Who kills Aeris?

Who Kills Aeris?

Aeris Gainsborough, a beloved character in the iconic video game Final Fantasy VII, meets a tragic end in the game’s first disc. Her death is a pivotal moment in the story, and many fans have debated who is responsible for her demise. In this article, we’ll delve into the events leading up to her death and examine the theories surrounding her killer.

Direct Answer

Aeris is killed by Sephiroth, the game’s main antagonist. Sephiroth, who was once a member of SOLDIER, has become obsessed with gaining godlike powers and controlling the planet. He sees Aeris as a threat to his plans and decides to eliminate her.

The Events Leading Up to Her Death

Aeris, who possesses the ability to communicate with the planet, discovers that Sephiroth is planning to use the Black Materia to summon Meteor, a powerful entity that will destroy the planet. She decides to stop him and sets out to the Forgotten City, where the Black Materia is kept.

Cloud and his friends, including Barret, Tifa, and Red XIII, follow Aeris to the Forgotten City. They find her praying at an altar, unaware of the danger that lurks nearby. Sephiroth appears, and in a shocking turn of events, he stabs Aeris through the back, killing her.

Theories Surrounding Her Killer

While Sephiroth is the direct cause of Aeris’ death, some fans have proposed alternative theories. Here are a few:

• Jenova: Some believe that Jenova, a parasitic alien creature that controls Sephiroth’s actions, is the true killer. According to this theory, Sephiroth is merely a puppet under Jenova’s control.
• Hojo: Dr. Hojo, a scientist who experimented on Cloud, has been accused of being involved in Aeris’ death. Some fans believe that Hojo manipulated Sephiroth into killing Aeris as part of his own twisted plan.

Why Sephiroth Killed Aeris

Sephiroth killed Aeris for several reasons:

• She was a threat to his plans: Aeris’ ability to communicate with the planet made her a threat to Sephiroth’s plans to summon Meteor and control the planet.
• She was a symbol of hope: Aeris represented hope and light in a world dominated by darkness and despair. Sephiroth, who had lost his own sense of purpose, saw her as a threat to his own existence.
• He was consumed by his own ego: Sephiroth’s ego and desire for power consumed him, leading him to make rash decisions and ignore the consequences of his actions.

Conclusion

Aeris’ death is a pivotal moment in Final Fantasy VII, and her killer, Sephiroth, is a complex and conflicted character. While some fans may propose alternative theories, the evidence suggests that Sephiroth was the direct cause of her death. Her death serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of Sephiroth’s actions and the sacrifices that must be made to stop him.

Additional Resources

• Final Fantasy VII Official Strategy Guide (Prima Games)
• Final Fantasy VII: The Complete Guide (Gamers’ Republic)
• "Final Fantasy VII: An Analysis of Sephiroth’s Character" by James A. Anderson (PDF)

Table: Key Events Leading Up to Aeris’ Death

Bullets List: Reasons Why Sephiroth Killed Aeris

• She was a threat to his plans
• She was a symbol of hope
• He was consumed by his own ego