#Quantum-Rei

[samasmith23]

Evangelion: You Can (Not) Marathon — (Part 1)

Neon Genesis Evangelion, “Episode 1: ANGEL ATTACK”

Well it's time to officially start this marathon of the entire Evangelion anime franchise, beginning with Episode 1 of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series, "ANGEL ATTACK"!

Just as a quick heads up, there will be SPOILERS for the entire franchise all throughout these blog posts! This your only warning, so if you have not watched the series yet, go ahead and do so right now! You can watch the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series + movies on Netflix, while the Rebuild Teatrology is available on Amazon Prime.

Also, for a reminder of how I plan on watching the series throughout this marathon, check out my prologue post here:

And with all that out of the way, "Evangelion: You Can (Not) Marathon"... LAUNCH!!!

First of all, words can not even begin to describe how legendary & phenomenal this series' opening credits theme is! Seriously, no matter how many times I watch this series, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" will forever remain one of the greatest anime openings in history!

Not only is the song itself, "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" (残酷な天使のテーゼ, Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze) by Yoko Takahashi, Toshiyuki Ōmori, Hidetoshi Satō & Neko Oikawa, an incredibly unique J-Pop theme, but the accompanying visuals convey so much symbolism and important plot & character information that it would be impossilbe to discuss all of it within a short span of time!

I will state, however, that I'm personally fond of the visuals of Shinji staring out into the distance as silhouettes of Rei & Asuka float across the blue skies (emphasizing Shinji's loneliness and longing for human connection, as well as his internalized issues with women), as well as the proceeding visual of Misato glancing upward into the twilight sky as Shinji judges her from afar (highlighting the overt parallels between the two characters, as well as Misato's struggles to embrace the role of a surrogate-mother figure for Shinji).

However, I will provide a link to the video, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis Explained - What's in an OP," by anime YouTuber Geoff Thew from channel Mother's Basement, who does a far better job at analyzing the themes than I possibly ever could!

Moving on past the opening credits, it’s still hard to believe that Evangelion takes place in the year 2015. In-universe, the near-apocalypse known as Second Impact occurred 15-years earlier in at the dawn of the new millennium. In the real world we’re now in 2023, and the predicted total apocalypse known as Third Impact still hasn’t occurred yet.

2016 on the other hand… woof! Now that was certainly the year for an apocalypse since that was the year Donald Trump was unfortunately elected the President of the United States (geez... it still hurts to say those words...)! I guess Hideaki Anno and the staff at Studio's Gainax's predictions for the date of the end of the world were just one year off...

Actually, maybe that explains it all! Maybe we actually all died in Third Impact, and we’re all living inside a false dream reality where Trump managed to seize control over the White House for 4-years as a result! And we’re unfortunately still living in that nightmarish vision of Human Instrumentality considering the existence of bullcrap like Ron DeSantis’ outright fascist policies in Florida (God forbid he become president in 2024) and the Supreme Court rolling back the clock on civil rights by unconstitutionally undoing Roe V. Wade and openly threatening to go after gay marriage next.

That’s gotta be it! Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and every conservative Justice on the Supreme Court somehow discovered SEELE’s plans for Third Impact, and hijacked their Human Instrumentality Project to create the Hellscape that we’re all currently living in!

Getting back on track though, I love how these opening establishing shots not only establish the this series' post-apocalyptic setting through the half-submerged ruins of an old Japanese city, but also build-up tension for the reveal of this series' iconic monsters!

While the inital shots of the mysterious creature largely obscure its full apperance from the viewer, Anno & crew effectively convey the scale of this approaching threat through both its shadow beneath the water as well as extreme close-up shots its masked-face rapidly swiming past the sunken buildings.

So although the audience is still unsure of what exactly this monstrosity is, we already understand that its incredibly large and otherwordly through what little we see of its physical features!

The tension is further hightened through the quick-shots of dozens United Nations military tanks and their missile-armed cannons aiming directly towards the submerged ruins where the creature is approaching from, as well as audio of an emergency broadcast ordering the population of a nearby costal city to evacuate and take shelter.

Right off the bat, Anno demonstrates his talents as an animation director!

It is during this opening sequence that we get our official introduction to series' main protagonist, Shinji Ikari, and his future commanding officer/surrogate-mother figure, Misato Katsuragi!

I love how the first on-screen apperances we get of both Shinji & Misato are not through direct in-person interaction, but rather through photographs possessed by each other. With Shinji we're given an ID-badge photograph possed by an off-screen Misato driving her car, and with Misato the first apperance of her face is through a signed photograph in Shinji's possession as he's unable to get reception at a payphone!

This introduction scene for Shinji does a phenomenal job at conveying one of character's core defining attributes: namely his sense of isolation and aimlessness!

Not only is Shinji completely alone in the middle of the evacuated city-streets, but he quickly surrenders to a self-defeatist mentality when he's unable to get reception on the line, grunting to himself, "It's no use. This is dumb. I shouldn't have come here."

Although Shinji's frustration in this context is relatable even if the viewer doesn't also suffer from depression like he does! I mean, I too would personally be frustrated and confused if I was asked to wait to be picked up in an unfamiliar setting by a person whom I knew nothing about outside of a picture of herself that she mailed to me.

Speaking of which... lol! Misato’s inappropriately suggestive postcard (and in particular the “Check this out!” text & arrow pointing to her cleavage) NEVER fails to get a laugh out of me! But aside from functioning as a joke, this postcard is also important in establishing the fact that sexuality is a major element of Misato's characterization!

Also, since I'm still fairly early into the plot of the pilot episode, I want to take a brief aside to discuss some personal observervations I've made between the specific media I'm watching the series on:

So here’s a weird feature for the "Perfect Collection 0:1" DVD. None of the other original DVD releases by ADV Films have this, but in their first disc for whatever reason they removed all the kanji on objects like Shinji's ID badge or Misato's picture shown above, and instead added these weird overhanging white English text replacements where the kanji used to be that look very obviously superimposed… thank goodness ADV scrapped this weird design choice that for all the future DVD releases and instead just kept the original kanji and included subtitled translations for the text.

Conversely, over on the Blu-Ray side of things, the HD remasters for these episodes look FREAKING phenomenal! The animation and color palate on the GKids "Collector's Edition" boxset is incredibly clear and vibrant, whereas the image quality of old DVD copies could be quite muted and blurry by contrast. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that this Blu-Ray version utilizes the copies of the episodes from the old out-of-print “Platinum” DVD collection ADV released a while back (my DVDs are from the "Perfect Collection" first edition). Although I've also heard that the versions of the episodes on the American Blu-Ray release are the HD remasters that were originally exclusive to Japan before Netflix acquired the International licensing rights back in 2019 after the original series + movies were stuck in copyright Hell for over a decade after ADV Films (the original owners of the TV license in America) went out of business and Manga Entertaimnet's license for Death & Rebirth & The End of Evangelion expired.

Also, this remastering of EVA on the Blu-Ray makes a few minor soundtrack rearrangements during certain scenes. But most importantly it removes the notorious "Gainax Jitter," wherein the screen would frequently shake due to all of Gainax's anime during the 90s being produced on outdated softwares. Watching NGE on my original DVDs honestly made me feel dizzy sometimes due to that annoying jitter effect. So thank goodness that the "Gainax Jitter" is completely absent on the Blu-Ray version!

Returning to the episode proper though...

I love the sudden and mysterious appearance of Quantum-Rei off in the distance as Shinji is waiting in the phone booth for Misato to pick him up, and how instantly and just as mysteriously she disappears! Considering that Quantum-Rei also similarly appears before Shinji during the final scene of The End of Evangelion, this feels like an incredibly unique bookending device for the original series + movies, with Rei's entrance and disappearance in Shinji's life marking both the beginning and the end of his long tumultuous journey over the course of the narrative!

