Series & First Appearance
Kaworu Nagisa first appears in the anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion," created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax. He makes his initial appearance in Episode 24, titled "The Beginning and the End, or ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.’" In the Rebuild of Evangelion film series, he is introduced at the end of "Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone," and features prominently in subsequent films.
Profile at a Glance
Kaworu Nagisa is a 29-year-old male (age in 2015 timeline) who serves as both the 17th Angel and the Fifth Child. While he appears human, he identifies himself as an Angel, often referring to humans as "the Lilin." His affiliations primarily lie with SEELE, and he exhibits unique abilities tied to both Angelic and human traits.
Personality & Motivations
Kaworu is enigmatic, introspective, and deeply compassionate. Often described as calm and serene, he possesses a wise demeanor that captures the attention of those around him, particularly Shinji Ikari. His motivations are complex; he seeks connection and understanding, as well as a desire to bring happiness to Shinji. He famously states, “This time, I’ll make you happy, Shinji," indicating his recurring drive to support and mentor him.
Abilities / Powers
Kaworu wields several abilities derived from his Angelic nature:
- Enhanced Prophetic Awareness: He displays knowledge of future events and their implications, often foreseeing tragic outcomes.
- Adam’s Connection: As an incarnation of Adam, Kaworu possesses significant power linked to the very fabric of existence in the "Evangelion" universe. This essence allows him to communicate telepathically and manipulate various forms of energy.
- Evangelion Pilot: He pilots Evangelion Unit-06, noted for its extraordinary characteristics, including autonomy and superior capabilities in battle.
Despite his power, Kaworu’s tragic fate is tied to cycles of suffering, and he often finds his actions limited by the very destiny he wishes to alter.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Kaworu’s journey is pivotal throughout the series and the Rebuild films:
- "Neon Genesis Evangelion": His introduction occurs during the climax of the original series, where he forms a deep connection with Shinji, ultimately leading him to confront existential themes about humanity and individuality.
- "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance": Kaworu reappears, emphasizing his foresight of repeating timelines and deepening his relationship with Shinji, indicating a cyclical nature of their bond.
- "Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo": Kaworu becomes a mentor figure for Shinji, revealing the dire consequences of his actions and guiding him through emotional turmoil. His eventual sacrifice to stop Fourth Impact reinforces his role as both an antagonist and a savior.
- "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time": In this film, he expresses a final wish to help Shinji achieve freedom from their cyclical suffering, resulting in a significant emotional farewell that allows for a new beginning.
Notable Relationships
- Shinji Ikari: Kaworu’s relationship with Shinji is the most significant, characterized by deep emotional complexity and philosophical discussions about life, purpose, and happiness.
- SEELE: Kaworu is intricately linked to SEELE’s ambitions for Instrumentality, adding a layer of conflict between his personal desires and institutional goals.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
- In "Evangelion: 2.0," Kaworu states, "This time, I’ll make you happy, Shinji," marking a pivotal breakthrough in their relationship and developing the overarching theme of the series that revolves around existential despair and the hope for connection.
- His final scene in "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0," where he expresses his acceptance of the cyclical nature of his existence and offers a heartfelt farewell to Shinji, culminates his character arc and leaves a lasting impact on fans.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Voice Actor: In the Japanese version, Kaworu is voiced by Akira Ishida, known for his roles in various anime, while the English version features Matt Mercer, who is also famous for voicing notable characters in games and animations.
- Popularity: Kaworu is widely regarded as a fan-favorite character, ranking high in various popularity polls due to his complex relationships and philosophical outlooks.
- Cultural References: His design and character concepts play into larger themes influenced by philosophy and music, particularly the incorporation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as a recurring motif representing unity and existential reflection.
Conclusion
Kaworu Nagisa stands as a deeply layered character in the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" franchise. His role as both an Angel and a human proxy echoes the series’ exploration of identity, connection, and the cyclical nature of existence. Through his complex relationships, tragic sacrifices, and philosophical dialogues, Kaworu has cemented his place in the hearts of fans and the lore of the "Evangelion" universe.
