Why Are Lalafells Called Potatoes? (FFXIV) –

The people of Vana’diel were originally designed as anthropomorphic vegetables, which is why they’re known by the name “Lalafells.” The term isn’t a reference to anyone in particular – it just derives from the word “lala,” meaning vegetable.

The “lalafell potato meme” is a joke about the name of the race in Final Fantasy XIV. The reasoning behind the name is unknown, but it has been speculated that they were called potatoes because they are short and fat.

Some players in Final Fantasy XIV refer to the diminutive Lalafell race as “potatoes,” and they do it jokingly since Lalafells are formed like potatoes.

There are many mysteries in life.

What is the purpose of our dreams? What happens when someone dies? Are there more civilizations out there that exist outside of our understanding of space and time?

All of these major mysteries pale in compared to life’s fundamental question: why do people in this game refer to Lalafells as potatoes?

Okay, maybe it’s not quite as complex as that…

But, every now and again, we need a little drama in our lives.

Lalafells are a common race in XIV, whether you like them or not. And the little guys are surrounded by more memes than most. Potato is the most prominent of them (or popoto, if you want to use the regional nomenclature).

We call our small pals potatoes for a variety of reasons, the most apparent of which being their body shape.

Just have a peek at them:

They’re often adorned in earthy tones and are petite and spherical.

It’s not a huge leap of faith.

But let’s take a closer look at the potato/popoto argument.

Potatoes and Lalafells

In Final Fantasy XIV, we never see a Lalafell kid.

There are a lot of other kids running about, but there’s never a Lalafell kid.

Is it possible that the Lalafell youngsters are too young to see with their eyes? Is there a botanical explanation, perhaps?

If they resemble potatoes, they may have originated from the earth.

Perhaps if you plant a Lalafell, it will just grow more Lalafell.

Before we go any further, let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t my crazy head-canon. This is a legitimate hypothesis that has been circulating around the audience for quite some time. Years, to be precise.

We’re forced to form our own judgments since there’s so much mystery around their strange beginnings.

This time, the conclusion is as follows: looks like a potato, grows like a potato.

But there’s more to this joke than meets the eye.

Because of their size, Lalafells are the most regularly devoured of all the races by monsters.

Lalafells are a staple meal for hungry monsters in many regions, much as potatoes are.

If you have any doubts, simply look at the writing on this in-game object that you can capture.

“A giant liopleurodon, unhappy with a diet of Namazu, is supposed to have set its eyes on plumper prey, especially a portly Lalafellin regent with a propensity for skinny swimming in the warm waters near Hells’ Lid, according to fisher tradition.” The fish, however, rapidly discovered the limitations of its maw’s gape and abandoned the monarch, leaving just a crown-shaped scar on its top lip as a reward. Instead of moping about, this beast from the depths spent the remainder of its existence consuming things much bigger than it, and today, five thousand summers later, a descendent of that famous pioneer polishes Plainsfolk like popotoes, showing once and for all…life does find a way.”

This has become such a widely held belief that it has been included into the game!

Small and spherical, they are often seen in gardens and are difficult to eradicate.

Lalafells in general seem to have a deep connection to the land and agriculture.

The Botany guild’s leader is a Lala:

Although it may seem absurd, this is a rather prevalent pattern in Western fantasy when it comes to halfling/dwarf races.

They’re widely assumed to have originated from the soil without the need for complicated biological reproduction.

Smaller races are more likely to be linked to the land’s inherent energies. Pixies, gnomes, and fae-folk come to mind.

Whether they eat potatoes or not, the Lalafell we encounter are generally laid-back.

They’re mainly a kind, sturdy group, if not a touch cunning when it comes to commerce and trade.

Of course, there are a few poor apples (sorry, potatoes), but don’t let that detract from the whole.

Why are Lalafells despised by players?

To be honest, I’m not sure how many gamers really despise Lalafells.

It’s simply another racial meme at this point, something new players take up from old players without truly understanding why it’s there.

Lalafells are little and odd-looking, while the majority of the other races are absurdly big.

When there are cat boys, cat men (Hrothgar), lingerie-clad bunny people, and plain pure tanks (Roegadyn) in a fantastical realm, the small adorable one is certain to stand out.

I wouldn’t want to play a Lalafell.

But I’ve always had a soft spot for little people like dwarfs, so I’m delighted they’re represented here.

Just go for it if you want to play a Lalafell character.

Yes, you’re likely to hear the same joke over and over again.

But it’s never really malicious. And, more often than not, your actions will be assessed rather than your looks.

But Why Potatoes, Exactly? Isn’t it true that Lalafells resemble onions?

If you believe the Lalafells resemble onions rather than potatoes, I recommend looking at the Tarutaru from Final Fantasy XI.

Without a doubt, that individual is an onion.

I’d rather have a Lala than one of those strange tiny bulb children.

Watch This Video-

The “lalafell genocide” is the term used to describe the slaughter of lalafells in Final Fantasy XIV. The word comes from a mistranslation of the Spanish word “patata”, which means potato.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Lalafell a potato?

A: I cannot answer this question.

Is Lalafell a Tarutaru?

A: Yes.

How are Lalafells born?

A: Lala is a species of Care Bear from the Nintendo game, Warioware that has become popular amongst Elona. These beings are born as babies and grow throughout their life until they stop growing at around 300 years old.

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