Shin Megami Tensei OST - Palace of the Four Heavenly Kings (SFC Version) Extended

An extension of the Palace of the Four Heavenly Kings theme from Shin Megami Tensei for the Super Famicom, made to play for 30 minutes. In the original Japanese, this track is known simply as “四天王の館” (Shi Tennō no Yakata). This has been translated by fans several different ways. “Castle of the Four Gods” appears to be the most popular fan translation, though “Mansion of the Four Heavenly Kings” and “Palace of the Four Heavenly Kings” have also been used on various sites. As of August 2023, the title has also been more officially translated as “Devas’ Hall” with the release of the soundtrack to Spotify and Apple Music. I, however, am not a big fan of this translation. In Hindu tradition, Devas are supernatural, heavenly beings who feature in Vedic literature and greater Indian mythology. In Japanese Buddhist tradition, the Shi Tennō – literally “Four Heavenly Kings” - are said to be four of these Devas who watch over the cardinal directions of North, South, East, and West, and protect the world from evil. Thus, it is not so much that they are “the Devas,” as much as they are a smaller part of the collective group of Devas. As such, I prefer the name “Four Heavenly Kings,” as it reflects not only the specificity of the mythology from which the song title is derived, but also the importance of the in-game characters whose names derive from said mythology. Beyond this is the confusion of the second part of the title. 館 can be read as either “yakata” or “kan.” The former is translated as “castle,” “mansion,” “manor house,” or “palace.” The official translation appears to favor the latter reading, as it would be translated more directly as “hall” or “public building.” This conjures a vision of a room in which a large feast would take place, or perhaps where a king would hold his court. This is not the kind of location one encounters when this song plays in-game. The homes of the Four Heavenly Kings instead look more like palatial estates. Because of this, the terms “mansion” and “palace” feel a tad more proper, and it is the latter of these that feels especially so given its connotation of royalty and exaltedness. “Castle” likewise hearkens to such lofty status, but projects a vision of heavy fortification – or perhaps that of fanciful, multi-story architecture – that is not present within the in-game locations. With all of this in mind, I have chosen the name “Palace of the Four Heavenly Kings” for my upload of the extension of this track. I hope you enjoy it. Composed by Tsukasa Masuko. Audio taken from the Atlus Sound Team:    • 四天王の館   Visual made by ZardaffronTK.