Hereward (ヘリワード, Heriwādo)? is a Persona in Persona 5 Royal.
History
"The legendary Saxon who opposed the Normans during the conquest of England in the 11th century. Said to have been the basis for Robin Hood. Called "Hereward the Wake" for his watchfulness."
Hereward the Wake was an Anglo-Saxon nobleman and the leader of a resistance. It is possible that some of the stories about Hereward mutated into tales about Robin Hood or influenced them.
Appearances
Profile
Persona 5 Royal
Hereward is the third-tier Persona of Goro Akechi. Its Trait is Ingenious Spirit, which may decrease the SP cost of allies' support/Almighty skills by half.
In order for Loki to evolve into Hereward, the protagonist must accept Akechi's request to duel by accepting his glove in their Rank 8 Confidant and later bring it up after their fight in Shido's Palace. After leaving the palace, the protagonist must choose to remember the promise. Then on the 2nd of February, after sending Takuto Maruki the calling card and being asked by Akechi about the false reality, he must then not accept it; accepting it results in a bad ending. Once he does, Loki and Robin Hood merge to become Hereward.
It learns a unique skill upon its evolution from Loki, Rebellion Blade (反逆の刄, Hangyaku no Ha)?, which deals colossal Almighty damage to a single target and deals bonus damage to enemies that are knocked down.
Due to the unique unlocking conditions of this Persona, it is impossible to use it or view its entry in the compendium prior to February 3rd, where combat is last available. This applies even for New Game Plus.
Stats
Persona 5 Royal
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Gallery
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Trivia
- In a similar vein to how Robin Hood's design was largely inspired by comic book hero Superman, Hereward's design may have been inspired by Batman, hence the black armor and the bat wing-like protrusions on the back of his head. This may be an allusion to Akechi's role in the third semester, symbolizing his transformation from a seemingly-altruistic hero to a feared warrior seeking to see through his own personal justice.
- Hereward is one of only two third-tier Personas that can be unlocked during the story. The other Persona is Morgana's Diego.
- Hereward is unique among third-tier Personas in Royal, as he is not fused through the combination of the first and second tier forms of a single Persona, but rather from two standalone Personas; Loki and Robin Hood.