Gundam Archives

The Ambitious Leader: Gihren Zabi

Gihren Zabi, the main antagonist of Mobile Suit Gundam, is a complex and intriguing character. With his ambitious nature, underhanded tactics, and overconfidence, he is a force to be reckoned with. As the essential leader of Zeon, Gihren believes in the superiority of the Spacenoids and seeks to establish a new world order.

Early Life and Politics

Born in 0044 UC, Gihren was involved in politics from a young age. He participated in Zeon’s independence movement and was a key figure in the Republic of Zeon’s declaration. With his high IQ and charisma, Gihren quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the de facto supreme leader of the Principality of Zeon.

The One Year War

Gihren’s ultimate goal was to limit the Earth’s population to 50 million, believing that this would regenerate the planet’s environment and allow humanity to progress. To achieve this, he launched the One Year War, a devastating conflict that would change the course of history. Gihren’s tactics were ruthless, including the use of nuclear and poison gas attacks on Side 1, 2, and 4.

Personality and Abilities

Gihren is a highly intelligent and well-educated individual, with a high IQ of 240. He is a gifted orator, able to rally the people of Zeon and inspire loyalty. However, his overconfidence and reliance on overwhelming firepower often cloud his judgment, leading to costly mistakes.

Legacy

Even after his death, Gihren’s ideology continued to influence later generations. The Delaz Fleet, a remnant force of the Zeon Army, carried out a nuclear attack on a Federation naval review, followed by a colony drop in North America. Gihren’s legacy serves as a reminder of the dangers of ambition and the importance of responsible leadership.

Comparisons to Adolf Hitler

Gihren’s father, Degwin, compared him to Adolf Hitler, citing similarities in their ideologies and tactics. Like Hitler, Gihren believed in the superiority of his people and sought to establish a new world order through military conquest. However, Gihren’s flaws, including his overreliance on miracle weapons and underestimation of his enemies, ultimately led to his downfall.

Famous “Sieg Zeon!” Speech

Gihren’s famous “Sieg Zeon!” speech is a testament to his oratory skills and ideological conviction. In the speech, he rallies the people of Zeon, calling for them to rise up and fight for their freedom and independence. The speech is a powerful expression of Gihren’s beliefs and serves as a defining moment in the One Year War.

Trivia

• Gihren’s private secretary, Cecilia Irene, is rumored to be his mistress.
• In Tomino’s original storyline, Gihren was going to be killed in a gun fight with Amuro Ray.
• In the novel version of Mobile Suit Gundam, Gihren is killed by a handheld beam rifle to his groin, rather than the back of his head.