Fanon vs Canon - Jenova Possession/Sephiroth Lab Rat

[Tsunami Shijo]

So at the risk of being redundant or beating a dead horse, I want to present two pretty thorough essays I wrote deconstructing two undying fanon theories: the theory that Jenova possessed Sephiroth, and the theory that Sephiroth was a lab rat his whole life/abused child soldier.

Strangely enough these theories still kind of persist in corners of the fandom (mostly in edit wars on TV Tropes), not to mention some crazy fangirls hold onto them desperately. While even I at one point fell into this trap of eating up fanon, there's very little in these theories that holds up under scrutinizing analysis. I hope that more has been brought to the table in the argument, as I went into an analysis not only on the existence of these theories in different geographical parts of the fandom but essentially how they affect the story and their impact on the storytelling.

It was actually pretty satisfying to write these because it shows just how little sense both theories make in relation to the overall story and message of the game, and how proponents of the theories seem to not really analyze them at all beyond a certain point in the game.

Screenshots and even in game quotes have been provided, and I challenged myself to deconstruct each theory using only the information from the first game - since lots of people who support these theories claim that the Ultimania Omega and compilation titles retcon this information (or are outright incorrect).

Introduction
The Jenova Possession Theory
The Sephiroth Lab Rat Theory

If anyone has any sort of input, feel free to let me know. I'm welcome to open discussion, and honestly if anyone feels they can still try and argue for the theories (though I think most FFVII fans on here have dropped them) then I can always create a counter-argument to ad to the essays to cover any holes and make it more complete

 

[Lord Noctis]

Probably the most well written essay I've ever seen on the subject. Certainly better than what I could manage.

 

[Ite]

When I have time, I'd like to write a detailed rebuttle to this. If that's cool with everyone.

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

Very enjoyable and well-written. I never subcribed to the tortured lab-rat theory because, as you say, it makes no sense and is merely a "way of adding a cliche tragic past to Sephiroth's backstory in order to make him seem more sympathetic and relatable." I also agree completely with what you say about the detrimental effects of the JPT on the narrative and its resolution. However, I'll be interested to see what ite has to say, as I know he will make a good case for the opposing view.

 

[The Twilight Mexican]

Back before the Ultimania Omega and Advent Children came along, the Puppet Master Theory/Jenova Possession Theory was quite attractive to me, though the narrative is certainly better without it. I can still see some value that could have been derived from it, but not as much as what's in the canon.

That said, I do very much look forward to whatever Ite may say on the matter. His analysis of FFVII is forever a joy to read. As were these essays, by the way.