Minerva

"But history needs to remember that when Medon went astray, it was a Medonian who set things right."

- Minerva, before retaking Medon.

Minerva (ミネルバ, Minerba) is the princess of Medon, the middle child of the Medonian royal family, being the younger sister of Michalis and older sister of Maria, and the leader of the Whitewings: Palla, Catria and Est, in Fire Emblem: Ankoku Ryū to Hikari no Tsurugi, Fire Emblem: Monshō no Nazo, and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon.

Biography
When her father, King Medon, dies suddenly, her older brother Michalis announces that it was the work of an Akaniean assassin. Minerva is skeptical, however, because she knows of her father and brother's rocky relationship and disputes over Medon's allegiance with Akaneia. Michalis seizes control of Medon and allies Doluna. Minerva resents the idea, but Michalis imprisons their younger sister Maria, making her Doluna's hostage, and informs Minerva that Maria will be put to death if she does not cooperate with Medon. Minerva realizes that Michalis has killed her father, but, as she cares deeply for her sister Maria, she has no choice but to serve Medon.

According to the timelines, Minerva serves Medon against her judgement to protect Maria for a period of six years. She submits to many generals, but eventually can no longer bear the servitude, and sends her subordinate Catria to resquest that Marth rescue Maria. When he does, Minerva abandons Doluna's cause and joins Marth. She fights alongside his forces, and eventually meets her brother Michalis in battle. She triumphs, and in his absence becomes Queen of Medon.

Within the Akaneia Saga, she, Hardin, Roshea, Catria, Est and Frost team up to halt the actions of former Medonian soliers that are ravaging villages in Aurelis.

In Monshō no Nazo her efforts to rebuild Medon proved lacking. She did not have Michalis' leadership abilities, and inadvertently spurred a rebellion. She was rescued by Michalis and taken to Khadein, so that she could reunite with Marth and help him in his quest. Minerva proved vital in waking Maria from Medeus' mind control. After the battle, Minerva renounced the throne of Medon and went to work at Lena's monastery with Maria.

Fire Emblem: Akaneia Saga
She has a role in the prequel Fire Emblem: Akaneia Saga. In the second mission she finds soldiers of her nation have deserted their posts to loot the villages of Aurelis and attack civilians. Unwillingly to let this unjustice happen, she, along with the Whitewings, teams up with a mysterious man, his knights, and eventually a Medon bishop named Frost. With the help of these allies, she eventually brings down their leader, the cruel Ruben who insulted her and her family.

After this victory a soldier asks if he can investigate the unknown man who assisted her and expresses his belief that he was actually the Coyote Hardin. Minerva says the connection is impossible and orders her troop to stay away from the man and his allies.

Minerva is the main character in this map along with Hardin and her death results in failure.

Recruitment

 * Chapter 10: Enemy, talk with Marth.

Base stats
|Dragon Knight |1 |22 |9 |3 |6 |Varies |10 |14 |0 |15 |Lance Sword |Javelin Levin Sword

Growth rates

 * 40%
 * 30%
 * 50%
 * 40%
 * 40%
 * 70%
 * 20%
 * 0%

Recruitment

 * Chapter 8: Enemy, talk with Marth, or let her talk to Marth. Maria must have been recruited. If Maria is defeated as an Enemy, Minerva will move and attack the player units.

Base stats
|Dragon Knight |1 |22 |9 |6 |12 |6 |10 |12 |0 |10 |Lance Sword |Javelin

Growth rates

 * 40%
 * 30%
 * 50%
 * 40%
 * 40%
 * 70%
 * 20%
 * 3%

Support relationships
Supports Supported by
 * Palla - 10%
 * Catria - 10%
 * Est - 10%
 * Maria - 10%

Recruitment

 * Chapter 9: Visit the village with Marth.

Base stats
|Dragon Knight |8 |25 |13 |9 |15 |7 |14 |16 |0 |10 |Lance Sword |Iron Lance Wyrmslayer Virgo

Growth rates

 * 40%
 * 30%
 * 50%
 * 40%
 * 40%
 * 70%
 * 20%
 * 3%

Support relationships
Supports Supported by
 * Palla - 10%
 * Catria - 10%
 * Est - 10%
 * Maria - 10%

Recruitment

 * Chapter 10: Enemy, talk with Marth, or let her talk to Marth. Maria must have been recruited, and as soon as Maria is recruited, she will start to move toward Marth. If Maria is defeated as an Enemy, Minerva will attack the player units in range.
 * Minerva appears as in Enemy in Chapter 7, and defeating her there will not eliminate her from Chapter 10, as she only retreats.

