Evangelion Eighth Angel Sandalphon
Sandalphon is a Child of Adam and is designated as the Eighth Angel named after the “Angel of Embryos”. It appears in Episode 10 of the Evangelion anime series.
Physical Appearance
This Angel is dealt with in a very unusual way. Sandalphon was originally discovered in an embryotic state inside of a volcano. A picture retrieved from a remotely controlled vessel shows the embryotic state of Sandalphon, which is eerily similar to a human embryo. One distinct difference that Sandalon’s embryo has is its well-defined vertebrae that extend past its back to form a tail. The Commander of NERV, [/otapedia/anime/neon_genesis_evangelion/nerv_staff), found the idea of capturing an Angel alive rare opportunity and ordered the Evangelion pilots to capture the Angel alive. This plan fails, however, as Sandalphon begins rapidly maturing once in containment. The tools used to capture Sandalphon were not designed to hold a fully matured Angel, resulting in it escaping back into the molten volcano. Although the environment obscures some aspects of the Angel’s appearance, there are some characteristics that can be observed. The matured Sandalphon closely resembles a flatfish with a mouth full of long, sharp teeth and human-like arms that stretch out from each side. It can use these arms to grab an opponent, as seen when it clings onto Evangelion Unit 02. Two spheres that resemble eyes are located in much the same way as a regular flatfish’s, however, they are not shown to move or blink, making it possible that they are not actually eyes. Sandalphon’s core is possibly located in one of its eye-like features, as that is where Asuka focuses her attacks, though the magma makes it unclear as to whether or not this is true.
Notable Abilities
- Resistance to Heat and Pressure: Sandalphon is an Angel that developed deep inside of a volcano and, as such, its body grew to adapt to the harsh environment. It is able to swim in magma as if it were water, showing absolutely no signs of stress or pain. Sandalphon is even capable of opening its mouth while swimming in the liquified rock, a feat that would likely kill most living beings. Being born so deep inside of the Earth has also made it incredibly resistant to pressure, which is shown when Asuka tries to stab Sandalphon with Shinji’s Progressive Knife. Progressive Knives are shown to cut through steel as if it were paper, however, the Angel is left unfazed when attacked by it. Since Sandalphon adapted to such extreme conditions, it is possible to conclude that cold would be one of its weaknesses, as shown by Asuka using coolant used for Eva-02 to defeat it. It is unknown if Sandalphon can even survive outside of the volcano, as it hatches, matures, and dies in the same environment.
Battle and Defeat
Asuka and Evangelion Unit 02 are sent down into a volcano with equipment to capture the embryotic Sandalphon and armor to resist the extreme temperatures and pressure. This armor is incredibly bulky and likely hinders the unit from moving freely, though it does allow Evangelion Unit 02 to survive in magma for a prolonged period of time. While diving, Eva-02’s Progressive Knife is dropped, leaving Asuka with no weapon to attack with in case of an emergency. Sandalphon is not at its predicted location, which results in Misato ordering NERV to continue Asuka’s decent despite already pushing the limits of Eva-02’s specialized equipment protecting the Unit from the harsh environment. The “egg” Sandalphon is inside is finally located and Asuka proceeds to capture it with the equipment given to her. As they begin ascending, a siren begins to go off, signaling that Sandalphon has started to hatch. The Angel matures incredibly fast, going from embryo to adult in a matter of mere moments. Misato changes the priority from safely capturing the Angel to its immediate destruction.
Asuka prepares for battle, but forgets that she has no weapon to fight with, let alone to protect herself from enemy attacks. Sandalphon quickly charges toward Evangelion Unit 02, although Asuka is able to dodge. Shinji throws Unit 01’s Progressive Knife into the volcano, which slowly makes its way down to Asuka. It arrives just before Sandalphon’s second charge connects, although it still manages to grab onto one of Eva-02’s legs. Sandalphon continues its assault by using its mouth to bite the Unit. Asuka attempts to stab it with the knife, however, the body of the Angel is simply too tough to pierce with the knife alone. Before the mission to capture Sandalphon, Asuka and Shinji had a conversation regarding thermal expansion, which inspires Asuka to use the coolant used in Eva-02’s diving suit as a means to make Sandalphon more vulnerable to attack. This works and Sandalphon is destroyed, although it tears the cables pulling Evangelion Unit 02 out of the volcano, leading to what would have been Asuka’s demise. Just as the final cable snaps, however, Shinji is able to catch Asuka and pull her out.
Sandalphon in Other Media
The Eighth Angel, Sandalphon does not appear in either the Evangelion Rebuild movies or the manga series.