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This villain was proposed but was rejected by the community for not being heinous enough or lacks what is necessary to be a Pure Evil villain. Therefore, this villain shall be added to our "Never Again List", where proposed villains rejected by the community shall be placed to prevent future proposals of the same evil-doer. They can be proposed again (with the permission of an administrator) if new elements appear in their series that can change their status as non-PE villains.
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NOTE:This article is about his mainstream counterpart, for his manga counterpart, see here.
All worlds begin in darkness, and all so end. The heart is no different. Darkness sprouts within it, it grows, consumes it. Such is its nature. In the end, every heart returns to the darkness whence it came. You see, darkness is the heart's true essence.
Behold the endless abyss! Within it lies the heart of all worlds: Kingdom Hearts! Look as hard as you are able. You'll not find even the smallest glimmer of light. From those dark depths are all hearts born. Even yours. Darkness conquers all worlds!!!
„
~ Ansem reveals Kingdom Hearts and summons the World of Chaos.
Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (also known as Xehanort's Heartless) is a major antagonist of the Dark Seeker Saga in the Kingdom Hearts franchise. He is one of the incarnations of Master Xehanort.
He was voiced in Japanese by Akio Ōtsuka (who also played Wamuu in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part II: Battle Tendency) and in English by Billy Zane (who also played Cal Hockley in Titanic, The Collector in Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight, Match in Back to the Future, and Hughie Warriner in Dead Calm) in Kingdom Hearts and Richard Epcar (who also played the Joker in the Injustice franchise) from Kingdom Hearts II onwards.
Ansem the Wise started to research the Heartless with an apprentice named Xehanort, who is actually the body of Terra converted into an amnesic vessel by Master Xehanort. When Ansem decided to stop his research, Xehanort continued it with the aid of Ansem's other apprentices, including Braig, Xehanort's accomplice. Eventually, the apprentices fell so deep into the darkness that they all became Heartless, though their bodies remained as Nobodies thanks to their strong wills. In Xehanort's case, his Heartless took on Ansem's name, while his Nobody called himself Xemnas.
Xehanort's real goal is to forge the χ-blade by pitting seven lights against thirteen darknesses. To this end, Ansem manipulates Maleficent into gathering the Princesses of Heart, ostensibly to find Kingdom Hearts and engulf all worlds in darkness, while Xemnas forms Organization XIII to use as his vessels. However, foreseeing that both plans would be dashed, Ansem travels back in time to Xehanort's youth and grants him the ability to travel back in time and assemble incarnations of Xehanort to form another Organization before staying in the past and watching Maleficent.
Biography[]
Kingdom Hearts[]
Ansem first appears to Sora prior to the Destiny Islands' destruction. Though he does not properly introduce himself at the time, Ansem makes a cryptic message to Sora regarding the fate of the Islands. During the Islands' destruction, Ansem appears to Riku and opens a Corridor of Darkness, sending the boy to Hollow Bastion.
Later, once Maleficent has almost completed gathering the princesses, Ansem possesses Riku's body. He forges an artificial Keyblade from the hearts of the princesses sans Kairi's and uses it to corrupt Maleficent, turning her into a dragon, but she is slain by Sora and company.
Sora then travels to the Final Keyhole, where Ansem awaits. Ansem explains that Kairi's heart is really within Sora and reveals his true identity before attempting to use his Keyblade to draw out Kairi's heart. Sora duels with Ansem, emerging triumphant and prepares to seal the incomplete Keyhole. Since it won't work without Kairi's heart and she is still comatose, Sora stabs himself with Ansem's Keyblade to save her at the cost of the Keyhole's completion and his own transformation into a Heartless, and subsequently, the births of the Nobodies Roxas and Naminé.
Ansem, having expelled Riku's heart and remodeled the boy's body into his true form, reappears and declares that Kairi's part is done. He tries to kill her, Donald, and Goofy, but Riku's heart stalls Ansem to buy the heroes time to escape the Heartless pouring out. Ansem retreats to the End of the World, with a restored Sora in pursuit.
In a final battle, Ansem declares darkness is the source of all power, believing that Sora is still ignorant of the truth. Sora, though, retorts that Kingdom Hearts is light, and he is right. When the Door to Darkness opens, Ansem is horrified that when light pours out and destroys his physical form. In spite of this, the door also somehow contains the Heartless, forcing Sora, Donald, and Goofy close the door on one sight, and Riku and the missing King Mickey on the other.
