4 ms·

Neon is relating to "new" via neo- prefix, with -n added on because the Western idea in the 90s of Japanese aesthetic was futuristic neon. Genesis is for as be

Neon is relating to "new" via neo- prefix, with -n added on because the Western idea in the 90s of Japanese aesthetic was futuristic neon. Genesis is for as beginning to the new era. It's etymology is Greek for "origin, creation, generation" which is a sort of an "era". Plus a looser translation provides the extra wordplay and thematic heft with the Angels due to Genesis being first book of the Bible. Not a translator but I write a lot of poetry, and that's what would be going through my mind as I see the difference between the literal translation and the English decision and the additional capabilities this translation gives. In my mind, the initial translator 100% intended this "gap", which is less a gap and more of an additional layering.

nine_k 2y ago
BTW neon the gas was called so because it was a new discovery (in a well-searched area, the composition of air). The name basically means "a new something", neuter gender, could be "lo nuevo" in Spanish or "das neue" in German. Since "evangelion" and "genesis" clearly are taken from Greek, so was apparently "neon".
Telemakhos 2y ago
They're both ancient Greek, but different grammatical genders: neon (νέον) is neuter, while γένεσις is feminine. Better might have been "nea genesis" if those two words were to be interpreted together. But, "evangelion" (εὐαγγέλιον) is also Greek and neuter, meaning the gospel, good news, or a reward owed a messenger for his good news. I always figured the "new" of "neon" belonged with the "evangelion," and "genesis" was just kind of hanging around for no particular reason.
- stonesthrowaway 2y ago
  > They're both ancient Greek They are both modern english words even if they have roots in ancient greek. > but different grammatical genders: neon (νέον) is neuter, while γένεσις is feminine. νέον and γένεσις are gendered but neon and genesis are not.
GolDDranks 2y ago
Oh, I 100% agree that the translator intended the "gap", and the original creators approved of it. However, what was not clear, was whether the director Anno Hideaki had in mind the primary(?) meaning of genesis, as in creation of the world, when he was sketching the original plot of the TV series and the translation title wasn't ostensibly decided upon yet. But in the re-make movie whose plot extended beyond the original series, it's clear he absolutely had that meaning in mind. That made having the title drop a cathartic experience. It felt like it wasn't 100% planned out, but rather a happy accident turned into a bit of a nod towards the global audiences, while still having the "the meaning was there all along" vibes.

nine_k 2y ago

BTW neon the gas was called so because it was a new discovery (in a well-searched area, the composition of air). The name basically means "a new something", neuter gender, could be "lo nuevo" in Spanish or "das neue" in German. Since "evangelion" and "genesis" clearly are taken from Greek, so was apparently "neon".

Telemakhos 2y ago

They're both ancient Greek, but different grammatical genders: neon (νέον) is neuter, while γένεσις is feminine. Better might have been "nea genesis" if those two words were to be interpreted together. But, "evangelion" (εὐαγγέλιον) is also Greek and neuter, meaning the gospel, good news, or a reward owed a messenger for his good news. I always figured the "new" of "neon" belonged with the "evangelion," and "genesis" was just kind of hanging around for no particular reason.

stonesthrowaway 2y ago
> They're both ancient Greek They are both modern english words even if they have roots in ancient greek. > but different grammatical genders: neon (νέον) is neuter, while γένεσις is feminine. νέον and γένεσις are gendered but neon and genesis are not.

GolDDranks 2y ago

Oh, I 100% agree that the translator intended the "gap", and the original creators approved of it. However, what was not clear, was whether the director Anno Hideaki had in mind the primary(?) meaning of genesis, as in creation of the world, when he was sketching the original plot of the TV series and the translation title wasn't ostensibly decided upon yet. But in the re-make movie whose plot extended beyond the original series, it's clear he absolutely had that meaning in mind. That made having the title drop a cathartic experience. It felt like it wasn't 100% planned out, but rather a happy accident turned into a bit of a nod towards the global audiences, while still having the "the meaning was there all along" vibes.