It's the year of the Ox when it comes to the Chinese zodiac, with Chinese New Year falling on February 12th for 2021. Unlike the astrology zodiac signs that are dependant on what time of year you were born, the Chinese zodiac depends on which year you were born in.
There are 12 zodiac signs in total, and for fans of Final Fantasy who have ever wondered which summon from the series they are based on their Chinese zodiac sign, just below is a list covering each one as well as their personality traits.
12 Rat — Tonberry
Tonberry is a recurring enemy within the Final Fantasy franchise, but it also featured as a summon in several titles. While Tonberry doesn't look very rat-like, its personality suits the rat zodiac perfectly. Rats are cautious people who tend to be rather thrifty and are good at saving money, which would explain why Tonberry has the "Call Shop, "Haggle", and "Sell High" abilities in Final Fantasy 8.
Additionally, rats are social people who care deeply about their friends and families, as Tonberries do, which is why Tonberries are known to hold grudges against those who kill Tonberries and often have attacks or battle mechanics that take into account the number of Tonberries killed by the player.
11 Ox - Brothers
The Brothers are a summon from Final Fantasy 8 comprised of two minotaurs named Sacred and Minotaur. People who were born in the year of the ox are persistent people, who can sometimes be seen as slow to act, but in reality, they are just being well-prepared.
They are strong-willed with high endurance and can struggle to communicate with others and express their emotions well, apart from those they are closest to. This is a great parallel of the Brothers who aren't the most eloquent, but care deeply for one another — hence their "Brotherly Love" attack.
10 Tiger — Cait Sith
Cait Sith is a recurring creature within the Final Fantasy series, sometimes appearing as an enemy, a summon, an ally, and sometimes even a party member. While this feline might not exactly resemble a tiger, it does embody the personality of those who are born under the tiger Chinese zodiac.
Tigers are known to be natural leaders who love to give orders, very reminiscent of Cait Sith giving orders to his Moogle in Final Fantasy 7. They are active people who can sometimes make rash decisions, but at the end of the day, they will always remain loyal to their friends — proven by his sacrifice in the Temple of the Ancients.
9 Rabbit — Carbuncle
Carbuncle is one of the fan-favorite creatures within the franchise due to its cute appearance, and it often appears as a summon, but sometimes is simply an NPC or an enemy monster. People born in the year of the rabbit are known to be gentle and patient, as well as dedicated and hardworking.
Rabbits are very caring and kindhearted people and have a deep sense of responsibility. It's no surprise that the small and gentle-looking Carbuncle with its Ruby Light move that protects all party members is the summon best suited for the rabbit.
8 Dragon — Bahamut
Bahamut is one of the most popular summons within the Final Fantasy franchise and is known as the King of the Dragons, so it's only fitting that he represents the dragon of the Chinese zodiac. People who are born in the year of the dragon are known to be courageous and brave, but when they face setbacks they can become very easily discouraged.
Dragons are known to be temperamental, which makes them unapproachable sometimes, but they are some of the most generous people that you will ever meet and they have a strong sense of morals.
7 Snake — Leviathan
Though western cultures often see snakes as sly creatures, in the east they are thought of as being related to the dragon and so are wise creatures who can also be seen as lucky. People born in the year of the snake are idealists who are strong-willed and create clear plans to reach their goals.
Snakes are often lucky and find wealth easily in life, but they can find it hard to bond with others because of their cautious nature. Leviathan is a sea serpent from the series, and is one of the most recognizable summons. Known as the "Lord of All Waters", Leviathan is the perfect symbol of the snake zodiac as water is the perfect metaphor for them — calm and serene some of the time, yet passionate and turbulent at other times.
6 Horse — Odin
Odin is another of the franchise's most well-known summons, with many of its appearances alluding to its debut in Final Fantasy 3. When it comes to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the year of the horse are zealous and passionate people who can sometimes be overly domineering in their quest for self-expression.
A positive character with an independent nature that is sometimes seen as too extravagant or opinionated is definitely a good fit for Odin, who makes players pass a test before being able to summon him and who generally takes the form of a mounted knight in grand armor.
5 Sheep — Moomba
Moombas appear as a pseudo-GF summon in Final Fantasy 8, and while this rather feline creature doesn't seem to have anything in common with a sheep as far as physical appearance goes, Moombas have a lot in common with the personality attributed to the zodiac sheep.
People born in the year of the sheep are known to be very soft-hearted, hardworking, and charitable people. As a result, they can often find themselves being taken advantage of, but fortunately, their kind nature attracts many friends who will protect them. This most definitely also applies to the sweet and diligent Moombas, who are used as slaves in D-District Prison.
4 Monkey — Moogle
Moogles are arguably the most well-known mascot of the Final Fantasy franchise, and while they're more teddy-bear like than monkey-like, they are the perfect partner for those born in the year of the monkey. Moogles appear in most of the games as NPCs, but occasionally also appear as a summon.
Monkeys are smart, hardworking individuals who are often enterprising when it comes to their careers, which is perfect where Moogles are concerned with their mail delivery business. Those born in the year of the monkey are also kind, helpful and their family and friends are very important to them, similar to the close Moogle communities.
3 Rooster — Chocobo
Chocobos are also considered to be a mascot of the Final Fantasy franchise and are very popular with fans, making them the perfect parallel to those born in the year of the Rooster who are often popular in social situations.
Roosters are smart, friendly people who are very sociable and love to travel, much like Chocobos. Roosters often like to beautify themselves and dress in bold colors, which is also similar to Chocobos who in many games can be bred in a multitude of bright colors.
2 Dog — Fenrir
Fenrir is a recurring summon in the series who takes the form of a wolf. He is the perfect symbol for those born in the year of the dog who are known to be brave and loyal, but that can also be stubborn at times. Dogs are thought to be pure and virtuous, as is the moon that Fenrir is often linked to, so it's a nice parallel.
Additionally, dogs have a strong sense of justice but struggle to express themselves well, and can often be seen as introverted or aloof at times.
1 Pig — Yojimbo
Yojimbo is a summon in Final Fantasy 10, but he has also appeared in other titles as an enemy also. While there is nothing pig-like about his appearance, he is the ideal choice of summon for those born in the year of the pig. Pigs are often attributed to money, wealth, and luxury, and Yojimbo is a summon that is tied to money as players must pay him to attack when summoned.
Pigs are often known to be careful and cool-headed with a flair for great taste, perfect for the rather opulent looking Yojimbo who is shown to be a level-headed and well-trained samurai.