Angeal Hewley: More Than Just Buster Sword – Unpacking the Legacy of Final Fantasy VII’s Angel
Nibelheim Roots and SOLDIER Aspirations
The world of *Final Fantasy VII* is populated with memorable characters, iconic weapons, and a sprawling narrative that continues to resonate with fans decades after its initial release. While figures like Cloud Strife and Sephiroth often take center stage, there exists another character, a SOLDIER of immense strength and unwavering principles, whose impact ripples through the entire saga: Angeal Hewley. Before Cloud and Zack, there was Angeal Hewley, a beacon of honor whose legacy echoes powerfully within the *Final Fantasy VII* universe. He wasn’t just a warrior; he was a mentor, a friend, and a symbol of a code that ultimately proved difficult, if not impossible, to uphold within the corrupt halls of Shinra Electric Power Company.
Angeal Hewley, a name often whispered alongside the legendary Buster Sword, deserves a deeper examination. He wasn’t merely a plot device or a stepping stone for other characters. He was a complex individual wrestling with profound moral dilemmas, a soldier grappling with his own identity as the very nature of SOLDIER was warped by experimentation and corporate greed. This article will delve into the multifaceted character of Angeal Hewley, exploring his origins, his internal conflicts, and his lasting impact on the *Final Fantasy VII* narrative and its key characters, demonstrating that his contribution extends far beyond the iconic weapon he entrusted to others.
Angeal’s story begins in the mountain village of Nibelheim, the same rural hometown as Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart. However, unlike Cloud, Angeal possessed a natural aptitude for combat and a clear ambition to join the ranks of SOLDIER, Shinra’s elite fighting force. Leaving the tranquil life of Nibelheim behind, he embarked on a journey to Midgar, driven by a desire to protect the innocent and uphold justice. His raw talent, combined with unwavering dedication, quickly propelled him through the ranks of SOLDIER, eventually earning him the prestigious title of 1st Class.
Beyond his martial prowess, Angeal was defined by his strong moral compass. He embodied the ideals of honor, duty, and loyalty, placing a high value on protecting those weaker than himself. He believed in upholding the principles of SOLDIER, even as the organization itself began to stray from its initial purpose. His famous line, “Embrace your dreams, and protect your honor as SOLDIER,” encapsulates his unwavering commitment to these values. Angeal’s sense of justice and his care for the less fortunate made him an inspiring figure within Shinra, someone genuinely admired, and a stark contrast to some of the more ruthless operatives within the company. He strived to be a true protector, a shield against the evils of the world.
Crisis Core and the Degradation’s Toll
The events of *Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII* thrust Angeal into the center of a growing crisis, a crisis that challenged his very beliefs. The outbreak of deserters within SOLDIER, coupled with the emergence of the monstrous “Degradation” phenomenon, cast a dark shadow over the organization. He found himself caught in the middle, trying to maintain order while grappling with the unsettling truth about the source of the Degradation. He quickly discovered that the degradation plaguing SOLDIER was intrinsically linked to Project G, a secret scientific endeavor tied to his friend and fellow SOLDIER, Genesis Rhapsodos.
As the truth unravels, Angeal faces a devastating revelation: he, too, is a product of Project G, imbued with Jenova cells and susceptible to Degradation. This discovery shattered his sense of self and forced him to confront the horrifying implications of Shinra’s unethical experiments. He struggled with his changing form, with the monstrous aspects of his Degraded state, and with the moral implications of his very existence. The conflict was not merely physical; it was a deeply personal battle for his identity and his humanity.
The choice to betray Shinra, or rather, to distance himself from their increasingly corrupt practices, became an act of self-preservation as well as an act of protest. He could no longer reconcile his values with the actions of the company he had dedicated himself to. This decision, though difficult, marked a turning point in his character arc. He was no longer just a soldier following orders; he was an individual fighting for his own ideals, even if it meant standing against the very institution that had defined him. He had to choose between blindly following orders, or his innate sense of right and wrong, eventually siding with the latter.
