Who actually killed Aerith?
When it comes to the famous video game Final Fantasy VII, one of the most debated topics is who is responsible for the death of Aerith Gainsborough, a beloved character. Despite the game’s storyline emphasizing Sephiroth’s killing, some fans have questioned if it was actually Jenova who pulled the strings, making Sephiroth act as her puppet. After analyzing the game’s cutscenes, storylines, and character developments, here’s a breakdown of what really happened.
First Direct Answer: Sephiroth Killed Aerith.
In the game’s storyline, Sephiroth is the one who appeared in the temple and impulsively killed Aerith during a ritual to summon meteorites. The scene still sends shivers down gamers’ spines. Even though Sephiroth himself was controlled by Jenova’s influence, the official narrative and gameplay events both confirm that Sephiroth was the one who lifted the Masamune to deliver the fatal blow to Aerith.
Unraveling the Mystery with Jenova’s Involvement
Jenova, the extraterrestrial being, plays a central role in the game, and her connection to the events surrounding Aerith’s death is crucial. To understand the situation, imagine a puppeteer controlling strings. In this case, Jenova was the manipulator, using Sephiroth as her puppet, while Sephiroth possessed the physical strength and coordination to carry out the death.
Cloud’s Interventions: A Tainted Perspective
Cloud’s actions during the event give rise to another perspective about Aerith’s death. Cloud, driven by Hojo’s experimentation and grief, lost control and launched a blind attack on Tifa, who was possessed by Jenova. According to the game’s flashbacks, Cloud believed himself to be possessed by someone else, but it later became clear that he struggled with his own inner thoughts and emotions. In contrast, Sephiroth appeared to be completely under Jenova’s control, explaining why he could commit actions without hesitation.
Contrasting Opinions and Debatable Points
Even with the established narrative of Sephiroth killing Aerith, some fans highlight the following points to potentially shift the blame to Jenova:
- Scene Analysis: During the cinematic scene, Sephiroth’s eyes are closed just before he impales Aerith. This detail hints that Jenova might be controlling Sephiroth on a subconscious level, prompting some to believe that he was merely a puppet manipulated by Jenova.
- Jenova’s Influence: Sephiroth would often experience moments of introspection, as if seeking directions from an unknown force before making decisions. This blurred the lines between Sephiroth’s actions and Sephiroth’s intentions versus Jenova’s control over him.
- Narrative Loopholes: Some argue that the entire storyline, including Aerith’s death, could’ve been orchestrated by Jenova to further her own destructive agenda.
The Culmination: A Compensating Perspective
In regards to the debates and controversy surrounding Aerith’s killer, it’s essential to consider the context of each scene and the game as a whole. Within the game’s narrative parameters, Sephiroth played the role of the ‘killer’ in the moments leading up to Aerith’s death. Given the circumstances, it might be challenging to argue unequivocally that Jenova was the true killer when Sephiroth’s action was the immediate cause. Regardless, the enigmatic moments and plot twists have successfully sparked a long-standing, passionate debate within the FFXV community.
It’s crucial to remember, however, that Fandom interpretations can sometimes contrast with the official narrative but still contribute to the complexity and richness of the gameplay experience. Aspects like character motivations, atmospheric tension, and narrative exploration all contribute to the enchanting world of Final Fantasy VII.
In conclusion, while there may be several theories and perspectives surrounding who killed Aerith, there is no doubt that Sephiroth initially did the deed. Jenova’s influence and control have garnered separate examinations to create captivating alternate theories, which ultimately blur the lines between reality, fiction, and interpretation, making the world of FFVII all the richer.