Why so tall?

[Library Ogre]

So, we know the Macross Battloids were as tall as they were to deal with the Zentraedi.

Why were the Zentraedi that tall, given that they seem to be at least somewhat human-related (qv Dana Sterling being half-Zentraedi)?

[ShadowLogan]

Why where the Zentreadi made so tall?

Within the Series itself no reason is given for the Zentreadi size. Dialogue indicates the Zentreadi weren't always giants and it might even suggest they might have evolved into their current "giant height" (Dolza and Gloval dialogue respectively). Again what pressures would force them to grow to that size isn't clear, though it does allude to a "war" among giants (which are supposed to be Zentreadi "civil war").

I know the Sentinels Novels (and possibly the comics, but am not familiar with them) poist that the Zentreadi where made that size for high gravity world mining. There is one slight problem with the "high gravity" = "giant" approach of the Novels. It simply doesn't work that way and even the author(s) acknowledge this bit in one of the chapter side bits (that explore the world in more depth), biology would actually favor taller invidividuals on low gravity worlds not higher gravity worlds.

Now the general fan theory is that it was for intimidation, but I'm not sure that really works since the Zentreadi had to avoid contact with micronian worlds (limiting where you could deploy them as intimidation).

Now my personal theory is that the micronian size (ie regular human) might actually be an oddity and that "giants" are the norm, and the Masters created the Zentreadi to better deal with the "giants". This is in part due to the appearance of the Regis in her "human" form to Ariel's suragate family, she appears as a giant compared to them (could just be a projection I know), even the Regent is "giant" when depicted. It also tries to justify the size by giving them someone(s) at/near their scale to fight since they weren't dealing with the Invid (another comic/novel invention)

Ultimately why the Zentreadi where created as giants might ended up being cribbed from the OSM.

[Jefffar]

Well a Zentraedi even without a mecha is basically a light mecha still. If you are building a combat force, that's a heck of an advandadge.

But again it seems to be more about their ability as labourers rather than soldiers as the origional reason for the size. High G world or not.

[glitterboy2098]

i've generally figured the "basic infantry with rifle and body armor is equal to a tank/light mecha" is the reason for the large size.

though i like to headcanon that when originally made as laborers, they were not giants, they were just made to be tough and strong. and that the giants thing came around later when they were being made into a warrior caste.