And here we see the first appearance of the mysterious beings attacking the Earth following the Second Impact, referred to within the series as Angels! And this bad boy here is classified as the 3rd Angel, Sachiel! When conceiving Evangelion, Anno & Studio Gainax wanted to distinguish the series from other giant-mecha/kaju anime which were airing at the time, and therefore decided to base the EVA's lore and mythos off of religious symbols and iconography lifted directly from Christianity, Judaism, and especially Kabbalhaism (i.e. Jewish mysticism) since said-faiths were uncommon in Japan, while also including references to Buddhism and Shintoism.

Concerning the etemology and translation of the Angels, most of my information about this comes from the Evangelion Fandom Wiki, but basically while both the ADV and Netflix dubs refer to these kaju as "Angels," in the original Japanese they were referred to as "使徒, shito" which roughly translates to "Apostles." However, the word "Angel" in this context is also derived for the other Japanese word used to refer to these creatures in the series, "天使 tenshi," which also translates to "sky messenger." So the term "Angel" still makes sense in-universe considering that the Angels are framed as to be destructive descendants, or "messengers," of the god-like being known as Adam, who was meant to be the original progenitor of life on Earth.

Returning to Sachiel specifically, according to Wikipedia this Angel's name is a reference to a being of the same name from "kabbalistic and Christian angelology. Sachiel (Ge'ez ሳቁኤል) [refers to] an archangel of the order of cherubim… the name 'Sachiel' originally occurs in the late 1500s grimoire called The Heptameron.”

Misato certainly knows how to make a badass entrance!

I always loved the animation during the sequence where Sachiel smashes one of the missiles with his bare fists!

Dang! This fight between the U.N. airforces and Sachiel is not only incredibly exciting in its own right (aided by composer Shiro Sagisu's phenomenal soundtrack, "Angel Attack"), but it also further communicates the threat-level that the Angel's represent, since all conventional human weaponry proves to be completely ineffective against its defenses!

Speaking of said defenses, the second-in-command of the mysterious NERV organization that's working alongside the U.N., Kōzō Fuyutsuki, refers to the Angel being protected by an "A.T. Field" (or "Absolute Terror Field").

These signature energy shields serve as a reoccuring thematic motif throughout the entire series since they're representative of the impenetrable walls that both protect the Angels from exterior damage and prevent humans from truly understanding each other.

So the name "Absolute Terror Field" possesses a double meaning from both a literal and metaphorical perspective! I love it!

Also, this angel’s weird gill flaps that are present while it’s regenerating after having this unvierse's equivalent of a nuclear bomb dropped onto it are so eerily uncanny, and further serve to hi-light just how truly alien this creature is despite it being referred to as an "Angel."

Also also, it makes sense that while the N² Mines in EVA generate nuclear-level explosions, they lack the subsequent radiation fallout considering Japan's own traumatic real-life history with the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki during World War II.

The fact that not even this world’s equivalent of a nuclear explosion is capable of killing an Angel is such an effective way of convincing both the U.N. and the viewers that NERV possesses the only means of truly destroying these eldritch threats to humanity’s survival!

Dang! Exactly just how strong are Misato & Shinji! The fact that both of them were able to push the former's capsized-car back to its proper position simply by leaning against it hard is quite the impressive feat! I mean, I know Misato drives an old beat-up sports car (literally held together by duck-tape; lol!) which is much lighter in weight compared to a SUV or truck, but still!

So why exactly did Misato steal all those batteries for her beat-up old car? Wait... I guess I just answered my own question there... lol!

The developing dynamic between Shinji & Misato during their car-ride to NERV HQ is already incredibly fascinating witness! Despite being a seasoned veteran military officer, Shinji quickly realizes just how immature and quick-tempered she can actually be.

Not only is Shinji unafraid to scold Misato for her borderline illegal car-battery shennanigans, but when she childishly mocks him for being too uptight (voice actress Allison Keith's delievery of Misato's playful teasing is absolutely hilarious) and Shinji calls out her immaturity, Misato aggresively responds by jerking her car back-&-forth!

Geez! Shinji and his father Gendo Ikari (the leading commander of NERV) haven’t even encountered each other yet, and already we’re seeing just how cold and detached Gendo’s attitude towards his estranged son truly is. As soon as Gendo decides to activate Evangelion Unit-01 and Professor Fuyutsuki accurately points out that they don’t have a pilot, Gendo simply replies, “Not any more. Another spare is being delivered.”

He essentially views his own son as just a backup program. And this gets even more revealing when you remember that Rei was originally the one who was supposed to pilot Unit-01 instead of Shinji!

Even Gendo's letter suddenly requesting Shinji’s presence after abandoning him a decade earlier only states, “COME! -Gendo Ikari.”

Man did I forget how much I absolutely hate Gendo’s guts! There's a reason why this scumbag is almost universally regarded as one of, it not the, absolute WORST fathers in all of anime!

On a more positive note, however, stairlift-like automobile conveyor-belt that Misato & Shinji utilize to travel underground to NERV Headquarters is honestly really cool! I wonder if we'll ever see futuristic technology like that IRL someday?

Ooff. Shinji's line, "What am I saying? Of course he wouldn't have sent me a letter unless he needed me for something," when asking if he'll be working for Gendo's secret agency effectively illustrates Shinji's internalized sense of self-loathing. Due to having been coldly abandoned by his father when he was only 4-years-old following the death of his mother, Shinji has suffered from severe depression and lack of self-esteem. Only finding value in his existence if he can be of use to others.

This correlates with a commonly misunderstood yet central element of Shinji's characterization that's been unfortunately subject to bad-faith criticisms on the Internet. Despite Evangelion's immense popularity and influential status within anime communities, several individuals have actively dismissed the entire series simply because they found Shinji's character to be overly whiny and annoying.

Except... Shinji is both clearly suffering from depression derrived from a childhood of isolation and paretnal neglect. To reduce Shinji's feelings of self-loathing and existential dread to simple whining is honestly insulting to other people who suffer from depression IRL (such as series' creator Hideaki Anno, who modeled Shinji as an authorial stand-in to discuss his own personal experiences with depression...), since depression is a LEGITIMATE mental illness rather than simple whining...

Also, Misato makes an interesting comment in response to Shinji's dismissive attitude towards his father: "Hmm... sounds like you don't get along with your dad. Ah, you sound just like me."

Dang! The reveal of NERV's underground headquarters directly beneath the city of Tokyo-3, the hollowed-out spherical cavern known as the "GeoFront" (which possesses upside down-skyscrapers attatched to the ceiling as well as a forested surface with a lake next to the large pyramid building functioning as NERV HQ itself), is still FREAKING epic & gorgeous!

NGE is already leaing heavily into hard science-fiction with such creative environments! Even though the idea of a gigantic hollowed-out cavern beneath a major metrpolitan city retro-fitted into a heavily armed military fortress/bunker would be completely implausible IRL, it makes for such an aesthetically unique location!

I can totally relate to Misato's feelings of confusion while navigating NERV's complex network moving walkway bridges! It definitely seems like an easy place to get lost in!

Lol! The way Ritsuko Akagi suggestively bumps into Misato on the elevator while still wearing her bathing-suit (she just finished scubba diving into the robot holding pen submerged in a weird red liquid substance)! While this was probably not the animator's intention, this still feels like some deliberate queer-coding! And this is the first interaction we see between the two characters!

