In fiction, there have been several depictions of devastating wars that have had significant impacts on humanity as a whole. Different works of fiction present unique settings and scenarios, each with its own level of devastation. It's challenging to determine a single "most devastating" war, as it can be subjective based on interpretation and personal preferences.
However, some of the most famous and influential fictional wars that have been portrayed as profoundly devastating for humanity include:
The War of the Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series: This epic fantasy war depicts the struggle between the forces of good and evil, with the ultimate goal of controlling the One Ring. The war involves several battles and encompasses various lands and races, resulting in significant losses and devastation.
The Galactic Civil War in the Star Wars universe: This long-running conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance (later the New Republic) spanned many planets and star systems. It led to the destruction of entire planets, such as Alderaan, and caused widespread suffering and loss of life.
The War of the Worlds in H.G. Wells' novel "The War of the Worlds": This classic science fiction work depicts the invasion of Earth by Martians, leading to large-scale destruction, chaos, and devastation as humanity struggles to survive against a technologically advanced alien force.
The Third Impact in the anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion": This apocalyptic event is the climax of the series, resulting from a catastrophic battle involving giant mechs and powerful beings. It leads to a profound transformation of the world and a significant impact on human civilization.
The Reaper War in the Mass Effect video game trilogy: In this sci-fi universe, the Reaper War is a galaxy-wide conflict between organic species and the highly advanced synthetic race known as the Reapers. It threatens the extinction of all sentient life in the galaxy.
Each of these fictional wars has its own unique elements and consequences, and their portrayal of devastation has resonated with audiences in different ways. The "most devastating" war in fiction can vary depending on individual preferences and interpretations of the story's impact on humanity as a whole.