Did Sephiroth or Jenova Kill Aerith? Unraveling the Truth Behind a Gaming Tragedy
The death of Aerith Gainsborough in Final Fantasy VII is arguably one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant moments in video game history. The question of who exactly struck the fatal blow – Sephiroth or Jenova – is more complex than it initially appears. While Sephiroth, under his own will, is the one who physically brings the sword down, the influence of Jenova is inextricably linked to his actions. In essence, Sephiroth, driven by his own twisted ambitions and fueled by Jenova’s cells, is directly responsible for Aerith’s death.
The Complicated Relationship Between Sephiroth and Jenova
To understand this, it’s crucial to dissect the relationship between Sephiroth and Jenova. Sephiroth, exposed to Jenova cells before birth, becomes convinced that he is the last of the Ancients (Cetra), due to the false information provided by Professor Hojo. This triggers a descent into madness and a desire to reclaim the Planet for the Ancients, as he understands it. Jenova, a calamity from space that nearly destroyed the Planet, becomes a tool, a weapon, and a twisted mother figure in Sephiroth’s deranged mind.
Sephiroth’s actions are driven by his interpretation of the Jenova Reunion Theory, a distorted belief that all Jenova cells will instinctively reunite. He seeks to control this reunion, using it to manipulate the Planet’s Lifestream and ascend to godhood by summoning Meteor. The physical body of Jenova is often seen taking Sephiroth’s form, acting as a puppet controlled by his will. This blurring of lines between the two entities is what makes the question of Aerith’s killer so difficult to answer definitively. While Jenova provides the physical form at times, the decision and the act itself stem from Sephiroth’s will and intent.
Sephiroth’s Motive for Killing Aerith
Sephiroth’s motivation for killing Aerith is not born out of pure malice but rather calculated strategy. Aerith, being the last of the Ancients, possesses the power to summon Holy, the only force capable of stopping Meteor, Sephiroth’s ultimate weapon. By eliminating Aerith, Sephiroth aims to remove the primary obstacle to his plan for planetary domination. He saw her as a threat to his ambitions, a force that needed to be neutralized. The decision was cold, calculated, and based on a perceived necessity for his grand scheme.
The Scene of Aerith’s Death: A Manifestation of Sephiroth’s Will
The iconic scene itself further illustrates the dynamic. As the party encounters Sephiroth in the Forgotten City, he descends from above and impales Aerith with his Masamune. While the physical manifestation might be that of a Jenova-infused form, the intent and execution are undeniably Sephiroth’s. He is the one in control, directing the action. Even if Jenova’s cells are facilitating the act, the blame ultimately falls on Sephiroth’s shoulders.
Therefore, while Jenova’s influence is undeniable, the true killer of Aerith is Sephiroth. He is the orchestrator, the one with the motive, the will, and the ultimate responsibility for the act. Jenova is merely a tool in his hands, a means to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the circumstances surrounding Aerith’s death and the complex lore of Final Fantasy VII:
Who actually killed President Shinra?
The killer of President Shinra is technically Jenova, taking Sephiroth’s form, under Sephiroth’s control. The headless body in Hojo’s laboratory transforms and executes the act, but it’s driven by Sephiroth’s will.
Why did Sephiroth kill Aerith?
Sephiroth killed Aerith because she was the last of the Ancients and could summon Holy, the only force capable of stopping his ultimate weapon, Meteor. Her existence was a direct threat to his plan to become a god-like being.
Why did Cloud almost kill Aerith?
Cloud’s actions, when he almost harms Aerith, are a result of Jenova’s influence and his own fractured memories. He is manipulated and temporarily loses control of himself.
Was it Jenova that killed Aerith?
While Jenova’s cells and physical form may have been involved, Sephiroth is the ultimate responsible party that killed Aerith. He used Jenova as a means to carry out his own desires.
Did Cloud love Aerith because of Zack?
Aerith was drawn to Cloud initially because he reminded her of Zack. However, their relationship evolved into something unique and independent of Zack’s memory.
Was Aerith in love with Sephiroth?
During early development, Aerith was considered as Sephiroth’s sister or lovers, but this idea was abandoned. The final game establishes her first love as Zack.
Was Tifa killed by Sephiroth?
While Sephiroth severely injured Tifa during the Nibelheim incident, she survived. So Sephiroth didn’t kill Tifa.
Why did Jenova kill Aerith?
Jenova didn’t kill Aerith under her own will. Jenova’s form, controlled by Sephiroth, was used to carry out his plan of eliminating the only person who could stop Meteor.
What is a Cait Sith?
A Cait Sith is a fairy creature from Celtic mythology, often depicted as a large black cat with a white spot on its chest. In Final Fantasy VII, Cait Sith is a playable character who serves as a spy for Shinra.
Who kills Sephiroth?
In the final battle, Cloud uses his strength and the support of his friends to defeat Sephiroth.
Who is the illegitimate son of President Shinra?
Lazard Deusericus is the illegitimate son of President Shinra and Rufus’s older half-brother, as revealed in *Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.
Did Sephiroth kill Cloud’s mom?
Sephiroth taunts Cloud about his mother’s death, suggesting his actions led to it. However, the exact details remain ambiguous. Sephiroth didn’t directly kill Cloud’s mom.
Is Aerith dead for good?
In the original Final Fantasy VII, Aerith’s death is permanent, a major plot point with significant emotional impact. Whether the remakes will change this remains to be seen.
Did Cloud marry Tifa?
While not explicitly stated, it’s heavily implied that Cloud and Tifa are in a romantic relationship and act as a family, particularly in Advent Children. They’re lovers.
Why does Aerith say Cloud can’t fall in love with her?
Aerith tells Cloud not to fall in love with her likely due to her awareness of her fate and a desire to protect him from the pain of her potential loss.
The rich lore and complex characters in Final Fantasy VII continue to captivate gamers decades after its release. The circumstances surrounding Aerith’s death remain a topic of debate and discussion, highlighting the enduring impact of this pivotal moment in gaming history. The game has had a significant impact on education and how games are viewed. Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more about the role of games in education.