The First Impact in Neon Genesis Evangelion: A Deep Dive
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a beloved anime series packed with layers of symbolism and deep metaphors. One crucial element of its story is the First Impact, an event that marks the beginning of the world in the Evangelion universe. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the origins of the First Impact, its significance, and the scientific connections that inspired it.
What is the First Impact?
The First Impact in the Evangelion universe is a significant event that occurred approximately 4 billion years ago. This event was triggered by the collision of a massive object called the Black Moon with the Earth’s surface. The impact of this collision generated debris that eventually formed the Moon as we know it today. However, the core of the Black Moon remained intact and carried the seeds of life known as Lilith.
In the Evangelion universe, Earth received two Seeds of Life:
– Adam: Already present on Earth.
According to the rules of the universe, only one type of life can thrive on a planet. To maintain this balance, the Spear of Longinus was activated. This spear forced Adam into a dormant state, while Lilith remained active. As a result, all life that evolved on Earth, including humans, originated from Lilith.
The story of the First Impact in Evangelion bears a resemblance to the Giant Impact Theory, a real scientific theory that explains the formation of the Moon. According to this theory, the proto-Earth was struck by an object the size of Mars called Theia approximately 4.5 billion years ago. This collision resulted in debris that eventually formed the Moon.
In Evangelion, Hideaki Anno drew inspiration from this theory but modified it with additional elements of science fiction and deep symbolism.
The First Impact is not just a physical event but also marks the beginning of a significant conflict in the Evangelion universe. The government in the story often conceals this fact with cover stories, such as claiming that the First Impact was caused by a giant meteor. Similar tactics were used for the Second Impact, which was actually triggered by experiments on Adam.
Lilith is often associated with the Moon in the visual symbolism of Evangelion. This connection is also evident in the character Rei Ayanami, who serves as the vessel for Lilith’s soul. Some key symbols include:
– Lilith’s Mask: Featuring a pattern resembling the Moon’s craters.
– Rei and the Moon: Rei is often depicted against a backdrop of the Moon, reinforcing this symbolic connection.
This symbolism adds an additional layer of interpretation that enriches the story.
Many early Evangelion fans mistakenly believed that the First Impact was the collision that wiped out the dinosaurs. However, that event actually occurred 65 million years ago and is unrelated to the First Impact in this story.
The First Impact in Neon Genesis Evangelion is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the complex narrative that unfolds in the series. By exploring the origins and implications of this event, we gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of symbolism and science that characterizes this iconic anime.