Hey, I can totally see Ritsuko as being a closeted lesbian! She’d definitely be in a much healthier relationship with either Misato or Maya than the one she’s currently in with FREAKING Gendo. Like, NOT only is Gendo twice Ritsuko's age, but the bastard also previously slept with her late mother, Naoko Akagi! Gross!

Wait, time out! Fuyutsuki just said that this is Shinji & Gendo’s first meeting in 3 years, but I thought it was 10 years considering that Gendo abandoned Shinji shortly after his mother died when he was still 4-years-old?! Did I miss something?!

And here it is! The moment of truth! The official reveal of the giant robots that this series is well-renowned for: the titular Evangelions (with specific model Ritsuko & Misato are showing Shinji is known as "EVA Unit-01")!

So here's some interesting trivia regarding the EVA's that Ritsuko alluded to with her description about the "0-9 System" designed to control the mecha's activation! The physical designs of the Evangelions were directly inspired by demonic ogre-like creatures from traditional Japanese folklore known as "oni" (which "0-9" is a pun for BTW!). According to series' mecha-designer, Ikuto Yamashita:

"'So why did Evangelion wind up with that shape?' … The director instructed me to make, 'the image of [an oni].' A giant just barely under the control of mankind. I get the feeling I've seen that correlation before … The image I had for the design concept was the fairy tale, Gulliver's Travels. Enormous Power Restrained. … What I came up with was a giant that looks like a relief on a wall. … I happily discarded the efficiency and feeling of giant size that you can guess at by sight alone. … after the designs were handed in, it caused a stir — even among the staff, positive and negative opinions were flying. And from here on out, I imagine it will cause a stir among comic readers and animation viewers."

In addition to the activation system being named after a mythological "Japanese devil," we recieve more clues that there's far more to the EVA's beneath their metalic exteriors, as Ritsuko also describes Unit-01 as a "synthetic lifeform" (or even more suspiciously, "synthetic human," in the subtitled version)!

While it’s not stated in this episode, it will later be revealed that the EVA’s are not only cybernetic beings whose flesh was cloned from the Angel’s original Seed of Life, Adam (or in Unit-01’s case, humanity’s Seed of Life, Lilith), hence why they’re capable of killing the Angels, but that they also literally possess human souls inside of them. Those souls being the dead mothers of the pilots (who’s ability to synchronize with the EVAs is strongest at age 14 due to hormonal changes & all that jazz…).

It's also during the unveiling of EVA Unit-01 that Shinji is offically reunited with his father Gendo, who once again is as cold and distant from his son from both a figurative & literal sense!

Honestly, the visual symbolism of Gendo standing high above Shinji when they first reunite is an incredibly effective method of communicating both the distance between the two in their relationship, as well as the massive inferiority complex Shinji feels because of his abusive father.

Such masterful direction and visual storytelling on Anno's part!

And of course, the moment father & son are finally reunited after years apart, Gendo further demonstrates what a complete & unempathetic douchebag he is by immediately orders that Shinji pilot the EVA Unit-01 to fight the approaching Angel in hand-to-hand combat!

Again... looking back, it feels incredibly unfair that people have repeatedly accused Shinji of being whiny simply because he refusing to get in the robot as soon as Gendo & Ritsuko insist him to do so during Sachiel’s attack. Except, can you really blame Shinji here?

I mean… his father coldly abandoned him after his mom died when he was only a toddler, and now as a 14-year-old his dad suddenly calls him out of the blue to demand that he pilots a giant robot he’s neither seen nor heard of before (and possesses ZERO training experience), to fight a giant alien monstrosity he personally nearly just got killed by! That’s not Shinji whiny, that’s him being realistic!

Honestly, the whole "Get in the damn robot Shinji!" argument has always annoyed the absolute heck out of me! It was easily the epitome of early-to-late 2000s bad internet media criticism!

Also, criticisms like, "But Shinji's refusal to pilot is selfish because the fate of the entire human race is at stake," don't exactly hold water either since that can be easily explained away by Shinji lacking trust in his own abilities due to his depression and low self-esteem!

Also also, yeah it is technically a selfish descision on Shinji's part, but that's an INTENTIONAL character flaw on Anno's part, rather than being indicative of "bad writing"...

Seriously... so many people on the Internet have and still lack any media literacy skills... uuuggghhh!!!

I FREAKING love this exchange between Shinji & Misato after they realize that the Angel is directly above NERV HQ, with her sternly telling Shinji to "Get inside" the EVA before calmly asking him, "Why Shinji? Exactly why did you come here?"

It was at this specific moment in Episode 1 where it officially dawned on me during this rewatch just how incredibly efficient the NGE's pilot episode is at subtly establishing numerous elements that would help define the dynamic between Misato & Shinji throughout the rest of the series!

In addition to Misato earlier comparing Shinji to herself when he mentioned that he doesn’t get along with his father, she also compares Shinj’s more standoffish mannerisms to Gendo during the elevator ride with Ritsuko. This not only symbolizes Gendo's role as an older version of Shinji, but it also lays the groundwork for Misato’s own Elektra Complex in the sense that always views the men in her life through the lens of her strained relationship with her dead father.

And here in the present scene, we witness the struggle between surrogate parental-figure and commanding-officer that heavily defines Misato's relationship with Shinji. Despite pragmatically pivoting to Gendo & Ritsuko's point of view that Shinji needs to get in the EVA (which she intially understandably argued against...) to prevent Sachiel from destroying mankind, Misato simultaneously displays the motherly aspects of her personality by trying to positively uplift Shinji.

She confidently encouraging Shinji to find the answers to his questions of exactly why he came to NERV at Gendo’s request, ultimately telling him that he "mustn't run away."

As much as I love this scene though, one weird difference I noticed between the versions of it on my DVD & Blu-Ray copies respectively is that the timing of the soundtrack, "I, Shinji."

In the original ADV Films "Perfect Collection" DVD, the score continues to play after Sachiel's cross-shaped explosions begin targeting Toyko-3, and Misato gives her advice, whereas it stops after the explosions in the GKids "Collector's Edition" Blu-Ray version.

I honestly can't tell which version I prefer more, but considering the fact that the score on the original Japanese audio track more closely aligns with the Blu-Ray's English audio track, I'm guessing ADV didn't properly align the soundtrack during the intiall dubbing process (but later fixed it for their HD "Platinum Collection" DVD re-release I'm guessing...).

Le gasp! A “Sound Only” on Gendo’s monitor when he instructs Fuyutsuki to wake-up Rei to pilot Unit-01 in Shinji's place! EPIC FORESHADOWING!

So... why exactly was merchandise of the injured bandaged-up Rei Ayanami so insanely popular? I honestly just don’t see the appeal…

Another clever usage of foreshadowing here! Not only of Unit 01 going berserk in the very next episode, but also of the EVA’s true nature in that it houses the soul of Shinji's dead mother, Yui Ikari, considering how quickly it moves into to protect Shinji from the falling debris, plus Gendo’s unsurprised smirk there!

Joy! Shinji's first ever utterance of the iconic, "I musn't run away! I mustn't run away! I musn't run away," line as he glances at Rei's blood on his hands before finally deciding to pilot the EVA!

This reoccurring motif is such an important element of Shinji's character throughout the series, and Spike Spencer delivers this famous line pitch perfect! He totally sells Shinji's sense of anxiety and struggles to suppress his fear in the heat of the moment!

Also, even though I've rewatched this episode and the entire series countless times, I still find myself going back-&-forth on what exactly motivated Shinji to "not run away" here!

Was it purely for altrustic reasons after he saw how unfit for combat Rei was due to her critical condition? Did he feel legitimate sympathy for Rei despite meeting her for the first time? And if so, did he recognize her from the Quantum-Rei vision at the start of the episode? Was Shinji taking Misato's earlier words of encouragement to heart? Or did Shinji finally decide to pilot the EVA purely out of either a self-centered desire to prove his own worth, or out of guilt and not wanting Rei's death on his conscious?