The Buster Sword: More Than Steel and Edge
Perhaps no object is as closely associated with Angeal Hewley as the Buster Sword. More than just a weapon, it served as a symbol of his legacy, his values, and his enduring influence on the *Final Fantasy VII* narrative. It wasn’t a mere tool, but a physical embodiment of his spirit.
The sword wasn’t forged in a Shinra factory. Instead, it had been passed down from Angeal’s father, making it an heirloom of immense sentimental value. Angeal often spoke of a promise he made regarding it: to wield it with honor and to protect those in need. It was a promise he lived by, and one he ultimately entrusted to Zack Fair, passing on both the weapon and the responsibility it represented.
The act of entrusting the Buster Sword to Zack was a pivotal moment. It signified the passing of the torch, the transfer of Angeal’s ideals to a younger generation. The weight of the sword represented not just physical strength, but also the burden of responsibility, the duty to uphold justice, and the courage to fight for what is right. It was more than a gift; it was a legacy, a challenge, and a testament to their bond. The sword continued its journey through Zack and eventually found its way into the hands of Cloud Strife, carrying with it the echoes of Angeal’s original promise.
Zack Fair: The Student Who Carried the Torch
Angeal played a crucial role in shaping Zack Fair’s character, serving as his mentor, his friend, and his closest confidant. He imparted not only his combat skills but also his moral values, instilling in Zack a deep sense of justice and a commitment to protecting others. Zack admired Angeal, striving to emulate his strength, his integrity, and his unwavering sense of duty.
After Angeal’s death, Zack felt the weight of Angeal’s wings—a profound sense of responsibility to carry on his mentor’s legacy. He grappled with the burden of living up to Angeal’s ideals, striving to embody the virtues that Angeal had instilled in him. The loss of Angeal fueled Zack’s determination to fight against Shinra’s corruption and to protect those who could not protect themselves. Angeal’s death became the catalyst for Zack’s transformation into a true hero. As Angeal’s final request, Zack embraced those words that shaped his and ultimately Cloud’s future: “Embrace your dreams. And, whatever happens, protect your honor. As SOLDIER.”
Cloud Strife: The Distant Inheritor
Although Cloud never directly interacted with Angeal, the latter’s influence permeated his life through Zack. The memories and ideals that Zack carried, including fragments of Angeal’s personality, subtly influenced Cloud’s own character development. Cloud, unknowingly influenced by Zack’s own admiration for Angeal, initially adopts a SOLDIER persona, a facade partially built on Angeal’s example.
The Buster Sword, the very weapon that represents Angeal’s legacy, became a symbol of Cloud’s journey. Although unaware of its full history, Cloud wielded the sword with a sense of purpose, unknowingly carrying the weight of Angeal’s and Zack’s ideals. As the *Final Fantasy VII* Remake project continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the developers will further explore the connections between Angeal, Zack, and Cloud, and whether Angeal will play a more active role in the narrative.
More Than Meets the Eye: An Underrated Hero
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his life and his ultimate fate, Angeal Hewley deserves recognition as a heroic figure. He grappled with profound moral dilemmas, made difficult choices, and ultimately sacrificed himself for the greater good. While his story is filled with pain and loss, it is also a testament to the enduring power of hope, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
His tale underscores the tragic consequences of unchecked power and unethical experimentation. He was a victim of circumstance, manipulated by forces beyond his control, yet he never lost sight of his core values. The very monstrosity he became only served to amplify his internal struggle, forcing him to confront the true meaning of humanity. He sacrificed himself to stop Genesis, freeing Zack and in some ways contributing to the eventual downfall of Shinra and Sephiroth, saving the planet.
Angeal Hewley’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even in a world of science and magic, the true battle lies within – a struggle to maintain one’s humanity in the face of overwhelming circumstances. While *Final Fantasy VII* is filled with iconic heroes and villains, it is the nuanced and ultimately tragic figure of Angeal Hewley who reminds us of the complexities of morality and the enduring power of legacy. His contribution to the wider FFVII universe extends beyond a single game. He is a integral part of what makes the story so compelling.
What does Angeal’s story tell us about the corrupting nature of power, and what does it mean to truly be a hero? The complex story of Angeal Hewley will continue to be debated for years to come as players explore the depths of the Final Fantasy VII universe.
