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NEON GENESIS
EVANGELION DATABASE
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WHAT IS THE RELATION TO SYSTEM SEPHIROTICM AND THE KABBALAH SYMBOLISM?
Neon Genesis Evangelion is the english title which comes from the Japanese title, Shin Seki
Evangelion. More literally translated means, "New Century Evangelion". The series
of Evangelion is very prominently filled with symbolism, and any viewer of this series could
easily be curious as to just what all the symbolism is, and where it comes from. Brought from
many backgrounds in theology, Evangelion is a rich display of some of the finest fanatical works
and therories of the Jeudo-Christian religions. Although seemingly decorative, it is interesting to
observe them, know what they stand for, and mean in relation to the series.
The credits to Evangelion first shows a very prominent yellow symbol that fades into the red
background. The symbol actually stands as a symbol for Lucifer, commonly known as the Devil.
Strangely very few viweres of the series, seem to know this fact. What is even more interesting
is at the very center of the symbol, is a face, which looks like a pointed circle with eyes. We see
this again in the series, being the heads of various angels, which also becomes the symbol for the
angels. Any more information on this symbol, such as the reasoning for the many wings and eyes, its
creator and time of creation, proves to be difficult to find. However it is without doubt a
lithograph, or engraving, from the early days of printing in medieval europe, mostly likely from a
monestary, or religious group.
The seccond, is a white symbol on a blue background, on which the camera pans inwards and upwards.
This symbol is of the tree of life, pictured upsde down, this engraving is also known as the
"inverted tree". It is dated from 1617-1620, by a individual known as Robert Fludd, famous for many
symbols connected with a very old fanatical group, previously called the "Knights Tempar", or in
modern society called the "Free Masons". This tree grows from above with its roots in heaven,
and its brances and flowers in the earth. Its also partly a memory tree, as it incorporates the
10 sephiroth of the Kabbalah. The tree spanned the worlds on heaven and earth. Its actual
relationship to Evangelion, seems to be related to the Dead Sea Scrolls, texts Keel Lorentz sighted,
predicting and causing events of the series.
Again in the opening credits, we see another symbol, that is a intricate diagram of circles and
pathways, with written text in hebrew. This is the most promienent symbolism, seen in many places
in the series, firstly the credits and on Gendou Ikari's office floor. It is similar to the tree of
life, however System Sephiroticm of Kabbalah, also known as the tree of Sephiroth, is a diagram of
the physical rendition of the 3-dimensional images of the spiritual realm. It shows the route of how
a human can attain the highest possible spiritual level. Moreover, many other interpretations are
said to be possible, forinstance as a step-by-step diagram for meditation, as a map that shows the
way to wisdom, or as a prediction for human's future etc. It is seen one last time in the sky,
during the intitation of third impact.
The last of the symbolism, can be found in later on in the series. The mask covering Lilith's face,
which is seven eyes on a triangle with its point down. This symbol was derrived from a description
of devils, from the book of revelation, the last chapter of the bible. Indeed, Lilith in Jewish
mythology is a deamon herself, and this mask in indeed fitting. But it is also the symbol for the
organisation in the series, known as SEELE. What its purpose on Lilith isnt known, possibly to keep
the angel at bay, as is the Lance of Longinous through her chest. Also, the reasoning for SEELE
adopting it as its own eblem, is makes little sense, as it lables itself a public menace, or
'deamon'. It suppose to be 'completing' humanity, hardly the work of a uncaring deamonic
organisation, although its actions would make total sense, as it mercilessly murdered millions
of innocents, during seccond impact, and thousands more afterwards, who stood in thier way. None
the less this symbol is prominent, seccond only the System Sephiroticm.
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There is much more to these symnols, if they spark more interest in them. However thier context to
Evangelion, is primarily a decorative one, used to illustrate a 'preordainted' nature to the events
of the series, and to add to the mysticism of the series. It has also seemed to have worked, even
though this series is beginning to age, and has become neglected by its creators, the questions and
materials raised by this series, continue to never be satisfactorily answered.
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This site is an independant source and is not affiliated of endorced by the GAINAX, ADVISION, Manga,
Madman, or Vis Communications, nor and other corporation. "Neon Genesis Evangelion","Nerv" and
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