Base stats
|Dracoknight |1 |24 |9 |N/A |6 |12 |6 |12 |3 |10 |Axe - A Lance - D

Starting Items: Hauteclere*

* Dropped if defeated as an Enemy

Growth rates
Dracoknight


 * 40%
 * 35%
 * 0%
 * 50%
 * 35%
 * 40%
 * 30%
 * 0%

Reclassing Options
Growth rates Paladin


 * 40%
 * 40%
 * 0%
 * 55%
 * 20%
 * 40%
 * 35%
 * 0%

Sniper


 * 40%
 * 35%
 * 0%
 * 50%
 * 40%
 * 40%
 * 30%
 * 0%

Swordmaster


 * 50%
 * 35%
 * 0%
 * 50%
 * 35%
 * 40%
 * 25%
 * 0%

Sage / Bishop


 * 20%
 * 10%
 * 20%
 * 50%
 * 30%
 * 40%
 * 10%
 * 20%

Support relationships
Supports Supported by
 * Maria
 * Palla
 * Catria
 * Est
 * Jake
 * Maria
 * Marth

Overview
In Shadow Dragon, as a pre-promoted unit, Minerva's base stats are potentially lacking in the face of other possible Dracoknights such as Shiida and the Whitewings, but in-game she is nonetheless useful. As Minerva enters with the powerful Hauteclere axe, she will instantly be an extremely able unit, and her high weapon level with allow her to use powerful axes immeadiately. She must always beware of bows, as she can easily be taken out in a single hit by a powerful one. Her bases and growths are solid, which allow her to remain a fairly powerful unit throughout the game. Minerva's reclassing options are fairly broad; her balanced growths allow her to become a decent unit of any class. As a Sage or Bishop, however, she will be able to use the Aum Staff if her Staff Mastery level is A, because she is a princess.

Lefcandith Gauntlet
Chapter 7 Opening

Minerva: General Harmein, I cannot abide by these tactics of yours. Let me attack the rebels head-on, and keep my pride as a knight of Medon.

Harmein: Ah, you mean the same pride that cost us all those soldiers back in Aurelis? I think not, Princess. If we're to regroup, we need to buy time. My tactics are necessary. The emperor himself has named me commander of this post. Either obey, or accept the consequences. Your little sister Maria is still under our word, is she not? What a shame it would be, if we decided we could no longer care for her...

Minerva: Enough! ...I will obey. But the Altean knights are smarter than you give them credit for. They will prevail here, and you will regret having acting so rashly, General.

Minerva Withdraws
"Fie, enough! I’ve no stomach for these cat-and-mouse tactics. Come, Whitewings, we fly! Hyah!"

- Minerva and the Whitewings withdraw in Chapter 7 of Shadow Dragon

Princess Minerva
Chapter 10 Opening

Zharov: Princess Minerva, what brings you here? You've left your post: not very wise. Might I remind you, poor conduct on your part could have repercussions on how...comfortable...your sister remains.

Minerva: I am aware of my sister, thank you. ...I did not come to make trouble. Just let me see Maria, for a little while. She's only a child, General. Think of what she must be going through.

Zharov: Impossible, I'm afraid. She is a hostage. If your sister's well-being concerns you, then start following orders.

Soldier: General! Grave news! The rebel army has been sighted east of Castle Deil!

Zharov: What?! Why in creation would the rebels come here? Blast...Order the Dragoons to sortie! And don't forget to send word to the main army. We need reinforcements!

Minerva: Rebels...? Then Marth has arrived...

Medon's Honor
"Greetings, Prince Marth. I am Minerva of Medon. Thank you for saving my sister. Maria's plight forced me to treat you as an enemy when I knew you were not; suffice to say, I am deeply sorry for that. ...The whole world has gone mad. Most of Medon fights for Doluna now. My own brother Michalis leads them. And on their hands is the blood of their king, my father. They must be stopped; I must stop them. Still, I fear for my soldiers whom I can no longer protect, especially the three Whitewing sisters: Palla, Catria, and Est. Doluna worried we would rebel, and forced us to separate. If they knew I was safe, they would join your ranks in a heartbeat. We are yours to command, sire. Let us help you defeat Doluna, and repay them for sullying Medon's honor."

