The question of where do the angels come from evangelion touches the core of Hideaki Anno’s narrative design. In the sprawling universe of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the Angels are not random monsters but celestial antagonists with a defined origin that challenges the very premise of human existence. Their arrival marks the central conflict, pushing humanity to the brink and forcing the pilots into existential battles that blur the line between salvation and destruction.
The Nature of the Angels
Before tracing their source, it is essential to understand what the Angels represent. These beings are not merely extraterrestrial invaders; they are kinetic entities driven by a singular purpose: to reunite with Adam or Lilith. Each Angel possesses a unique AT Field, a defensive barrier that renders conventional weapons useless. This biological and energetic resilience makes them formidable foes. Their names, drawn from the Kabbalistic Tree of Life and Christian angelology, reinforce their status as divine or semi-divine forces operating on a plane beyond human comprehension.
The First Impact and Primordial Origins
The origin story of the angels begins billions of years ago with the First Impact, also known as the "Big Bang" of the Neon Genesis Evangelion lore. According to the series' complex mythology, a being known as "the First Ancestral Race" or the "White Invaders" seeded the universe with seeds of life. One of these seeds landed on Earth, becoming the planet we know. Another seed, carrying the essence of Adam, crash-landed on Earth, while Lilith arrived separately, presumably from a third celestial body. The Angels are the descendants of Adam, representing a return to a state of primordial unity.
The Journey to Earth
The Angels traverse the cosmos through a phenomenon known as "space-time translation." They move through a void of quantum fluctuations, bypassing the normal laws of physics. Their journey is not one of malice but of instinctual programming. They are drawn to the soul of Adam, which resides in Terminal Dogma within NERV headquarters. This biological imperative overrides all logic, making their arrival inevitable rather than a strategic invasion. The Spear of Longinus, an artifact capable of disrupting an AT Field, is the primary tool used to initiate their arrival or to control their descent.
Sachiel: The third Angel, arriving via a tsunami-like entry, tests the limits of Tokyo-3's defenses.
Shamshel: The fifth Angel, a serpentine being, engages in a prolonged battle that highlights the fragility of the EVA units.
Ramiel: The emerald-hued Angel, responsible for the near destruction of the original EVA team, utilizes a positron rifle that operates on a quantum level.
Matarael and Sahaquiel: These Angels demonstrate the increasing difficulty of combat, requiring synchronized attacks and the deployment of orbital weapons.
Iruel: A bizarre, non-corporeal Angel that merges with the JSSDF computer systems, representing a digital threat.
Leliel: The "City of Light" Angel that exists in a pocket dimension, challenging the very definition of mass and space.
Humanity as the Catalyst
Interestingly, the presence of the Angels is intrinsically linked to human actions. The activation of the Spear of Longinus, whether by SEELE or NERV, often triggers the Angels' advance. This suggests that the conflict is not just a celestial event but a reaction to human ambition and the desire to control the divine. The Angels serve as a mirror, reflecting humanity's own fragmented state and its desperate grasp for unity and purpose in a chaotic universe.
