

Several analyses of Shinji Ikari's character compare him to Yesod.

Now Wikipedia has this [on Yesod](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yesod):

> Yesod (Hebrew: יסוד "foundation") is a sephirah in the kabbalistic Tree of
> Life. Yesod is the sephirah below Hod and Netzach, and above Malkuth (the
> kingdom). It can be seen as the vehicle, from one thing or condition to
> another (the power of connection).

I read some more on that, and I really didn't get it.

What is this connection / what traits does Shinji have in common with this
sephirah? What symbolism does the MC of Eva have, in this context? Is it
intended by the canon, or is it just an interpretation of the material?


CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-17T23:01:51.843
36906
2018-12-23T15:27:03.907
2016-10-18T02:53:32.133
1908
2808
question
neon-genesis-evangelion symbolism
Why do people keep comparing Shinji to Yesod?


I'm a native Hebrew speaker, and "Yesod" (יסוד) literally means foundation or
an element (like the table of elements). I'm not an expert when it come to
Judaism (FYI that's because not all Jews are religious, Judaism is also a
nationality), but in the Kabbalah Yesod is one the ten "Sfirot" (plural,
ספירות). "Sfira" (singular, ספירה) literally means a count or to count, and in
the kabbalah the Sephirot are the ten different ways or levels in which god
'reveals' itself in our world.

The Wikipedia page on the subject is much clearer in Hebrew than in English,
so don't feel bad for not understanding it. It uses a ton of religious terms
that even I do not recognize...

If you're wondering how does all of this relate to Shinji, beats me idk, maybe
it is a reference to something else in the bible that I don't have the time to
explain, but in short it could mean that Shinji is influenced by god and
possesses some of his powers.

I do find it hard to believe that a Japanese writer/director would know all of
this, and if they do then wow. The writers and director of the series do seem
to be very knowledgeable, though.

I hope that answered your question!


CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-22T18:02:05.017
49799
2018-11-22T18:02:05.017
43540
36906
answer