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{{LocationInfobox
{{LocationInfobox
|game =  
|game = {{Dragon Quest IV}}<br>{{Dragon Quest V}}<br>{{Dragon Quest VI}}<br>{{DQM3}}
|title = Zenithia
|title = Zenithia
|type= Castle
|type= Castle
|image = [[Image:Zenithia.png|right|200px]]
|image = [[Image:DQ IV Android Zenithia.jpg|center|250px]]
|caption = Zenithia, from Square Enix's [[Dragon Quest World Gallery]] series.
|caption =  
|japanese=
|japanese= 天空城
|romanji=
|romanji= Tenkujo
|old=Same
}}
}}
'''Zenithia''', also called '''Zenith Castle''' or simply '''Zenith''', is the name of a fictional sky castle from the videogame series ''[[Dragon Quest]]''.  The first appearance is in ''[[Dragon Warrior IV]]'', and the castle is one of several elements from ''[[Dragon Warrior IV|Dragon Quest IV]]'', ''[[Dragon Quest V|V]]'', and ''[[Dragon Quest VI|VI]]'' which suggest the three games are linked as a 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 {{DQSeries}}.


Zenithia is home to a powerful [[Zenith Dragon|dragon]], lord of the skies, and the winged, angel-like Zenithian people. Zenithians are an insular people who avoid contact with those on the ground if at all possible, but there have been instances where they have fallen off the clouds or otherwise descended to earth.
The first appearance is in {{DQ4}}, and the castle is one of several elements from the eponymous [[Zenithia trilogy]].


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.
==Description==
Zenithia is home to the powerful [[Zenith Dragon]] who serves as the guardian of the world, and the winged, angel-like [[Zenithian]] people. Zenithians are an insular culture who avoid contact with those on the surface, but there have been instances where they have fallen off the clouds by accident or descended to earth of their own volition. Zenithia is considered to be a myth by the world at large in each game it appears in, though researchers and clairvoyant {{NPC}}s give the player hints to its existence throughout the course of an adventure.  


A castle in the ''[[Dragon Warrior III]]'' remakes for [[Super Famicom]]/[[GameBoy Color]] is also called [[Zenith]], though the layout differs from the castle from the Tenku series. It is unclear whether Zenith and Zenithia are one in the same or not.
The counterpart to Zenithia is [[Nadiria]], the underworld from which demons crawl forth. The antagonistic relationship between the two is the driving plot component in {{Dragon Quest V}}, as the actions taken by the villains to destroy the castle directly lead to the inclusion of the game's {{Hero 5}} and his family in the war against [[Nadiria]].  


The counterpart to Zenithia is [[Nadiria]], the underworld.
==Appearances==
==={{DQ4}}===
Zenithia made its first appearance as the final overworld location the [[Chosen Ones]] 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 4}} is given additional experience points by the [[Zenith Dragon]], enough to raise them one level. The [[Zenith Dragon|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, a beam of malice is emitted from the heart of the underworld and reaches the skies, burning a hole in the clouds. This hole gives the {{Hero 4}} and {{Party 4}} access to the [[Doorway to Nadiria]], directly below the castle.


==Appearances/Location==
In one of the castle chambers, a Zenithian woman can be interacted with. Her dialogue seems to imply that she is the {{Hero 4}}'s long-lost mother. In addition, a diary can be found in the library reveals more information about the {{Hero 4}}'s mother. In the adjacent rooms, the {{Hero 4}} can obtain a phial of [[Yggdrasil dew]] if they does not have any at the moment.


===Dragon Quest IV===
If the {{Hero 4}} 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.  
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 power by the Zenith Dragon.


===Dragon Quest V===
====Treasures====
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.  Once recovered and returned to the [[Zenith Dragon]], it will make Zenithia rise again. This time, the castle can move freely around the 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 reached the secluded [[Talon Tower]].
*[[Mini medal]]
 
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
===Dragon Quest VI===
Zenith Castle is sealed away by [[Demon Lord]] [[Durran]] in ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]'', and a giant hole is left behind in its place in the [[dream world]]. It can be restored to its proper place by defeating Durran. After [[Mortamor]] is defeated, the dream world begins to disintegrate; Zenith Castle is left 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''.
 
==Legendary Equipment==
''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 Zenithia in ''Dragon Warrior IV''.
==={{DQ5}}===
Zenithia has fallen into a lake south of [[Lofty Peak]] several years before the game's story begins. This happened when the [[Gold Orb]], half of a set of magical orbs that power the castle, was knocked from its 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 5}} as a child.


These are also known as the Celestial or Zenithian sword, armor, shield, and helmet in ''Dragon Quest V''.
The [[Zenithian]]s sent themselves into suspended animation to survive the flooding of their home during their leader's absence. The {{Hero 5}} and his companions will attempt to raise Zenithia on the behalf of [[Zenith Dragon|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 [[Gold 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 5}} returns with the [[Gold Orb]] in hand and Zenithia rises from it's watery tomb.


