“I mustn’t run away. I mustn’t run away. I mustn’t run away.”
– Shinji
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is a Japanese animated television series that originally aired from 1995 to 1996. The plot follows a young boy named Shinji Ikari who is recruited by his father to pilot a giant bio-machine called an “Evangelion” to defend the futuristic city of Tokyo-3 from monstrous beings known as “Angels.”
As the story progresses, Shinji becomes embroiled in a complex web of interpersonal relationships with the other Evangelion pilots, including his fellow pilots Asuka Langley Soryu and Rei Ayanami, as well as his father Gendo Ikari and the mysterious organization known as NERV.
The series explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the nature of humanity, and features a number of dramatic plot twists and revelations as the characters struggle to come to terms with their place in the world and the roles they are forced to play in the ongoing conflict with the Angels.
Themes
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is known for exploring complex and multi-layered themes throughout its story. Some of the most prominent themes of the series include:
Identity: The theme of identity is a central focus of “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” Characters struggle with issues of self-worth, self-discovery, and the search for a sense of purpose in a world that is constantly changing. This is particularly true for the protagonist, Shinji, who grapples with feelings of isolation and insecurity throughout the series.
Loneliness: The theme of loneliness is also a recurring motif in “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” Many of the characters struggle with feelings of isolation and disconnectedness, as they try to navigate the complexities of their relationships with others. This sense of loneliness is often expressed through the imagery of empty city streets and deserted landscapes.
Human nature: The series also explores the nature of humanity, and what it means to be human in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving. Characters are forced to confront their own weaknesses and flaws, as they struggle to come to terms with the challenges they face.
Trauma: Trauma is a central theme in “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” Many of the characters have experienced significant trauma in their past, and this has shaped who they are as people. The series explores how characters cope with trauma, and the ways in which it can affect their relationships with others.
Religion and spirituality: The series features a number of religious and spiritual themes, including references to Christian and Jewish symbolism. These themes are used to explore the idea of the human soul, and the struggle between good and evil.
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is a complex and thought-provoking series that delves into a wide range of themes and ideas. Its exploration of these themes has made it a popular and enduring work of science fiction.
Pilots
In “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” there are several main characters who pilot the Evangelions:
Shinji Ikari: The series’ protagonist, who is initially reluctant to pilot an Eva but eventually becomes a skilled pilot. Shinji is the son of NERV commander Gendo Ikari and has a strained relationship with his father.
Asuka Langley Soryu: A skilled pilot who is brought in from Germany to help fight the Angels. Asuka is initially confident and self-assured but struggles with personal issues as the series progresses.
Rei Ayanami: A quiet and reserved pilot who is initially shrouded in mystery. Rei is revealed to be a clone of Shinji’s mother and has a complex relationship with Gendo Ikari.
Mari Makinami Illustrious: A new character introduced in the “Rebuild of Evangelion” film series. Mari is a cheerful and energetic pilot who enjoys piloting Evas and often behaves in a reckless manner.
Each pilot has their own unique personality and backstory, and their relationships with each other and with their Evas are central to the series’ themes and plot.
EVAs
The pilots operate giant bio-machines called “Evangelions” (often shortened to “Evas”). These Evas are humanoid in appearance and are the only weapons humanity has that are capable of standing up to the Angels.
The Evas are unique in that they are not simply machines, but rather living beings that are grown in laboratories. They are piloted by specially trained teenagers, who are selected based on their compatibility with the Eva’s biology and technology.
Each Eva has a distinctive appearance and set of abilities, and the pilots use these abilities to fight the Angels. The Evas are armed with an array of advanced weapons, including knives, guns, and energy weapons.
Throughout the series, the relationship between the pilots and their Evas is explored in depth. The pilots must synchronize with their Evas in order to control them, and this process can be mentally and physically taxing. The relationship between the pilots and their Evas is often portrayed as deeply personal and emotional, with the two entities becoming deeply intertwined over the course of the series.
Angels
The Angels are a series of monstrous beings that threaten humanity’s existence. They are depicted as massive, humanoid creatures with unique abilities and powers that make them extremely difficult to defeat.
The Angels are believed to be extraterrestrial in origin, and their arrival on Earth is seen as an existential threat to humanity. They are named after various biblical angels and other spiritual figures, such as Sachiel, Ramiel, and Zeruel.
Each Angel has a unique physical appearance and set of abilities, such as the ability to manipulate gravity, generate powerful energy fields, or use sonic attacks. The pilots of the Evangelion units are tasked with fighting the Angels, using their own unique abilities and the advanced technology of their bio-machines to try and defeat them.
As the series progresses, the true nature and origins of the Angels are gradually revealed, leading to a number of unexpected plot twists and revelations.
Endings
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” has several different endings, each of which is controversial and open to interpretation.
TV Series Ending: The original ending of the TV series is famously confusing and surreal, with abstract imagery and heavy use of symbolism. It suggests that the main character, Shinji, is able to accept his flaws and fears and find a sense of peace and understanding.
The End of Evangelion: This is an alternate ending that was created in response to the controversial TV ending. The End of Evangelion is a feature-length film that provides a more conclusive and action-packed finale, with intense battles and dramatic character revelations. The ending of the film is still open to interpretation, but it suggests a dark and nihilistic view of humanity’s fate.
