Ansem, Seeker of Darkness

Story and background

The Heartless created when Xehanort relinquishes his heart, falsely using Ansem the Wise's name. He drives events of the first game and reappears in Xehanort's later time-travel plans.

Events and connections in the series

The apprentice Xehanort betrayed his master, stole the name Ansem, and banished the real Ansem to darkness. Then, in experiments involving the release of hearts, Xehanort and other apprentices crossed a new threshold. When a heart is lost to darkness, a Heartless may be created; when a sufficiently strong person loses their heart, the empty body and soul may also continue as a Nobody. From Xehanort came two figures crucial to the saga: his Heartless, who called himself Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, and his Nobody, Xemnas. Both carried his plans forward by very different routes.

At Hollow Bastion, Riku claimed the Keyblade as its intended wielder. Donald and Goofy briefly followed their obligation to the weapon, leaving Sora apparently powerless. But the Keyblade returned when Sora's heart and his commitment to his friends proved stronger. Riku fled, and the enemy already waiting inside his darkness finally gained control. This was Ansem, Seeker of Darkness: Xehanort's Heartless, not the real Ansem the Wise.

At the same time, defeating both halves of Xehanort had opened another danger. When a person's Heartless and Nobody are destroyed, the original person can be recompleted. The disappearance of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, and Xemnas meant that Master Xehanort could return. Yen Sid therefore summoned Sora and Riku to train for the threat that was no longer hypothetical. They would attempt the Mark of Mastery and learn the Power of Waking: the ability needed to reach and restore sleeping hearts.

Historical context

Organization XIII repeatedly claims that Nobodies lack hearts, but the lives of Roxas, Axel and Xion complicate that claim. The struggle between assigned purpose and individual relationships is central to the Organization’s conflicts.

Connected characters

More in the lore

Explore the complete chronology for the surrounding events, relationships and consequences across the games.