final boss of the game, Randi, Primm, and Popoi had to combat the beast with the full power of the Mana Sword in order to defeat it. The German translation of the game cast Flammie as the Mana Beast; however, the Mana Beast's identity is inconclusive in the original English translation.

Trials of Mana

Main article: Flammie (Trials of Mana)

“Known as the Winged Defender, Flammie is the emissary of the Goddess of Mana, said to protect the mountains and sky. The young dragon can be summoned by the Flammie Drum to fly the party around the map.”

—Square Enix Official Website

Since time immemorial, the Winged Defender has been a faithful protector of the amazon people roaming the mountainous region of Laurent. It is said that only a member of the Amazons can encounter the the holy beast.

After summoning a portal to the Sanctuary of Mana with the help of Faerie and the eight Mana spirits, the Chosen and their companion are caught in the middle of a race to the Mana Sword before the evil factions get their hands on it. Unfortunately, the heroes cannot reach the portal since it's located so high up and recall about a legend about a large dragon called the Winged Defender that could soar accross the skies with ease. They locate the creature at on the highest mountain top of Laurent, the Celestial Peak. The white dragon is revealed to be much small than expected and to be a female. Riesz (or Faerie depending on whether or not the player selected Riesz to be in the party) gives her the name Flammie, and the group rides on her back into the Sanctuary. After meeting with the Mana Goddess, she gives them a special item called the Flammie Drum that allows them to call upon Flammie to transport them anywhere.

As in the previous game, Flammie can fly just about anywhere in the world, landing in preset points that will allow the party to explore an area. Like the previous game, a top-down view can be achieved (2D version only) or the camera rotated (3D version only), giving the player a better view of the land below. Later in the game, a mid-air boss battle is fought while the party stands on Flammie's back.

Legend of Mana

“Then, a beautiful yet powerful beast appeared, awakening the Moon Gods. The Moon Gods named this beast of strength and beauty Flammy. Whenever one of the Moon Gods would fall asleep, another Flammy would appear. Eventually, Flammies of all six colors came to populate all the land.”

—In-Game Encyclopedia

Though not actively appearing in Legend of Mana, Flammie (or more appropriately, his race referred to coequally as "Flammies") is mentioned in the in-game World History feature, which outlines several pieces of lore in the Mana world. In it, the legend of the Flammies is explained in detail for the first time, and establishes a connection between them and the very forces that control the world.

Children of Mana

Main article: Flammie (Dawn of Mana)

In Children of Mana, shortly after the hero obtains the Mana Sword, they are encouraged to investigate the mystery of this object by traveling to the city of Topple, a center of trade and learning. However, in order to reach this place, the character will require some form of aerial transport, which is given to him by Moti, a researcher and historian who has in his possession the fabled Spin Drum that can be used to call Flammie at any time. With Flammie's assistance, the character is able to travel to the city, as well as navigate the rest world with minimal effort.

Once the Spin Drum is obtained, the option to summon Flammie becomes selectable in the game's start menu. When used, the player is returned to the world map and is able to select a number of destinations they wish to travel to, as well as zoom out of their current position and view the entire world.

Dawn of Mana

Main article: Flammie (Dawn of Mana)

Keldric and Ritzia went into the Great Tree grotto to find the Sacred Beast of Illusia Isle before the invading Lorimarian army. However, they found the Grim Mortifer guarding the grounds instead, and the young boy was forced to defeat it as he attacked the maiden. However, a mysterious energy voice drew Ritzia to touch the roots of the Great Tree, causing the Gaulem troops to spot and capture them.

As Keldric is sent by Treant to climb Mortmont to seek the Divine Beast, the boy is attacked again by enemy airship. The Lorimarian troops blow away the young man and the Spirit Child, but they are rescued in time by the holy dragon himself. With his help, Keldy and Faye managed to drew enemy away from Tree Folk Village. The Sacred Beast stayed behind to guard the settlement while the chosen boy and her faerie companion headed toward the Imperial Flagship to rescue a captured Ritzia.

The Lorimarian troops were too strong alas, as even with Flammie's mighty energy beam, Keldric failed to rescue the maiden from Stroud. The evil overlord led her to open the Door to Mavolia, turning most creatures into Grimslies.

Flammie is presumably resurrected at the end of the game when the Mana Goddess awakens and restores the world to its former glory.

Heroes of Mana

Main article: Flammie (Trials of Mana)

The Winged Defender

During Chapter 20, On White Wings of Might, the party learns that Esina's Mirrors appeared in every corner of the world, threatening the balance of Mana itself. Roget and crew decide they must venture into Peddan territory to settle this once and for all, but the Nightswan cannot handle a long-distance flight. The party heads to the Celestial Peak to seek the aid of the Winged Defender, but are ambushed once again by Celestan. The team fortunately defeat his troops, awakening the Guardian Spirit from its eternal slumber. The sacred beast tells the crew that once the black mirror of Esina will reflect the world, Psi will feed on the truth and devour the world of Fa'Diel. The Winged Defender helps the team's airship by dragging it from behind with ropes.

The mighty beast is caught in the middle of Beucca Sea by a giant whirlpool created by the Mirage Palace. Roget and crew have no other choice but to dock onto a nearby iceberg. After the ensuing battle, the Guardian Beast is able to safely bring the party ashore.

