Frey Holland is the headstrong protagonist that players take control of in Square Enix‘s action RPG Forspoken. As a streetwise young woman suddenly transported from modern-day New York City into the fantastical land of Athia, Frey finds herself gaining magical abilities and becoming embroiled in an epic journey filled with twists and revelations about her mysterious origins.
In this deep dive analysis, we‘ll explore Frey‘s intricate backstory, her allies and enemies in Athia, the nature of her magical powers, and how she evolves over the course of her quest to return home. There is much more to Frey than initially meets the eye, so let‘s unravel the secrets surrounding Forspoken‘s central heroine.
Frey‘s Origins: An Orphan From New York
The game reveals that Frey grew up an orphan on the streets of New York City, fostered between various group homes from a young age. Her name itself carries significance – "Frey" coming from the orphanage where she was abandoned as an infant, while "Holland" is the tunnel she was found under. With no knowledge of her real parents or family, Frey relies solely on herself.
She lives day-to-day, struggling with money owed to unsavory characters and trying to care for her pet cat Homer. Early scenes show Frey sentenced to community service, painting over graffiti, giving initial insight into her defiant attitude and rocky relationship with authority figures.
Transported Into the World of Athia
At the start of her hero‘s journey, Frey comes into contact with a mysterious magical bracelet artifact known as the "Cuff" while wandering the city alone at night. Upon binding the Cuff to her arm, she is suddenly teleported through an interdimensional portal into the sprawling fantasy realm of Athia against her will.
With no way back to her own world, Frey is forced to navigate Athia‘s treacherous terrain and hostile inhabitants. Gaining the Cuff curses her with magical powers tied to primordial gods of the land, thrusting this otherwise ordinary woman into extraordinary circumstances beyond anything she could have imagined.
The Revelation of Frey‘s Mother
As Frey quests across Athia seeking answers about her predicament and a way home, she crosses paths with beings known as "Tantas" – powerful sorceresses ruling tyrannically over the realm‘s human subjects. After clashes with the ruthless Tanta Sila and fanciful Tanta Olas, Frey finally encounters Tanta Cinta – revealed to be Frey‘s own mother.
In a tragic backstory, we learn that Cinta had fallen in love with a man from Earth years before Frey‘s birth. Upon becoming pregnant, Cinta returned to Athia, but was forced to give Frey up as Tantas cannot raise children. To save the orphaned Frey from a demonic threat, she flung her daughter into the portal magic of "Torana", through which Frey emerged in New York City.
Allies Who Support Frey‘s Journey
While struggling to survive Athia‘s threats alone, Frey gradually meets various characters who believe in her cause and stand alongside her.
Cuff – The Magic Talking Bracelet
Frey‘s first and wittiest ally is Cuff – the sentient magical bracelet bound to her arm. Though their relationship is initially strained, Cuff helps Frey navigate Athia and gain new abilities. His knowledge and scathing humor make him an invaluable, if sarcastic, partner.
Auden – A Caring Citizen of Athia
.jpg)
Auden is one of the few friendly faces Frey finds in the city of Cipal. Risking the ruthless Tanta Sila‘s wrath by freeing Frey from imprisonment after her arrival, kind-hearted Auden continues to heal the outcast Frey‘s wounds while urging her to help save Athia.
Their growing bond provides Frey with her first true friend in this foreign land, bolstering her resolve to fight back against the chaos and corruption plaguing Athia and its people.
Other Notable Allies
As she explores Athia‘s various regions, Frey also forges alliances with resistance fighter Johedy, magical researcher Robyn, young firecracker Olivia, and more. With allies believing in her behind her, Frey pushes forward in her extraordinary quest.
The Ruthless Tanta Antagonists
Serving as central villains, the Tantas are Frey‘s primary foils – tormenting both her and Athia‘s residents. These three powerful women rule with an iron fist:
Tanta Sila – The Combat Expert
Boasting god-like control over combat magic, Sila imposes her superhuman martial powers to dominate all in her sphere of influence. She is cold and arrogant, but harbors inner turmoil from a sorrowful past underneath her harsh exterior.
Tanta Olas – The Deceitful Schemer
With mastery over illusory and psychic magic, Olas manipulates opponents and alters perception to divide and destroy resistance efforts. Hiding her cruelty behind a genteel, theatrical facade, Olas considers herself a visionary for her ruthless plans to reshape the world.
Tanta Prav – The Judgmental Zealot
As Athia‘s chief arbitrator and enforcer of law, Prav has become twisted by corruption – justifying violent, autocratic tactics as necessary to bring stability. Sanctimonious yet abusive of power, Prav proves how easily noble purpose can turn into authoritarian dogma taken too far.
The Nature of Frey‘s Evolving Magic Abilities
Gifted mystical talents by the Cuff, Frey wields dynamically fluid, physics-defying magic that lets her traverse environments and combat mythic foes with flair and ease.
Types of Magic
Frey‘s abilities fall under these categories:
- Attack Magic: Frey‘s direct offensive spells to harm enemies.
- Support Magic: Status enhancing or weakening effects Frey bestows upon allies or foes.
- Surge Magic: Ultimate limit break attacks fueled by Frey accruing enough magical charge.
Unlocking New Spells
Starting with only base spells, Frey can acquire more by:
- Obtaining Ability Points through combat and exchange for new skills.
- Discovering magical Founts that award exclusive support or movement spells.
Unique Magic Types in Athia
<img src="https://media.gamestop.com/i/gamestop/11106289/Forspoken?$pdp2_bg$", width="1920", height="1080">
Beyond Frey‘s burgeoning talents exist other schools of magic wielded by allies and enemies:
- Frey‘s Magic (Purple): Tied to primordial earthen gods, with power over natural forces.
- Olas‘ Magic (Green): Governing electricity and illusions.
- Prav‘s Magic (Blue): Harnessing water and gravity.
- Sila‘s Magic (Red): Commanding fire and raw kinetic force.
Conclusion
Forspoken‘s Frey Holland subverts the cliches of fantasy heroines. She‘s an utterly grounded underdog hero – foul-mouthed, headstrong, and finds herself undergoing a literal trial by fire after her sudden transportation into Athia.
As she struggles in this strange, magical land filled with friends and foes, players unravel Frey‘s mysterious past life. Her larger-than-life journey parallels the real-world emotional journey of learning to trust others, confronting trauma, and discovering one‘s hidden strengths.
Rather than a "chosen one", Frey has greatness thrust upon her. By rising to meet the challenges of her chaotic fate, she becomes an inspiration demonstrating how self-determination and courage can empower one to persevere – even in the darkest moments where all seems lost.
