Neon Genesis Evangelion, the groundbreaking anime created by Hideaki Anno, is known for its complex characters, philosophical themes, and emotional depth. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to mysterious beings known as Angels, the series delves into the psychological struggles of its protagonists, particularly the young Eva pilots. Among the most tragic and complex characters is Rei Ayanami, a key figure whose origins, relationships, and fate play a critical role in the series’ narrative.
One of the most haunting moments in Evangelion involves the death of Rei Ayanami, a turning point in both the story and the development of other central characters, particularly Shinji Ikari. Her death is caused by an Angel, but the identity of the Angel responsible is significant not only for its role in the plot but also for the thematic exploration of Evangelion’s deeper questions surrounding identity, existence, and the nature of life and death.
In this article, we will explore which Angel kills Rei, how the event unfolds, and what it signifies within the larger context of the series.
The Context of Rei Ayanami’s Character
Rei Ayanami: The Enigmatic Eva Pilot
Rei Ayanami is introduced in Neon Genesis Evangelion as a quiet, mysterious, and seemingly emotionless pilot of Eva Unit-00. She is one of the three main Eva pilots alongside Shinji Ikari and Asuka Langley, but her backstory and motivations are far less clear. Initially, Rei is perceived as an aloof, almost otherworldly figure, with little apparent interest in her own life or the world around her. This is, in part, because she harbors deep, unresolved psychological wounds, many of which are linked to her origins and her connection to the enigmatic organization, NERV.
Rei’s true nature, however, becomes one of the central mysteries of the series. It is gradually revealed that Rei is not a typical human being, but rather a clone created from the DNA of Yui Ikari, Shinji’s mother, and the enigmatic Lillith, the second Angel. Her creation and existence are tied to the series’ larger metaphysical and theological themes, including the concept of creation, identity, and sacrifice.
Despite her stoic exterior, Rei begins to develop emotional connections with others, most notably with Shinji, whose feelings toward her are complex and evolve throughout the series. Rei’s relationships are central to her character arc, and her eventual death serves as a key turning point in Shinji’s emotional and psychological development.
Rei’s Role as an Eva Pilot
As an Eva pilot, Rei plays an integral role in humanity’s defense against the Angels. The Eva units, giant bio-mechanical beings controlled by humans, are humanity’s last line of defense against the mysterious and destructive forces that threaten to wipe out civilization. Rei’s role in piloting Eva Unit-00 is critical, but she remains a somewhat passive and enigmatic figure, disconnected from the other characters. Over time, however, her internal conflict and the mystery surrounding her identity become central to the unfolding events.
The Angel Responsible for Rei’s Death: Armisael
The Sixteenth Angel: Armisael
Rei Ayanami’s death is a tragic and pivotal moment in Neon Genesis Evangelion, and it is caused by Armisael, the sixteenth Angel. Armisael appears in Episode 23: “Rei III”, a turning point in the series where Rei’s fate is irrevocably sealed. Armisael is a highly unique and psychologically complex Angel, one that stands apart from other Angels due to its peculiar nature and its relationship with Rei.
Armisael’s form is distinct from many of the other Angels encountered in the series. It is a long, ethereal being with a spiraling, serpentine shape and a glowing core. Unlike many Angels that attack through physical force or weapons, Armisael approaches the battle with a more insidious and psychological method. The Angel targets Rei in particular, likely because of her connection to both Lilith (the progenitor of Angels) and the human race. Its attack on Rei is not just a physical one, but one that directly engages her mind and soul, seeking to merge with her on a psychological level.
Armisael’s Attack on Rei
In Episode 23, Armisael begins by attempting to directly merge with Rei, who is in Eva Unit-00 at the time. This merging process involves a physical and metaphysical intertwining of their beings, symbolizing the Angel’s desire to transcend the boundaries between human and Angel, life and death. Armisael’s actions are tied to the theme of the Human Instrumentality Project, a plan devised by the secretive organization NERV to merge all of humanity into one unified consciousness.