Rebuild of Evangelion: A series of films that retell and re-imagine the events of the original series. The Rebuild films introduce new characters and plot twists and provide a different take on the ending of the story. The fourth and final film in the series, “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time,” was released in 2021 and features a controversial and divisive ending that leaves many questions unanswered.
The various endings of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” are complex, thought-provoking, and open to interpretation. Each ending provides a unique perspective on the story and its characters, and fans continue to debate their meaning and significance to this day.
Meaning
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is a complex and deeply symbolic work that explores a wide range of themes related to psychology, spirituality, and human relationships. The term “Eva” can be interpreted in a variety of ways within this context, and different viewers and critics may have their own unique interpretations. Here are a few possible ways to deconstruct the meaning of “Eva” in the context of the series:
Biomechanical Duality: One of the most prominent themes in “Neon Genesis Evangelion” is the idea of a duality between organic and mechanical elements. The Evas are a perfect embodiment of this theme, as they are living beings that are also heavily augmented with mechanical components. The term “Eva” can be seen as a reference to this duality, as it is a shortened form of “Evangelion,” which itself is derived from the Greek word “euangelion,” meaning “good news” or “gospel.”
Motherhood and Rebirth: Another key theme in the series is the idea of motherhood and birth. The Evas are created using the genetic material of various characters in the series, including Shinji’s mother. The term “Eva” can be seen as a reference to the biblical figure of Eve, who is often associated with motherhood and the idea of rebirth or renewal.
Human Connection and Empathy: Throughout the series, the relationship between the pilots and their Evas is explored in depth, with the two entities often becoming deeply intertwined. The term “Eva” can be interpreted as a reference to the Hebrew name “Eve,” which means “life” or “living.” This can be seen as a nod to the idea that the Evas are not just machines, but living beings that are capable of forming deep connections with their human pilots.
Existential Crisis and Spiritual Awakening: Finally, the term “Eva” can also be seen as a reference to the concept of “Eve,” as in the first woman in the biblical creation story. This can tie into the series’ exploration of existential crisis and spiritual awakening, as the characters are forced to confront their deepest fears and anxieties in order to grow and evolve. The Evas themselves can be seen as a manifestation of this process, as they are created to combat the Angels and protect humanity from destruction. In this way, the term “Eva” can be interpreted as a symbol of hope and redemption in the face of overwhelming despair and chaos.
The meaning of “Eva” in “Neon Genesis Evangelion” is multi-layered and open to interpretation. It can be seen as a reference to themes related to duality, motherhood, human connection, existential crisis, and spiritual awakening, among others. Each viewer may have their own unique interpretation of the term, based on their individual reading of the series and its complex symbolism.
Hideaki Anno
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” was created by Hideaki Anno, who served as the series’ director and writer. Anno’s intent with the series has been a topic of much discussion and debate, as the series is known for its complex and often ambiguous storyline.
One of Anno’s stated goals with the series was to create a work that would reflect the struggles and anxieties of young people in Japan at the time of the series’ creation. The series explores themes related to depression, isolation, and self-doubt, which were common issues faced by many young people in Japan during the 1990s.
Anno has also stated that he wanted to create a work that would challenge traditional ideas about anime and mecha series. “Neon Genesis Evangelion” features many of the traditional elements of mecha anime, such as giant robots and epic battles, but subverts these tropes by focusing more on the psychological struggles of the characters and the impact of the battles on their emotions and relationships.
Anno’s intent with “Neon Genesis Evangelion” was to create a work that would both reflect the concerns of young people in Japan at the time and challenge traditional ideas about anime and mecha series. The series’ enduring popularity and impact suggest that he succeeded in his goals, creating a work that continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
Appeal
The enduring appeal of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the series’ complex and thought-provoking storyline, which explores a range of themes related to psychology, spirituality, and human relationships, has resonated with audiences around the world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the series’ use of symbolism and metaphor has encouraged viewers to engage with the story on a deeper level.
The series’ animation style and visual effects were groundbreaking for their time, and the iconic designs of the Evas and Angels have become instantly recognizable symbols of the series. The action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, and the use of music and sound design add to the overall impact of the series.
Finally, the controversial and open-ended nature of the series’ various endings has encouraged ongoing discussion and debate among fans, keeping the series relevant and intriguing long after its initial release. “Neon Genesis Evangelion” has spawned countless spin-off works, including manga, light novels, video games, and a recent series of films, ensuring that the franchise will continue to capture the imaginations of audiences for years to come.
“I mustn’t run away. I mustn’t run away. I mustn’t run away.”
This line is repeated by Shinji multiple times throughout the series, often when he is feeling overwhelmed or afraid. The quote is significant because it speaks to Shinji’s struggle with anxiety and his tendency to avoid difficult situations or confrontations. By repeating this mantra, Shinji is reminding himself that he cannot give in to his fears and must face his problems head-on, even when it is difficult or painful to do so. The quote has become an iconic line in the series and is often referenced by fans as a reminder to stay strong and face their own challenges with courage and determination.
