- "Only a handful of folks can become stars. The rest are just stardust in the wind." —To Agnea
Gil is a character in Octopath Traveler II, who appears during Agnea's story. He is an aspiring pianist and runs the tavern in New Delsta: Backstreets.
Profile[]
Appearance[]
Gil has shoulder-length blond hair. He wears a brown hat and vest.
Personality[]
Despite his inclinations toward pessimism, Gil is a dreamer who loves music and wants to bring hope to the world. He undervalues his own piano skills, believing that he lacks talent, but is swift to recognize Agnea's gifts and welcome her into his tavern. Her hope uplifts him, teaching him not to give up on his dreams and to continue supporting those who would bring happiness to others.
Story[]
When he was a boy living in the backstreets, Gil heard the beautiful sound of a piano wafting through the alley. Curious, he followed the sound of the music to Montraine's Tavern, where the famous pianist Montraine had retired. Montraine took Gil under his wing and taught him to play the piano; when Montraine passed away, Gil took up running the tavern in his stead. However, Gil realized that his own piano skills were poor compared to his teacher's, and thereafter quit playing on account of his perceived lack of talent.
During Agnea's Chapter 2, Gil attempts to enter the New Delsta: Theater without a ticket, leading to his expulsion by La'mani. After his failure to enter, Gil notices Agnea dancing in the street. Drawn to her high spirits, he takes her to his tavern and offers her a drink of coffee, telling her that dreams too often disappoint and leave their owners like "stardust in the wind." Agnea counteracts this pessimism by volunteering to dance at his tavern, alluring various citygoers to watch her performance. Despite his claims that he's not a talented musician, Gil accompanies her on the piano.
The newfound success of Gil's tavern does not last long, however. La'mani, the manager of the New Delsta: Theater, catches wind of his success and determines to sabotage him. When Agnea next visits Gil's tavern, the place is smashed, the piano broken, and Gil is once again hopeless. Furious, Agnea storms La'mani's theater, demanding that he compensate Gil for the damages. La'mani is not inclined to oblige, but Dolcineaea intercedes from the wings and threatens to leave La'mani's theater if he will not let Gil's tavern alone.
Before she leaves, Gil gives Agnea a song he wrote for her: the "Song of Hope."
Later, Gil reappears in Merry Hills, where he draws a massive crowd by playing piano. Laila dances alongside him, creating a distraction sufficient to ward off the ruffians attempting to intercept Agnea. Gil joins Agnea's family and friends in cheering Agnea on during her dance competition with Dolcinaea, inspiring the young dancer to perform the ultimate "Song of Hope."
Gallery[]
Etymology[]
"Gil" is a name of Hebrew origin (גיל), meaning "joy" or "age." It may also be a shortened version of "Gilbert," a German name meaning derived from the elements "gīsil" (meaning “pledge") and "behrt" (meaning “bright"). Thus, the name translates to "bright pledge." Gil's name likely reflects the hope that he finds through Agnea's spirit and the happiness that his piano-playing brings others.
Trivia[]
- Two of Gil's piano songs appear on the Octopath Traveler II: Original Soundtrack: "Song of Hope (Piano Solo)" and "Gil on the Keys."
- The melody of "Gil on the Keys" was originally composed as Partitio's character theme.
- After Agnea's story is completed, Gil can be found inside his tavern carrying the record "Gil on the Keys."
- Gil's hair and voice-acting bear a strong resemblance to Pirro's. Given their similar origins in New Delsta's backstreets, it's possible that the two are related.
- According to Ochette, Gil's piano-playing makes her feel all warm inside.
- Despite being a tavern keeper, Gil doesn't drink much alcohol. He prefers coffee, claiming that he doesn't want to be drunk while playing piano - an attitude shared with Montraine.