"What denies you is an illusion... A curse put upon you by the heartless... You knew from the very beginning... And yet, you cowered in fear... Will you die as you are told...? Who will you obey...? Cursed words spat out by a seething illusion? Or the truth within your own soul? Contract...I am thou, thou art I...The forbidden wisdom has been revealed. No mysteries...no illusions shall deceive you any longer."
The Necronomicon, whose original name is Al Azif, is a fictional grimoire, or tome of magic. It was first mentioned in the short story The Hound written by H. P. Lovecraft, but its exact origin is the subject of debate. The book subsequently also appeared in stories of Lovecraft's followers. The Necronomicon has since gained a cult following and various fake "replicas" of the book are circulating.
In the context of Lovecraft's works, the Necronomicon is a tome detailing the truth behind the various ancient cosmic beings that have inhabited Earth and continue to influence humans for their own ends. Written in the 8th century by the "mad Arab" Abdul Alhazred, it both functions as a means of imparting the forbidden knowledge of the ancient ones, and a source of danger as those who read it risk going mad from its knowledge.
Design[]
Rather than a book, the Necronomicon resembles the classic depiction of an alien UFO, with a circular spinning design and green/blue designs across the hull. The lower side of the ship has glowing blue lines across the inner space, as well as 5 glowing orbs of energy that shine light downwards. The top part of the ship is green and has numerous designs that vaguely resemble scientific, mathematical, anatomical and mythological symbols. Atop the ship, there appears to be a stone gargoyle in a crouching position and very small wings.
The Persona also has 5 tentacles that can reach down towards the ground from the sky. Once Futaba is inside the Necronomicon, she enters a space where she can float around freely. She sees information of the battlefield, enemy data and data on her allies in the form of black and white and green lines of text, symbols and numbers.
"The grimoire which contains vital information of the Cthulhu mythos by Lovecraft. Its original name is Al Azif. It is said the book itself is alive."
—Persona 5 compendium
Futaba inside Necronomicon.
Necronomicon is Futaba Sakura's initial Persona, formed when she regains her will to live and accepts a consenting Shadow Futaba. It is shaped like a UFO with a metallic gargoyle statue crouching on its top. The UFO's exterior is decorated with lime green glyphs of various origins. Futaba is piloting from the inside. This Persona symbolizes Futaba's unknown power and vast reserves of knowledge.
After Futaba joins the party, the bookCry of Cthulhu can be borrowed from the Shujin Academy Library. It's based on the origins of Necronomicon, and boosts the Guts stat.
Necronomicon is a Navigator Persona with a limited array of skills by itself. However, by progressing Futaba's Confidant, more abilities can be used through it, including ones that can aid in battle or ambushing Shadows.
Other Quotes[]
Persona 5 The Animation[]
"I am thou, thou art I. A contract is formed. The forbidden wisdom is now revealed. No mysteries or illusions shall deceive you any longer." (Upon awakening)
Character art of Necronomicon in Persona 5 Strikers with Futaba
Necronomicon in Persona O.A.
Necronomicon in Persona O.A. (No Background)
Futaba and Necronomicon wallpaper for Persona 5 Strikers' pre-release (1080x1920)
Oracle and Necronomicon wallpaper for Persona 5 Strikers' pre-release (1080x1920)
Persona 5 StrikersSteam Wallpaper - ORACLE & NECRONOMICON (Uncommon)
Persona 5 RoyalSteam Wallpaper - Oracle & Necronomicon
Persona 5 TacticaSteam Wallpaper - Oracle & Necronomicon
P5T art
Concept art (P5T)
Trivia[]
In keeping with the theme of theft of Persona 5, the design of the UFO is based on the infamous rumor that extraterrestrial visitors abduct living beings on the earth to their ship and conduct inhumane experiments. It is also analogous to Futaba's role as a data analyst and her social alienation.
The patterns on Necronomicon's UFO is identical to those of the glass patterns seen on the bridges of Futaba's Palace.
The squid-like tentacles that pull Futaba into Necronomicon are an allusion to Cthulhu, the most well known of the eldritch pantheon created by Lovecraft.
Unlike other initial Personas, Necronomicon is never called by name, not even in battle. There's only one instance where Necronomicon is called by name and that's in Persona 5 Strikers when talking to Futaba on the 11th of August, although it's not voiced.
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