
Down the World takes place in a fantasy realm consisting of an upper world and a diverse set of eight lower worlds, presided over by Princess Sara of the Land of Life.[3] The story unfolds as Sara is pierced in her chest by a magic thorn, causing her to cry. If she should shed all her tears, all worlds will be destroyed.[4] She uses some of her last remaining tears to turn ten warriors into Blue Tear Knights, who are to be led by her vassal King Mamran in search of a hero capable of removing the thorn. However, a malevolent sorcerer named Mervil desires Sara's death so that existence can be reset.[3] He dispatches hoards of monsters upon the kingdom, which manage to slay nine of these warriors. The game's central character, the timid Gao, is left as the sole remaining Blue Tear Knight.[3][4] With Sara having only three tears left, Mamran sends Gao and his fairy companion Berber through the Departure Mirror to travel down to the human world in search of the hero whom they quickly discover as the player of the game. After addressing the player then giving him or her full control of Gao, an adventure ensues to reach the princess in the Land of Life and save all of creation.[3]