Naturals

Naturals (ナチュラル, Nachuraru) were unmodified humans in the Cosmic Era timeline who had not undergone genetic enhancement. The term was used to distinguish them from Coordinators, genetically enhanced humans who possessed superior physical and intellectual abilities. The division between Naturals and Coordinators became a central conflict of the Cosmic Era, leading to discrimination, persecution, and the devastating wars that defined the timeline.

Overview

Naturals represented the majority of humanity in the Cosmic Era, consisting of individuals who had not undergone genetic modification. The term emerged following the public revelation of the first Coordinator, George Glenn, in Cosmic Era 15, as humanity grappled with the existence of genetically enhanced individuals and the implications of genetic engineering technology.

The division between Naturals and Coordinators created significant social and political tensions, as Naturals often viewed Coordinators with fear, resentment, and suspicion. This division contributed to the conflicts that defined the Cosmic Era, including the First Alliance-PLANT War and Second Alliance-PLANT War.

History

Origins

The term “Naturals” emerged in CE 15 following George Glenn’s public revelation of his enhanced nature as the first Coordinator. This revelation demonstrated the existence of genetic enhancement technology and created a division between enhanced and unmodified humans that would define the Cosmic Era.

Prior to the revelation of Coordinators, all humans were simply “human,” without distinction based on genetic modification. However, the existence of Coordinators created a need for terminology to distinguish between enhanced and unmodified individuals, leading to the adoption of “Naturals” to describe those who had not undergone genetic enhancement.

Persecution and conflict

Naturals’ reaction to Coordinators often involved fear, resentment, and persecution, as many viewed genetically enhanced humans as a threat to “natural” humanity. This persecution, often organised by extremist groups like Blue Cosmos, forced many Coordinators to flee Earth for the PLANTs, space colonies that became havens for the genetically enhanced.

The persecution of Coordinators by Naturals contributed to the conflicts that defined the Cosmic Era, as the division between the two groups created tensions that escalated into warfare. The First Alliance-PLANT War, in particular, was driven in part by the animosity between Naturals and Coordinators.

The wars

The conflicts between Naturals and Coordinators reached their peak during the First and Second Alliance-PLANT Wars, as forces representing both sides engaged in warfare. The Earth Alliance, primarily composed of and led by Naturals, fought against the PLANTs and ZAFT, which were primarily composed of Coordinators.

These conflicts demonstrated the destructive potential of the division between Naturals and Coordinators, as wars fought along genetic lines resulted in massive loss of life and devastation. The conflicts also challenged simplistic views of the division, as individuals on both sides worked to bridge the gap and find common ground.

Characteristics

Physical and intellectual capabilities

Naturals possessed the standard physical and intellectual capabilities of unmodified humans, without the enhancements that defined Coordinators. Whilst Naturals could achieve high levels of performance through training and effort, they generally did not possess the superior physical strength, reflexes, intelligence, and disease resistance that characterised Coordinators.

This capability gap created practical challenges for Naturals in various fields, including military service, where Coordinator pilots often demonstrated superior performance. However, Naturals could still achieve excellence through skill, experience, and determination, as demonstrated by successful Natural pilots like Mu La Flaga.

Population and distribution

Naturals represented the majority of humanity in the Cosmic Era, with most remaining on Earth whilst Coordinators primarily migrated to the PLANTs. This geographic and demographic distribution contributed to the division between the two groups, as they became physically separated and developed distinct communities and cultures.

The majority status of Naturals gave them significant political and economic power, particularly within the Earth Alliance. However, this majority status also created responsibility for addressing the discrimination and conflicts that divided humanity.

Relationship with Coordinators

The relationship between Naturals and Coordinators was characterised by tension, conflict, and, in some cases, cooperation. Many Naturals viewed Coordinators with fear and resentment, leading to discrimination and persecution. However, some individuals worked to bridge the gap and find common ground, demonstrating that cooperation was possible despite genetic differences.

The conflicts between Naturals and Coordinators served as a central theme of the Cosmic Era, exploring issues of discrimination, prejudice, and the ethics of genetic enhancement. These conflicts also demonstrated the potential for reconciliation and understanding, as some individuals worked to overcome the division.

Impact on society

The division between Naturals and Coordinators had a profound impact on Cosmic Era society, creating social, political, and military conflicts that shaped the entire era. The discrimination and persecution directed at Coordinators, often by Naturals, contributed to the tensions that led to warfare.

The conflicts also affected technology development, military strategy, and social organisation, as the division between the two groups influenced various aspects of society. The need to bridge this division became a central challenge of the Cosmic Era, as individuals worked to overcome prejudice and find paths toward reconciliation.

Notable Naturals

• Kira Yamato – Ultimate Coordinator (originally Natural)
• Mu La Flaga – Earth Alliance pilot
• Murrue Ramius – Archangel captain
• Cagalli Yula Athha – Orb representative

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (movie)

External links

• Naturals on the Gundam Wiki