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During the fight with Zeruel when EVA Unit 01 loses all power, Shinji enters
somewhat of a demonic state, stating the Angel give Ayanami back or face the
consequences. After he says this, EVA Unit 01 reactivates and enters its
berserk mode, thus starting its "awakening" process.

Now, this got me thinking, did Shinji himself activate EVA Unit 01's berserk
mode in the heat of battle or was the timing just right for both EVA Unit 01
and Shinji?


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2018-11-05T15:20:38.490
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question
neon-genesis-evangelion rebuild-of-evangelion
Did Shinji activate EVA Unit 01's Berserk Mode?


In the original anime series, it was established that the berserk mode can't
be triggered voluntarily. Moreover it was at least strongly hinted that the
"berserk mode" is in fact

> the manifestation of motherly love and protection, as it always activated
> when Shinji's life was in immediate danger.

In the Rebuild continuity, there is the so-called "beast mode" that can be
activated by the pilot, but it is only ever shown working for Unit-02, not for
Unit-01. Therefore it is at least very improbable, if not outright false, that
Shinji could have willingly activated this mode.


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2018-11-26T21:17:42.020
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answer


I think berserker mode is activated by

> the soul of Yui Ikari. She is inside the Eva and activates her full power
> when she feels Shinji is in risk.


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answer