Reader’s Question:
I have a question about Kaworu from Evangelion. Sometimes he’s referred to as the First, sometimes the Thirteenth, and other times the Seventeenth Angel. Can someone explain what all these designations mean and how they relate to each other?
Diving Into Kaworu: The Many Faces of the Angel
So, let’s
talk about Kaworu Nagisa from “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” A character that’s as enigmatic as he is complex, and not to mention, a bit of a heartthrob. If you’ve recently delved into the Evangelion universe, you might have stumbled upon the confusion surrounding his numerous titles: First Angel, Thirteenth Angel, and even Seventeenth Angel. What’s the deal with all these designations? Grab a snack, sit back, and let’s unpack this together!
Kaworu: The Basics
First off, let’s get a sense of who Kaworu is. He’s introduced as a mysterious boy who quickly becomes a pivotal character in Shinji Ikari’s life. If you’ve felt a bit of an emotional whiplash watching Evangelion, you’re definitely not alone! Kaworu’s arrival adds a layer of intrigue and, let’s be real, a touch of romance. But beyond that, his character is steeped in layers of lore that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
In the original anime series, Kaworu is essentially a manifestation of the First Angel, Adam. However, he’s also known as the Thirteenth Angel, which can be confusing. What’s the difference? Well, think of it like this: his spirit is tied to Adam, but his physical form has roots in the Seventeenth Angel, Tabris. It’s sort of like being a twin—one sibling has your mom’s eyes, and the other has your dad’s smile, but they’re still you, right? Okay, maybe that’s a weird analogy, but you get the point!
The Old vs. The New
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. In the original series and the old movies, Kaworu’s character is more straightforwardly connected to Adam. The narrative doesn’t dive too deep into the duality of his character. It’s almost like the creators hit the fast-forward button on his backstory. But then comes the Rebuild of Evangelion series, where things get a bit more nuanced. In the third film, “You Can (Not) Redo,” we see Kaworu’s character arc shift dramatically. He’s depicted as falling from being the First Angel into the role of the Thirteenth Angel—thanks to some manipulations from Gendo, of course.
Honestly, every time I rewatch that part, I feel a mix of frustration and sympathy for Kaworu. He’s a character caught in the web of others’ designs, and in typical Evangelion fashion, there’s this tragic sense of inevitability. It’s like he’s a pawn on a chessboard, and the game is rigged! Talk about a bad hand, right?
The Final Role: The Fool
Another layer to this whole Kaworu experience is the role he plays as “the final messenger.” He’s sort of like the fool in a Shakespearean play—bringing wisdom but often meeting an untimely end. Seriously, every time he tries to break the cycle, he ends up getting played. He’s like Cleopatra with her Caesar—everyone loves him, yet he always seems to be on the brink of a tragic exit. It’s almost poetic in a painful way.
And let’s not forget the emotional weight of his interactions with Shinji. The way he says, “I love you,” hits hard, especially in that context. It feels so genuine yet tragic, as he understands the bigger picture of the chaos at play. You can sense the impending doom, and it’s heartbreaking. Like, who doesn’t want a connection like that, only for it to be doomed from the start? Talk about a gut punch.
Conclusions and Reflections
So, what’s the takeaway here? Kaworu is an incredibly layered character—his designations reflect the complexities of identity and fate within the Evangelion universe. He embodies the themes of connection, loss, and the struggle against the forces that seek to manipulate him. And honestly, it’s a lot to unpack.
Personally, I’ve found that my feelings toward Kaworu evolve with each viewing. Sometimes I see him as a tragic figure, other times as a catalyst for Shinji’s growth. It’s like every time you peel back a layer, there’s something new to discover. And let’s be honest, the emotional rollercoaster that is Evangelion doesn’t make it easy to sort through these feelings! But isn’t that the magic of great storytelling? It leaves us with more questions than answers, keeping us coming back for more.
In the end, whether you view him as the First, Thirteenth, or Seventeenth Angel, what really matters is the impact he has on Shinji and, by extension, on us as viewers. Kaworu challenges us to reflect on our relationships and the notion of sacrifice—something that resonates deeply, especially in our own lives. So, the next time you think about Kaworu, remember: he’s more than just labels; he’s a poignant reminder of the human experience, filled with love, loss, and the search for connection.