- Minerva's Recruitment Quote in Shadow Dragon

Maria Steps Up
Talk with Maria

Maria: Sister!

Minerva: Maria… Are you all right?

Maria: Fine. Have you heard? Marth made me one of his soldiers! Well…I made him make me one.

Minerva: …What am I going to do with you? Listen to me, Maria… You cannot stay here. It’s too dangerous. Real war is nothing like your stories of princes and damsels.

Maria: I’m not going anywhere! I want to stay with you!

Minerva: Maria, you’re being selfish-

Maria: I am not! I’m just…sick of being helpless. I’ve burdened you long enough. How can I ever help you if you don’t give me a chance to be strong? I’m staying here and fighting! No protesting!

Minerva: …Ha ha. Somehow I knew you would say that. All right, Maria. If you feel that strongly about it, who am I to stop you? All I ask is that you be careful. If you need help, you come find me. Understood?

Maria: Of course! Thank you, Sister!

By My Hands
Chapter 21 Opening, Minerva deployed Marth: Princess Minerva, we will soon reach the Macedonian border. Are you certain you wish to join the battle? If you've any reservations about fighting your own countrymen- Minerva: If I did, Prince Marth, I would not have offered you my axe. Marth: But surely- Minerva: You have the wrong idea. Perhaps you think I wish to spare my brother and former vassals, forgive them for seeing things differently? Marth: ...Don't you? Minerva: I would be lying if I said I did not wish it were that simple. But history needs to remember that when Macedon went astray, it was a Macedonian who set things right. Marth: Even if it means your own brother may die? Minerva: Since I was little, I followed in Michalis's footsteps. Whatever books he read, I read; whenever he practiced the sword, I was close by, watching, learning...He was always a step ahead: my hero, something to aspire to. Even now, some part of me loves him. ...I love him enough to spare him death on some stranger's sword, you see? Let him be punished by my hands.

Minerva VS Michalis
If Minerva faceS Michalis before any other playable character does Michalis: Minerva, I have missed you, Sister. Let us embrace one last time. Minerva: Michalis… Michalis: Well? Strike! A moment’s hesitation spells death on the battlefield. I know I taught you better. Minerva: ...You will not lay down your lance and walk the right path? Michalis: Don’t be a child. There are no right paths; just mine and yours, two that will never cross. Minerva: Very well. Then you leave me no choice. Embrace you I shall, Brother!

As an Enemy
"Rrgh… I can’t keep up the fight with these wounds… I must withdraw."

- Minerva's retreat quote in Chapter 7 of Shadow Dragon

"Maria was just a hostage. Why did you... I won't forgive you!!"

- Minerva, if Maria was killed as an Enemy in Monshō no Nazo Book 1

"I am looking for Prince Marth."

- Minerva's opening lines in battle in Monshō no Nazo Book 1

"Maria..."

- Minerva's death quote as an Enemy in Monshō no Nazo Book 1

Regarding Minerva
"That Medonian princess, Minerva… She doesn’t seem like a bad sort. I have a sister, too, and if somebody threatened to hurt her… Well, I’m just sayin’, you can’t always judge people based on their actions."

- A Villager in Chapter 10 of Shadow Dragon

"Minerva is actually a princess of Medon. She is only fighting because her younger sister was captured by Doluna. Although many fear her, she is actually a beautiful and kind person. Is there any way to help her?"

- A Villager in Chapter 6 of Monshō no Nazo Book 1

Death Quotes
"Your Highness… I leave Medon to you…"

- Minerva’s death quote in Monshō no Nazo Book 1

"Marth… My kingdom… Save…Medon…"

- Minerva’s death quote in Shadow Dragon

"Maria… I’m sorry…"

- Minerva’s death quote in Monshō no Nazo Book 2

Monshō no Nazo
Book One

Macedonia princess Minerva

She put all her strength into restoring Medon. There are rumors that she will succeed the throne… but she denies them.

Book Two

Macedonia princess Minerva

She abandoned the Medonian throne to work at Rena’s monastery.

Shadow Dragon
True Leader

Minerva put all her effort into restoring Medon to glory. All wished for her to be queen: all except Minerva herself.

Etymology

 * Minerva is named for the Roman deity Minerva, goddess of wisdom and war. Her Greek counterpart is Athena.