Johannes von Schicksal
Johannes von Schicksal |
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| Kanji | ヨハネス・フォン・シックザール |
| Rōmaji | Yohanesu fon Shikkuzāru |
| Age: | 45 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 189 cm (6’2″) |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Rikiya Koyama |
| English | Patrick Seitz |
Johannes von Schicksal, is the main antagonist of the first part of God Eater Burst. He was the former Branch Director of Fenrir’s Far East Branch and a key figure in the development of God Eater technology. A brilliant but ruthless scientist and leader, Johannes sought to shape the future of humanity according to his own vision, regardless of the ethical and moral consequences.
He is also the father of Soma Schicksal and the husband of the late Aisha Gauche, a scientist whose research played a crucial role in the creation of the Aragami. Johannes’s obsession with controlling the future ultimately put him at odds with the First Unit, leading to his downfall.
Background

Appearance in anime
Johannes von Schicksal was a renowned scientist before becoming the Branch Director of Fenrir’s Far East Branch. He was one of the pioneers in Aragami research and played a critical role in the development of the Bias Factor, which allowed humans to become God Eaters.
Alongside his wife, Aisha Gauche, he conducted controversial experiments that ultimately led to the creation of the Aragami. Their research resulted in their son, Soma Schicksal, being the first successful God Eater, though at great cost. Aisha lost her life in an experiment, leaving Johannes emotionally detached and further pushing him into his extremist ideology.
Convinced that humanity’s survival required absolute control, Johannes devised the Ark Project, a plan to sacrifice the majority of humanity and preserve a select few in a controlled environment. This put him in direct conflict with the First Unit, as they sought to protect all of humanity, not just an elite group. His obsession with creating a “perfect world” ultimately led to his downfall, as the protagonists uncovered his schemes and put an end to his plans.
Appearance
Johannes has long silver hair, sharp facial features, and piercing blue eyes, giving him a calm but intimidating presence. He wears a white military-style uniform, symbolizing his high-ranking position within Fenrir. His appearance reflects his cold, calculated nature, as he rarely expresses emotion beyond determined conviction.
Personality
Johannes von Schicksal is a cold, intelligent, and highly ambitious strategist. He believes in sacrificing the many to save the few, demonstrating a ruthless pragmatism that borders on madness. Unlike typical villains, Johannes is not motivated by personal gain but by a genuine belief that his vision is the only way to ensure humanity’s survival. He sees himself as a savior, willing to make hard decisions that others cannot.
Despite his lack of empathy for most people, he truly loved his wife, Aisha, and her death deepened his resolve to reshape the world. His relationship with his son, Soma, is strained, as Johannes sees Soma as an experiment rather than a person, leading to Soma’s deep resentment toward him.
Johannes is calm, calculating, and rarely loses his composure, making him an intimidating antagonist who relies on intellect rather than brute force. His manipulative nature allows him to control those around him, using Fenrir’s resources to further his own agenda.
Role in the Story
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Rise to Power
As the Branch Director of Fenrir’s Far East Branch, Johannes plays a key role in researching and developing God Eater technology. At first, he appears to be a dedicated leader working for humanity’s survival, but as the story progresses, his true intentions are revealed. -
The Ark Project
Johannes’s ultimate goal is the Ark Project, a radical plan that involves wiping out most of humanity and preserving only a select few in a controlled biosphere. He believes that humanity cannot survive as it is and must be rebuilt from scratch. Using his influence, he manipulates Fenrir’s resources to bring his vision to life, hiding the truth behind layers of deception. When the First Unit begins to uncover his true motives, Johannes actively works against them, sending forces to eliminate those who oppose him. -
Downfall
As the First Unit fights to stop the Ark Project, Johannes’s plans begin to unravel. Despite his strategic genius, he underestimates the determination of his enemies, leading to his eventual defeat. In a final confrontation, the First Unit thwarts his ambitions, dismantling the Ark Project and ensuring humanity’s survival on its own terms. With his plans ruined, Johannes meets his end, though his legacy continues to haunt those who lived through his reign.
Relationships
Soma Schicksal (Son)
Johannes sees Soma as an experiment rather than a child, having used him as the first successful God Eater test subject. This led to Soma’s deep hatred for his father, as he felt deprived of a normal life. Their relationship is one of resentment and detachment, with Soma wanting nothing to do with Johannes.
Aisha Gauche (Wife)
Aisha was the only person Johannes truly loved, and her death in an experiment played a major role in his descent into radicalism. He viewed her research as the key to humanity’s salvation and pushed forward with the Ark Project as a way to honor her work.
Lindow Amamiya & The First Unit
Johannes saw Lindow and the First Unit as obstacles to his plan. Lindow, in particular, posed a significant threat, as he began uncovering the truth behind the Ark Project. To silence him, Johannes orchestrated Lindow’s disappearance, though his plan ultimately failed.
Fenrir Organization
As the Branch Director, Johannes held significant power and influence over Fenrir’s operations. Many within the organization blindly followed his orders, unaware of his true intentions. However, after his plans were exposed, even Fenrir turned against him.
