Erdrick

Erdrick (ロト, Roto) is a recurring title awarded to legendary heroes from the Dragon Quest series, and specifically the playable characters of Dragon Quest III and XI. The first three Dragon Quest games are called the "Erdrick Trilogy", as each relate to the character of Erdrick in some way. Although they do not appear in DQ or II, Erdrick is mentioned heavily in the game dialog and many items bear their name.

The name Erdrick is referenced in many of the later main Dragon Quest games, as well as some spin-offs. Due to the name being exclusively used in association with the protagonist of III for several decades, the title was treated as the character's name by both fans and media. With the arrival of XI, this connection has steadily lessened and the term Erdrick has become a title of status independent of any particular character.

For the two characters who received this title, see:

• Hero (Dragon Quest III)
• Luminary (Dragon Quest XI)

Origins of Title

At the end of III the King of Alefgard bestows upon the hero the Order of Erdrick, the country’s highest honor reserved only for true heroes. This implies that there have been several Erdricks throughout history. The hero is referred to by this title in all references outside of Dragon Quest III.

Attempting to name the hero "Erdrick" in III for the NES will generate a message requesting the player to enter their real name; however, if a space is added at the end, the warning message will not be displayed and the game may be played with the hero being named "Erdrick ". The same restriction applies in the Japanese versions for Roto as well, both in kanji and hiragana.

In the ending sequence of XI, the Luminary is bestowed the title of Erdrick for saving the land of Erdrea from Calasmos. As the game contains several homages to past titles, the connection of III and XI (if any) is up to player interpretation.

In the real-world Old English language, the word "eard" means "world," while "-ric" is a common suffix for names translating to "ruler." Thus, "Erdrick" can be said to mean "ruler of the world."

Localization history

Erdrick is a term invented for the North American release of the original trilogy. In the original Japanese version games Erdrick is known exclusively by the name Roto--this is written in runes on the shield bearing the name in official art. Another romanization of the name is Loto, which was used in place of Erdrick when Enix America, Inc. re-released Dragon Quest I, II, and III on the Game Boy Color. This was done due to the space constraints of the Game Boy's screen, with the "L" being chosen for unknown reasons.

When Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies was released in North America and Europe, the name Erdrick was once again used to refer to the legendary Hero of Dragon Quest III, effectively returning to the original English localization from the NES era.

Items Iconography

In DQ and II, there are several items that bear Erdrick as a part of their names. See the Erdrick Equipment article for more detail.

Erdrick's Sword

Also know as the Sword of kings, this is the most powerful sword in DQ and III. The sword is not the most powerful in XI, but boasts an incredibly high Attack bonus nonetheless.

Erdrick's Armour

The most powerful armour in the original trilogy, which protects against the damage from poison swamps and barriers, and restores HP while walking. It is also known as Armour of Erdrick in II and as Auroral Armour in III.

Erdrick's Shield

The Hero's Shield is the name found in III. It is called the Shield of Erdrick only in II, as it does not exist in DQ.

Erdrick's Helmet

This item exists only in Dragon Quest II, as there is no specific helm referred to as such in III. In the remakes the player can acquire Ortega's Helm, which bears a distinct similarity to Erdrick's helmet from II.

Mark of Erdrick

An object which proves the Hero's lineage in DQ, which is found in a swamp south of Cantlin. In III, the emblem is referred to as the Sacred amulet.

Erdrick's Tablet

A message written in stone by the Hero of Dragon Quest III, and left for the Hero in Dragon Quest. It gives instructions on what items are needed to reach the Isle of Dragons, which is the location of Charlock Castle. The tablet is found in a cave north of Tantegel castle, called Erdrick's Cave.

