In Defense of Zechs’s Symbolism

 

 

I must admit heading into this section with a bit of trepidation, as so many people have expressed their interest in my opinions of Zechs (feeling the pressure ^_-).  His character is very complex, which I suppose is half of why people like him so much.  The other half might be his hair.  Throughout the show Zechs undergoes several transformations, as he switches sides and allies in a search to find himself. 

 

I haven't read many fanfics about Zechs, so I really have nothing to argue against in this section--rather, I'm going to focus on the different stages of Zech's character through the show, and possibilities behind his thinking and motivation. 

 

Just keep in mind that most of this is my own interpretation.  With someone as complicated as Zechs, I'm sure there are many other ways of looking at him. 

 

From the beginning, what do we know about Zechs?

 

Zechs, whose real name is Milliardo Peacecraft, was born into the Peacecraft Monarchy six years before its downfall at the hands of the Federation.  Even at a young age he showed a remarkable sense of honor and fair play, as described by Pagan through a fencing flash back (Pagan was disarmed, and Zechs stopped the fight to return the weapon).  Relena was very young at the time, and it is unknown exactly what kind of relationship they had as children, other than a very cute photo of Zechs holding her.  When the Federation invaded and destroyed the Sanc Kingdom, Zechs parents were killed and he and his sister separated. 

 

At this point it is unknown what happened to Zechs for several years--the next we hear of him, he has graduated from the Lake Victoria Base as a member the Specials at the age of 13 (along with Noin).  There is no official statement of where he was up until that point, though it is implied that he and Treize have had a long acquaintance.  It may be possible that Treize, with his influential family, had some role in Zech's life at that point, though there really is no strong basis for such an assumption.  In any case, he joins the Sepcials under Treize, and is a part of that group up through part of the series.  Only Treize and Noin seem to know his true identity--he would not even tell his own sister, when they met in the Episode Zero comic (in which Zechs was 15 at the time).

 

Zechs is nothing if not noble, as demonstrated throughout the series.  He has a strong sense of fair play and loyalty, but also (in my opinion) very low self esteem.  His constant shifting of allies and beliefs clearly shows the lack of base for his charming exterior--he may claim to be honorable, but inside he festers serious doubts about his skill and way of life.

 

Why did Zechs join OZ?

 

Zechs joined OZ for the sake of getting closer to those responsible for his father's murder--the Federation.  Though technically at the time OZ (known only as the Specials) was part of the Federation, their leader Treize was also harboring vastly different ideals than his superiors.  I think a great deal of why Zechs joined OZ has to do with the fact that Treize was in charge (all romantic issues aside).  It is possible that Treize already knew, even back then, that he would one day take over the Federation, and confided in Zechs as such.  Much of Zech's dependence on fairness and justice can be linked back to his true desire of revenge for his father, and Treize was offering a perfect method--get close to the enemy and then destroy them. 

 

Zechs dons the mask at this point in his life as a means of hiding his identity.  Though the Sanq Kingdom is all but gone, it is likely that, should his identity become known, he would be surrounded quickly with enemies.  After all, he is a prince, making the disguise necessary.  Only Treize and Noin seem to know who he really is, though it is uncertain whether or not this is a matter of their own knowledge, or if Zechs confided in them.  I'm inclined to believe, however, that the former is probably the case, as Zechs never responds favorably when Treize comments on his identity.

 

This also explains to some degree Zech's ability to fight as the "Lightning Baron" without a terrible amount of guilt.  In the beginning of the series Zechs appears quite confident, even cocky, and expresses a degree of disdain and contempt for his Federation superiors: a reasonable attitude, if he believed he would one day be in a position to pass judgment.  And Treize is such an idealist that it would be easy for him to justify working for the enemy as, "I'm following Treize for now, so that we can punish them later."  Thus, Zech's personal conflict of honor versus revenge is successfully controlled during his time in OZ.  He is rationalizing his actions rather than allowing himself to feel guilt from them.

 

When does this start to change?

 

I believe that Zech's opinion of himself begins to alter after he receives the MS Tallgeese.  His skills are put to the test against a formidable machine, with the knowledge that he will be battling mobile suits that are all but invincible.  Up until this point Zechs has been hailed as a piloting genius, with almost no one above his level.  Suddenly he finds himself pitted against Gundams, whose strength is somewhat legendary.  His men are killed, his ability called into question.  And then Tallgeese, who takes the pilot to his very limits.  It's no surprise that Zechs becomes so driven in his quest to conquer the Tallgeese, as a way of proving his own worth.  He uses it as a way of battling his own uncertainty, and challenging his limitations.  For someone that has not had a truly worthy opponent in some time, this struggle helps him to remember what he is: a soldier. 

