Detailed Angel Analysis

The Angels in Neon Genesis Evangelion are complex entities, each with unique characteristics and significance to the plot. This page provides an in-depth analysis of each Angel, their abilities, and their impact on the series.

Adam (First Angel)

Adam is the progenitor of Angels and a key figure in the series' backstory.

• Discovered in Antarctica, leading to Second Impact
• Reduced to an embryonic state after Second Impact
• Central to SEELE's plans for Human Instrumentality

Lilith (Second Angel)

Lilith is the progenitor of humanity and a counterpart to Adam.

• Crucified in Terminal Dogma beneath NERV HQ
• Source of LCL, the fluid used in Evangelion units
• Key to NERV's version of Human Instrumentality

Sachiel (Third Angel)

Sachiel is the first Angel to attack Tokyo-3 in the series.

• Humanoid form with a distinctive bird-like mask
• Ability to generate energy lances from its arms
• Regenerative capabilities and a powerful AT Field
• Its attack introduces Shinji to piloting Eva Unit-01

Shamshel (Fourth Angel)

Shamshel appears as a massive, arthropod-like creature.

• Uses energy whips as its primary weapons
• Tests Shinji's resolve as a pilot
• Its defeat leads to the first recovery of intact Angel tissue

Ramiel (Fifth Angel)

Ramiel is a geometric Angel with formidable defensive and offensive capabilities.

• Octahedron shape that can transform
• Extremely powerful energy beam and AT Field
• Necessitates the use of a complex battle strategy (Operation Yashima)

Leliel (Twelfth Angel)

Leliel is one of the most abstract Angels, challenging perceptions of physics.

• Appears as a spherical shadow with a floating black and white sphere
• Actually a higher-dimensional being (Dirac Sea)
• Traps Shinji and Unit-01, leading to significant character development

Zeruel (Fourteenth Angel)

Zeruel is considered one of the most powerful Angels.

• Massive, humanoid form with devastatingly powerful energy projections
• Easily defeats Eva Units 00 and 02
• Its attack leads to a berserker awakening in Unit-01 and Shinji

Tabris (Kaworu Nagisa, Seventeenth Angel)

Tabris is unique as the only Angel to take human form.

• Appears as Kaworu Nagisa, befriending Shinji
• Has the ability to control Eva Unit-02 remotely
• His actions and fate are crucial to the themes of humanity and free will in the series

Significance of the Angels

The Angels serve multiple purposes in Neon Genesis Evangelion:

• Drive the main plot, necessitating the use of Evangelions
• Act as catalysts for character development, especially for the pilots
• Embody themes of otherness, evolution, and existential threat
• Their designs and abilities showcase the series' unique aesthetic and imagination

Each Angel encounter not only advances the plot but also delves deeper into the psychological states of the characters and the underlying mysteries of the series. The diversity of Angel forms and abilities keeps each confrontation fresh and unpredictable, contributing to the series' tension and intrigue.

A visual representation of the diverse forms of Angels encountered in the series.