The Great Reason (大いなる理) is an entity first mentioned in Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse.
Appearances[]
- Shin Megami Tensei IV: as 理
- Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse: as The Axiom in the English version (大いなる理)
Profile[]
Shin Megami Tensei IV[]
While not directly mentioned, Lucifer describes how people's thoughts are responsible for creating the Expanse, and that humans are the reason that entities like YHVH will never disappear, is mentioned to be the 理 of things, or the natural order of reality.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse[]
The Great Reason is referred to as the Axiom in the English version of the game.
It is described as the cosmic force that is reality itself, upon which universes and lifeforms sprang forth. It is both the origin, and the summation, of all entities within it, and it observes reality through the eyes of messiahs.
In response to the cries of humanity who suffer in the universes bound to YHVH's covenant, the Axiom aided the messiahs who can be godslayers to lead to YHVH's defeat. Although typically making only one at a time, this time the Axiom created two messiahs; one was Flynn from the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado and his previous incarnations, and the other Nanashi from Tokyo, who was the reincarnation of Akira and later became known as King Aquila of Mikado.
The Axiom bestowed upon humanity the power of observation when they were created, allowing them to give form to their beliefs and thoughts. This ability allows them to influence the world and is why gods and demons seek to use them. Despite all this, the Axiom is not sentient in a way humans would understand, which is why each side has interpreted it differently. Only transcendent beings like Stephen understand the Axiom.
Due to a lack of detailed information, it's currently unclear if the Great Reason and the Great Will mentioned in other universes are two names for the same entity, or if they are distinct entities.
Known Avatars[]
- Ancient of Days (Shin Megami Tensei IV)
- YHVH (Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse)
See Also[]