Evangelion Units
The Evangelion Units, or EVAs, are the giant bio-mechanical mecha that serve as humanity's primary defense against the Angels in Neon Genesis Evangelion. These mysterious and powerful entities are central to the series' plot and themes.
Nature of the EVAs
EVAs are not purely mechanical constructs, but bio-mechanical entities with organic components. They are cloned from Angels and have a complex relationship with their pilots. Key aspects of EVAs include:
- Require a human pilot to synchronize with and control them
- Powered by electricity through an umbilical cable, with limited internal battery life
- Covered in restraining armor that limits their true capabilities
- Possess their own A.T. Fields, which they can manipulate offensively and defensively
- Can go "berserk" under certain conditions, acting independently of their pilots
Technical diagram showing the internal structure and key components of an Evangelion Unit
Major Evangelion Units
Eva Unit 01
Piloted by Shinji Ikari. Purple and green in color. The most prominent EVA in the series, it has a unique connection to Yui Ikari, Shinji's mother.
Eva Unit 00
Piloted by Rei Ayanami. Orange (later blue) in color. The prototype model, it's known for being unstable and difficult to control.
Eva Unit 02
Piloted by Asuka Langley Soryu. Red in color. The first production model, it's designed for combat and is more refined than the previous units.
Eva Unit 03
Briefly piloted by Toji Suzuhara. Black in color. Infected by an Angel during its activation test, leading to a tragic confrontation.
Eva Unit 04
Never seen in the series. Destroyed during a failed activation test involving an S² Engine.
Visual comparison of the main Evangelion Units featured in the series
EVA Capabilities
Evangelion Units possess a range of impressive capabilities:
- Superhuman Strength and Agility: Able to engage in hand-to-hand combat with Angels
- A.T. Field Manipulation: Can generate and manipulate A.T. Fields for defense and offense
- Weapons Usage: Skilled in using a variety of weapons, from close-combat progressive knives to long-range positron rifles
- Berserk Mode: Can enter a frenzied state of heightened combat ability, often when the pilot is in extreme danger
- Regeneration: Under certain conditions, EVAs can regenerate from severe damage
Symbolism and Themes
The Evangelion Units embody several key themes in the series:
- Mother-Child Relationship: Each EVA contains the soul of its pilot's mother, exploring themes of maternal protection and the comfort/danger of returning to the womb
- Human Evolution: EVAs represent a step in human evolution, blurring the line between human and Angel
- Control and Loss of Control: The pilots' struggles to control their EVAs mirror their internal struggles for self-control
- Technology and Humanity: EVAs embody the series' exploration of the relationship between humans and the technology they create
Eva Unit 01 in its terrifying Berserk Mode, symbolizing the loss of control and the primal nature hidden within the EVAs
The Evangelion Units are far more than mere machines or weapons. They are complex entities that embody many of the series' central themes and mysteries. Their true nature and the full extent of their capabilities remain subjects of fascination and discussion among fans of the series.