Questions like these are a major element of why I adore EVA's writing so much! Despite being extremely vague open-ended with no one single universal interpretation, the series' characters are so humanized and complex that it actively engages the audience to speculate and analyze their underlying motivations!

It's why even as a long-time fan of the series, I still keep finding new & fascinating elements I didn't notice on my previous viewings!

And so begins the iconic launch preparation for EVA Unit-01, beginning with the insertion of the pilot's control vessel known as an "Entry-Plug" into the mecha's body!

Also, considering that EVA is famous for its usage of Freudian psychoanalytic and psychosexual symbolism (alongside all the religious imagery), as well as the fact that Shinji's character arc is analogous to the Oedipus Complex and the soul of his dead mother is inside of EVA Unit-01, the fact that Shinji's is placed inside a suggestively-shaped Entry-Plug that's then directly inserted into a hole on the back of the EVA's neck, I can’t help but be reminded of an old quote from Mystery Science Theater 3000...

Yeah, expect me to reference that MST3K quote a lot throughout this marathon…

Yeesh! I can't even begin to imagine how terrifying of a feeling that must be to intially feel like you're drowning as the capsuel is filled with Liquid LCL! Even though that mysterious fluid is breathable for humans, having your lungs completely filled with a foreign substance has got to be uncomfortable!

I don't blame Shinji at all for feeling incredibly nauseous before his lungs adjust!

Also, Misato's a bit overly harsh with her comment, "Stop complaining! You're a boy you know!" (This will be another reoccuring motif in Misato's interactions with Shinji BTW...)

Also also, the first appearance of LCL, or as it's been commonly referred to by EVA fans for the past two-and-a-half decades: "Tang!"

Those who have already watched The End of Evangelion know exactly what I'm talking about!

And so the episode ends with an exciting conclusion to the launch sequence as EVA Unit-01 is slowly released from its holding pen and all safe guards are switched off before the giant mech is launched up a tunnel network exiting the GeoFront and onto the now deserted-streets of a nightime Tokyo-3, exiting the hatch directly in front of Sachiel, teasing a deadly kaju battle between the two!

What a phenomenal way to close the series' pilot and pique the viewer's interest for the next episode!

So that was NGE, "Episode 1: ANGEL ATTACK," and it’s still really darn great! I’m honestly incredibly impressed with just how much subtle characterization and thematic elements are set up for later developments throughout the rest of the show within this 24-minute pilot episode! It honestly surprises me whenever I hear people argue that the tone of EVA drastically changed as the series progresses considering how even from the very start Hideaki Anno was laying the ground work for all the complex developments which defined the later half of NGE as well as EofE!

Also, hearing “Fly Me To The Moon” in the end credits of the DVD is simultaneously incredibly nostalgic and sad considering all future releases completely scrapped it! Seriously, screw Netflix and that copyright bullcrap! “Fly Me To The Moon” is an important part of the series darn it, so just pay the extra cash to keep it in! And heck, just buy the rights to the original dub instead of spending all that extra time to create an inferior half-assed new dub from scratch. The original dub has its flaws, but it still has heart and passion put into it!

Sorry about the tangent! I’m just still bitter and confused by Netflix’s choices when it comes to EVA.

Anyway, onto the second episode!

[thestateoflivvyslacecoat]

Just thinking about shifting and all the possibilities it brings gives me so much joy. The comfort in knowing that I WILL do it and have every single little thing I want down to the tiniest detail is so mind-blowing. If your reading this, you will shift! You have all the time in the multiverse to perfect your craft so don't give up!!!!

[shiftinggossip]

Hey everyone!

This is a blog for reality shifters

@shiftingvisuals is my visuals blog

If you don't believe in this just Block this account and don't interract.

For all shifters tho.

This is a blog where you can send in asks, opinions and tips<3

Don't be scared to send in suggestions<3

Anonymous opinions are also available.

Basically a shifting gossip blog🌸

[kittkatt28]

Was looking up Lana del Rey videos last night. I have heard a lot about her, and wanted to give her music a listen. I found so many videos saying she was involved in sorcery, witchcraft, demonic shit b cause she said something about words, vibrations, etc. This is not the stone ages. We should all understand that this is no longer mysterious witchy stuff. This is SCIENCE. Sheez!!! Get out of Salem already!

[flamingblinglove]

FIRST WORLD (GAMER) PROBLEMS SOBS do i go for daddy aventurine or mother fu xuan.............................................................

[falseandrealultravival]

Sonnet of the Face of the Rainy Season (Verse)

In addition to the four seasons, Japan has

There is another season.

It is the "rainy season".

the weather is cloudy and rainy

It's like superposition,

(quantum mechanical)

The rain never disappears.

The dog sculpture at the hospital I visited today

Look!

Spotted drops of rain.

In this season, the humidity is high, so things are easy to rot,

Japanese staple food: Rice

under the protection of the rainy season

Growing up quickly.

(2023.06.27)

Rei Morishita

梅雨の顔のソネット（韻文）

日本には、四季の他、

も��一つ季節がある。

それは「梅雨」だ。

天気は曇りと雨の

重ね合わせのようで、

（量子力学的な）

いつでも雨が降る気配は消えない。

今日訪ねた病院の犬の彫刻にも

ほら！

雨の滲みが点々と。

この季節、湿度が高いので物は腐りやすいが、

日本の主食：稲たちは

梅雨の庇護のもと

すくすく育つ。

[mattiesgf]

harry potter dr ;

amara m. rosier

. hogwarts house ; slytherin

. age ; 16

. hobbies ; sketching, guitars, reading

. favourite music ; the nbhd, the cure, cas, arctic monkeys

. s/o ; mattheo riddle

majorly the secret history and arctic monkeys coded, kinda introverted but not at all if the right people, takes a while to open up, possibly coffee addiction brewing, LOVES friends would die 4 them.

also like utterly infatuated with mattheo riddle.

[northtexashypnotherapycenter]

Reincarnation has fascinated humanity for centuries. The belief that souls transcend lifetimes, experiencing multiple existences, offers profound insights into life’s purpose. Today, hypnosis is emerging as a powerful tool to explore past lives, helping individuals uncover forgotten memories and gain a deeper understanding of their soul's journey. This practice is known as Past Life Regression (PLR) therapy.

[satoru-is-the-way]

Kang × Reader

(PAST)Loki Laufeyson x Reader

ANTMAN AND THE WASP QUANTMANIA SPOILERS

Master List For more fanfics!

 A/N: So! I will say I loved this movie!! Im in love with Kang! He is daddy ngl!! Hope you enjoy. I am writing more Kang x Readers!! I am taking requests for Kang at the moment as well!!

Warnings: Angst, Mentions death, SMUT SMUT SMUT MINORS DO NOT READ. Im horrible at smut. Lmao.

"Evil"

Evil, I've come to tell you that *he's evil, most definitely

Evil, ornery, scandalous and evil, most definitely

(Y/n) stood in the quantum real prison. On the opposite cell Scott Lang, Ant-Man, looked in her direction. "So this the first time you've been to jail?" He attempts to make small talk unsure of what fate held. (Y/n) (L/n) had been a long-time friend of Hope Van Dyne thus also a friend of Scott. She happened to be over for dinner when Cassie brought up researching the quantum realm. The six went down to the lab where Cassie made a device sending a signal down into this unknown realm. One thing lead to another and now here (Y/n) was caught up in this mess. Held prisoner in a castle of some conqueror.

