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the matrix - Is the last "One" present at the re-founding of Zion?


The comment discussion in this question made me wonder something: according to the Architect, the One plays a key role in re-founding Zion and beginning the next iteration in the Matrix cycle.


But does the One survive this process? Is he a part of the newly rebuilt Zion?


I remember that the One chooses 23 individuals to re-found the city, but I also seem to remember a comment about "returning to the Source" and "re-inserting the prime program." Are we supposed to take this as an action that the One performs, and then leaves to return to his people? Or does the One "returning to the Source" mean that he is absorbed or somehow destroyed?


Basically, do those 23 people ever get to meet the One (if they hadn't already)? Or are they on their own, and the One's journey ends as Zion is reborn?



Answer



We don't know (for certain) but based on Morpheus' battery speech...




"...When the Matrix was first built, there was a man born inside who had the ability to change whatever he wanted, to remake the Matrix as he saw fit. It was he who freed the first of us, taught us the truth"



we can surmise that after The One releases the 23 pre-selected individuals from the Matrix, he then lives among them, teaching them how to survive.




His main tasks would be:




  • Freeing the 23 individuals in the first place (without someone to collect them, they'll drown).





  • Showing them how to survive in the real world and avoid squiddie attacks (in the very earliest days, this would be aided by the machines pretending not to notice them).




  • Showing them how to hack the Matrix and avoid Agents (a vital task if they're to release more people).




  • Helping them to "discover" Zion deep underground (obviously after the machines have finished fixing it back up for them).







This is backed up by the Architect's description of Neo's choice.:



Architect : ...The function of the One is now to return to the source, allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry, reinserting the prime program. After which you will be required to select from the matrix 23 individuals, 16 female, 7 male, to rebuild Zion.



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