philemon

Philemon is a benevolent spirit who bestows Personae to people, residing in the realm "between consciousness and unconsciousness." He physically resembles a tall man wearing a white mask. In the waking world, his presence is indicated by a golden butterfly. Philemon operates as an ally to the party, despite only being able to watch events unfold as a neutral observer. As such, he cannot directly interfere with anything that is going on. Philemon is conducting an experiment with his rival, Nyarlathotep, over humanity's destiny. Philemon believes they can become enlightened, higher beings, while Nyarlathotep manipulates events to ensure mankind's destruction. In Persona 3's Hermit Social Link, as well as references to the Joker, Maya, and Tatsuya, when the protagonist begins the game, an automated script named PHIL welcomes him. This is a reference to Philemon. It was stated by Atlus in an interview in the DoubleJump guide that Philemon, in his butterfly form, is a sign that he is still watching over Makoto Yuki from Persona 3 and Yu Narukami from Persona 4.