Final Fantasy fans have been saying character's name wrong for over two decades

Final Fantasy fans have been left baffled after realising they've been saying one of the main characters' names incorrectly for over two decades

Final Fantasy is one of the most successful video game franchises in history, boasting a staggering 16 numbered entries in the main series along with a plethora of spin-off games, films, anime, manga, and novels. Predominantly an anthology series, each main game presents a unique plot and centres on a distinct cast of characters, though several recurring elements maintain a connection between the Square Enix franchise entries.

Given the sheer number of characters to remember, it's hardly surprising that even the most devoted fans have difficulty with some of them. Indeed, there's one character in particular that some Final Fantasy enthusiasts are only now realising they've been mispronouncing since his game was launched - more than two decades ago.

Final Fantasy X, released in 2001, follows the protagonist Tidus as he embarks on an adventure with a summoner named Yuna and her guardians Wakka, Auron, Luna, Kimahri, and Rikku.

However, at the beginning of the game, players can rename Tidus to any name they choose, meaning his default name is never spoken aloud by other characters. And now, 24 years after the release of Final Fantasy X, fans are just discovering they've been pronouncing it incorrectly.

A TikTok video posted by a Final Fantasy enthusiast has revealed that Tidus' name should be pronounced "Tee-dus", despite countless fans spending over twenty years calling him "Tide-us".

The content creator explained this stems from the original Japanese name meaning "sun", which clarifies why the character wields the Sun Sigil within the game.

The fan said: "Did you know that the name of the lead protagonist in Final Fantasy X is pronounced 'Tee-dus'? In Katakana, it's pronounced 'Tee-da', which is Okinawan for sun. That's why he has the Sun Sigil. Because his name is Sun."

However, it appears the clarification isn't quite so straightforward. The character appears in the Kingdom Hearts series, where other characters speak his name aloud, and they pronounce it in two contrasting ways.

One viewer highlighted: "In Kingdom Hearts, Wakka pronounces it 'Tee-dus'. But in Kingdom Hearts II, Selphie pronounces it 'Tie-dus'."

Another viewer alleged that in a video examining the 2013 remaster of Final Fantasy X, the game's creators confirmed they "never settled on an English pronunciation" of the name.

Others declared they would simply refuse to stop calling him "Tide-us", as water plays such a prominent role in his narrative, connecting to the "tide" concept.

They also maintain the alternative pronunciation simply "sounds better".

One wrote: "I'll be deep in my cold grave before I recognise Teedus."

Another stated: "I know this is true, but I choose to deny it, and no one can make me change."

The discussion surrounding the correct pronunciation of Tidus' name has been reignited amidst whispers of a potential Final Fantasy X remake, following the triumph of the Final Fantasy VII remake.

Although Square Enix has not officially announced a remake, speculation suggests that the game could be launched next year to mark the 25th anniversary of the original release.