Alright when you first go to Cosmo Canyon and you see Bugenhagen and he tells you about the planet and he can hear the screams of the planet does that mean he is an ancient? Or is this different from Aeris/Aerith being able to talk to the planet?

Just wondering about this because I wasnt sure.

I don't recall it ever being stated Bugenhagen was an Ancient - if he was, he'd presumably have been able to decipher the scripture in the Forgotten City.

We know that those within Cosmo Canyon have a deep love for the planet and have studied it, along with other stars, for [we can guess] hundreds or more of years. With that in mind, Bugenhagen could have taken his level of understanding to higher peaks than the others... don't know how though.

Thousands of years ago, before the events of the game, human beings were connected and lived a Planet revering life style. All humans could hear the Planet and thus communicate with it. Eventually people starting moving away from revering, caring for the Planet and adopted an easier way of life. Those who retained the planet revering life style were Aerith's ancestors, otherwise known to people as the Cetra. Those who adopted easier lifes and lost that connection, with the planet, would be just regular joes - you and I. It's not that they aren't able to hear the planet, they simply don't listen! It's not a matter of different species, race, what have you. Aerith, Bugenhagen, are human beings - they are known as ' Cetra ' because of their way of life.

Anyway, you will notice, at certain times of the game - Cloud was able to hear the cry of the planet. In Bugenhagen's observatory he hears it, at one point. It's all about the connection, you make, with the Planet. Those who live at Cosmo Canyon lead such a lifestyle and of course, they'd be able to hear the voice of the planet - because of that connection! I have no idea if any of this makes sense. Lol. I'm soo sorry if it doesn't. I just typed out what came up in my mind.

thanks alot, that cleared it up for me. and yes I do remember Cloud being able to hear the crying of the planet. your explanation did make sense, thanks to those who helped

I agree with that totally.

But how come he floats and has no legs??

Is it ever stated that he has no legs? o_O The floating COULD come about through some sort of meditation? Will there ever be a right answer?

There is definately something odd about Bugenhagen. I always imagined him with his legs crossed levitating above the ground, rather than having no legs. As to what he is, I am unsure, but he was incredibly old, so not your average human.

He was always one of my favourite Final Fantasy VII characters for some reason.