Unveiling Hermit's Tragic History in Edens Zero: Prepare to be Astonished!

Highlights

In the latest work "Edens Zero," author Hiro Mashima explores a darker side of humanity through the characters' somber backstories.

The tragic and traumatic past of Hermit serves as a vivid representation of this theme. She has undergone unimaginable experiences, including the killing of her own kind, enduring slavery, and enduring torture. Despite Hermit's ability to move forward and find happiness again, her traumas continue to linger, and the unresolved events from her past may resurface to torment her once more.

Author Hiro Mashima takes a unique approach in his latest work, 'Edens Zero,' diverging from his previous series by delving into the dark and despair-filled aspects of humanity. This distinctive shift in storytelling is apparent through the characters' solemn backstories, as nearly every member of the crew has endured their fair share of horrifying events. However, it is Hermit's past that truly embodies this overarching theme, as the tragic and traumatic nature of her background stands out prominently.

From being manipulated into committing atrocities against her own kind to enduring years of enslavement and torture, Hermit has faced unimaginable traumatic experiences. These incidents have profoundly shaped her personality, evident in her initial aversion towards humanity. Although Hermit eventually manages to overcome the adversities of her past, her lingering trauma continues to haunt her, as she is yet to find solace and closure for the harrowing time she spent in captivity.

Hermit’s Desire for Human Friendship

After Ziggy and the Four Shining Stars went their separate ways, Hermit embarked on a personal quest to find her true purpose. Along her journey to connect with humans, she encountered Dr. Muller, the esteemed scientist heading the research at Muller Royal Laboratories on Planet Newton. Impressed by Hermit's exceptional knowledge in machinery and coding, Muller sought her assistance for his latest project - an Ether Accelerator. This groundbreaking machine aimed to revive dying planets suffering from Ether deficiency, with Planet Hook, a desolate landscape of discarded robots, as the primary target.

Driven by Dr. Muller's vision to bridge the gap between androids and humans, Hermit eagerly joined the project and successfully completed the development of the Ether Accelerator. As time passed, Hermit and Muller formed a strong bond, with the scientist himself considering their professional association more like a close friendship. Having grown fond of Dr. Muller, Hermit placed unwavering trust in him and his noble intentions for the machine, harboring not even the slightest trace of doubt.

Dr. Muller’s Deception

Upon completion of the Ether Accelerator, all android personnel from Muller Royal Laboratories were dispatched to Planet Hook, leaving Hermit as the sole robot in command at the base. As the Ether Accelerator was activated, alarming distress signals from the androids on Hook began sounding, yet the staff silently witnessed the unfolding horror before their eyes. The Ether Accelerator infused Hook with such a tremendous surge of Ether that the planet imploded into oblivion.

Tragically, both Muller Royal Laboratories' entire android staff and the abandoned bots on Hook perished alongside the decimated planet. This event exposed the true nature and motives of Muller and his staff regarding the Ether Accelerator. Instead of safeguarding the androids, Muller sought to obliterate their very existence. Driven by his deep-seated loathing for robots, he carried out a heinous act of mass genocide, with Hermit unwittingly playing a role in the entire tragic episode. The sole reason for Hermit's survival was her designated role as a backup in the event of any malfunctions.

Torture and Enslavement

Muller's deep animosity towards robots led him to go to extreme lengths, even resorting to annihilating an entire planet, as a testament to his intense hatred. Hermit was unfortunately destined to meet the same fate. However, a subordinate managed to persuade Muller to spare her life, in order to conduct further experiments on her. Over the course of the next two years, Hermit endured unimaginable suffering, functioning as Muller's personal punching bag, used and abused as a means for him to release his pent-up frustrations.

The immense guilt of complicity in a genocide, coupled with the trauma inflicted upon her through torture and captivity, completely transformed Hermit's once cheerful disposition. Any semblance of joy that remained within the android dissipated entirely. Eventually, salvation came for Hermit when the Interstellar Union Army launched a raid on Muller Royal Laboratories, apprehending Muller for his crimes against robots. It was during this operation that two soldiers of the IUA discovered Hermit's lifeless body in a room, effectively liberating her from her plight of captivity. However, she responded with neither elation nor relief. Instead, she rose to her feet, her expressionless face symbolizing her hollow, empty heart.

How Did Hermit’s Trauma Affect Her?

The traumatic events Hermit experienced had a profound impact on her, resulting in a noticeable change in her demeanor. After being betrayed and subjected to endless torment by Muller, she developed a deep disdain for humanity. Vowing to isolate herself from others, she settled in Iron Hill and withdrew into the virtual world of Planet Digitalis, where she spent her days in solitary reflection.

However, Hermit's path to healing began when she crossed paths with Shiki and reunited with the rest of the Four Shining Stars. Through her experiences aboard Edens Zero, her cheerful spirit was revived and her desire to assist humans was reignited. Despite this progress, she remains haunted by the events that unfolded on Planet Newton and her own guilt for aiding Dr. Muller in his sinister project. It is likely that the ghosts of her past will resurface, threatening to disrupt her newfound sense of peace.

Edens Zero is available to stream on Crunchyroll.