The Winged Defender appears one last time to free Roget and crew from the tricks of the Black Mirror. The beast unleashes a powerful blast of energy tearing the fabric of the realm, allowing the fabled Mana Sword to drop from the sky near Roget. During the ultimate confrontation with Anise, he commands the eight Mana spirits to fuse their power with the holy blade and rams into the Goddess of Doom, exposing the true mirror for Roget to destroy.

Circle of Mana

Flammie makes a cameo appearance in the online game, along with several other characters from the Mana series. He/She appears in 7 sets of cards.

Rank	Attribute	Name	Classes				Quote
UR	魔	トリュフォー	気さくなマタンゴ	世話好きのマタンゴ	[光]マタンゴ国王	[闇]聖獣の育て親	「ついにきたか！　伝説の勇者たちよ！まってたぜ！」 "Finally here! Legendary heroes! We've been waiting!"
UR	技	チルドレンオブマナ	籠イルージャ島の住人達	大災厄に立ち向かう者達	[光]マナの樹のもとに集いし者達	[闇]世界を救いし者達	混乱と悲しみに包まれた世界を救ったのは1人の少年と1人の少女、そして一振りの聖なる剣であったという It is said that it was one boy, one girl, and a holy sword who saved the world, which was shrouded in chaos and sadness.
UR	技	フラミー[白竜]	白竜の子供	優しき神獣	[光]天翔ける神獣	[闇]千里眼の神獣	4枚の小さな羽とシッポ。その愛くるしい姿からは想像もつかない飛翔能力を持つ。その姿は神々しく、白きドラゴンとの言い伝えもあるほど。 4 small wings and a tail. It has the ability to fly, which is hard to imagine from its adorable appearance. Its appearance is divine, and there is even a legend that it is a white dragon.
SUR	技	フラミー[救援]	白竜の子供	優しき神獣	[光]天翔ける神獣	[闇]千里眼の神獣	「クゥウ～。」 "Coo~."
SUR	技	大空の大冒険	選ばれし３人	運命の３人	[光]３人の勇者	[闇]伝説の３人	「天かける伝説の白竜と共に、世界を救う為、３人の冒険は続く。」 "Together with the legendary white dragon that hangs from the sky, the adventure of the three of them continues in order to save the world."
SUR	技	フラミー	小さな聖獣	翼あるものの父	[光]山と空の守護聖獣	[闇]戦乙女の友	「翼あるものの父」とも呼ばれる山と空の守護聖獣は、ローラント山の頂にいるという。一説には、アマゾネスにのみ気を許すと言われている。 "The sacred beast that protects the mountains and skies, also known as the "Father of Winged Beings", is said to reside at the top of Mount Roland. One theory is that it only tolerates Amazons."
LGR	技	プリム[サンタ]	富豪の娘	不屈の少女	[光]エレメンタラー	[闇]エレメントランサー	「う～ん、すっきりした！ やっぱりたまにはイタズラしなきゃね。」 "Hmm, that's refreshing! After all, you have to be naughty once in a while."

Echoes of Mana

Skybox Seats

Flammie appears in the main story during Chapter 4 of Season 1 Soaramame: Wings for Wear, where she reprises her role as the Winged Defender of Laurent. The Harvester and Baashear accidentally and on her back while opening the Echo (Echoes of Mana) portal leading to this world while searching for the Mana Sword. This angers Flammie, who tosses them off, leaving them tumbling down to the ground.

After meeting with Riesz and Hawkeye, the party arrives to Skytop and reunites with the white dragon who gladly joins their efforts in opening a portal to the Sanctuary of Mana. However the Ebon Knight materializes in front of them mid-flight, forcing the Harvester and their friends to confront the threat before heading further into the sky. However, the portal rejects the protagonist, leaving them no choice but to return to their own world empty handed.

Flammie also reappears in a side story called Pavlov's Pursuit along with Fuji on Skytop. Pavlov the Machine Golem has kidnapped the maiden for a ritual meant for the sentient robot to rule the world. He is stopped by the Harvester and their friends before he can do so.

Flammie is also depicted in several memory gems:

• Befriending Flammie
• Shadow on Soaring Wings
• Skybox Seats
• White Dragon Child

Songs

Four music pieces have been associated with Flammie over the course of the Seiken Densetsu series. In Secret of Mana, the first theme that plays while flying on Flammie is "Flight into the Unknown" (track 22 on the Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version). After the Grand Palace is activated, it changes to "Dark Star". Later in the game, when the flying Mana Fortress surfaces, his theme is changed to the song "Prophecy" (track 29). In Trials of Mana, Flammie's theme is "Can You Fly, Sister?" from the Seiken Densetsu 3 Original Sound Version. All four songs were composed by Hiroki Kikuta.

Trivia

• Flammie was originally planned to appear in Sword of Mana, as evidenced by original artwork in a piece of Japanese merchandise. However, like many other features planned for the game, Flammie was cut and removed completely. It is unknown exactly what role Flammie would play in this game, as the original version, Final Fantasy Adventure, did not feature Flammie at all.
• Flammie was heavily inspired by Falkor from the 1984 movie The Neverending Story.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Flammie.