Heroines of destiny is a common motif that permeates throughout the Final Fantasy series. From Rinoa to Yuna, there's been several leading women in the franchise determined to carry out their respective versions of saving the world from imminent doom. Aerith from Final Fantasy 7 and Lunafreya from Final Fantasy 15 are no exception, as both served in oracle-like roles through their own distinct methods. That being said, for a variety of reasons, their place in each Final Fantasy games overarching story are very distinct from one another.
Comparing the two heroines together, there is some similarity between their goals and the lofty expectations placed on them. Each of the two main characters are vital to the stories each Final Fantasy game is depicting. That being said, Aerith and Lunafreya's places on their respective narratives are vastly different in comparison. The two both act in service to the story in very different ways, each with their own unique circumstances. Note: Spoilers for Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 15 ahead.
The Last of the Cetra
One of the most cherished characters in video games, Aerith Gainsborough bands together with Cloud and the gang during Final Fantasy 7 to end the impending destruction of the world at the hands of Sephiroth's god complex. Her destiny as the last of the Ancients was always to protect the planet at whatever the cost. Despite this, Aerith always maintained a positive attitude even though she was relatively aware of her ill-fated purpose in life. She's always feeling upbeat and confident, as well as always encouraging her fellow party members even in the face of dire straits. Much of this is retained in Final Fantasy 7 Remake as well, though with a few additional elements of backstory.
When compared to Final Fantasy 15's Lunafreya, Aerith is a much more down-to-earth heroine that players connect to deeply. In a lot of ways, Noctis and his party often put Lunafreya on a pedestal since she's not only royalty and divine, but doesn't actually meet with the party until much later in the game. Even then she never becomes a main party member, she only fights alongside Noctis during a very specific encounter with the Leviathan. Aerith on the other hand fights alongside Cloud and the crew throughout the entire beginning of Final Fantasy 7's story. For this reason, Aerith's death is vastly more impactful because Cloud and the player has way more reason to get emotionally attached to her character.
Princess of Tenebrae
Lunafreya's place in Final Fantasy 15's narrative was not as direct compared to Aerith. She never fully joined Noctis' party during the main adventure, but her presence was always known. Lunafreya served as an omnipresent ally to Noctis, providing guidance whenever she could as well as convening with the Astrals (Gods) to assist with Noctis' summons. Players navigate the open world and complete story beats until they're ready to meet Lunafreya for Noctis' wedding in Altissia. Lunafreya summons the Leviathan, but the Niflheim empire attacks Altissia during the summoning. As Noctis battles the Leviathan, Lunafreya is murdered by the main villain Ardyn during her summoning ritual. As Lunafreya passes, she gives the Ring of Lucii to Noctis to fulfill the prophecy as the next Lucian king.
In comparison to Aerith, Lunafreya's omnipresence is meant to serve as a motivator for Noctis' journey. Only problem is Lunafreya's significance very rarely appears or means anything to the player. At first, it seems like Lunafreya is being set up as a sort-of guide to Noctis' adventure. But over time, she very rarely is talked about or interacts with Noctis in any meaningful way throughout the game. Lunafreya's full story may not have been told to the extent it was supposed to because of Episode Lunafreya's cancellation, but even then her presence is not enough for her character arc to have any significance.
Comparing Aerith and Lunafreya
The defining difference between the two characters is that Lunafreya felt more like a plot device compared to Aerith. Her existence only served to motivate Noctis, despite her significance pretty rarely being emphasized in the game anyway. When Lunafreya dies after the Leviathan fight, there's this moment in a dream sequence where her and Noctis are having this heartfelt and emotional last goodbye. From the player's perspective, even though the scene itself is emotional in a vacuum, it has no meaning compared to the many hours of gameplay prior to it. There's no understood chemistry between Noctis or Lunafreya, no reason to become emotionally attached to their relationship. In many ways Final Fantasy 15 tells the player that their bond matters, but that's never justified in anything shown in the game.
Aerith's character arc and death is far more impactful for Final Fantasy 7 players because of this. Aerith is the exact opposite of Lunafreya; she's a key member of the party for a large portion of the game, whilst also serving her oracle-like destiny. Players get to know Aerith's backstory directly as the story unfolds, as well as getting to understand her personality and connection to Cloud. She's central to the party and the story, which is why her death hurts more emotionally. Despite the value of her life and her fate, Aerith was still able to exhibit her sassy but kind personality with players during the story.
While the cancelled DLC for Final Fantasy 15 could've served to remedy this issue, Lunafreya still feels weaker in comparison. Both Aerith and Lunafreya serve their story-critical purpose of championing the main party to victory, and both sacrifice themselves in service to this. Aerith's impact on the player is far more important compared to Lunafreya, who largely felt sidelined and unimportant.
Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 15 are available now.