 

However, it is also this "awakening" that shows Zechs his greatest fears: death and failure.  In the beginning, Zechs could not handle the Tallgeese at its fullest because of one simple truth--he was afraid to die.  The Tallgeese, as stated by Zech's officer Otto, is a machine that was created with very little (if any) regard for the life of the pilot--it is an amazing machine capable of nearly perfect combat.  If the Tallgeese meets its match in battle, it becomes not a matter of the machine's capabilities, but the strength of the pilot (or, so the design implies.  I don't think it at all strange that the five doctors--and Howard--would create such a weapon).  This places an extraordinary burden on the pilot to overcome their limitations in order to raise its full potential, much the way the Wing Zero and Epyon Gundams do.  What Tallgeese lacks in complicated hardware like the Zero system, it makes up for in gross mechanical ability.  You must be an expert pilot to handle Tallgeese.

 

And Zechs certainly is an expert.  However, he also suffers from a lack of self esteem, brought about by his hypocritical nature.  His true purpose, revenge, has been subverted by a very aristocratic and relatively simple way of life (I say simple in reference to the fact that he has no parallel in terms of talent).  For the first time in many years, Zechs is forced to face his own death.  It reminds him of his truer purpose, and the knowledge that he cannot die, or risk shaming himself, his family, and his people.  And so, when Zechs fights against the Federation in the Sanc Kingdom, he is at last shown his truth--he is afraid to die.  Or, more appropriately, afraid to fail. 

 

In the aftermath of that episode is when we at last are treated to a full shot of Zech's face (^o^).  This is especially important--in most anime it is common for each character to have a certain recognized outfit that follows them through the series, a certain image.  Anything to change that image, then, stands out as being significant, especially when it is something so obvious as a facial mask, representing some revelation.  Zechs taking his mask off proves what the audience may have only suspected--that Zechs is a Peacecraft, Relena's brother, and is fighting for the sake of his father and country.  At last his motives are clear.  However, in the same breath, he also admits that he is unworthy of completing his set out task--he cannot reclaim his standing as head of the Peacecraft family, because of his history as a soldier.  He believes that he is tainted and unworthy of the position, thus deciding that Relena would be better suited to the task. 

 

Though Zechs has liberated his country, as he always sworn he would do, he cannot complete what may have been his father's last wishes.  And though he will go on later to master the Tallgeese, relieving that burden of insecurity, he is now left without a strong purpose.  There is nothing more he can do for his country, or himself, as the case may be.  He does not even seem all too pleased about the Sanc Kingdom's freedom, as it came at the price of not only his trusted officer and friend, but his personal goals, ended without resolve.

 

Which leaves only one purpose for him--to fight the Gundams.

 

Why is Zechs so obsessed with beating Heero?

 

Zech's battle with Heero in the first episode is the first battle of the series, and arguably the last as well (EW aside).  It is obvious that the two of them share a kind of mysterious bond the same way Heero and Relena do.  Each time they fight each other they have undergone different ordeals, have tested and changed their opinions on certain things.  Therefore, I'm going to go through each of their battles separately. 

 

First Battle--Episode 1--Heero comes to Earth

 

The first battle was a necessity.  It sets up the conflict between Zechs and Heero that will follow them throughout the series, and gives the most basic surface assessments of personality for the two of them (Heero being determined to carry out his mission against all odds and hindrances, Zechs the proud and resourceful "Lightning Baron").  At this point, there is not much animosity or feeling on Heero's end--he was simply battling an obstacle to his mission, nothing personal.  Zechs, however, takes it very personally, after losing his men in the attempted capture.  There is also an added emphasis on his part being that his opponent is a Gundam--that in itself demands a certain degree of respect.  And so, from their first meeting, Zechs somewhat admires this unknown soldier, his determination, and his skill.  At this point, however, I don't believe Zechs valued that strength as being greater than his own.  He still has something to fight for, and is precariously secure in his position as an OZ leader.  It is not until later, when tales of the other Gundams and their dangerous success reach him, that he begins to realize just how powerful his enemies are. 

 

In any case, the first battle is the start of a personal conflict, in as much as Zechs from then on decides to fight the pilot of 01 for the sake of avenging his fallen soldiers.