Despite his physical form's death, a fragment of Ansem remains in Riku's body and tries to tempt Riku into falling back into the darkness when the youth emerges in Castle Oblivion's basement. However, seeing that Riku has accepted darkness and not him, Ansem becomes frustrated with Riku and is defeated in battle. However, Ansem points out that he'll take Riku's body when the time comes. Eventually, while fighting Roxas six months later to help the resting Sora, Riku is forced to tap into Ansem's powers and adopts his form in the process.
While Riku helps him from the shadows, Sora learns "Ansem"'s true identity as the Heartless of the real Ansem's apprentice, Xehanort. It was only while aiding Sora in the Castle that Never Was that Riku was purged of "Ansem"'s influence and returned to normal.
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[]
Due to Young Xehanort's travels through time, "Ansem" is among the versions of Xehanort summoned and made a member of the real Organization XIII. "Ansem" taunts Riku throughout his journey through the Sleeping Worlds until Riku defeats him and escapes into the real world to thwart the real Organization XIII. Later, Ansem is forced to retreat with the rest of the real Organization when Lea, Donald and Goofy stall them to prevent Sora from becoming their thirteenth member.
Ansem first appears in Twilight Town alongside Xemnas, with the two taunting Sora and encouraging him to free Roxas before summoning several Heartless and Nobodies as a distraction. After this, they watch Sora in the town, where Xigbar berates them for directly guiding Sora.
Later, Ansem visits the Dark World to confront Ansem the Wise about Subject X, a girl Terra-Xehanort had admired as an apprentice. Though Aqua tries to stop him, Xehanort's Heartless corrupts her with darkness before leaving with Ansem, turning her into a cold and ruthless Anti-Aqua.
Xehanort's Heartless took Ansem to the Old Mansion and taunts him with the knowledge of the children used in the experiments, including his misuse of Roxas and Naminé. But before Xehanort's Heartless could force Ansem to show him the data, Olette rescues Ansem with the help of Hayner and Pence, who distract him from noticing Olette taking Ansem away, with Hayner going as far as to attack the dark being, and Vexen, who commands a group of Dusks to attack Xehanort's Heartless. Here, he also finds out that Vexen has defected from the Organization when he figures out that Vexen was the one who sent the Dusks to come after him.
Ansem joins the real Organization XIII at the Keyblade Graveyard for the final clash between light and darkness. Atop the Tower of Endings, he fought Sora, Riku, and Mickey alongside Young Xehanort and Xemnas with help from Master Xehanort, but is ultimately slain in battle. He reflects on the journey that he and Riku had together, Riku admits to Ansem that he is going to miss him and Ansem congratulates Riku for becoming a powerful Keyblade Master, admitting to him he never stood a chance against him.
He also admits to Sora and Riku that part of him wanted to defy his fate but once he discovered that many members defected from the Organization he found he cared no longer. Sora attempts to comfort Ansem despite his actions against him and Riku, but Ansem tells the trio that it is time for them to move on and that was more for them to seek; as such he encourages them to go forth and seek it before fading away.
Quotes[]
“
I've come to see the door to this world.
„
~ Ansem talking to Sora on the Destiny Islands.
“
This world has been connected. Tied to the darkness... soon to be completely eclipsed.
„
~ Ansem discussing the Destiny Islands.
“
You do not yet know what lies beyond the door.
„
~ Ansem when Sora asks where he came from.
“
There is so very much to learn. You understand so little.
„
~ Ansem when Sora notes he's from another world.
“
A meaningless effort. One who knows nothing can understand nothing.
„
~ Ansem before disappearing.
“
Know this. The heart that is strong and true shall win the Keyblade.
„
~ Ansem talking to Riku.
“
For that instant, it was. However, you can become stronger. You showed no fear in stepping through the door to darkness. It held no terror for you. Plunge deeper into the darkness, and your heart will grow even stronger.
„
~ Ansem talking to Riku.
“
It's really quite simple. Open yourself to the darkness. That is all. Let your heart, your being, become darkness itself.
„
~ Ansem before he gives Riku power over darkness.
“
Yes. A Keyblade. But unlike yours, this Keyblade holds the power to unlock people's hearts. Allow me to demonstrate... Behold!
„
~ Ansem stabbing Maleficent.
“
Now, open your heart, surrender it to the darkness! Become darkness itself!
„
~ Ansem transforming Maleficent.
“
The Heartless were using Maleficent from the beginning. She failed to notice the darkness in her heart eating away at her. A fitting end for such a fool.
„
~ Ansem upon Maleficent's defeat.
“
Don't you see yet? The princess's heart is responding. It has been there all along. Kairi's heart rests within you!
„
~ Ansem revealing the whereabouts of Kairi's heart to Sora.
“
It is I, Ansem, the seeker of darkness.
