Onionlinks

Onionlinks

Did You Know?

We design Docy for the readers, optimizing not for page views or engagement

Émile Durkheim

Agon Kongo

Agon Kongo(金剛 阿含, Kongō Agon) is a key character in the anime and manga seriesEyeshield 21. Autility playerfor theShinryuji Naga, Agon is renowned as a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy, possessing unparalleled natural talent for American football. He is the younger twin brother ofUnsui Kongo, though his personality and outlook on life starkly contrast with his sibling’s humility and diligence.

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Agon has a striking and intimidating presence, with long, flowing dreadlocks and sharp, confident eyes that exude arrogance. His physique is lean yet muscular, showcasing his athletic prowess. He is typically seen wearing the Shinryuji Naga uniform, with his number 1 jersey symbolizing his belief that he is the best player on the field.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

Agon Kongo from Eyeshield 21, flashing a confident and smug smile. Known for his unparalleled talent and arrogant personality, Agon’s demeanor reflects his belief in his natural superiority on the football field.

Personality

Agon’s personality is defined by his extraordinary talent and the arrogance it has fostered. He openly belittles others, including his own brother Unsui, whom he deems inferior for having to work hard to achieve what comes naturally to him. Agon’s disdain for effort and discipline stems from his ability to dominate effortlessly, leading him to view most people as “trash.”

Abilities

Agon’s natural talent and athleticism are unmatched, making him one of the most formidable players in Eyeshield 21:

  • Incredible Reflexes: Agon’s reflexes are so sharp that he can react to plays almost instantaneously, giving him a significant edge over his opponents.
  • Versatility: As a utility player, Agon can excel in multiple positions, including running back, wide receiver, and defensive back, making him a valuable asset to the Shinryuji Naga.
  • Unparalleled Physicality: Agon’s combination of speed, strength, and agility makes him nearly unstoppable on the field.
  • The “God-Speed Impulse”: This is Agon’s signature ability, a natural reflexive response that allows him to perform at extraordinary speeds without conscious thought, giving him an almost inhuman advantage during critical moments.

Background

Agon and his older twin brother Unsui Kongo were raised in the same environment, but their differing approaches to life and football set them apart. While Unsui worked tirelessly to hone his skills, Agon relied entirely on his natural gifts, believing that effort was unnecessary for someone of his caliber.

As a player for the Shinryuji Naga, one of the strongest teams in Japan, Agon’s dominance and arrogance made him a feared and loathed opponent. His dismissive attitude extended to his coach, teammates, and opponents alike, further alienating him from those around him.

Role in the Story

Agon’s role in the story is both as a formidable antagonist and a symbol of natural talent versus effort:

  • Kanto Tournament Playoffs: Agon’s Shinryuji Naga faces off against the Deimon Devil Bats, where his arrogance is challenged by the resilience and teamwork of players likeYoichi Hiruma,Ryokan Kurita, andGen Takekura. The loss forces Agon to confront his overconfidence and acknowledge the value of hard work and teamwork.
  • Formation of Team Japan: After the playoffs, Agon joinsTeam Japanfor the international stage. While his arrogance persists, he proves to be a critical asset, showcasing his skills against the world’s best players.
  • Rivalry with Unsui: Throughout the series, Agon’s relationship with his brother Unsui highlights their contrasting approaches to life and football, with Unsui’s steady work ethic serving as a counterpoint to Agon’s raw talent and ego.

Relationships

Unsui Kongo

Agon views his brother as inferior due to Unsui’s reliance on hard work rather than innate talent. However, their sibling rivalry serves as a key narrative element, with Unsui often challenging Agon’s dismissive worldview.

Deimon Devil Bats

Agon underestimates the Deimon Devil Bats, but their persistence and teamwork, particularly from Hiruma and Sena, force him to reevaluate his approach.

Coach Shoji Gunpei

Agon has little respect for authority figures, including his coach. However, his talent makes him indispensable, allowing him to act with impunity within the team.

Trivia and Insights

  • Duality of Effort vs. Talent: Agon’s character explores the tension between natural talent and the value of hard work, making him a foil to many of the series’ hardworking protagonists.
  • Signature Hairstyle: Agon’s long dreadlocks are one of his most recognizable features and symbolize his wild and untamed nature on and off the field.
  • Name Symbolism: The name “Agon” can be interpreted as a play on the word “agony,” reflecting the pain and frustration he inflicts on his opponents.

Legacy and Impact

Agon Kongo’s legacy in Eyeshield 21 lies in his representation of unrestrained natural talent and the consequences of arrogance. His clashes with the Deimon Devil Bats underscore the importance of teamwork, determination, and humility, themes central to the series. As a member of Team Japan, Agon demonstrates his ability to adapt and contribute to a collective effort, leaving a lasting impact on the world of Eyeshield 21.