 

Second Battle--Episode 11--Siberia

 

Though Zechs has some degree of contact with the other Gundam pilots before this point, he does not personally engage with Heero again until the famous battle in Siberia that is not finished.  At this point he has undergone his trials with Tallgeese, his country, and himself--as was mentioned before, he has lost a great deal of what he was fighting for.  However, there is one last way that he can prove himself worthy of continuing to fight in the name of his origins--to beat the Gundams.  Though I greatly doubt Zechs was, at that time, at all interested in the battle of the colonies, the Gundam pilots are obviously some of the most skilled and determined soldiers available to test himself against.  Not only can he avenge scores of lost soldiers, but prove to himself his strength by defeating Heero. 

 

When their battle is interrupted by Lady Une's threat on the colony, Zechs is outraged.  Not only is his sense of fair play insulted and disgusted by the idea of taking the colonies hostage, but he is then unable to continue his battle.  I think it is fair to note most of Zech's motivation is not battling Heero, per say, but himself.  Lady Une's interference keeps him from finding his own answers, which is a much greater threat to his own integrity and absolution than whatever he might feel personally for the pilot he's fighting.

 

With all this in mind, Zechs is stunned to see that his enemy is a child.  Though in the Gundam world it does not seem entirely implausible for soldiers to be young--Zechs himself, after all, was a working agent at the age of fifteen.  However, at last seeing his enemy in person forces Zechs to face the reality of his situation.  Up until now he has been using the Gundams as an excuse to push himself, furthering his own honor and ideals.  Now that Heero has a face and voice, their battle becomes less objective.  To him, Heero has become more human, and most importantly, has demonstrated all the worthwhile qualities that Zechs does not see in himself. 

 

Heero is not afraid to die for the purpose, the cause that he fights for.  Though Zechs has somewhat overcome his fear of death with the help of Tallgeese, he is still uncertain as to whether or not he can overcome his limitations in terms of skill.  He has also lost sight of the selfless goal he once held.  Heero represents the kind of soldier that Zechs wishes he could be.  He admires Heero's strength, commitment, and skill just as Relena does.  This leads to his desire to fight Heero once more--not only does he still want to test himself, but he wants to understand what it is about Heero that allows him to fight without hesitation or reserve.  

 

Third Battle--Episode ?19--Antarctica

 

As was just stated, Zech's need to battle Heero stems from his desire to understand and assimilate Heero's integrity.  He does this the only way he knows how--with as much honor and respect as possible.  It is a selfish whim, in my opinion, because though he respects Heero he expresses no concern in the battle Heero is fighting.  He does not even have the courage to defy Treize directly, though judging by the amount of disgust he expresses towards Lady Une's actions in Siberia he should have.  Zechs may preach fair play and justice, but he is not so dedicated to the idea once it steps out of his personal concerns. 

 

Were Zechs truly as righteous as he seems to think he is, I don’t think he would have dragged Heero into a meaningless, dangerous battle.  He knows that Heero has more important things to do.  Heero himself appears to have no emotional connection to the battle, but views it as a necessity--paying back Zechs for salvaging his Gundam, if nothing else.  And though he responds to Zech's challenge as seriously and respectfully as a true soldier would, he has nothing to gain from it.  Heero's enemies are "those who stand before me and challenge my life."  Whether or not Zechs is able to reconcile with himself has nothing to do with his mission, or the colonies.

 

In any case, this only shows that at this point, Zechs is still acting completely in self-indulgence; as if he believes he can stop time for the sake of satisfying his own need for absolution.  This puts him directly at ends with the selfless dedication of the Gundam pilots--he is their opposite, in a way.  Not to say that Zechs is necessarily selfish--he obviously cares for Relena a great deal, and goes to great lengths to keep her safe.  However, one might also wonder at his motives in doing so.  Zechs may claim to care for Relena, but does he protect her with the knowledge that she is her sister, or that she shall be the future leader of the Peacecrafts?  Zechs has already decided that he will leave their family's legacy up to her to fulfill, which naturally leads to his duty to protect her.  Protecting Relena is another way for him to prove his worth and honor. 

 

So, in a sense, everything that Zechs does is so that he can find his own self worth.

