Ranulf in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

Ranulf from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn has been read as a gay character, particularly as a potential love interest for Ike, though the relationship is not nearly as strongly implied as it is for Ike and Soren. Ranulf is one of only two characters (the other being Soren) whose ending in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn changes if he has an A-level support with Ike, whereby he disappears from his home to explore the world. It is implied that he travels with Ike, who also leaves to travel the world. If Ranulf dies over the course of the game, his last thoughts are of Ike.

Furthermore, the books Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Memorial Book Tellius Recollection: The First Volume (2016) and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn Memorial Book Tellius Recollection: The Second Volume (2016) makes frequent references to Ranulf having special trust in, interest in, fondness for, or a special bond with Ike. (for example, Vol. 1 p. 192 and Vol. 2 p.102).

LGBTQ references in this game series:

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 (1999): Marty and Dagdar

Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (2003): BramimondFlorina and LyndisLegaultLucius and Raven

Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones (2004): Ephraim and LyonJoshua and Gerik

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (2005): Ike and SorenJill and MistReyson and TibarnSigrun and Tanith

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (2007): Elincia and LuciaHeatherJill and MistJoke about Ike and SotheKyzaRanulf

Fire Emblem Awakening (2012): Gay Jokes and QueernessSame-Sex Relationship HackThe Hubba Tester

Fire Emblem Fates (2015): ForrestNinaRomance optionsSame-Sex Relationship HackSkinshippingSoleilThe Hubba Tester

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (2017): LeonLukasQueer Readings

Fire Emblem Heroes (2017): Ally SupportLokiSharena

Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019-2020): Byleth Pairings and ControversyNon-Byleth Pairings

See also QRM’s entry for this game series

Citations:

  1. Nintendo/Intelligent Systems. 2016. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Memorial Book Tellius Recollection: The First Volume. Tokyo: Tokuma Shoten (ambit).
  2. Nintendo/Intelligent Systems. 2016. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn Memorial Book Tellius Recollection: The Second Volume. Tokyo: Tokuma Shoten (ambit).