By far one of the most notorious deaths in video game history, Aerith's death at the hands of Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII is one that has defined a generation, so much so that it is a certainty that she will be mentioned in any discussion on the subject. https://youtu.be/9qnyxd7Vq0Q?t=16s The death of Aerith has now become one of the Final Fantasy franchise's most tragically notorious moments, and its easy to see why. It is unexpected, brutal, and happens to someone who in no way deserves it. The moment is elevated by the now iconic "Aerith's Theme," which provides much of the emotional impact. The fact that this moment was able to elicit such strong emotional responses through visual and auditory cues alone is a further testament to its narrative power.