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  Erdrick's Sword

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  Erdrick's Armour

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  Erdrick's Shield

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  Erdrick's Helmet

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  Erdrick's Emblem

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  Erdrick's Tablet

Other References to Erdrick

• In the opening scene of Dragon Quest V, the protagonist's father, Pankraz, suggests the name "Madason" for his son. His wife, Madalena, disagrees, and suggests the name which the player entered. If the player already entered the name "Madason", Pankraz will suggest "Erdrick" instead.
• In the US translation of Dragon Quest VI (Nintendo DS and Cell phone Version), an NPC in Gallows Moor goes by the name of Erdrick.
• In the original Final Fantasy, a role-playing game produced by Square, there is a grave for Erdrick in the cemetery of the Elf village (in the remakes and the original Japanese version of Final Fantasy, the grave belongs to Nintendo's Link).
• Erdrick's sword is obtainable Final Fantasy XII. It's the third-strongest weapon in the game and has the highest combo rate, but it's also the slowest. In the Japanese version, it's called the Toro Sword, Toro being Roto backwards. The English localization named it "Wyrmhero Blade", which is a synonym for "Dragon Warrior". Other localizations kept the original name, and it happens to mean "Sword of the Bull" in Spanish and Italian.
• In the demo for Dragon Quest Builders, the player's default name is "Buildrick".
• In Fortune Street, if certain characters are on the Alefgard board, they will refer to Erdrick either by name or indirect reference:
  • "Just one time only, I wish to fight in battle with legendary hero, Erdrick." (Alena)
  • "The restful place from legendary hero Erdrick. I am with wish that there was opportunity to meet him." (Kiryl)
  • "Maybe the hero was a bit like my big brother, Alistair. You know, just maybe." (Jessica Albert)
  • "Oh, yeah! The home of the legendary hero! That sounds like the sort of person who should be on my list of clients. Can someone invite him over?" (Patty)
  • "... A legendary hero? If he's such a legend, maybe he should take my place while I'm out to lunch!" (Stella)
  • "My anslurpstors fought alongside the legendary hero from here. I bet they were really stout!" (Slime)
  • "This place has got some legendary hero, huh? I'm acquainted wid a hero myself as it happens. ... Some mortal schmoo who's always gettin' in our way!" (Platypunk)
  • "I guess Erdrick is the big cheese around these parts! I tip my hat to you, legendary hero!" (Mario)
  • "Whoa! Alefgard! I want to meet the legendary dragon warrior Erdrick! But I forgot my camera! Wah-hah!" (Toad)
  • "Yoshi Yoshi! (Erdrick may be the big hero in these parts, but Mario is the bestest hero in the galaxy!)" (Yoshi)
  • "Yoo hoo! Oh, hero-man! Won't you come and rescue me? I'm helpless when it comes to rolling the die!" (Birdo)
  • "What’s all this talk about a legendary hero? Is Mario already famous out here? Legendary hero, my spiny shell!" (Bowser)
  • "Legendary hero, shmegendary hero! My dad’s way braver than any ol’ hero!" (Bowser Jr.)
  • "Ooo? Ook ook! (This is the place to find hotshot heroes, huh? Well, you’re looking at one!)" (Donkey Kong)
  • "Oookie? Ookity ook! (This place is famous for a legendary hero? Hey, that's what I want to be one day!)" (Diddy Kong)
  • "Huh? Who cares about some legendary hero? The only legend you need to know about is the legend of WARIO!" (Wario)
  • "If it's a legendary hero you want, look no further! I'm standing right here! Whee hee hee!" (Waluigi)
  • "I don’t believe for a second in this legendary hero. If he DID exist, he’d be rescuing me right now!" (Princess Peach)
• Dragonlord also mentions Erdrick in Fortune Street when he lands on an expensive property owned by Princessa.
  • "Waaargh! Dim kin of Erdrick and his sin! Thou trowest me beat by these puny bills!?"

References

1. dw_manual (1989) Nintendo, Enix Corporation Dragon Warrior Instruction Manual (in English).
2. np7_40 Editors of Nintendo Power: Nintendo Power July - August, 1989; issue 7 (in English). Nintendo of America, Tokuma Shoten Publishing, 40.
3. dw2_manual Enix Corporation Unveiled Secrets of Dragon Warrior II (in English) Enix America Corporation.
4. np16_67 Editors of Nintendo Power: Nintendo Power September/October, 1990; issue 16 (in English). Nintendo of America, Tokuma Shoten Publishing, 67.
5. dw_np_guide (1989) Nintendo of America Inc., Tokuma Shoten U.S. Edition, Enix Corporation Licensed exclusively to Nintendo of America Inc., Nintendo Power Strategy Guide Published by Nintendo of America Inc. and Tokuma Shoten Dragon Warrior Strategy Guide (in English).
6. dw2_map (1990) Nintendo, Enix America Corporation Licensed Nintendo of America Inc. Dragon Warrior II Map (in English) ENI-D2-US.
7. dw3_manual (1991) Enix Corporation Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook (in English) Enix America Corporation.
8. dw3_map (1991) Enix Corporation Dragon Warrior III Map (in English) ENI-D3-US.
9. np8_23 Editors of Nintendo Power: Nintendo Power September - October, 1989; issue 8 (in English). Nintendo of America, Tokuma Shoten Publishing, 23.