[012]
Cryocene
Current Version
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\".
As far as we can tell, there are already multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH who explicitly controls a specific cosmology/continuity consisting of their own subsets of universes, like Devil Survivor 2’s Canopus, Digital Devil Saga’s Brahman, and of course... the Great Will, or Wills, seeing as it is apparent there are more than one.
Any being on their level can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of all existence, and the Great Will mentioned in SMTII, SMTIII and SJ might as well be distinct but similar entities unrelated to each other who happen to share the same name and title.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\".
As far as we can tell, there are already multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH who explicitly controls a specific cosmology/continuity consisting of their own subsets of universes, like Devil Survivor 2’s Canopus, Digital Devil Saga’s Brahman, and of course... the Great Will, or Wills, seeing as it is apparent there are more than one.
Any being on their level can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of all existence, and the Great Will mentioned in SMTII, SMTIII and SJ might as well be distinct but similar entities unrelated to each other who happen to share the same name and title.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\".
As far as we can tell, there are already multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH who explicitly controls a specific cosmology/continuity consisting of their own subsets of universes, like Devil Survivor 2’s Canopus, and Digital Devil Saga’s Brahman.
Any being on their level can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of all existence, and the Great Will mentioned in SMTII, SMTIII and SJ might as well be distinct but similar entities unrelated to each other who happen to share the same name and title.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\".
As far as we can tell, there are already multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH who explicitly controls a specific cosmology/continuity consisting of their own subsets of universes, like Devil Survivor 2’s Canopus, and Digital Devil Saga’s Brahman.
Any being on their level can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of all existence, and the Great Will mentioned in SMTII, SMTIII and SJ might as well be distinct but similar entities unrelated to each other who happen to share the same name and title.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\".
As far as we can tell, there are already multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH who explicitly controls a specific cosmology/continuity consisting of their own subsets of universes, like Devil Survivor 2’s Canopus, and Digital Devil Saga’s Brahman. Any being in their level can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of all existence, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ (each of which are separate continuities).
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\".
As far as we can tell, there are already multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH who explicitly controls a specific cosmology/continuity consisting of their own subsets of universes, like Devil Survivor 2’s Canopus, and Digital Devil Saga’s Brahman. Any being in their level can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of all existence, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ (each of which are separate continuities).
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will being in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect YHVH or Great Will of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect the YHVH of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, the Messiahs of Diamond Realm DLC makes it pretty clear that even if YHVH of SMTIVA is defeated, it doesn’t affect the YHVH of other continuities who want their respective Messiahs dead. This proves the defeat of SMTIVA continuity’s “will of the universe” doesn’t affect entities from other continuities who are also referred as “will of the universe”.
SMTIVA artbook also supports this: \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all. Great Will and its manifestations aren’t counted.
This means the notion of Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and by extension assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, one with the universe, believing himself representing the Axiom. Or, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who can claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they might be the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, SMTIII and SJ is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, and SMTIII is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, and SMTIII is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, and SMTIII is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all).
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, and SMTIII is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
1. The whole point of Great Will\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \
to:
1. The whole point of Great Will\\\'s section of the blog is to emphasize YHVH never really does refer to \\\"Great Will\\\" as a separate being:
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all.
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, and SMTIII is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
- YHVH of MTII claims he is part of a greater being who controls countless universes (notably, it was never referred as \\\"Great Will\\\" here), so him being destroyed really doesn\\\'t matter (\\\"Ye hear? This is not the end\\\").
- YHVH of SMT II is the first to name \\\"the great will of the universe\\\" (大いなる意志). Specifically, YHVH claims it will recreate him again and again, which in-context does \\\'\\\'not\\\'\\\' claim the Great Will is a separate being from him. Rather, it continues the trend from MTII; YHVH is part of this being, so even if he is defeated he will be recreated.
- Naturally, the scene in SMTII was added to justify YHVH\\\'s defeat because in the end, even YHVH is just a bunrei of this Great Will (note that the term avatar was dijeh\\\'s translation choice; the term consistently used is bunrei as it\\\'s a Japanese game after all.
2. I am not gonna deny the writer makes bizarre interpretations at a few points. However, specifically on the part of Shekinah, think very carefully.
YHVH had a full manifestation in Strange Journey\\\'s world and was torn apart by the Mother Goddesses (though he was never mentioned by that name, instead opting for \\\"God\\\", and \\\"One of Light\\\"). However, like with MTII and SMTII, this \\\"God\\\" is just Great Will\\\'s manifestation in \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' particular world.
Demiurge and Shekinah are bunreis (also the exact term used in Strange Journey\\\'s artbook on the interview with the writers) of this \\\"God\\\", who is in turn a manifestation of \\\"Great Will\\\" in this world. It\\\'s a similar context with SMTII; like how Sabaoth, Shaddai and Elohim are bunreis for SMTII YHVH, so are Demiurge and Shekinah for SJ YHVH. Difference being, in SJ YHVH has been torn apart and not in control, so his bunreis are now acting independently each.