In ''Dragon Quest VI'', the sword is called the [[Sword of Ramias]], the armor is the [[Armor of Orgo]], the shield is the [[Shield of Sufieda]], and the helmet is the [[Helm of Cevas]].
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 5}} to traverse around the world map -- it's the only means of reaching the secluded [[Talon Tower]].


[[Square Enix]] has released the Celestial Sword (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.
Aside from the hidden passageway leading to the two orb pedestals, Zenithia's physical layout is largely unchanged from its previous appearance in {{IV}}. The hole in the clouds is still present as well, although it no longer serves any purpose aside from a swift exit. In addition, the diary containing information about the previous Legendary {{Hero 4}}'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.


==Treasures==
====Treasures====
===Dragon Quest IV===
*[[Mini medal]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
===Dragon Quest V===
*[[Grappling hook]]
*[[Grappling hook]]
*[[Mini medal]]
*[[Mini medal]]
*[[T'n'T ticket]]
*[[T'n'T ticket]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
*[[Yggdrasil dew]]
*[[Zenithian tintinnabulum]]
*[[Zenithian Tintinnabulum]]
 
==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 {{IV}}--if the {{Hero 4}} is not present in the {{Party 4}}, the gate will not open.
 
[[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 {{Main Series}} universe.
 
[[File:Zenithia.png|right|thumb|200px|Zenithia, from Square Enix's ''[[Dragon Quest World Gallery]]'' series]]
 
==Notable inhabitants==
*'''Zenith Dragon''' (Originally '''Master Dragon''') - The ruler of Zenithia in the fourth and fifth games. In {{IV}}, he defeated [[Estark]] in the past and asks the {{Party 4}} to defeat [[Psaro the Manslayer]]. In {{V}}, he offers to carry the {{Party 4}}, on his back through the skies after the castle is restored.
*'''Orifiela''' (Originally '''Lucia''') - 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.
* '''[[Zenith Dragon|Dr Agon]]''' - An enigmatic person who comes from the Castle of Zenithia. He appears in {{V}}, and he may be more than he seems at first.
* '''Sparkie''' (Originally '''Doran''')- A young dragon who is sent by [[Orifiela]] to help the {{Party 4}}, in their fight against [[Psaro the Manslayer]].
* '''[[Oopsy and Daisy]]''' - Both are elfin girls who first appear in [[Birdsong Tower]] in {{DQ4 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 {{DQ4 Chapters 5 & 6}} in Zenithia voicing their distrust of [[human]]s, but concede respect for The {{Hero 4}} and company upon their victory of {{Psaro B}}.


==Inhabitants==
==Musical themes==
An inhabitant of Zentihia is called a zenithian; notable zenithians appearing in ''Dragon Quest IV'', ''V'', or ''VI'' are:
*The theme for Zenithia was called "Unknown Castle" in the Japanese [[soundtrack]] for {{IV}}.
* {{Dragon Quest V}}'s theme was simply called "Heaven".


* '''Zenith Dragon''' (originally '''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.
==Maps & Gallery==
* '''Orifiela''' (originally '''Lucia''') - She appears in the game ''[[Dragon Warrior 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]].
<center><gallery>
* '''Dr Agon''' (originally '''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.
DQ Museum Zenithia.png|''Dragon Quest Museum'' Shibuya, Japan.
* '''King Zenith'''. The ruler of Zenith Castle in ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]''. He is humanoid, unlike the Zenith Dragon.
</gallery></center>
* '''Sparkie''' (originally '''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]]''.
* '''[[Oopsy and Daisy]]''' - Both are elfin girls who first appear in [[Birdsong Tower]] in Chapter 2.  They leave upon [[Alena]], [[Kiryl]] & [[Borya]] reaching the top of the tower, and accidently 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).
* According to the games, at least once a woman from Zenithia has become involved in a relationship with a human, leaving offspring that is half-human, half-Zenithian.


==Background music==
===<small>'{{Dragon Quest IV}}'</small>===
* The theme for Zenithia was called "Unknown Castle" in the Japanese [[soundtrack]] for Dragon Warrior IV.
<center><gallery>
* [[Dragon Quest V]]'s theme was called "Heaven".
DQ IV NES Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle in {{Dragon Quest IV}}. ({{NES}})
* [[Dragon Quest VI]] does not have a special theme for Zenithia; instead it uses the regular castle theme, "At the Palace".
Zenithia artwork.jpg|Official art of Zenithia, circa 2001
DQ IV Android Zenithia Outside.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 1.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 2.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 3.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 4.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 5.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 6.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 7.jpg|
DQ IV Android Zenithia 8.jpg|
</gallery></center>


