Is Godzilla a God? – Exploring the Monsterverse and the Nature of Divine Beings

The question of whether Godzilla is a god is a complex one that requires a deep dive into the lore of the Monsterverse. This article will explore the definitions of a god, the nature of Godzilla and King Kong in both their original and modern incarnations, and whether or not they should be considered divine beings.

The Definitions of God

The term "god" is a very broad and open-ended concept. It has several definitions, and all of them hold merit. Let's look at these definitions and how they apply to Godzilla and King Kong.

The Original Incarnations: Godzilla and King Kong

Let's take a closer look at the original incarnations of Godzilla and King Kong to determine if they fit these definitions.

Godzilla: The Ancient Prehistoric Reptile

The original Godzilla, known as the Showa incarnation, is a prehistoric semi-aquatic reptile that has been around since the Jurassic period. These creatures tend to switch locations over time, leading to speculation that Godzilla has existed for hundreds of millions of years.

King Kong: The Giant Ape of Skull Island

The original King Kong, discovered in 1933, is a species of giant ape that lived on Skull Island. Unlike most of its kind, Kong was larger than the others and was worshipped as a god by the indigenous tribe.

Godzilla's Divine Attributes

In the Monsterverse, Godzilla is seen as more of a ruler than a god. However, he possesses divine attributes that align with the third and fourth definitions of a god. Let's explore these attributes:

Earth's Protector

Throughout the Monsterverse, Godzilla is shown as a powerful ruler and protector of the Earth. His actions are often driven by a sense of justice and a desire to protect the planet from threats. In the Japanese trailer for Godzilla vs. Kong, Godzilla is even referred to as the "God of Destruction," emphasizing his position as a force of nature and a guardian of the Earth.

Supernatural Abilities

Godzilla's abilities, including super strength, resistance to conventional weapons, and vast size, align with the magical and supernatural powers typically associated with gods. These attributes allow him to showcase his dominance and protectiveness.

King Kong: A Divine Being

In the original film, King Kong is worshipped as a god by the indigenous tribe on Skull Island. This worship and Kong's divine-like status are clear indicators that he embodies the second and third definitions of a god. Additionally, the modern incarnation of King Kong, known as the MonsterVerse King Kong, is similarly considered a god, as he has been stated to have been worshipped as one by ancient civilizations.

The Upcoming Film: Godzilla vs. Kong

With the highly anticipated film Godzilla vs. Kong, fans are excited about the possibility of witnessing a clash between two divine beings. The film combines the Earth-saving abilities of Godzilla and the worshiped status of King Kong. This duel will undoubtedly explore the nature of these two titans and their respective divine statuses.

Conclusion

Whether or not Godzilla and King Kong are gods is a matter of perspective. By examining their definitions and the roles they play in the Monsterverse, it becomes clear that both these creatures embody divine attributes that align with the various definitions of a god. From being powerful rulers to protectors of the Earth, they certainly fit the bill.