Difference between revisions of "Theory and Analysis:Rei and the Moon"
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| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Cratermask.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Lilith's mask resembles the Moon]] |
| − | [[ | + | Throughout the series, [[Rei Ayanami]] is associated with the recurring visual motif of the Moon. In fact, the Moon is rarely shown in ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' without Rei in the foreground. Exceptions would be the shots of the [[Spear of Longinus]] heading towards the Moon, and the "Moon's eye view" of [[Second Impact]] as seen during [[Episode 21]]. |
| − | [[ | + | In [[Episode 06]] Rei stands silhouetted against the Moon before the mission starts. Later, in [[Episode 10]], Rei is swimming in the Nerv gym's pool: the "camera" views her from below, passing in front of a ceiling light, visually similar to passing in front of the Moon. |
| − | + | In many systems of planetary attribution to the human body the moon is associated with one of the eyes (see the myths surrounding of Odin, Horus, Tsukuyomi, etc), usually the left eye is associated with the Moon. In [[Rei's Monologue]] during [[Episode 14]], this relation is made patent by a cut of Rei's left eye, followed immediately by a cut to the moon. The same shot of Rei's left eye is used during the opening credits. | |
| − | + | The white giant in [[Terminal Dogma]], who we later learn is, in fact, Lilith, wears a mask with crater-like markings. This serves to associate her with the Moon, and thus with Rei. | |
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| − | Rei is a | + | Rei is a vessel for the soul of [[Lilith]]. During [[First Impact]] 4 billion years ago the [[Black Moon]] transporting Lilith collided with Earth, and Earth's Moon formed from the resulting debris. Thus, in a sense, Lilith's arvial actually ''created'' the Moon. |
| − | [[ | + | Rei's first appearance in [[End of Evangelion]] is marked by her waking up in the middle of the night with moonlight casting it's light across her apartment, Rei gazes at the Moon out the window, then seems to realize the time for Third Impact is coming close and so leaves for Terminal Dogma (see below). |
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| − | ''' | + | {| align="center" style="border-top:1px solid #CCCCCC; border-right:1px solid #CCCCCC; border-bottom:1px solid #CCCCCC; border-left:1px solid #CCCCCC;" |
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| + | {| border="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" | ||
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| + | |[[Image:Reimoon2.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | |[[Image:Reimoon1a.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | |[[Image:Reimoon4.jpg|200px]] | ||
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| + | | style="font-size: 11px;" |From the opening credits. | ||
| + | | style="font-size: 11px;" |From episode 6. | ||
| + | | style="font-size: 11px;" |From the closing credits. | ||
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| + | |[[Image:Reiwakey1.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | |[[Image:Reiwakey2.jpg|200px]] | ||
| + | |[[Image:Reiwakey3.jpg|200px]] | ||
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| + | |[[Image:Reiwakey4.jpg|200px]] | ||
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| + | |[[Image:Reiwakey6.jpg|200px]] | ||
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| + | | colspan="3" style="text-align: center; font-size: 11px;" | '''Above:''' Rei awakens during ''End of Evangelion''. '''Below:''' Rei, as seen by Shinji during instrumentality. | ||
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| + | |[[Image:Reimoon3.jpg|200px]] | ||
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| + | |} | ||
| + | |} | ||
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| − | + | ==Asuka and the Sun== | |
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| − | + | The visual motif pairing Rei and the Moon is strong and frequently occurs throughout the series, and due to Rei's connection to Lilith it is thematically important. To a lesser extent there is a visual motif pairing [[Asuka Langley Soryu|Asuka]] with the Sun. | |
| − | + | The first shot introducing Asuka has her silhouetted against the Sun. In episode 25 Asuka is sitting in a Sun-like spotlight, contrasting with the Moon-like spotlight that Rei is sitting in. In Eva-02's dying moments in ''The End of Evangelion'', Asuka reaches upwards towards the Sun. Beyond representing Asuka's solar and dominant nature, and being a further illustration of the contrast between Asuka and Rei, it's significance to the actual story is less apparent. The thematic significance is this happens to be choice Shinji faces ''in End of Evangelion''; staying with Rei, or returning to reality with Asuka. | |
[[Category:Theory and Analysis]] | [[Category:Theory and Analysis]] | ||
Revision as of 15:19, 18 February 2008
Throughout the series, Rei Ayanami is associated with the recurring visual motif of the Moon. In fact, the Moon is rarely shown in Neon Genesis Evangelion without Rei in the foreground. Exceptions would be the shots of the Spear of Longinus heading towards the Moon, and the "Moon's eye view" of Second Impact as seen during Episode 21.
In Episode 06 Rei stands silhouetted against the Moon before the mission starts. Later, in Episode 10, Rei is swimming in the Nerv gym's pool: the "camera" views her from below, passing in front of a ceiling light, visually similar to passing in front of the Moon.
In many systems of planetary attribution to the human body the moon is associated with one of the eyes (see the myths surrounding of Odin, Horus, Tsukuyomi, etc), usually the left eye is associated with the Moon. In Rei's Monologue during Episode 14, this relation is made patent by a cut of Rei's left eye, followed immediately by a cut to the moon. The same shot of Rei's left eye is used during the opening credits.
The white giant in Terminal Dogma, who we later learn is, in fact, Lilith, wears a mask with crater-like markings. This serves to associate her with the Moon, and thus with Rei.
Rei is a vessel for the soul of Lilith. During First Impact 4 billion years ago the Black Moon transporting Lilith collided with Earth, and Earth's Moon formed from the resulting debris. Thus, in a sense, Lilith's arvial actually created the Moon.
Rei's first appearance in End of Evangelion is marked by her waking up in the middle of the night with moonlight casting it's light across her apartment, Rei gazes at the Moon out the window, then seems to realize the time for Third Impact is coming close and so leaves for Terminal Dogma (see below).
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Asuka and the Sun
The visual motif pairing Rei and the Moon is strong and frequently occurs throughout the series, and due to Rei's connection to Lilith it is thematically important. To a lesser extent there is a visual motif pairing Asuka with the Sun.
The first shot introducing Asuka has her silhouetted against the Sun. In episode 25 Asuka is sitting in a Sun-like spotlight, contrasting with the Moon-like spotlight that Rei is sitting in. In Eva-02's dying moments in The End of Evangelion, Asuka reaches upwards towards the Sun. Beyond representing Asuka's solar and dominant nature, and being a further illustration of the contrast between Asuka and Rei, it's significance to the actual story is less apparent. The thematic significance is this happens to be choice Shinji faces in End of Evangelion; staying with Rei, or returning to reality with Asuka.
