Antarctica
The ice-bound scar where humanity nearly ended and the Eva project began.
Antarctica stands as the frozen grave of human history in this universe, marking the location where civilization nearly ended. It is the site of Second Impact, a catastrophic event triggered by an excavation that released immense energy and reshaped the globe. Following the disaster, the continent became a forbidden zone under strict military control. This icy wasteland serves as the dark foundation for the entire Evangelion saga. Without the tragedy that occurred here, NERV would not exist, and the war against Angels might never have begun in the same way.
- Location
- Southern Hemisphere
- Cataclysm Event
- Second Impact
- Event Year
- 2001
- Current Status
- Restricted Military Zone
- Strategic Role
- Origin of Evangelion Project
Lore & Background
Decades before the main story, a research team discovered a mysterious entity buried deep within the Antarctic ice. The subsequent attempt to analyze this being resulted in an explosion of unimaginable power known as Second Impact. This event melted polar ice caps, raised sea levels globally, and wiped out half the human population. In the aftermath, powerful organizations like SEELE and NERV secured the area to hide the truth from the public. The site holds deep personal significance for Misato Katsuragi, whose mother died during the chaotic evacuation immediately following the blast. It remains a place of silence where the secrets of Adam and Lilith are buried beneath layers of snow. The continent is now heavily fortified with military installations guarding the secrets of the Human Instrumentality Project. Access is limited to high-ranking officials who understand that the ice sheet conceals not just history, but the potential key to humanity's future or final extinction.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled across the white expanse, carrying dust from a century-old catastrophe. A lone soldier adjusted his thermal goggles, staring into the crater where the world had burned. The silence here was heavier than anywhere else on Earth, pressing against the eardrums like deep water. He remembered what his grandfather whispered before dying: 'The ice remembers.' Below his boots, the frozen ground hummed with a faint, unnatural vibration. It was not just cold; it was waiting.
Reader's Guide
Antarctica serves as the grim epicenter of the Second Impact, a catastrophic event that fundamentally altered human civilization. Once a remote research frontier, the frozen continent became the stage for humanity's near-extinction when an Angel was discovered and inadvertently triggered a massive energy release. This explosion melted polar ice caps, raising global sea levels and destroying coastal cities including the original Tokyo-3. Following the disaster, the region was sealed off by military forces acting under NERV and SEELE directives. It remains one of the most heavily guarded locations on Earth, accessible only to high-ranking personnel involved in the Human Instrumentality Project. The site holds deep personal tragedy for key characters, notably Misato Katsuragi, who lost her mother during the initial evacuation chaos. Strategically, Antarctica represents the origin point of the Evangelion program itself. Without the discovery made on this ice sheet, the development of bio-mechanical weapons would not have been prioritized. It stands as a monument to humanity's hubris in seeking forbidden knowledge, reminding viewers that the war against Angels began long before the first Eva was activated. The frozen scars remain visible even decades later.
Did You Know?
- Misato Katsuragi lost her mother during the evacuation following Second Impact.
- The remains of Adam were discovered in an excavation prior to the explosion.
- Global sea levels rose significantly due to melted ice caps after the event.
- It is currently under strict NERV and SEELE control as a secret base.