Ask John: What is Gaea?

Question:
What is Gaea and what is its significance in anime? It’s been mentioned in Appleseed, Escaflowne and Final Fantasy: The Spirit Within but they represent different things. Are there any other anime series or movies it’s been mentioned in?

Answer:
For those who are unfamiliar with ancient Greek mythology, Gaia alternately spelled Gaea, or as adopted by Roman mythology, Terra, is the Earth Mother. Personified as a woman, Gaia is the earth itself, a living, conscious being and the second living thing to come into existence following the birth of Khaos (Air).

Japanese culture has traditionally valued nature and worshiped the living spirit believed to reside in all things. Japanese Shinto religion believes that all things, from rocks to rivers to trees to animals to machines to people have souls, so naturally Japanese culture would resonate with the ancient Greek belief that the Earth itself is a nurturing female goddess. Thus Gaea, as it’s used in Japanese literature including film and anime, represents strength and life energy.