Rei Ayanami: the girl chosen to pilot Eva Unit-00.

Rei Ayanami is introduced as the First Child in Neon Genesis Evangelion, the pilot of Evangelion Unit-00, and a central figure in the series. Her distinctive appearance—with pale blue hair, red eyes, and an almost perpetually impassive expression—reflects her mysterious and distant nature. From the very beginning, Rei seems to be more than just a regular human, a fact that is gradually unveiled as the story progresses.

One of the most notable aspects of Rei is her relationship with Gendo Ikari, the cold and calculating commander of NERV. This bond, along with her role in the events surrounding the Human Instrumentality Project, makes Rei a key figure in unraveling the series’ many secrets.

Ayanami Rei and the Philosophical Themes of Evangelion

One of Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s greatest achievements is its ability to explore philosophical and psychological themes, with Rei Ayanami at the heart of these explorations. Her existence raises profound questions about identity, humanity, and the meaning of emotional connection.

Rei is a clone created from the DNA of Yui Ikari, Shinji Ikari’s mother, and contains part of the soul of Lilith, one of the fundamental entities in Evangelion’s narrative. This complex origin makes her a literal and symbolic bridge between humans and angels, reinforcing her role as a key element in the exploration of what it means to be human.

Rei’s behavior, characterized by her lack of emotional reactions and absolute obedience, also reflects an internal struggle with her identity. As she develops relationships with other characters, particularly Shinji, Rei begins to show glimpses of humanity, questioning her purpose and place in the world.

Ayanami Rei’s Design and Symbolism

Rei Ayanami’s design is iconic and rich in symbolism. Her blue hair and pale skin give her an ethereal, almost alien appearance, emphasizing her disconnection from the human world. Additionally, her pilot suit, predominantly white with blue and green accents, underscores her connection to the Evangelions and her role as a neutral figure between humans and angels.

The color white also symbolizes purity, but in Rei’s case, this purity is intertwined with her emotional emptiness and her nature as an artificial creation. As the series progresses, this symbolism evolves to reflect her emotional growth and internal struggle.