"No, definitely not my frist time in prison." She replied before hearing footsteps in the distance. The man who approach the cells had a great deal of power (Y/n) could feel it. A power that no one should have. He far exceeded every foe she previously face. A man that would have Thanos trimble in fear.

"You two are very interesting. Scott Lang. (Y/n) (L/n)." He spoke glancing at each hero individually.

"Uh, I don't know who you are. But you have made a big mistake. We are avengers. We called the other avengers." Scott crossed his arms. (Y/n) knits her brows watching Kang's reaction. But this man did not care. In some aspects, she could see amusement in Kang's dark eyes.

"You are an avenger. Have I killed you before?" The conquerer asked.

"W-What?" Scott asked puzzled.

"They all bend together after a while. But you..." Kang turned around taking a few steps closer to (Y/n). "I remember ." A smile graced his lips. The blue shield that kept you imprisoned dropped.

"I do not know you." (Y/n) replied. Kang chuckled as he kept moving towards (Y/n) who stood her ground. That is what he loved about her. In every universe, she held powers that could far exceed his own. Yet this woman never understood how to use them.

"I know. But in time you will. Trust me I know." He sighed," In every universe, you are always the last one standing. Strong but useless. I was going to make a deal with Scott. However, my dear, are far more desirable." Kang's gloved hand cup (Y/n)'s cheek.

She leaned into his touch knowing what men like him wanted, love. "What deal are you offering?" (Y/n) whispers.

"You are desperate for him. The man you lost. It's irony. In every universe I have conquered, there is a trace of him in you. Call it destiny. The path other Kangs have written to make you vulnerable. Your one true weakness. The youngest prince of Asgard." He smirked. (Y/n) gulped heart beating fast as this man came into mind. The man she watched die in front of her. She was pathetic, ridden with fear, and helpless as Thanos murdrred him. Loki Laufeyson

"This deal involves him? Without the stones it's impossible to bring him back!" (Y/n) snaps.

"My dear, I am the all powerful Kang. I control space and time. If you help me start my ship. I can give you what you need. More time. I can create it where he never died. Would you like that?" He whispered.

"Don't do it. He is lying!" Scott's voice rang reminding you he was there.

"This does not involve you, Scott Lang. Need I remind you I have your daughter in a few cells down...Do not worry you are not entirely useless." He glanced back from the corner of his eyes.

"And if I say no?" (Y/n) asked.

Kang leaned closer his lips mere inches away from hers. "We both know you will agree. The greed inside of you leads you down the wrong path every time. Trust me I know you better than you do. I have seen you in many lives, in thousands of universes and timelines." He looked at her lips. "You desire more than just love. Security, loyal, trust....power." The last is barely audible. It was meant for only her ears. (Y/n) breathes in heavily knowing all he said was true. She walked the fine line between good and evil. The dark and light battled for her soul. Here in front of her stood temptation, the apple god placed in the garden. One bit would mean devastation.

"(Y/n) don't do this you are-" With a flick of his finger Scott is flying into the wall knocking him out.

"Come with me." Kang extends his hand without hesitation (Y/n) takes it following Kang up to his throne room. "You could have him back. It can be arranged. In your time, an alternate ending, or something better. I can create your own world. As you see fit. You can be happy with him and have everything you wanted. In a snap of my fingers, it will all be yours." He walked around (Y/n) stopping behind her. "And the best part is I can erase your memories so you never have to remember. Isn't that what your tortured soul requires? Peace." Kang brushed her (h/c) behind (Y/n)'s ear. She never felt scared like this before. Her body went cold. All her needs, darkest desires, and dreams can be made into reality. This man held power far beyond her imagination. Loki could be hers again. "I am Kang. Anything is possible with me."

"I want the deal...I want more than just that Kang. I need revenge. I want to kill Thanos. Slaughter every variant of him until he is erased from the multiverse no matter how long it takes." Her words brought joy to Kang's heart. He missed how dark (Y/n) could be. The evil that corrupted her inside. Kang hums and walked over to his golden throne.

"Is that all you want?" He asked innocently beckoning (Y/n) to come closer. The female took one step at a time until standing in front of him. "Sit." Kang pats his lap. (Y/n) straddles his lap sitting down. Large hands gripped her waist. "Your beauty never ceases to amaze me. In every universe. You still are the same." He pulled her into a kiss. She left uncertain about this. Why did she crave this man? Maybe Kang was right power attracts her. It engulfs her entire being. She craves it, yearns for it, and now power sits in this golden throne.

"I want you." Her silk voice lets a whine out as the conqueror trails his lips down her neck. (Y/n) grinds herself onto his bulge. He could not wait any longer. The way her (e/c) eyes tease him. "I need you." She gaped as Kang ripped her shirt off.

"You are so beautiful," Kang whispered unclipping her bra. "Fuck." He licked over (Y/n)'s hard nipples. The way she grinds onto his erection had Kang seeing stars. She pulled at his robes and in a quick snap of his fingers they are off.

"Damn." She whispered unable to pull her eyes from his chest. The Conqueror had abs. She traced them with her fingers. His arms had large muscles. (Y/n) left her cunt clench around nothing. His physique was perfect.

"Do you like what you see?" He purred roughly drawing her closer so their bare chests are pressed together. "I am all yours." He pulled (Y/n)'s skin-tight bottoms down along with her panties. "So wet already. We have just met and you are so fucking horny. How long has it been?... Since you have been pleasured by a real man?" Kang whispered pressing two large fingers into her wet pussy. A sigh of relief escaped her cherry-red lips. He moved them in and out slowly. This allowed (Y/n) to adjust to large fingers than her own small digits. Soon Kang's fingers thrust faster, rougher, and deep causing her to moan loudly.

"Ah- Fuck! Ngh~ Oh Kang." She cried tossing her head back. Kang his every spot just right. As if he knew her body already. Where to kiss her neck and how to rub (Y/n)'s spot deep inside her wet cunt. "I need you. Inside of mem" Her words are straight to the point. Kang chuckled and pulled his large cock out.

"Are you ready my dear? I won't hold back." He asked rubbing the tip against her entrance.

"Yes, Kang. Fucking use me." (Y/n) moaned loudly sliding down onto his erection. "So thick." She pants as his cool stretched her out. Kang did not wait any longer. He began thrusting up into her tight cunt. She took him so well.

"Mmm~ Fuck you are so tight." Kang pants watching his cock thrust in and out. She kissed him deeply moving up and down to match his thrusts up. The sounds of their sex filled his throne room.

"Im gonna cum." She whispers.

"Then come for me, goddess." He bites down on her neck. (Y/n) cried out softly clenching his cock as she orgasmed. Kang soon followed filling her cunt with his seed.

"Damn." He sighed rubbing her sides. "You are perfect."

"You are so evil. But I love it." (Y/n) leans down kissing him.

