If there’s one thing that defines the Gundam universe, it’s the eternal struggle between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. But how did this military power, which nearly drove humanity to extinction, come into being? Let’s travel back in time to the origins of Zeon and see how it transformed from a visionary republic into an authoritarian principality under the rule of the Zabis.
It All Began with Zeon Zum Deikun
In the early days of the Universal Century (UC), humanity expanded into space, populating colonies beyond Earth. Among these, Side 3 became one of the most significant, and it was here that Zeon Zum Deikun emerged, a man with fascinating ideas about humanity’s future.
Deikun believed that Earth should no longer be humanity's home. According to him, the only way for humanity to evolve was to leave the planet behind and live in space colonies, becoming a new kind of species called Spacenoids. This philosophy resonated deeply with the inhabitants of Side 3, who sought independence from the Earth Federation.
Deikun wasn’t just a visionary; he also possessed a charisma that made him the leader of the Republic of Zeon in UC 0058. So far, so good, right? An idealist striving to free his people and guide them toward a brighter future. But, as with every great Gundam story, things soon took a dark turn.
The Mysterious Death of Deikun and the Rise of the Zabis
Sadly, Deikun's life came to an abrupt end in UC 0068 when, at a critical moment for Side 3’s independence, he fell gravely ill and died. Theories about his death suggest he was poisoned, and this is where the Zabis enter the scene!
Degwin Zabi, a shrewd politician close to Deikun, seized the confusion following his death to take control. According to Deikun's supposed last words, it seemed he had named Degwin as his successor. Suspicious, isn’t it? Many Gundam fans suspect Degwin was behind Zeon Zum Deikun's death, though the series never confirms this outright.
What is clear is that Degwin wasted no time. With his newfound power, he transformed the Republic of Zeon into a more militaristic regime, adopting the title of Sodo, meaning "lord." Thus, the Principality of Zeon was born.
The Zabi Dynasty and Their Quest for Power
The transition from Deikun’s visionary republic to the Zabis’ principality was a harsh blow for many. Degwin Zabi, however, had his own plan: to ensure Zeon’s independence from the Earth Federation through force.
To execute this plan, Degwin positioned his children in key roles. Gihren Zabi, the eldest, became the supreme leader of Zeon’s armed forces. Dozle Zabi took charge of Zeon’s space fleet, while Kycilia Zabi managed a special branch operating out of the lunar city of Granada. Lastly, Garma Zabi, the youngest, was placed in command of the Earth invasion.
Under the Zabis, the Principality of Zeon became an unstoppable military force, thanks in large part to their technological advancements. One of their most notable creations was the fearsome Mobile Suit Zaku, which became the key to challenging the Earth Federation during the infamous One Year War.
Broken Dream or Absolute Power?
The irony of all this is that while the Zabis succeeded in militarizing Zeon and turning it into a formidable rival to the Earth Federation, they betrayed the original ideals of Zeon Zum Deikun. Deikun spoke of freedom and evolution, while the Zabis used his legacy as a pretext to consolidate their own power.
In summary, the Principality of Zeon arose from a blend of idealism and political ambition. Deikun dreamed of a future where humanity would thrive among the stars, but his vision was manipulated by the Zabi family, who transformed it into an authoritarian regime centered on control and war.
And so, friends, began the story of one of the most iconic nations in the Gundam universe—a place where dreams of independence turned into a militaristic nightmare that would plunge humanity into devastating conflict.
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If you’re a Gundam fan, you’re likely fascinated by these dark details about Zeon’s background. Share your thoughts in the comments—what do you think about the Zabis, and do you believe Deikun would have done things differently?