 

After this point Zechs at last severs his ties with Treize and makes his way up into space as Millardo Peacecraft, Sanc Kingdom ambassador.  Again, he is searching for his own way of living.  He already stated that he was not fit to represent his family, and yet is still using his true name and advocating peace.  However, this does not last for long--as soon as battle begins in space, he becomes Zechs Merquise once more.  In his search for himself, Zechs becomes a hypocrite.  In one way he wishes to support his sister, his old name, his dignity--in the other, he cannot help but fight, as it is the only way he can come close to his life's meaning (remember that Zechs has lived under the ideals of Treize which state "A man finds himself through fighting battles," ep 34).  Though Zechs is able to hold up his position for some time, he knows that he is ill suited to the position of ambassador and peace advocate.  He is a soldier, and his purpose lies in fighting.

 

And so, Zechs returns to his former position as pilot.  Now that Relena has become the leader of the Sanc Kingdom, he is able to reclaim the purpose he lost earlier in the show: his desire to protect his lineage.  For some time he is able to fight, secure in the knowledge that he now has a purpose. 

 

Fourth Battle--Episode 37?--Sanc Kingdom

 

By the time Zechs and Heero meet again the Sanq Kingom has been--very recently--conquered.  Zechs flies for hours down from space only to find that the home he'd been fighting to protect has been given away by his own sister.  When he arrives he is frantic, angry, confused, and probably terrified as well.  He does not even know the true fate of his country, be it intact or in ruins.  Still, Heero is the first one he encounters.  And since both were operating under the influence of the Zero/Epyon cockpit systems, the two are drawn unwillingly into battle.

 

Having rewatched this section just recently, I found it very interesting how quickly Zechs assumes the worst.  He and Heero battle away from the city, keeping Zechs from confirming the state of his homeland.  Zechs immediately assumes that the city has been taken, and the Sanc Kingdom gone, thus destroying any meaning in his battle with Heero.  There was no reason for them to fight--I doubt either of them would have even wanted to, were they in a better state of mind.  Zechs even admits it openly.  They still fight--Zechs, because he has nothing to lose.  Again, he has lost his purpose to fight for the sake of protection; this time, however, he does not even seem to be fighting for nobility and self-actualization, as he was in Antarctica.

 

This battle is an important turn in the rivalry between Heero and Zechs--this fight, more than any other before it, is utterly devoid of meaning.  In their quest to protect the Sanc Kingdom they find themselves as enemies, struggling without purpose, without conclusion.   Unlike Antarctica, a victory on either side would not have proven anything: previously, if Zechs had won, at least he would have been able to prove his own strength to himself.  Now, however, even if he had been victorious, without the support of the country he's protecting, such an outcome would not change his situation.  This fight sets up for the final battle of the series between the two of them that, despite its lack of obvious meaning, influences the outcome of the war.  It is precisely because their fighting loses meaning that they are able to make such an impact (I'll try to explain that a little better later).

 

At the battle's conclusion, Heero and Zechs swap Gundams.  This is important inasmuch as they are now both piloting suits created by their allies.  Though by this time Zechs has long since thrown off his relation to Treize, he is still bound to him--if not by any remaining friendship or loyalty passed between them, then certainly the understanding they share.  Whether he wants to admit it or not, Zechs understands what Treize is trying to do, and I think to some degree must believe in Treize's methods as well.  He cannot shake himself completely from Treize's grasp, and at times does not even fight to.  Such is the case with Epyon--even knowing its creator he has no trouble accepting the suit.

 

Why does Zechs chose to lead White Fang?

 

Perhaps the real question is, does Zechs really care for the cause of White Fang?  To some degree, I think he must.  But at this point in the series Zechs has lost his real reason to fight--the Sanc Kingdom.  For the second time he finds himself without purpose--as a fighter, he knows only how to fight, and (as you'll read in the Treize section) has difficulty defining his identity without battle.  The only logical solution would be to find himself a new cause, and a new fight.  Quinze supplies both easily.

 

However, Zechs being such a complicated character, I don't believe this was the only reason for joining White Fang.  After having received Treize's Gundam Epyon, it's possible that, on some level, he began to understand Treize's ideals better (or simply, the direction of the war reminded him of Treize's ideals...or something to that effect).  In any case, as the war is drawing to its most critical point, one of the main themes of the show is drawn into focus: in order to throw off all war, everyone must recognize its meaningless.  In order for that to occur, it is necessary for there to be one final, devastating battle--devoid of meaning.  Only by displaying the truth of war to all people can it be eliminated.

