AT Field
The physical manifestation of the soul that separates all living things.
The Absolute Terror Field, commonly known as the AT Field, is a force field used by the Angels and the Evangelions to defend themselves. In the original animated work, the Evangelions are mechas that possess a force field called an AT Field, which the Angels also use to defend themselves. The AT Field is a metaphysical barrier that separates one soul from another, defining physical existence and preventing matter from merging freely.
- Nature
- Metaphysical Barrier
- Origin
- Life Force / Soul
- Primary Users
- Angels, Evangelions
- Function
- Defense & Existence
- Weakness
- Other AT Fields
- Visuals
- Geometric Light Structures
- Significance
- Human Instrumentality Key
Lore & Background
The AT Field is a force field that both Angels and Evangelions possess, used for defense. The Angels use their AT Fields to protect themselves, while the Evangelions, built by Nerv to counter the Angels' invasion, also possess this field. The AT Field is tied to the concept of existence and separation, as it defines the boundary of an individual soul. The ultimate significance of the AT Field lies in Human Instrumentality, a plan aiming to dissolve these barriers entirely. By removing the walls between souls, all individual consciousnesses merge into a single collective existence. This process requires overcoming the natural instinct to maintain separation, making the AT Field both the obstacle and the key to humanity's next evolutionary stage.
In Their Own Story
The AT Field is a force field used by both Angels and Evangelions for defense. In the series, the Angels repeatedly try to reach the headquarters of the special agency Nerv in the city of Tokyo-3. To counter the Angels' invasion, Nerv builds the Evangelions, mechas that possess a force field called an AT Field, which the Angels also use to defend themselves. The AT Field is a shimmering wall of light that can block attacks, and only another amplified field can pierce through it. This power is why conventional weapons are useless against them.
Reader's Guide
The AT Field represents the boundary of an individual soul, preventing physical and spiritual overlap with others. While every living being possesses a weak version that maintains their shape, Angels and Evangelions can project massive barriers capable of destroying cities. This power is why conventional weapons are useless against them; only another amplified field can pierce through. Thematically, the barrier symbolizes loneliness and the Hedgehog's Dilemma, where getting too close risks pain. During Human Instrumentality, these fields dissolve to merge all consciousness into one being. Visually, they appear as shimmering geometric patterns, often blue or purple, surrounding the entity. Understanding this mechanic is vital for following the conflict between NERV and the Angels. Pilots must synchronize with their units to maintain stability while projecting enough energy to survive. Without these shields, both pilots and machines would be instantly obliterated by enemy attacks in the battlefield.
Did You Know?
- The AT Field is a force field used by both Angels and Evangelions for defense, as stated in the source.
- The Evangelions are mechas built by Nerv to counter the Angels' invasion, and they possess an AT Field.
- The Angels use their AT Fields to defend themselves, and only another amplified field can pierce through.
- The AT Field is tied to the concept of existence and separation, defining the boundary of an individual soul.
- Human Instrumentality aims to dissolve AT Fields to merge all consciousness into a single collective existence.