Marth (Fire Emblem)

Lore & Background

Marth debuted in 1990 with the release of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light in Japan. He is portrayed as a well-liked figure in the game's story, gaining more allies as he progresses through the story. He is a Lord, a class unique to him in this game. Marth is forced to flee his home kingdom of Altea after it is invaded by a military alliance of humans and Dragons led by the Shadow Dragon, Medeus and the Sorcerer Gharnef. He then goes on a quest to form a rebellion against Medeus, gathering allies from throughout the continent of Archanea such as his childhood friend, Princess Caeda, Jagen, his retainer, Nyna, the last survivor of Archanea's royal family and Hardin of Aurelis whom becomes co-leader of the league Marth forms. He eventually obtains the legendary items, the Falchion Sword and Fire Emblem Shield, both of which later appear in other Fire Emblem titles. In the game's sequel, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem, released on January 21, 1994, and in the 2010 extended remake, Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem, Marth returns to his role as the story's protagonist. Whilst on an expedition for his friend, Hardin, Marth is suddenly betrayed and his kingdom is invaded. Marth works together with his allies, finding out why Hardin changed, breaking the Curse of the Fire Emblem and facing a revived Gharnef and Shadow Dragon Medeus. In the game's ending, Marth marries Caeda and unites the Kingdoms of the continent. Marth is a significant figure in the Fire Emblem series. Though Marth kills many people as part of warfare, he is known merciful and empathetic even to his foes. Marth's good nature often helps him win over former enemies and turn them into allies.

Reader's Guide

Marth debuted in the Super Smash Bros. series in Super Smash Bros. Melee, where he is an unlockable character alongside fellow Fire Emblem protagonist Roy. He is an agile character and fights with his Falchion, with the most power being concentrated in the tip of his blade. He has a technique that allows him to charge a sword slash, as well as a counterattack that deals damage back to opponents if they attack him during this technique. He also has a Sword Dance attack that requires specific input.

Did You Know?

• Marth was one of the characters created for Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light by the game's designer and writer Shouzou Kaga.
• Marth was redesigned for Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem by the game's character artist Katsuyoshi Koya.
• In the original video animation adaptation of Mystery of the Emblem, Marth was voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa, with Ai Orikasa voicing him as a child. Midorikawa reprised the role in Super Smash Bros.