The Gundam universe is filled with complex political intrigue, war, and philosophical conflicts about peace, war, and the human condition. In this context, Relena Peacecraft, one of the central characters from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, is often seen as the figure advocating for total pacifism amidst a war-torn world. Among her many speeches and actions that have shaped the course of the series, the iconic speech titled “The Gundam’s Will Soon Rectify” stands out as a pivotal moment. This speech reflects not only her deep-seated beliefs but also the evolving roles of the Gundams and their pilots in the context of the war.
In this article, we will delve into the significance of this speech, analyze its context within the Gundam Wing series, and discuss how it symbolizes a broader shift in the narrative around the Gundams and their purpose.
The Gundam Wing Universe: A Brief Overview
To understand the impact of Relena’s speech, it is essential to first grasp the political and military landscape in which it occurs. The story of Gundam Wing takes place in the future era known as the After Colony (AC), where humanity has established colonies in space, while the Earth is controlled by various political factions, most notably the Earth Sphere Unified Nation and the Organization of the Zodiac (OZ). War has been ongoing for years, with mobile suits—especially the highly advanced Gundams—playing a central role in the conflicts between Earth and the colonies.
Relena Peacecraft, born into the Peacecraft family, is the heir to a pacifist kingdom. However, she finds herself in the midst of political chaos, ultimately becoming a key advocate for peace as she rises to power. Gundams, on the other hand, are initially seen as tools of war, piloted by young, highly skilled individuals like Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, and Trowa Barton, who are sent to Earth to fight against OZ’s tyranny.
The Context Leading Up to Relena’s Speech
Throughout the series, Relena struggles to reconcile her desire for peace with the violent realities of the world around her. By this point in the series, the Gundam pilots are no longer viewed solely as agents of destruction but as warriors fighting for justice and freedom, with the hope that their actions will bring an end to the war. Relena, as the leader of the pacifist movement, finds herself in a unique position where she must address both the general populace and the pilots themselves.
As the conflict escalates, the narrative reaches a point where both the colonies and Earth’s forces are on the verge of massive destruction. The Gundams, powerful tools of warfare, are seen as the last bastion of hope, but at the same time, their destructive potential cannot be ignored.
Relena’s speech titled “The Gundam’s Will Soon Rectify” comes at a critical juncture. It represents not just a political statement but a philosophical challenge to the very nature of power and warfare in the Gundam universe.
The Speech: “The Gundam’s Will Soon Rectify”
The speech opens with a somber tone, acknowledging the deep suffering and bloodshed caused by years of war. Relena, with her characteristic calm and compassion, speaks to the hearts of both the civilians who have suffered under the weight of the conflict and the soldiers who have fought with little hope of peace. Her words resonate with the theme of rectification—of righting the wrongs that have persisted for so long.
“We stand at the precipice of destruction, but I tell you this: the Gundam’s will soon rectify. They are not mere machines of war; they are symbols of hope. The battles we fight now are the final battles, the ones that will set the course for peace.”
This opening line immediately draws attention to the Gundams, positioning them not just as tools of war but as agents of justice. Relena calls on both Earth and the colonies to see the Gundams not as instruments of destruction but as vessels of righteousness that will correct the injustices of the past.
Relena continues:
“The Gundams were built for war, but they have evolved beyond their creators’ intentions. They are guided by pilots who seek not victory, but peace. The Gundams are no longer weapons; they are the hope for a future without violence.”
This section emphasizes the evolution of both the machines and their pilots. Relena understands that while the Gundams were originally created for battle, their pilots—like Heero Yuy—have grown to understand the true cost of war. They no longer fight for the sake of conflict but for an ideal, a future in which peace can thrive.
Symbolism of the Gundams: From Destruction to Rectification
Relena’s speech is a profound turning point in the narrative of Gundam Wing because it reframes the role of the Gundams. For much of the series, Gundams are perceived as fearsome weapons, capable of immense destruction. However, in this speech, Relena redefines them as symbols of rectification—agents of change that will ultimately bring balance to the chaotic world.
The term “rectify” is particularly important here. It suggests that the Gundams, through their final actions in the war, will correct the course of history. Rather than being remembered for their destructive power, they will be remembered for helping to usher in a new era of peace.
Relena, with her strong pacifist beliefs, plays a crucial role in helping the audience and the characters see the Gundams in this new light. She understands that while violence cannot bring true peace, there is a possibility for redemption if the Gundams use their power for justice, rather than for domination.
Relena’s Role as a Pacifist Leader
Relena’s speech also highlights her position as a leader advocating for total pacifism in a time of war. She is a character who consistently challenges the status quo, urging for peaceful resolutions even when others are prepared to fight. In this speech, she balances her pacifist ideals with a pragmatic understanding of the Gundams’ role in the current conflict.
Her words reflect her belief that even instruments of war, such as the Gundams, can be part of the solution if their pilots recognize the larger purpose of their actions. Relena sees the potential for rectification through the Gundams, but only if they are guided by a sense of justice, rather than vengeance.
The Impact of “The Gundam’s Will Soon Rectify” Speech on the Series
Relena’s speech not only reshapes the perception of the Gundams within the series but also acts as a catalyst for the final stages of the conflict. The speech marks the moment when the narrative shifts from a focus on war as an inevitable reality to the possibility of peace as a genuine outcome.
The Gundam pilots, inspired by Relena’s words, begin to see their missions in a new light. They are no longer fighting simply to end tyranny, but to create a world where weapons like the Gundams are no longer necessary. The speech also encourages the audience to rethink the nature of power and justice in the Gundam universe.
Conclusion: A Vision for Peace
In Gundam Wing, Relena’s “The Gundam’s Will Soon Rectify” speech stands as one of the defining moments of the series. It encapsulates the core themes of the show: the struggle for peace, the consequences of war, and the possibility of redemption even in the face of overwhelming violence.
Relena’s words offer hope, not just for the characters in the story but also for the audience. Her speech reflects the belief that even in the darkest of times, there is a way to rectify the wrongs of the past and build a future based on justice and peace. The Gundams, as symbols of rectification, play a central role in this vision, moving beyond their origins as tools of destruction to become harbingers of hope for a peaceful world.