You might think I have been giving points which support your interpretation (Great Will is not just another name for YHVH) by pointing out instances of YHVH in SMTII and SJ are all simply manifestations of Great Will. But the blog is trying to make you see that\\\'s not the case by the 3rd point:
3. It\\\'s emphasized by SMTIII\\\'s artbook that Kagutsuchi is a name for YHVH -- specifically, similar to Sabbaoth, Shaddai and Elohim being alternate names (and in SMTII, bunreis) for YHVH, so is Kagutsuchi (SMTII\\\'s artbook emphasizes YHVH uses alternate names for its bunreis). Meanwhile, SMTIII\\\'s game consistently says Kagutsuchi is a bunrei (reminder again; avatar is a translation choice, this is the term the Japanese used) of the Great Will.
Does this mean the game and the artbook of SMTIII contradict each other? Of course not, as Metatron\\\'s title in the Japanese makes it explicit; he is the Voice of God (in Demonic Compendium), while Flauros calls him Voice of Great Will (in Japanese dialogue). Is it becoming clear to you now? YHVH and Great Will refers to the same entity in the context of SMTIII.
The greater being which the YHVHs of SMTII and SJ were part of, is indeed called the \\\"Great Will of the Universe\\\". But, in SMTIII, referring to the Great Will as \\\"YHVH\\\" is also valid (because Kaneko himself calls Kagutsuchi part of YHVH when the game claims over and again Kagutsuchi is part of Great Will).
This might seem convoluted, but keep in mind that the Great Will is a being which controls multiple universes -- and it keeps using various names of YHVH (including YHVH itself) whenever it manifests in a single universe. What the blog is ultimately trying to say is the Great Will mentioned in SMTIII can be legitimately called \\\"YHVH\\\", but beings in the game refer to it as \\\"Great Will\\\" because its bunreis use various names of God, including YHVH.
4. As mentioned above, incarnations of YHVH claim to be a bunrei of the Great Will in most games. All \\\'\\\'except\\\'\\\' SMTIVA.
You can check it yourself; not even once YHVH of SMTIVA ever claims of being part of any greater being; in fact, what he consistently says is that \\\'\\\'he\\\'\\\' is the greater being, \\\"the unchanging universal truth\\\" in Satan\\\'s own words.
This coupled with the fact Satan pretty much says to Nanashi\\\'s face \\\"see if you are worthy to be the next will of the universe\\\" makes it clear \\\'\\\'this\\\'\\\' YHVH is meant to \\\'\\\'be\\\'\\\' the \\\"Great Will\\\" of SMTIVA and its subset of universes.
SMTIVA game itself and artbook both support this too: YHVH exists in his own space outside of universes (it\\\'s even called YHVH Universe) as he controls SMTIVA\\\'s continuity, and the artbook claims YHVH has multiple heads with the number of stars in order to show he has all the universes under his rule.
Of course, unlike the writer of the blog, I don\\\'t believe for a second SMTIVA YHVH is in control of \\\'\\\'all\\\'\\\' universes, nor is he the Great Will of previous games. He is the will of the universe of SMTIVA\\\'s continuity (and IV by extension), and as SMTIVA emphasizes -- turns out even he is just a bunrei of the Great Reason/Axiom.
But while the blog writer makes their own bizarre interpretation of facts, we can\\\'t ignore the facts presented.
What \\\'\\\'we\\\'\\\' can take from the points the blog presents is that there isn\\\'t \\\'\\\'only\\\'\\\' one Great Will. The Great Will is a name referring to an entity in control of countless universes. It does not mean it is in control of \\\'\\\'everything\\\'\\\', nor does it mean there is \\\'\\\'only one of them across reality\\\'\\\', as it\\\'s proven time and again that there are multiple cosmologies, each with their own \\\"countless universes\\\" (for example, Amala holds billions of universes in Nocturne, but it is considered distinct from IV and IVA\\\'s Expanse) in this franchise.
As proof, SMTIVA artbook has the directors claim \\\"Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II are related, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei IV are each in their own universes\\\" -- and that Stephen is \\\'\\\'the only one\\\'\\\' who is the same person across it all.
This means the assumption that the Great Will was ever in control of more than one continuity (and assuming \\\"Great Will\\\" of MTII, SMTII, and SMTIII is even the same entity) is a mistake to begin with.
5. YHVH of SMTV might be dead, but as noted above, it is most likely just a bunrei of the \\\"Great Will\\\" of this continuity. The real \\\"God\\\" so to speak is perfectly in control of SMTV\\\'s greater cosmology, with the Mandala system in place.
6. As point 4 noted, it is a mistake for us to assume \\\"there is only one Great Will\\\" or that \\\"it is in control of multiple cosmologies\\\". As far as we can tell, there are multiple beings on the level of SMTIVA YHVH (who explicitly controls clusters of universes) who claim to the lesser beings within their domains as \\\"Great Will\\\" in control of everything, and they are the Great Wills mentioned in SMTII, III and SJ.
