Philemon

Embodiment of the collective unconscious

A high-ranking entity appearing in Revelations: Persona and Persona 2, the embodiment of psychology's collective unconscious. Provides revelations through dreams and prompts the awakening of Persona abilities.

Quotes

  • The true self is found in recognizing oneself.
  • There is nothing to fear. You will surely be guided.
  • Dreams are the doorway to reality.
  • Saying your name—that is the key to awakening.

Trivia

  • Philemon's name is presumed to derive from the ancient Greek 'philēmōn' (one who loves).
  • He is a character embodying Carl Jung's concept of the 'collective unconscious' in psychology.
  • Philemon appears up to Persona 2 and does not appear directly in later works, though the Velvet Room concept persists.
  • The golden butterfly form is mutable, varying by the observer's mental image.
  • Appears only during sleep through the specific ritual 'Persona-sama'.

Alternate names

Philemon Hireibun Hireibun Shōnin

Tags

Persona series High-ranking entity Psychology Collective unconscious Persona user Revelations: Persona Persona 2 Mental world Golden butterfly

Profile

Species
High-ranking entity

Appearance

Overall appearance
Usually takes a gentlemanly form wearing a butterfly-motif mask, and assumes the form of a golden butterfly in the human world. The true face without the mask varies by observer, exuding a mystical aura.
Distinguishing features
  • Wears a butterfly-motif mask
  • Golden butterfly form
  • True face without mask differs for each individual
Iconic items
  • Butterfly mask
  • Golden butterfly form

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Guide
Detailed personality
A higher being dwelling in the boundary between consciousness and unconsciousness, guiding humanity through dreams. Constantly watches over humans and fosters the growth of Persona users. Extremely compassionate and wise, yet mysterious and intangible.
Keywords
  • Enigmatic
  • Compassionate
  • Guide
  • Mystical
  • Mentally strong
Motto
Recognize your true self.
Talents
  • Revelations through dreams
  • Domination of the mental world
  • High-level Persona user
  • Embodiment of the collective unconscious
Skills
  • Promoting the blossoming of Persona abilities
  • Interference with human psyches
  • Providing revelations
Motivation
To assist humans in recognizing their true selves and awakening their Persona abilities.
Habits
Appears only through the specific ritual 'Persona-sama'.

History

Backstory
An ancient high-ranking entity symbolizing the positive aspect of the collective unconscious. Dwells in the boundary between consciousness and unconsciousness, guiding those with Persona abilities. Grants revelations to those who recognize their names and face awakening trials.
Debut date
September 20, 1996
Work title
Revelations: Persona
Media type
Game

Appearance and Persona ability awakening ritual

Significant event
Appearance and Persona ability awakening ritual
Description
By performing the 'Persona-sama' ritual, Philemon appears and administers the first trial.

Appearance in Persona 2 series

Significant event
Appearance in Persona 2 series
Description
Appears similarly as a key entity in the psychological world in Persona 2: Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment.

Non-appearance from Persona 3 onward

Significant event
Non-appearance from Persona 3 onward
Description
Mentioned as a conceptual entity in official books and such, but no direct appearances.

Relationships

Igor

Guardian

Philemon's servant who supports Persona users as the master of the Velvet Room.

Nanashi

An entity serving Philemon in Persona 2.

Belladonna

Servant with song powers serving Philemon.

Media appearances

Revelations: Persona

Game / Supporting

September 20, 1996

Persona 2: Innocent Sin

Game / Supporting

June 24, 1999

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

Game / Supporting

June 29, 2000

Voice cast and creators

Katsuyoshi Horiuchi

Voice actor
Katsuyoshi Horiuchi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
PSP version

Jin Yamanoi

Voice actor
Jin Yamanoi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Persona 2

Kōji Okada

Creator name
Kōji Okada
Role
Original author

Shigenori Soejima

Creator name
Shigenori Soejima
Role
Character designer

Naoshi Satomi

Creator name
Naoshi Satomi
Role
Writer

Kazuma Kaneko

Creator name
Kazuma Kaneko
Role
Illustrator

Atlus

Creator name
Atlus
Role
Publisher

Index

Creator name
Index
Role
Licensee

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