Legend Gundam

Overview

The ZGMF-X666S Legend Gundam is a high-performance Mobile Suit featured in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY. Developed by ZAFT alongside the ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam, it serves as the direct successor to the ZGMF-X13A Providence Gundam. Powered by a Hyper Deuterion Engine and equipped with an advanced second-generation DRAGOON System, the unit represents one of ZAFT's pinnacle combat machines during the C.E. 73 conflict. It is primarily piloted by Rey Za Burrel.

Appearance

The Legend Gundam features an aesthetic and color scheme reminiscent of the Providence Gundam. Engraved on its forehead is the Italian text "SESSANTASEI." Its back carries a massive, two-piece split DRAGOON platform, which can stow the high-energy beam rifle vertically when not in use. Beam shield generators are mounted like gauntlets on the backs of both hands, while the side armor of both legs stores the beam javelins. Additionally, CIWS armaments are integrated into the sides of its head.

Abilities

Powered by a Hyper Deuterion Engine and protected by Variable Phase Shift armor, the unit boasts exceptional overall performance. Its primary armament is a second-generation DRAGOON System comprising two large pods with beam spikes and eight small pods, totaling 34 beam cannons for all-range attacks. Under gravity, these pods operate as mounted turrets. Combat capabilities are rounded out by a dedicated high-energy beam rifle, dual arm-mounted Solidus Fulgor beam shield generators capable of expanding to block heavy firepower while firing back, and twin-bladed Defiant Kai beam javelins stored in the legs.

Background

Developed under the direction of PLANT Supreme Council Chairman Gilbert Durandal in late C.E. 73, the Legend Gundam was manufactured alongside the Destiny Gundam as part of ZAFT's next-generation weaponry. Although Chairman Durandal initially intended to assign the machine to Athrun Zala at the Gibraltar base, Athrun's sudden desertion led Rey Za Burrel to take the controls during the pursuit. Rey subsequently became its permanent pilot. Attached to the battleship Minerva, the unit was deployed in major campaigns across Earth and space, including the assault on Heavens Base, the battle for the Daedalus Requiem, and the decisive fleet battle surrounding the Mobile Fortress Messiah.

Relationships

The Legend Gundam is piloted by Rey Za Burrel, who operates the machine with unwavering loyalty to PLANT Chairman Gilbert Durandal. Originally intended for Athrun Zala, the machine's ownership shifted when Athrun defected from ZAFT, leading to direct combat encounters between them. On the battlefield, Rey worked in tactical synchronization with Shin Asuka and his ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam as the Minerva's dual ace units. During the final war, Rey engaged Kira Yamato and his ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam in a fierce contest of all-range firepower, mirroring the battle fought by Rau Le Creuset in the preceding war.

Trivia

The machine's model number contains "S" (Second Stage) rather than "A" to mask its nuclear-powered Hyper Deuterion Engine and bypass the Junius Treaty's restrictions, concealing specs that rival Third Stage units. The name "Legend" was selected to inherit the formidable legacy of the Providence Gundam while avoiding association with the disgraced war criminal Rau Le Creuset. Stamped on its brow is the word "SESSANTASEI," Italian for sixty-six. Beyond the original anime series, the mecha makes appearances in spin-off media including the Gundam Build franchise, as well as gaming titles like Super Robot Wars and the Mobile Suit Gundam EXTREME VS. series.