References in Final Fantasy VII
Aeris: A reference to the Greco-Roman messenger goddess and goddess of the rainbow, Iris. Iris was also said to have the Golden Apples and keep the Olympians' gardens.
Midgar: A reference to Midgard of the Norse mythos system. Midgard was were the humans lived. The gods ruled over it, but lived in Asgard.
Midgar Zolom:A reference to the Midgard Serpent. This creature dripped poisonous venom that would kill any living thing. At the Rag Narok, the Serpent would fight on the side of the Giants against the gods.
Shinra:From Shin Ra-"Dark God" This may be a name for Set, the Egyptian dark god, or it may be another apellation for Ra, in his form as the god of night. It could also be a name for Osiris, the god of the underworld.
Sephiroth: A reference to a Kabbalistic symbol for the Tree of Life. It is a system of symbols and numbers.
Wutai: A reference to the Orient. The war between Midgar and Wutai may also be a reference to World War II.
Temple of the Ancients:This might be a reference to the ancient Sumerian temples, which were ziggurats. It could also be a reference to the Egyptian pyramids.
Knowlepole(Icicle Inn): This could be a reference to Hiroshima, after the bomb was dropped.
Cetra: A reference to the Hebrews during their exodus in search of the Promised Land, perhaps?
Shiva: A reference to the destroyer part of the Hindu trinity. For more info, check the Final Fantasy VIII reference section.
Ifrit: A reference to a class of Arabic demons who were made of smoke and fire. They were mischievious.
Ramuh: A Hebrew word for "judge", I think...
Titan: A reference to a race of giants that ruled the world before their leader was overthrown by Zeus, an Olympian.
Odin: The All-Father of the Norse Panethon.
Bahamut:From the word "behemoth" meaning large and powerful
Alexander: A reference to Alexander the Great, the great conquerer who spread the Hellenistic culture all over the Mediterreanean world.
Leviathan: A reference to a huge sea snake that devoured ships and sailors from the ancient world.
Phoenix: A reference to the great fire bird that arises from its own ashes and gives life to all around it. The Phoenix was one of the earliest symbols of reincarnation.
Hades: The god of the dead and ruler of the underworld from Greek mythology.
Knights of the Round: A reference to King Arthur and his 12 Knights of the Round Table.
That is all I can think of for now. If I remember more, I will add them to this list!
Phoenix
