Reichu: I had always thought of "The Beast" as a reference to the Evas' "true nature" — this primal, brutal, unthinkably powerful creature "barely under the control of humankind". I never really gave the choice of term much thought, as it seemed to fit so well. According to some, though, it is a reference to the Anti-Christ! If that observation holds any water, Anno's obviously using the reference ironically, considering one particular "Beast" is really the saviour of all humanity!
