Exploring the Mythology of Godzilla and Kong’s Ancestral Clashes
Godzilla vs. Kong introduced the formidable battle between the legendary monsters Godzilla and Kong. This intriguing narrative, however, raises a myriad of questions about the other iterations of Godzilla's lineage. Professor Ishiro Serizawa, in his documentary Kiryu no Matsuei, suggested that such battles between their ancestors were part of a long-standing conflict. This prompts us to delve into the broader mythology and the fate of other Godzilla incarnations over time.
Godzilla's Legacy
The Godzilla franchise often portrays Godzilla as a singular, majestic creature. However, there are instances where other monsters share similar traits or roles, often referred to as 'different incarnations' of Godzilla. These beings may exhibit slight variations in design, abilities, and backstory, yet they are generally considered part of the same character across various timelines or reboots.
In some contexts, the concept of ancestors suggests that previous creatures embodied the essence of Godzilla. These predecessors might have thrived in different eras, facing environmental changes, battles, or possibly falling to extinction. The film Godzilla vs. Kong hints at this rich mythology but leaves many details open to interpretation, allowing for creative exploration within the franchise's expansive lore.
Extinction and Survival
Despite the rich mythology, some theories suggest that other Godzilla incarnations might have perished. For one, the MUTO Prime killed in Godzilla: King of the Monsters and another Godzilla killed by Kong in Kong: Skull Island, are often cited as potential extinct individuals, leaving behind only traces of their existence in the form of remains.
Furthermore, the Godzilla series often emphasizes the idea that humans should not question the information they're given, particularly from the franchise's fast-food Wikipedia-style exposition. This approach leads to key events happening 'off-screen,' causing perpetual chaos in the established lore. For example, in Godzilla vs. Kong, the film suggests that Godzilla killed other monsters, except for Kong, but provides no visual or textual evidence of these events.
Continuity and Loose Ends
The history of Godzilla and its predecessors is often filled with continuity issues and loose ends. The 2014 Godzilla introduced a concept where giant monsters retreated underground due to global changes, while subsequent films like Kong: Skull Island and King of the Monsters completely abandoned this early idea. This contradictory exposition highlights the lack of coherent through-line in the Legendary series.
The notion of Godzilla and Kong being ancient foes is another example of this disjointed narrative. While Godzilla vs. Kong establishes this conflict, King of the Monsters introduces an extraterrestrial threat like Ghidorah, who later reappears to control Mechagodzilla. These inconsistencies paint a picture of a story that, while creative, often lacks internal consistency.
Conclusion
The mythology of Godzilla and Kong's ancestral battles is a fascinating yet complex aspect of the franchise. While Godzilla vs. Kong hints at a rich history, the lack of cohesion in the franchise's storytelling often leaves fans questioning the rationality of certain plot points. As viewers, we are left to speculate and interpret, but the heart of the franchise remains a curious mixture of lore and contradiction. Until the franchise resolves its continuity issues, it will continue to present a compelling, yet ambiguous, narrative for its fans to explore.