Summary
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The third season ofFire ForcehasShinra growing closer to his inevitable clashwith the Evangelist, but what do we really know about this mysterious being? Blindingly bright, yet hiding within the shadows, the Evangelist is an enigma attempting to orchestrate what could only be considered the apocalypse. While she has been a looming presence since the beginning ofFire Force, hints of her identity and motives have only been dropped sporadically throughout the story. Viewers have been following the trail of breadcrumbsalong with Company 8, but with so much information to digest, it may be a good idea to retrace our steps.
Throughnumerous collaborations with alliescounted among the other companies as well as the military, the 8th has learned little more than the Evangelist’s name and goal. Despite the considerable damage her devotees have caused, the director of the White-Clad has rarely even been seen. Those who have laid eyes on the otherworldly presence were deeply affected by the sight. Whether the impression left was a good or bad one differs wildly between those among her witnesses. What seems to hold true for all those who have experienced the sight, is that it’s not one to forget. With such a powerful presence, it leaves one wondering just what exactly she is.
Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
One of the most striking things about the Evangelist is her appearance. Swathed in white robes and a concealing hood, she resembles saints from Catholic faith. Under that cowl are what appear to be horns, and a pair of eyes that seemingly hold galaxies. She has what resemble halos above and behind her, each sun-like in design, along withthe symbol of the Holy Sol Templeat her throat. If she wasn’t surrounded by what looks like a cursed graveyard, one would easily believe her to be some sort of benevolent holy being. Regardless of her morality, or lack thereof, the Evangelist appears to be nothing less than divine.
What If Looks Could Kill
Speaking of appearance, there is another quality this entity shares with gods of real-life religions. To look upon her can drive one mad, or at least cost the price of eyesight.Haumea and the other White-Cladwear eye-coverings for just this reason. Nearly every character who has gazed upon the Evangelist has lost vision in one, if not both eyes. Vision of the mortal realm, at least. There have been occurrences of an Adolla Link allowing one to see through the Adolla-cursed eye of another. In addition to this, those afflicted tend to have scars to mark the experience as well.
Lurking Behind Humanity’s History
Much of what viewers know of the Evangelist comes from Shinra’s connection with the “Woman in Black.” The woman, pulled to their world by the Evangelist from beyond the Dimensional Rift, revealed what she knew about the terrifying being. She has been working toward humanity’s destruction since long before the Great Cataclysm. While the woman couldn’t say for certain, she believed the Evangelist has beenmanipulating humanity through religionsince the dawn of time. That most, if not all, of man’s religions sprang from visions of Adolla and the Evangelist herself.
From ancient times, mankind has established many religions, envisioning different images of Heaven and Hell, God and the Devil.
Though they grow up in different lands, and speak different languages, for some reason, the religions of mankind all share gods and devils.
If the various religions of this world are based on visions of Adolla that she has shown to others…
then perhaps from mind-bogglingly ancient times, the Evangelist has been at work, manipulating the thoughts of mankind from behind the scenes of history.
-The Woman in Black
Bestowing The Grace of Adolla
One of the scariest things about this god-like being is her immense power. Those who receive her blessing are granted immeasurable power. Shinra was able to tap into it by Linking with his brother, Sho, while the other Pillars are privy to their own personallinks to Adolla’s Grace. Shinra’s Link to the Woman in Black, another being from the world beyond the rift, does pose the question of whether there are others hidden there with strength comparable to theirs. That being said, the woman’s power could not come close to comparing to that of the Evangelist.
While the Evangelist has never come out and said it herself, or anything for that matter, her ultimate goal is to annihilate humanity. She would engulf the planet in flames, making it a second sun. Her motivations behind this radical plot for destruction have yet to be made clear. She uses her power to influence strong individuals to join in her scheme, boasting a veritable army of capable and devoted followers.Haumea, the second Pillar, is the only one she speaks to directly, making the young woman somewhat of a commander for her cult of faithful soldiers.
A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma
Even with all the information laid out, there remain more questions than answers when it comes to the major antagonist ofFire Force. Always present, yet nowhere to be found, the Evangelist is a foe that will be tremendously difficult to overcome. Season three is planned towrap up the story, but with so much left to discover, it’s hard to believeeverything will be explainedbefore the series finale. With each episode, Shinra and Company 8 draw ever closer to finding out the truth. When they finally do, will they be strong enough to save what’s left of their planet? It’s going to be an epic battle, one way or another.