 

Therefore, Zechs willingly takes up the position opposite Treize.  He spills out exaggerated intentions of "destroying the Earth" and "colonial freedom," just as Treize is doing on Earth, in order to incite soldiers to battle.  His goals are ultimately foolish, and I think he knows that, but in order for full peace to be obtained he cannot hold back in the slightest.  He has to make destroying Earth his intention, must honestly believe in his meaningless cause. 

 

Once the battle has ended and the people have seen how awful and pointless war is, Relena will be able to step up and lead everyone through that new era.  This is what Zechs (and Treize) believes. 

 

Fifth Battle--Episode ??--In Space

Zechs and Heero fight next in space, while the other Gundams face off against the mobile dolls (controlled by Dorothy).  This fight, again, has even less meaning than the last--it's hard to imagine that Zechs actually thought he would be able to defeat Heero in this minor confrontation.  Still, he heads off into battle without heeding the advice of his White Fang comrades. 

 

At this point I don't believe Heero fully understands what it is that Zechs is trying to do (as far as the "ultimate, meaningless battle" is concerned).  All he knows is that Zechs is continuing the war, and therefore must be killed.  For the first time Heero seems to have a real reason--or at least, motivation--to fight Zechs. 

 

The main focus of this battle is more centered around Quatre and the Zero system, so there isn't much more to say about Heero and Zechs at this point.  Simply that this is another wasted battle with no outcome, leading up to their final duel.

 

Why did Zechs fire the Libra Cannon at Earth?

 

By this time Zechs has fallen completely into the role of Treize’s design.  In order to create the final battle—the war to end war—he must become the greatest threat possible, the most devoted leader.  He must believe, in himself as well as through his actions, that he truly wishes the destruction of Earth.  That is, his attack on the Earth was meaningless and destructive—the very essence of war.  In order to force understanding into all people, they must all realize the bloody truth of battle.  For that purpose, Zechs accepts and becomes the very symbol of war.

 

Final Battle—Episode 48-49—In Space

 

The final battle between Zechs and Heero is what brings about the end of the war.  Everything I’ve been saying about their duel up to this point is confirmed through the words of Lady Une: she commands everyone to “Watch this battle” and “sense its meaninglessness.”  By becoming the essence of war, both fighters are able to stretch their feelings towards the people of Earth and space. 

 

In the end, why did Zechs sacrifice himself for the earth?

 

Despite everything that Zechs has done to “become” war, I don’t believe that in his heart he would have destroyed the Earth.  After all, he is hoping—as everyone is—for a world in which his sister can lead the people to peace.  By the time he and Heero have abandoned their fight in order to destroy Libra, their “meaningless battle” has already been played out and its impact made.  Both sides of the war had withdrawn.  Therefore, there is no need in continuing his façade.  When met with a real decision to make, Zechs chooses to save the Earth.  More than that, he wants Heero to live.  He respects Heero as a pilot, as a soldier, and as the man that helped him accomplish his duty.  Throughout their battles Heero has had firm determination; that combined with the fact that he has already sacrificed himself in the past, Zechs didn’t want to see that happen again.  Zechs has played his part—now it’s Heero’s turn to continue into the future, and protect the world they’ve created.

 

Interpretation of Zech’s Image Song

 

Tooi Yoake  (Faraway Dawn)

 

"The memories left far behind in my heart

like a broken song, will end yesterday's sorrow,

A lonely traveler wanders, searching for a true tomorrow.

 

"Everyone is searching

For a future they don't understand  - Who are you"?

 

Not only is Zech's song somewhat mystical (drifting, in a way) in terms of music, the lyrics also imply a kind of aimless, uncertain journey taking place.  Bearing the burdens of his past, Zechs is searching for tomorrow, even if he's not sure what that new era will bring.

 

"My heart is crying out, eyes are gazing at me - Who are you?

With my dreams sealed away, I only fight  ----- A far away dawn."

 

Throughout most the show Zechs believes that his only purpose is to fight--it's all that he can do for what he believes in, and therefore it shapes his identity.  But when fighting does not bring the answers he seeks, he becomes irresolute and desperate for something more. 

 

In Conclusion

 

It’s hard to say whether or not Zechs truly finds everything he was searching for during the span of the show.  He is not a man easily satisfied, especially when it comes to himself.  He is always searching for the meaning in his life, his reason for fighting.  But in the end, I think all that Zechs really needs is someone to protect.  In the beginning of the show he might have been fighting only to discover his self worth, but by immersing himself in the essence of war he is able to push aside such selfish ambitions, and focus on the strength and determination he’s had all along.