Angeal Hewley: The Legacy of a SOLDIER in Final Fantasy VII

Angeal Hewley is a pivotal character in the Final Fantasy VII universe, despite not being as widely known as Cloud Strife or Sephiroth. His influence, however, is deeply woven into the narrative of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, where he serves as Zack Fair’s mentor and friend. This article delves into the character of Angeal, exploring his background, motivations, and lasting impact on the world of Final Fantasy VII.

Who is Angeal Hewley?

Angeal is a 1st Class SOLDIER operative working for the Shinra Electric Power Company. He is known for his strong sense of honor, duty, and his iconic Buster Sword, which he later passes down to Zack Fair. Angeal’s character is defined by his internal conflict between his loyalty to Shinra and his growing disillusionment with the company’s unethical practices. He’s a complex figure, grappling with his origins and the implications of his existence.

Angeal’s Role in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

In Crisis Core, Angeal plays a crucial role as Zack’s mentor and close friend. He instills in Zack the values of SOLDIER and the importance of protecting dreams. However, the narrative takes a tragic turn when Angeal discovers the truth about his origins. He is revealed to be a genetically engineered being, created using cells from the monster Gillian Hewley, his mother. This revelation shakes Angeal to his core, leading him to question his identity and purpose.

As Angeal grapples with his newfound knowledge, he becomes increasingly conflicted. He eventually defects from Shinra, unable to reconcile his moral compass with the company’s actions. This defection puts him at odds with Zack, creating a poignant and emotional conflict between the two friends. The battle between Angeal and Zack is one of the most memorable moments in Crisis Core, highlighting the tragic circumstances that both characters face.

The Buster Sword: A Symbol of Angeal’s Legacy

The Buster Sword is synonymous with the Final Fantasy VII franchise, primarily associated with Cloud Strife. However, its origin lies with Angeal. He inherited the sword from his father and wielded it with pride. Angeal eventually passes the Buster Sword to Zack, entrusting him with its legacy. Zack, in turn, passes it on to Cloud before his untimely demise. The Buster Sword, therefore, becomes a symbol of honor, duty, and the passing of dreams from one generation to the next.

The sword itself is more than just a weapon; it represents the ideals and values that Angeal held dear. It’s a tangible representation of his influence on Zack and, subsequently, on Cloud. Every time Cloud wields the Buster Sword, he carries with him a piece of Angeal’s legacy.

Angeal’s Genetic Origins and the Project G

Angeal’s genetic origins are tied to Project G, a secret Shinra experiment aimed at creating super-soldiers. Project G was spearheaded by Dr. Hollander, who sought to surpass the success of Project S (which produced Sephiroth). Gillian Hewley, Angeal’s mother, was a key subject in Project G, and her cells were used to create Angeal. This genetic manipulation granted Angeal unique abilities, including the power to create monstrous copies of himself.

The revelation of his origins is a significant turning point for Angeal. He struggles with the implications of being a genetically engineered being and questions his humanity. This internal conflict drives much of his actions in Crisis Core and ultimately leads to his downfall. He grapples with the moral implications of his existence, and the knowledge that he is a product of Shinra’s unethical experiments.

The Impact of Angeal’s Death

Angeal’s death is a pivotal moment in Crisis Core, deeply affecting Zack and shaping his future actions. Before his death, Angeal entrusts Zack with his dreams and the Buster Sword, urging him to live a life of honor and protect those he cares about. This final act of mentorship solidifies Angeal’s legacy as a guiding force in Zack’s life.

Zack carries Angeal’s memory with him throughout the events of Crisis Core and even during his final stand against the Shinra army. The values that Angeal instilled in Zack, such as protecting dreams and upholding honor, guide Zack’s actions and ultimately define him as a hero. Even after Zack’s death, his influence extends to Cloud, who inherits both the Buster Sword and the burden of carrying on their shared legacy.

Angeal’s Wings: A Symbol of Transformation

One of the most distinctive features of Angeal is his single white wing, which manifests due to his genetic modification. This wing is not merely a visual characteristic; it represents his transformation and the internal conflict he faces. The wing symbolizes his connection to the monsters created through Project G, as well as his separation from humanity. It’s a physical manifestation of his struggle with identity and belonging.

The appearance of Angeal’s wing often coincides with moments of emotional turmoil or when he is using his powers. It serves as a visual reminder of his origins and the burden he carries. The wing also becomes a symbol of his eventual descent into despair and his transformation into a monster-like creature.

Angeal’s Influence on Cloud Strife

While Angeal never directly interacts with Cloud Strife in the original Final Fantasy VII, his influence is indirectly felt through Zack. Cloud inherits Zack’s memories and personality due to mako poisoning and Jenova cells, leading him to believe that he is Zack. As a result, Cloud also inherits aspects of Angeal’s personality and values, albeit unconsciously. This is how Angeal has an impact on the main character, Cloud, and the overall narrative.

Cloud’s strong sense of duty and his desire to protect others can be traced back to the influence of both Zack and Angeal. He carries the Buster Sword as a symbol of their shared legacy, and his actions are often guided by the values they instilled in him. In this way, Angeal’s influence extends beyond his direct involvement in the story, shaping the character of Cloud and the events of Final Fantasy VII.

Angeal Hewley in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth

The Final Fantasy VII Remake project has expanded upon the lore and backstory of several characters, and Angeal is no exception. While he doesn’t make a direct appearance in Final Fantasy VII Remake, his presence is felt through references to Zack and the Buster Sword. The game hints at the possibility of alternate timelines and realities, suggesting that Angeal’s role in the overall narrative may be further explored in future installments, such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. [See also: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Release Date]

The inclusion of Zack in the Remake’s ending sequence has sparked speculation among fans about the potential for Angeal to return in some form. Whether he appears as a memory, a vision, or even a resurrected character, his presence would undoubtedly add depth and complexity to the Remake’s narrative. The anticipation surrounding Angeal’s potential role in the Remake project highlights his enduring popularity and significance within the Final Fantasy VII universe.

The Enduring Appeal of Angeal Hewley

Angeal remains a beloved character among Final Fantasy VII fans due to his complex personality, his strong sense of honor, and his tragic backstory. His internal conflict between loyalty and morality resonates with players, making him a relatable and sympathetic figure. He is a character defined by duty and a growing awareness of corruption. Angeal is a figure who has to decide what is right in a world that is not always black and white.

His relationship with Zack is one of the most compelling aspects of Crisis Core, showcasing the importance of mentorship and the bonds of friendship. Angeal’s legacy lives on through Zack and Cloud, ensuring that his values and ideals continue to shape the world of Final Fantasy VII. The story of Angeal is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, honor and duty can guide one’s actions. He is a character who makes a lasting impact on the world of Final Fantasy VII.

In conclusion, Angeal Hewley is a vital, though often overlooked, character in the Final Fantasy VII mythos. His influence on Zack and Cloud, his internal struggles, and the legacy of the Buster Sword solidify his place as a memorable and significant figure in the franchise. The story of Angeal is a story of honor, duty, and the struggle to maintain one’s values in a world of moral compromise. Angeal is a character whose influence extends far beyond his physical presence, shaping the events and characters of Final Fantasy VII in profound ways.