„
~ Ansem revealing his true identity.
“
So, I shall release you now, Princess. Complete the Keyhole with your power. Open the door, lead me into everlasting darkness!
„
~ Ansem before he attacks Sora.
“
So, you have awakened at last, Princess. The Keyhole is now complete. You have served your purpose. But now it's over.
„
~ Ansem when showing himself to Kairi, Donald, and Goofy.
“
Take a look at this tiny place. To the heart seeking freedom this island is a prison surrounded by water. And so this boy sought to escape from his prison. He sought a way to cross over into other worlds. And he opened his heart to darkness.
„
~ Ansem revealing his true form on the remnants of the Destiny Islands.
“
So, you have come this far and still you understand nothing. Every light must fade, every heart return to darkness!
„
~ Ansem before battling Sora.
“
It is futile. The Keyblade alone cannot seal the door to darkness. Kingdom Hearts! Fill me with the power of darkness...
~ Ansem when Kingdom Hearts starts spurring darkness.
“
Light? But... Why...
„
~ Ansem before his death.
“
Why do you shun the darkness?
„
~ Ansem talking to Riku.
“
Stop resisting. Accept the darkness. You have no choice... if you are to serve me again!
„
~ Ansem before appearing before Riku.
“
Clever boy. I knew you’d be the one to most appropriately serve me. And now, surrender to me again—
„
~ Ansem provoking Riku to attack him.
“
You are weak. You need darkness. Surrender. Bow to darkness. Bow to me.
„
~ Ansem trying to get Riku to give in to the darkness.
“
You think that feeble little light can save you from the darkness that I command? You shall feel the darkness everywhere!
„
~ Ansem before battling Riku.
“
This is a card crafted from your memory. Advance through the world it creates and soon, you will understand... Chasing after light is not the way. It will not give you distance from the darkness. There is no running from the darkness.
„
~ Ansem after giving Riku some cards.
“
To use it or not is your choice. I'll be waiting, Riku...for you to sense it and yield to the darkness in your heart!
„
~ Ansem before departing.
“
More like a model. He is an example of what you should try to be. He accepts the darkness... just like you once couldn’t help but accept me. But now you are afraid. Perhaps YOU are the one who is being fake. Fake when you pretend to have no fear.
Inside of the card-worlds...you grappled desperately with the darkness. Desperation is fear. You fight the darkness because it is what frightens you.
„
~ Ansem talking about Riku's fear.
“
You called out my name. You have been thinking about me... You're afraid of the darkness I command. Good... The more you think of me, the closer my return draws. And when I have awoken, I will take hold... Your heart will be mine!
„
~ Ansem preparing to control Riku once more.
“
You meddlesome king!
„
~ Ansem angered at Mickey's interference.
“
You have let in the darkness, Riku. That means very soon your heart shall become an all-consuming darkness.
„
~ Ansem talking to Riku about his darkness.
“
The deeper the darkness runs inside you, the stronger I become. Controlling you is effortless.
„
~ Ansem talking to Riku about his darkness.
“
Why in such a hurry? I’ll be here at the very heart of darkness... Watching you plunge into the same darkness—inside of you.
„
~ Ansem after Riku enters the last basement of Castle Oblivion.
“
I have watched you fight. I know your strength. Your skill with darkness has grown. It has become more mature. And yet, why... Why do you accept the darkness—but still refuse me? You know you and I are similar. We both follow where the darkness leads. Indeed, we are the same, so why? Does some part of your heart still have a fear of the dark?
„
~ Ansem talking to Riku about his darkness.
“
Very well. In that case— You shall sink into the abyss!
„
~ Ansem before battling Riku again.
“
This...is hardly...the end... Your darkness—I gave it...all to you... My dark shadow...lingers... Someday... Someday... I will return!
But I embrace the darkness—and unless you hurry up and learn to do the same, your story will end just like his.
„
~ Ansem threatening Riku before leaving.
“
That is right. Sora can no longer wake up. No matter how many nightmares you consume, you cannot wake someone who has fallen into the chasm of dreams.
„
~ Ansem.
“
Dreams hold our memories. Sleep holds our dreams. And darkness—it holds our sleep. Sora's heart belongs to the darkness now.
„
~ Ansem.
“
But you feel it, don't you? This world, the nightmare, the abyss. Why haven't you returned to the reality whence you came?
„
~ Ansem.
“
Dream of a dream. A twofold nightmare. This whole journey, you have been inside Sora's dreams. And now darkness within darkness awaits you.
„
~ Ansem.