==Notes==
===<small>'{{Dragon Quest V}}'</small>===
* Zenithia might have some relation to [[Zenith]] from [[Dragon Quest III]], being both ruled by a powerful dragon and both being in the sky. In fact, Zenithia comes from the word ''zenith'', meaning highest point or state, aptly appropriate seeing as it is the highest point in the game.
<center><gallery>
**Conversely, its counterpart, Nadiria, is derived from the word ''nadir'', meaning lowest point.
DQ V SF Zenithian Castle underwater.png|Underwater Zenithia Castle in {{Dragon Quest V}}. ({{SFC}})
* The Zenithians could be compared to [[Celestrian]]s in [[Dragon Quest IX]].
DQ V SF Zenithian Castle risen.png|Zenithia Castle risen in {{Dragon Quest V}}. ({{SFC}})
Zenithia rising.jpg|Zenithia rising from its sunken slumber.
DQ V Android Zenithia Castle Outside 1.jpg|
DQ V Android Zenithia Castle Outside 2.jpg|
DQ V Android Watery Zenithia 1.jpg|
DQ V Android Watery Zenithia 2.jpg|
DQ V Android Silver Orb On Zenithian Altar 1.jpg|Silver Orb. ([[Cell phone]])
DQ V Android Gold Bauble On Zenithian Altar.jpg|[[Gold Orb]]. ([[Cell phone]])
DQ V Android Gold Orb On Zenithian Altar 1.jpg|[[Gold Orb#Gold bauble|Gold Orb]]. ([[Cell phone]])
DQ V Android Watery Zenithia 3.jpg|
DQ V Android Watery Zenithia 4.jpg|
DQ V Android Silver Orb On Zenithian Altar 2.jpg|
DQ V Android Gold Orb On Zenithian Altar 2.jpg
DQ V Android Zenithia 1.jpg|
DQ V Android Zenith Dragon.jpg|
</gallery></center>


==Maps==
===<small>'{{Dragon Quest VI}}'</small>===
<gallery captionalign="left">
<center><gallery>
Image:DQ VI SF Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle earthbound in ''Dragon Quest VI'' ([[SF]])
DQ VI SF Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle earthbound in {{Dragon Quest VI}} ({{SFC}})
Image:DQ IV NES Zenithian Castle.png|Zenithia Castle in ''Dragon Quest IV'' (NES)
</gallery></center>
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)
</gallery>


==See Also==
==See Also==
*[[Alefgard]]
*[[Cloudsgate Citadel]]
*The [[Observatory]]
*[[Zenithia.com]]
*[[Zenithia.com]]
*[[Zenith]]


{{DWIV}}
{{DQIV}}
{{DQIV}}
{{DQV}}
{{DQV}}
{{DQVI}}
{{DQMTDP}}


[[Category:Dragon Warrior IV Places]]
[[Category:Recurring elements]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V Places]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest VI Places]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest IV locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest IV locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V locations]][[Category:Dragon Quest V vehicles]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V locations]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest VI locations]][[category:Recurring elements]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest V vehicles]]
{{Wikia}}

Latest revision as of 23:06, 30 May 2024

Zenithia is the name of the sky castle that appears in several games in the Dragon Quest series.

The first appearance is in Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, and the castle is one of several elements from the eponymous Zenithia trilogy.

Description[edit]

Zenithia is home to the powerful Zenith Dragon who serves as the guardian of the world, and the winged, angel-like Zenithian people. Zenithians are an insular culture who avoid contact with those on the surface, but there have been instances where they have fallen off the clouds by accident or descended to earth of their own volition. Zenithia is considered to be a myth by the world at large in each game it appears in, though researchers and clairvoyant NPCs give the player hints to its existence throughout the course of an adventure.

The counterpart to Zenithia is Nadiria, the underworld from which demons crawl forth. The antagonistic relationship between the two is the driving plot component in Dragon Quest V, as the actions taken by the villains to destroy the castle directly lead to the inclusion of the game's Hero and his family in the war against Nadiria.

Appearances[edit]

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen[edit]

Zenithia made its first appearance as the final overworld location the Chosen Ones 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, a beam of malice is emitted from the heart of the underworld and reaches the skies, burning a hole in the clouds. This hole gives the Hero and party 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 they 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.

Treasures[edit]

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride[edit]

Zenithia has fallen into a lake south of Lofty Peak several years before the game's story begins. This happened when the Gold Orb, half of a set of magical orbs that power the castle, was knocked from its 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 Gold 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 Gold 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 IV. The hole in the clouds is still present as well, although it no longer serves any purpose aside from a swift exit. 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.

Treasures[edit]

Legendary Equipment[edit]

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 IV--if the Hero is not present in the party, the gate will not open.

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[edit]

  • Zenith Dragon (Originally Master 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 (Originally Lucia) - 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 V, and he may be more than he seems at first.
  • Sparkie (Originally Doran)- 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 Chapters 5 & 6 in Zenithia voicing their distrust of humans, but concede respect for The Hero and company upon their victory of Psaro.

Musical themes[edit]

  • The theme for Zenithia was called "Unknown Castle" in the Japanese soundtrack for IV.
  • Dragon Quest V's theme was simply called "Heaven".

Maps & Gallery[edit]

Dragon Quest IV[edit]

Dragon Quest V[edit]

Dragon Quest VI[edit]

See Also[edit]