The Tale of the First Guardian

Lore & Background

The Tale of the First Guardian describes a time when the boundary between the human world and the spirit realm was thin and chaotic. Spirits frequently crossed over, causing turmoil, until a single human—whose name has been lost to history—stepped forward to restore order. This individual made a pact with the spirit realm, gaining immense power but also shouldering the burden of eternal vigilance. The first guardian's actions established the rules for all future guardians, including the need to maintain balance and the personal cost of such power.

According to the lore, the first guardian eventually faded from the mortal world, but their essence is said to linger in sacred sites and artifacts. Characters like Momo and Sana have referenced this tale when explaining the weight of their own responsibilities, and it is often cited as the reason why guardians must avoid emotional attachments that could cloud their judgment. The story also introduces the concept of a 'chosen one' who may appear in times of great need, a theme that echoes in the present-day struggles of the Twice members.

Modern interpretations of the tale vary, but it remains a cornerstone of the Twice universe's mythology. It is taught to young guardians as a moral lesson, emphasizing that power without purpose leads to ruin. The tale's ambiguity—no one knows the first guardian's true identity—allows it to be adapted to different contexts, making it a living part of the world's history rather than a static legend.

In Their Own Story

In the quiet of the ancient forest, where the veil between worlds was thinnest, a lone figure stood before a shimmering rift. The air hummed with the whispers of spirits, both curious and hostile. The first guardian, clad in simple robes that seemed to absorb the moonlight, raised a hand. Light bloomed from their palm, weaving a barrier that sealed the rift with a sound like a sigh. But the cost was immediate: the guardian's shadow stretched and twisted, splitting into two—one part remained in the human world, the other was pulled into the spirit realm. This was the price of balance: to be forever divided, forever watching both sides. As the guardian turned away, their footsteps left no mark on the earth, as if they were already becoming a memory.

Reader's Guide

The Tale of the First Guardian is first alluded to in Episode 12, when Nayeon explains to a new ally why guardians must remain neutral in human conflicts. The full story is later recounted in Episode 24, during a campfire scene where Jeongyeon shares the legend to comfort a distressed member. The tale's key details—the pact with the spirit realm, the splitting of the guardian's essence, and the loss of their name—are all drawn from these scenes. This lore is crucial for understanding the moral framework of the Twice universe, as it establishes that guardianship is not a gift but a burden. The tale also foreshadows the personal sacrifices that characters like Jihyo and Tzuyu make later in the series, reinforcing the idea that power comes with a price. Fans often debate whether the first guardian was male or female, but the canon leaves this ambiguous, emphasizing the universal nature of the story.

Did You Know?

• The first guardian's name is deliberately omitted from the tale to symbolize that identity is secondary to duty.
• In some versions of the story, the first guardian is said to have been a musician, which is why music often plays a role in calming spirits.
• The tale is traditionally told only at night, as it is believed that the spirits listen more closely after sunset.
• A mural depicting the first guardian sealing a rift can be seen in the background of Episode 18, though it is partially obscured.