Galuf Halm Baldesion (ガラフ・ハルム・バルデシオン Garafu Harumu Barudeshion?), known as Galuf Doe at the beginning, is the King of Bal and one of the four original Warriors of Dawn that sealed Exdeath thirty years prior to the beginning of the game. He is the oldest character in the party and displays great courage, an indomitable spirit, and a sense of determination to protect the Crystals at all costs. These characteristics, particularly him being the oldest in the party, make him one of the first of Final Fantasy's "older male warrior" characters, a role that would later be succeeded by Cyan, Cid (Highwind, Final Fantasy VII), Steiner, Auron, and Basch. He could also have succeeded Yang from Final Fantasy IV in this regard.

Galuf is first encountered near the meteor by Bartz and Reina. Initially, Galuf suffers from amnesia, being unable to remember anything except for his first name. When Lenna mentions that she is heading to the Wind Shrine, Galuf offers to go with her, feeling compelled to do so despite not knowing why. He and Lenna leave, and Bartz joins them when he saves them from goblins.

When the road is blocked by an earthquake, the party enters a network of caves and sees a pirate ship sailing in despite the lack of wind to push it. As they need to get to the Wind Shrine quickly, Galuf suggests stealing the ship. After they are captured, however, Galuf complains about the plan and then claims he doesn't remember when Bartz points out that it was his idea. Upon reaching the Wind Shrine, the party discovershat it has been overrun by monsters. The Crystal itself shatters and they receive the first set of Job Crystals.