In ancient times, the fearsome Shadow Dragon Medeus held the continent of Archanea in a grip of terror, until a courageous young man named Anri rose up, wielding the divine sword Falchion and the mystical Fire Emblem shield to strike the dragon down and restore peace. A century later, that hard-won peace is shattered when the wicked sorcerer Gharnef resurrects Medeus, who swiftly rebuilds his dark empire and reclaims his former lands. The peaceful kingdom of Altea, ancestral home of Anri and birthplace of the young prince Marth, falls under assault by Gharnef's invading forces, driving Marth into exile in the neighboring kingdom of Talys. Years later, joined by the king's daughter Caeda and a loyal band of soldiers, Marth sets out to reclaim his fallen homeland and once again defeat the Shadow Dragon.