Final Fantasy 7: The Reunion Theory, Explained

Quick Links

• What Is The Reunion Theory?

• How Does The Reunion Theory Influence Final Fantasy 7?

• Are Certain Characters Affected By The Reunion Theory?

• How Strongly Supported Is The Reunion Theory?

If you're not familiar with Final Fantasy 7 or Final Fantasy in general, it can seem like this game is throwing a lot of information at you. Following the story of the original and remakes can be difficult, but there are certain things that you can latch on to namely the characters.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Who Is Cissnei?

Cissnei's background is shrouded in mystery, so who is she?

The main heroes will grab much of your attention, but the side characters, especially the villains, will also stand out. By following them, you'll come to learn about the Reunion Theory and the horrors that have been committed to see if it holds. But let's learn what it is and why it's so important to the story.

What Is The Reunion Theory?

The Reunion Theory is the main idea and investigation being carried out by the unethical experiments of Professor Hojo. Despite being essentially just a regular human being, he served as the head of the science division for the Shinra Electric Power Company. As a result, he gained access to a lot of resources and influence that allowed him to develop the SOLDIER program, gain access to Jenova, and create Sephiroth.

However, he has always been self-serving, with a desire to explore the Reunion Theory: The idea that Jenova cells will always try to return to the source, thereby affecting the behaviors of all organisms that possess the cells.

How Does The Reunion Theory Influence Final Fantasy 7?

Professor Hojo serves as a secondary antagonist to Sephiroth, hoping to use the Reunion Theory to manipulate all of his Jenova creations by having Jenova's body. The tests began shortly following the Nibelheim Incident when many people from Nibelheim, including Cloud Strife and Zack Fair, were captured and injected with Jenova cells. Many of the test subjects became mindless, responding only to the strongest will of Jenova.

Final Fantasy 7: Vincent Valentine's Backstory, Explained

Everyone loves the dark and brooding Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy 7, but how did he end up as the monster we know him to be?

What Hojo didn't know was that by this time, Sephiroth had already merged with Jenova's head and had become the dominant mind, thereby being able to bend those with Jenova's cells to his will. He used his influence to get these "Sephiroth-clones" to find and bring the Black Materia to him.

Are Certain Characters Affected By The Reunion Theory?

In the Final Fantasy 7 universe, there are three major characters tied to Jenova and the Reunion Theory, by extension: Sephiroth, Cloud, and Zack. Sephiroth is Hojo's ultimate creation, a super-enhanced warrior made directly from Jenova's cells. After Sephiroth discovers and learns more about his origins, he loses his mind and unleashes his fury, leading to the Nibelheim Incident.

Following this, Cloud and Zack are captured and injected with Jenova cells for further experimentation. While Zack manages to endure it, Cloud's mind is destroyed, losing most of his personality and memories. Over time, Cloud slowly starts to recover but remains susceptible to Sephiroth's control due to the Jenova cells in his body.

He exerts his will on Cloud on multiple occasions, such as when he commands Cloud to bring him the Black Materia and even tries to force him to kill Aerith. However, as Cloud's journey leads him to become more of his own person, he becomes more resistant to Sephiroth's power to the point where he can finally confront him.

How Strongly Supported Is The Reunion Theory?

Based on the events of the game, the Reunion Theory holds water to a degree. The core of the theory is that all those with Jenova cells remain linked to Jenova in one way or another. Many of the Nibelheim survivors who were injected with said cells became unable to think for themselves, becoming puppets for Sephiroth, who had become the dominant Jenova entity.

This variable wasn't taken into account when Hojo composed the theory. He believed that even despite Sephiroth's power, the Jenova subjects would remain focused on returning to Jenova's true body, which Hojo had contained in Midgar.

This was proven false when the subjects went to Sephiroth's location instead. He also learned that because Sephiroth's mind was active in contrast to Jenova's dormant status, the One-Winged Angel was able to command the subjects to do what he wanted, with Cloud even being conscious that Sephiroth was controlling his mind and actions against his own will.

How Many Chocobos Can You Pet In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?

I want to pet the chocobos all day.