[poetsinnyc]

I JUST REALIZED I NEVER DID AN INTRO

here it is (overdue ngl)

Name: Rey Gender: Female 🐸 MBTI: ENTP-A Sexuality: ✨a bi queen ✨ (just like dalton) Relationship status: married to neil perry/bi-myself Nationality: Malaysian Languages: English, but I can string together enough Spanish, Malay and Chinese to make a few coherent sentences Fandoms: Dead Poets Society, Over the Garden Wall, Brooklyn 99, Percy Jackson, Rick and Morty, a bunch of Webtoons, Bo Burnham (if he counts), Star Wars, Beetlejuice, Suits (off the top of my head but will likely be editing this) Music: I'll always be a die hard Beatles and Fujii Kaze fan, but I find myself branching out more into TV Girl, Her's, Jomm, Wallows, Kyuuwaii, Jazz Emu, Keshi and Kenshi Yonezu (though I'm sure there will be more to come) Hobbies: I love reading, socialising, listening to music, writing poetry Also debate (very obsessed) and model united nations (VETO) I love to run and dance and sing when i have time even though I don't practice my ballet nearly as much as my teacher would like me to I also like researching random things and I LOVE discussing politics, philosophy, entomology, astronomy, quantum physics and economics (though there are gaps in my knowledge that I am eager to fill) I also like watching movies and interpreting the crap out of stuff (it's too many hobbies but ITS MY BLOG MY RULES MUAHAHHAA) So I'm currently in my final year of highschool and at my fucking limit 🎀 Trying to get through life after losing sm people that I'm not sure whether I'm the same anymore Extremely stressed but hey! I persist!

lastly; please please please text me I know I've put this on my blog before but I really love talking to people (PhD in yapology and certified yapper) so literally hit me up I will get back to you in 1-3 business days Carpe Diem !!

[lavendermoon48]

INTRO POST

hello i'm lavendermoon, but you can call me luna or rey

my pronouns are she/her (although i'm vaguely having a gender crisis but whatever) and im a minor

i think i'm autistic but i don't have a diagnosis

i mostly post fandom related content and art so yea. sometimes i do science things related to my hyperfixations

DMs are open and you can always send asks

things i like

the color purple

stars ⭐️

sleeping

softball/baseball

my hair

drawing

writing

cats

dogs

SQUIRRLS

sparkling water

lemon

math :3

physics

quantum physics

science in general tbh

greek mythology

fun facts

i walk on my tip toes

i love musicals

im learning how to crochet

i freaking hate ELA

i pick at my finger skin

i bake food sometimes

i have a crap ton of OCs

they also are part of an intracit story

i'm an ace lesbian

fandoms

murder drones

the owl house 

omori

epic the musical

the amazing digital circus (IK THE FANDOM IS SCARY BUT I LIKE THE SHOW)

school bus graveyard

marionetta

bluey

smokeebee

percy jackson/riodanverese (yes i'm still reading the books i have finished yet

ramshackle 

dragon prince

hazbin hotel/helluva boss (this fandom is also kinda scary but i enjoy the shows)

lacey games 

chikin nuggit

amphibia

pokemon

carmen sandeigo

gravity falls

deltarune/undertale

ddlc

fnaf

amanda the adventurer

hooky 

animal crossing

my little pony

ghost eyes

ninjago

funtime phobia

steven universe

spiderverse

heartstopper

stardew valley 

voltron

portal

not even bones

coraline

and maybe more i'm forgetting

my main hyperfixations rn

murder drones

omori

epic the musical

sbg

marionetta

smokeebee :3

DNI IF

you're a proshipper

you have explicit NSFW content (i don't wanna see that kinda stuff)

you're homophobic

you're transphobic

you're racist

you're sexist

or just discriminatory

anyways thank you so staying i love you BYEEEEEEE :3

[thestateoflivvyslacecoat]

One thing i think we all need to be reminded of is that your responsibilities here in your cr do not affect weather you can shift on a certain day or weather you can shift at all. You CAN shift no matter what you have to do tomorrow or in a week's time. You CAN shift despite the fact that you have school or plans the next day. These things DO NOT MATTER AT ALL. Now go shift you silly Billy's.

[karizard-ao3]

My reactions to Evangelion episode 20: Weaving a Story 2: Oral Stage

I am getting progressively more nervous with each episode. What is going to happen to my beloved Shinji? He's had doomed vibes pretty much from the start but I knew he'd at least make it to the last episode. Now I'm almost theres and I am so scared for him.

Angels have the S2 drive which sounds man-made which has me continuing to think NERV is responsible for the Angels. And now an EVA has ingested one and become emancipated.

Of course they have a backup command center.

A strange feeling at the command center?

Central Dogma is exposed.

Where is Adam?

So Kaji has been helping Gendo to make Unit 1 go rogue? I mean, I'm not surprised. He's two-timing everyone.

Shinji vanished! Is he in the Dirac sea?

No, he was assimilated by the Eva.

An Eva is a human or a human-like being infused with the will of a human, but copied from something they found in the Anarctic. So they are directly connected to the events of the second impact. That makes sense. I wasn't sure if they had Evas back then or not. I had kind of thought Evas may have contributed to the Second Impact but it seems they are a result of it

Rei is alive.

Asuka, sheesh! She's beating herself up.

Shinji is in a quantum state. The water inside is a primordial soup

They're going to reconstruct his body and put his mind in it.

I agree that Gendo is your biggest enemy. Or is he?

Flashback to Rei.

He already knew about the Evas! That's why he ran away!

He's been in there 30 days. God.

So something like this happened before? But the experiment to save the pilot failed.

It's interesting that he's talking to Rei so much in his dream state. What does she represent for him? Is it because of the dummy plug?

He pilots the Eva because it makes people treat him kindly.

God, he breaks my heart.

And now he's thinking about sex.

His mom.

Shinji's empty suit :(

So is Rei his twin sister then? Did they split up the kids?

Shinji is back! His mother saved him once again.

Does Ritsuko mean she has a secret lover?

Misato and Kaji oh ho ho

She's using her feminine wiles to get info from him, eh?

What's the pill?

In Conclusion

I continue to be mystified. I don't really get how Shinji was absorbed unless it's some weird function of the S2 drive. I mean, Base 2 also vanished. Perhaps they are also all trapped in a quantum state.

I see the next episode is the birth of NERV. That seems promising.

I wonder who got absorbed last time and are they in the Eva with Shinji? Or was it even the same Eva?

Yeah, I don't have a lot rn. I suspect over the next few episodes I'm not going to have as much to say. We're getting to the part where I really need to absorb what I'm watching, I think. We'll see, though!

[marvelsfavoriteuncle]

The Time Hesitant // Endgame Blurb ⏳

When Jason knew about the so called time heist, he scoffed at the notion of being able to do such a thing. Build a Time Machine?! To bring everyone back together and return what they lost?

He thought he was having a stroke.

He shook his head ‘no’ as him and Tony shared a few looks. Rei was sitting down on the edge of the steps listening, rolling his eyes. Morgan was in her father’s arms with no real idea of what was happening at the moment, god she was so innocent and kind…

Natasha sighed, as Steve, Scott and others chatted with the group.

//

That same night, Tony was doing the dishes as his uncle sat down sipping a glass of wine. Most of everyone was asleep or awake upstairs, well no Pepper was outside watching the stars for a bit before coming back inside to join them.

“What’s the plan?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you think I should do this?”

“Tony…”

“JJ I need you to be honest with me on this one. What should I do here?”

“Well knowing you, your mind already started tinkering around with the concept since they brought it up..I um..”

“Um what? I need your advice here.”

“…to be honest, I am scared about this situation because what if something goes wrong…I mean, it’s time travel we’re dealing with.”

“It won’t.”

Said a voice, that clearly belonged to Rei who muttered that he couldn’t quite sleep without a glass of water. But they all knew he was thinking about Scotty’s idea from earlier. Both men looked up at him, wanting to search his mind for what he was wondering.

“..it won’t. But yeah, there is a chance that something might switch up on us, even though I am convinced that we can crack this.” Rei said, taking a sip of water noticing the odd looks and added, “What? Any chance to see my friends screw up a time travel machine is a win for me.”

That made Jason crack a smile. Rei could already imagine Natasha, Rochelle, Steve, Rick and even Bruce screwing up Scott’s experimental idea.

Tony already was working on a blueprint in his own head about the traveling equipment and any math he needs to do. He knew his son was thinking the same thing. Hell, he knew Rei misses his boyfriend Peter Parker as well.