“
At the start of your test, when you struck out from that tiny island, you saw me there dressed in a robe. Immediately you knew something was wrong, so without even knowing it, you dove into Sora's dream. And you became exactly what that sigil on your back represents— a Dream Eater to protect Sora from nightmares.
„
~ Ansem explaining what Riku has become.
“
Correct. But you failed to protect him. After all your efforts to command the darkness and protect those you cherish, it is a shame you locked that power away in the end.
„
~ Ansem.
“
Yes, you have. All the children sacrificed in the name of your research... So make things right.
„
~ Ansem taunting Ansem the Wise.
“
No, no, no! Not one more step. Get out!
„
~ Ansem to Pence after the latter distracts him.
“
So you understand what to do. Set the darkness in you free, and you can rescue your friend.
„
~ Ansem.
“
At last, you see clearly.
„
~ Ansem.
“
That is your answer?
„
~ Ansem.
“
You can try!
„
~ Ansem before battling Riku.
“
Ever the fool, boy. And forever a pawn of the darkness!
„
~ Ansem before merging with his Guardian for a final duel with Riku.
“
Come, guardian!
„
~ Ansem shielding himself with his Guardian.
“
You insolent little...!
„
~ Ansem before entering "submission" phase.
“
Submit!
„
~ Ansem ordering the Guardian to possess Sora.
“
Come, open your heart.
„
~ Ansem using the energy shield.
“
My strength returns.
„
~ Ansem powering up for Dark Shadow.
“
What do you hope to accomplish?
„
~ Ansem using Dark Shadow.
“
Do not deny your fear!
„
~ Ansem when using Dark Shadow.
“
The final darkness is nigh!
„
~ Ansem finishing Dark Shadow.
“
Take this!
„
~ Ansem using Dark Rush.
“
Return to darkness!
„
~ Ansem spinning his dual-bladed Soul Eater.
“
Welcome the darkness into your heart.
„
~ Ansem summoning laser orbs.
“
All shall be extinguished.
„
~ Ansem summoning laser orbs.
“
Still confused? Then perhaps this will enlighten you!
~ Ansem using Energy Vacuum during the final phase.
“
Now, you weak-hearted fools, witness real power!
„
~ Ansem using Energy Vacuum during the final phase.
“
Is this the answer? It can't be!
„
~ Ansem upon defeat.
“
Why do you refuse the darkness?
„
~ Ansem upon defeat.
“
Is that all you've got?
„
~ Ansem during the first battle.
“
You can't protect anything.
„
~ Ansem during the first battle.
“
Drown in darkness.
„
~ Ansem during the first battle.
“
Protect me!
„
~ Ansem shielding himself with his Guardian during the first battle.
“
Accept the darkness.
„
~ Ansem during the second battle.
“
Feel the darkness.
„
~ Ansem during the second battle.
“
Now show me what your precious "light" can do.
„
~ Ansem.
“
Your strength is vaster than darkness. I knew I never stood a chance. Part of me wanted to defy my fate...but when the others betrayed us, I found I did not care. And then, nothing else seemed to matter anymore.
„
~ Ansem talking to Riku as he fades away.
“
What? It is time to move on, boy... There is more to seek... so go forth now, and seek it...
„
~ Ansem's final words to Sora, Riku and Mickey before fading away.
Trivia[]
Zane would later play Commander Sam William Marshall, the main antagonist of the 2006 Turkish film Valley of the Wolves: Iraq, which became controversial because it depicted Americans as terrorists. Disney decided that since Zane was involved, they didn't want him involved in Kingdom Hearts anymore, hence why Zane was replaced by Epcar in subsequent games.
However, despite fans giving positive reviews to Epcar's performance (beginning with Kingdom Hearts II and ending with Kingdom Hearts III), fans have always enjoyed (and mainly preferred) Zane's performance even after the latter's removal from the franchise.
When possessing Riku, Ansem's voice is blended in with David Gallagher in English and Mamoru Miyano in Japanese.
As a consequence of replacing Billy Zane, Richard Epcar redubbed all flashbacks of Ansem's scenes in Kingdom Hearts in Kingdom Hearts II to maintain series consistency. Ironically, Zane's performance as Ansem is retained in Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX.
Ansem's character model was altered in games starting with Re:Chain of Memories to better match up with Xehanort's other incarnations and subsequently reused for HD 1.5 ReMIX.
Coincidentally, the name "Ansem" is an anagram of the word "names", reflecting how the name has been used by multiple characters, including Ansem the Wise, Xehanort and his Heartless and Nobody, and Riku. It could also reference how "Ansem" is not his real name, but rather an alias used to conceal his identity as Xehanort.
✓
