"I exist only to kill!"

—Black Waltz No. 3

The three Black Waltz are special, winged black mages manufactured by Zorn and Thorn in Final Fantasy IX to apprehend Princess Garnet. They are many times more powerful than regular black mages, but the large amount of magical power they possess means they have shorter life expectancy and are significantly more volatile in nature.

Each Black Waltz seems to specialize in a certain element, although they have access to each others'. Black Waltz No. 1 uses mainly ice-based magic, Black Waltz No. 2 uses mainly fire-based magic, and Black Waltz No. 3 uses mainly thunder-based magic.

• Black Waltz No. 1
• Black Waltz No. 2
• Black Waltz No. 3

Musical Themes

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"Black Waltz" in Final Fantasy IX
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The theme "Black Waltz" (黒のワルツ, Kuro no Warutsu) plays when encountering the Black Waltzes in the game.

Merchandise

Black Waltz figures have been released as part of the Final Fantasy Creatures series of action figures.

Final Fantasy Creatures Vol 1, 2001.

Final Fantasy Creatures Vol 5, 2005.

Etymology

The waltz is a ballroom dance that is performed to triple time. This is how Zidane explains away the reason he knows there are three Black Waltzes.

Trivia

• The logo of the progressive metal band, the Black Mages, features a Black Waltz. The logo has appeared in all three studio albums released by the band.
• In Final Fantasy XI, a specific player gesture associated with the Black Mage job involves sprouting large black wings and levitating above the ground for several seconds, quite possibly alluding to the Black Waltzes.