Jason spoke up, “Here’s what we can do. Bring back only what we lost, no mirror changes. The Pym Particles are completely separate from our pay rate, so if we mess up, someone could get stuck in the Quantum Mechanics of it all. So have to think wisely about this..”

“We build the equipment needed, like bracelets or something to keep us from slipping or get stuck somewhere..” Rei says, rubbing his hands together having an idea for it.

“Clever! Yeah that can work, and we will need suits for the rest of the gang.” Tony added nodding, “Gentlemen, let’s pack.”

The rest of the night, the trio stayed up late packing up equipment and getting the systems for the machine ready.

However as they hit the jackpot cracking the code, Rei loudly said, “Shit.”

In return a tiny voice repeated his words loudly enough for him and his father to hear, his uncle snorted in surprise as Morgan sat on the step smiling softly. They wondered what was she doing out of bed this late at night, Jason raised an eyebrow at his granddaughter who cheeky smiled. She quickly asked what was going on, resulting in Tony repeating the bad boy and Morgan gave him a look that said ‘Seriously?’

They all took a break as Morgan suggested juice pops, joining in on her idea. Jason was downstairs with Pepper trying to take his mind off things, but he could hear Morgan’s giggle at her big brother and father.

Pepper rubbed his shoulders, “Hey, what’s going on?”

“You know, stuff racking my brain. The usual.” He responded.

“Yeah, you wanna tell me about it?”

He took Pepper’s hand and softly pressed a kiss to her palm, thanking her heart for taking time to listen to him. She smiled at her uncle-in-law and gave his hand a squeeze.

“Just wondering if theses last few years were a hiccup in terms for a bigger plan in mind…I mean, let’s face it, we got lucky here. Many people did not..there are days where I forgot what happened..” Jason said, sighing.

“Because we created a safe space for us to breathe and be away from the city..” Pepper explained with a soft tone, “I think it’s one of the best decisions we ever made to be honest.”

“Tell me about. We’re growing fruits and vegetables outside our window, it’s a blessing…but it doesn’t matter if we’re still missing our family..our friends..”

“I heard what was said outside. It’s a stretch to do that, but it seems worth trying..I miss Liz, Hill and the others, everyone does..”

“And if we fail?”

“At least we know you guys tried..you’re tried, get some rest, please.”

Years ago, he would’ve said he wasn’t tired at all but to be fair, he was exhausted. Jason was exhausted, nervous and overwhelmed by the fact that this might be the craziest thing he has done yet. He was just as sick to his stomach that something might to wrong. He has been time travel movies, he knew something could swing left field and they might have to rehearse things before they jump into those suits tomorrow.

Do a test drive for the machine, make sure everyone was aware of the risks, they have eaten and had enough energy to make this decision work out to their advantage. That meant they would have to hit the books too.

Fingers crossed.

Think positive thoughts.

He said goodnight to Pepper and went off to bed, staring at the ceiling before his eyes drifted off to sleep. He only hoped for the best for this trip, maybe he could even get a good nights rest too…

—//—

Ahh yes there is more! Hope you like it, let me know what you think about it in the comments below

Tags: @missstrawbs2001 @gcthvile @gaminggirlsstuff @sherloquestea @cherrysft @rickb-chaos @meiramel @savemewattpad

[gardenofkore]

Vere novo , priori jam mutato consilio , Alienora virgo regia , insignis facie , sed prudentia & honestate prestantior , futura Regina Sicilie , atque cum ea Nymphe obsequiis apte regalibus , accepta benedictione parentum , ab urbe Neapoli gloriosas discessit , per Calabriam , propter maris tedium , usque Regium iter agens : quam discedentem Neapolitane matres , quantum spectantes oculi capere potuerunt , effusis pre gaudio lacrimis affequute sunt.

Gregorio Rosario, Bibliotheca scriptorum qui res in Sicilia gestas sub Aragonum imperio retulere, I, p.456-457

Eleonora was born in Naples in the summer of 1289 as the tenth child (third daughter) of Carlo II lo Zoppo of Anjou, King of Naples, Count of Anjou and Maine, Count of Provence and Forcalquier, Prince of Achaea, and of Maria of Hungary.

Nothing, in particular, is known about her childhood, which she must have spent with her numerous siblings in the many castles of the Kingdom.

She is first mentioned in a Papal bull dated 1300 in which Boniface VIII annulled the marriage of 10 years-old Eleonora to Philippe de Toucy, Prince of Antioch and Count of Tripoli, (the contract had been signed the year before) on account of the bride’s young age and the fact that family hadn’t asked for the Pope’s dispensation.

Two years later, there were discussions of a match with Sancho, the second son (and later successor) of Jaume II of Majorca, but the engagement never occurred.

Finally, in 1302, Eleonora’s fate was sealed. On August 31st 1302 the Houses of Anjou-Naples and of Barcelona signed the Peace of Caltabellotta, which ended the first part of the War of the Sicilian Vespers and settled (or tried to) the problem of which House should have ruled over Sicily. Following this treaty, the old Norman Kingdom’s territory (disputed between the French and Spanish born ruling houses) was to be divided into two parts, with Messina Strait as the ideal boundary line. The peninsular part, the Kingdom of Sicily, now designed as citra farum (on this side of the farum, meaning the strait, later simply known as the Kingdom of Naples ), and the island of Sicily, renamed the Kingdom of Trinacria, designed as ultra farum (beyond the farum).

The Peace of Caltabellotta stipulated that Angevin troops should evacuate the island, while the Aragonese ones should leave the peninsular part. Foundation of the peace would have been the marriage between princess Eleonora of Anjou and King Federico III (or II) of Sicily (���e la pau fo axi feyta , quel rey Carles lexava la illa de Sicilia al rey Fraderich, que li donava a Lieonor, qui era e es encara de les pus savies chrestianes, e la millor qui el mon fos, si no tant solament madona Blanca, sa germana, regina Darago. E lo rey de Sicilia desemparava li tot quant tenia en Calabria e en tot lo regne: e aço se ferma de cascuna de les parts, e que lentredit ques llevava de Sicilia; si que tot lo regne nach gran goig." in Ramon Muntaner, Crónica catalana, ch. CXCVIII). The pact dictated also that once Federico had died, the two kingdoms would be reunited under the Angevin rule. This clause won’t be fulfilled.

The bridal party had to wait until spring 1303 before setting off for her new country since sea storms had damaged part of the fleet and thus delayed the departure. The voyage had cost 610 ounces, where the Florentine bankers Bardi and Peruzzi were asked to advance the payment, and the groom pledged to repay them 140 ounces.

By May 1303, Eleonora and her companions arrived in Messina where she was warmly welcomed and where on Pentecost, May 26th, of the same year she got married to Federico in Messina’s Cathedral (“E a poch de temps lo rey Carles trames madona la infanta molt honrradament a Macina, hon fo lo senyor rey Fraderich, qui la reebe ab gran solemnitat. E aqui a Macina, a la sgleya de madona sancta Maria la Nova, ell la pres per muller e aquell dia fo llevat lentredit per lola la terra de Sicilia per un llegat del Papa, qui era archebisbe, que hi vench de part del Papa, e foren perdonats a tot hom tots los pe cats quen la guerra haguessen feyts: e aquell dia fo posada corona en lesta a madona la regina de Sicilia, e fo la festa la major a Macina que hanch si faes.” in Ramon Muntaner, Crónica catalana, ch. CXCVIII).

After the wedding, most of the bridal party returned to Naples, while the newlyweds proceeded to Palermo.

On July 14th 1305 Eleonora gave birth to the heir, who was called Pietro in honour of the child’s paternal grandfather, Pere III of Aragon. To celebrate his son’s birth, Federico III gifted his bride of Avola castle and the surrounding land, to which will be added the city of Siracusa (in 1314), Lentini, Mineo, Vizzini, Paternò, Castiglione, Francavilla and the farmhouses in Val di Stefano di Briga. This gift would mark the creation of the Camera reginale, which would become the traditional wedding present given to Sicilian Queen consorts, and eventually would be abolished in 1537.

Including Pietro, she would give birth to nine children: Costanza (1304 – post 1344), future Queen consort of Cyprus, Armenia and Princess consort of Antiochia; Ruggero (born circa in 1305 - ?) who would die young; Manfredi (1306-1317) first among his brothers to hold the title of Duke of Athens and Neopatras; Isabella (1310-1349) Duchess consort of Bavaria; Guglielmo (1312-1338) Prince of Taranto and heir to the Duchy of Athens and Neopatras following the death of his brother; Giovanni (1317-1348) Duke of Randazzo, Count of Malta, later also Duke of Athens and Neopatras and Regent of Sicily; Caterina (1320-1342) Abbess of St. Claire Nunnery in Messina; Margherita (1331-1377) Countess Palatine consort of the Rhine.

Through these donations Eleonora became a full-fledged vassal, and had to pay homage to her husband the King. Thanks to official documents, we get the idea that Eleonora tried to manage her lands as much personally as she could do, naming herself vicars, administrators, and granting tariff reductions. Federico indulged his wife as much as he could, although in some cases (like the management of the city of Siracusa) his will was the only one taken into account.

Despite almost every time she was unsuccessful, Eleonora fully embraced her role as mediator between the Aragonese and Angevins. For example, in 1312 her brother-in-law, King Jaume II of Aragon, asked her to dissuade her husband (Jaume’s brother) to ally himself with the Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich VII of Luxembourg since this alliance could generate new friction with the Angevin Kingdom, as well as with the Papacy (with the risk of stalling the Aragonese occupation of Sardinia). After the King of Aragon, it was Pope Clemente’s turn to ask Eleonora to convince Federico to make peace with Roberto of Anjou. In both cases, though, her conciliatory efforts didn’t work.

In 1321 she witnessed her son Pietro being associated to the throne and thus crowned in Palermo (“Anno domini millesimo tricentesimo vicesimo primo, dum Johannes Romanus Pontifex contra Fridericum Regem, & Siculos propter invasionem bonorum Ecclesiarum precipue fulminaret, Fridericus Rex primogenitum suum Petrum, convenientibus Siculis, coronavit in Regem, & patris obitum, inopinatum premetuens, & ut filius qui purus videbatur & simplex, ab adoloscentia regnare cum patre affuesceret patrisque regnando vestigiis inhereret […]” in Gregorio Rosario, Bibliotheca scriptorum ..., I, p. 482). Pietro’s coronation publicly violated the Treaty of Caltabellotta (as the Kingdom should have returned to the House of Anjou), causing the pursuing of warfare between Naples and Palermo. Once again Eleonora’s attempts at peace-making failed miserably, with her nephew, Carlo Duke of Calabria, refusing to even meet her in 1325, after he had successfully raided the outskirts of Messina.

The Queen didn’t have much luck in internal policy too as she failed to appease her husband and her protegé, Giovanni II Chiaramonte. After gravely wounding Count Francesco I Ventimiglia of Geraci (his brother-in-law and one of the King’s trustees), all that Eleonora could do was advise Chiaramonte to flee to avoid the death penalty.

Nevertheless, the Pope still hoped to use the Queen (who, at that time and alone in her Kingdom,  was exempted from the Papal interdict) as mediator with her husband, promising to lift the excommunication in exchange for Federico’s backing down. Once again nothing happened.

On June 25th 1337 Federico III died near Paternò. He was buried in Catania since it was too hot for the body to be transported to Palermo (“Feretrum humeris nobiliores efferunt. Adsunt Regii filii, proceresque Regni. Exequias Regina, illustribus comitata matronis, prosequitur.” in Francesco Testa, De vita, et rebus gestis Federici 2. Siciliæ Regis, p.225). After the death of her husband, the now Dowager Queen turned to religion, following the example of those in her family who had consecrated themself to Christ (“At Heleonora certiorem fe de illa consolandi rationem inivit. Ipsa enim , ut Rex excessit e vita, ei, qui omnis consolationis fons est, fese in Virginum collegio Franciscanæ familiæ Catinæ devovit; in hoc Catharinan , & Margaritam filias imitata, quæ in ætatis flore, falsis terrestribus, contemptis bonis, Christ, cui fervire regnare est, in sacrarum Virginum Messanensi Collegio, de Basicò dicto, ejusdem Franciscanæ familiæ fese consecrarant; quod Collegium posteaquam Catharina fancte gubernavit, sanctitatis opinione commendata deceffit” in Francesco Testa, De vita..., p.226).

If Eleonora might have hoped to exert some kind of influence as many other Queen mothers did in the past and would do in the future over their weak-willed royal children, she would soon realize she had a powerful rival in the new Queen consort, her daughter-in-law, Elisabetta of Carinthia. Like Eleonora, the new Queen supported the Latin faction (a group of Sicilian noblemen who opposed the Aragonese rulership over Sicily, hoping the island would be returned under the influence of the Angevins instead). But, while Elisabetta had managed to raise the Palizzis to the highest positions at court, her mother-in-law still supported the Chiaramonte, making it possible for the exiled Giovanni II to return to Sicily, be pardoned by the King and see all his goods be returned. Soon though Chiaramonte resumed his personal feud against the Ventimiglia (also part of the Latin faction) and once again Eleonora's attempt to bring peace failed miserably. Only through Grand Justiciar Blasco II d'Alagona's intervetion, the crisis was averted.

In 1340, the Dowager Queen made a last attempt to appease the new Pope, Benedict XII. Unfortunately, the Sicilian envoys sent to Avignon to take an oath of vassalage (since Norman times Sicily theoretically belonged to the Papacy, who granted it to the Sovereigns who acted as Papal Legates) were treated roughly by the Pope, who declared Roberto of Anjou (Eleonora's brother) as Sicily's legitimate King.

Deeply distraught, the Dowager Queen resolved to definitely retire from public life. She spent what it remained on her life visiting the monastery of San Nicolo' d'Arena (Catania), joining the monks in their religious life. She died in one of the monastery's cells on August 10th 1341. Her body would be buried in the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi all'Immacolata (Catania), the construction of which she had personally promoted in 1329 to thank the Virgin Mary for protecting the city from one of many Mount Etna's eruptions.

Sources

AMARI MICHELE, La guerra del Vespro siciliano

CORRAO PIETRO, PIETRO II, re di Sicilia in Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, Vol. 83

DE COURCELLES JEAN BAPTISTE PIERRE JULLIEN, Histoire généalogique et héraldique des pairs de France: des grands dignitaires de la couronne, des principales familles nobles du royaume et des maisons princières de l'Europe, Vol. XI,

FODALE SALVATORE, Federico III d’Aragona, re di Sicilia, in Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, Vol. 45

GREGORIO ROSARIO, Bibliotheca scriptorum qui res in Sicilia gestas sub Aragonum imperio retulere, I,

KIESEWETTER ANDREAS, ELEONORA d'Angiò, regina di Sicilia, in Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, Vol. 42

de MAS LATRIE LOUIS, Histoire de l'île de Chypre sous le règne des princes de la maison de Lusignan. 3

MUNTANER RAMON, Crónica catalana

Sicily/naples: counts & kings

TESTA FRANCESCO, De vita, et rebus gestis Federici 2. Siciliæ Regis