As Armisael approaches Rei, the Eva Unit-00 begins to deteriorate due to the Angel’s influence. Armisael’s power over Rei’s mind intensifies, causing her to question her own existence and purpose. This is a moment of profound existential crisis for Rei, as she is forced to confront her own identity and her purpose in a world filled with chaos and destruction. The merging process takes a toll on Rei’s physical and emotional state, and she begins to physically weaken under the Angel’s power.
Ultimately, Rei sacrifices herself in order to prevent Armisael from completing its task and merging with her. She detonates Eva Unit-00’s core, causing the Eva to self-destruct and destroying Armisael in the process. This act of self-sacrifice is a crucial moment for Rei, as it represents her attempt to transcend her role as a mere tool of NERV and to embrace a more human, self-aware existence.
The Aftermath of Rei’s Death
Rei’s death is a deeply significant moment for the other characters, particularly for Shinji Ikari. As the primary protagonist of the series, Shinji’s emotional journey is inextricably linked to Rei’s fate. Throughout the series, Shinji has struggled with issues of self-worth, isolation, and his strained relationship with his father. Rei, as an enigmatic figure who also has a strained connection with others, becomes a focal point of Shinji’s emotional development.
Rei’s death forces Shinji to confront the complexities of human existence, particularly the themes of identity and connection. Shinji is forced to reckon with the idea that people are fragile and that death is inevitable. Rei’s self-sacrifice becomes a key moment of emotional growth for Shinji, who begins to see the consequences of his own emotional detachment and the importance of accepting others.
Rei’s Resurrection: The Impact on Shinji
Rei’s death does not mark the end of her involvement in the series, however. Following her death in Episode 23, Rei is brought back in Episode 24, though in a different form. Rei II, a clone created from Rei’s original DNA, appears in the aftermath of Rei’s self-sacrifice. While this new Rei appears physically similar to the original, her personality and emotional connections are markedly different. This resurrection of Rei symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence and the philosophical exploration of identity and self-awareness that Evangelion often tackles.
However, even as Rei returns, the psychological impact of her death—and the manner in which it was tied to Armisael—lingers. Her self-sacrifice becomes a defining moment for both Rei and Shinji, reinforcing the idea that identity is not simply about physical existence, but about the emotional and spiritual connections we make with others.
Armisael and the Larger Themes of Evangelion
Armisael: A Representation of the Human Condition
Armisael’s attack on Rei is symbolic of the existential challenges that define much of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The Angel’s attempt to merge with Rei is a representation of the struggle for individuality and selfhood in a universe that is often indifferent to human existence. The question of what it means to be human, to have an identity, and to have agency in a world filled with chaos and destruction is central to the show’s themes.
Rei’s death and the merging process with Armisael highlight these struggles, as Rei is forced to confront the fragility of her existence and the ambiguity of her purpose. Her self-sacrifice can be seen as a rejection of the dissolution of individuality—she chooses to destroy herself in order to preserve the integrity of her selfhood, even in the face of annihilation.
The Death of Rei and the Emotional Journey of Shinji
Rei’s death also has a profound emotional impact on Shinji Ikari, whose personal growth throughout the series is shaped by his relationships with others. Shinji’s strained relationship with Rei is a reflection of his difficulty in understanding and connecting with people, as he often isolates himself due to feelings of inadequacy and fear of rejection. Rei’s self-sacrifice forces Shinji to face his own fears and confront the emotional pain of loss.
Rei’s death serves as a pivotal moment in Shinji’s emotional journey, forcing him to reconcile with the harsh realities of existence, death, and the nature of human connection. It is only through these painful experiences that Shinji begins to learn about himself and the importance of accepting others, themes that become central to the conclusion of Evangelion.
Conclusion: Armisael’s Role in Rei’s Tragic Death
In Neon Genesis Evangelion, Rei Ayanami’s death at the hands of Armisael, the sixteenth Angel, serves as a key turning point in the series. Armisael’s attempt to merge with Rei forces her to confront her own identity and her existential crisis, leading to her self-sacrifice to prevent the Angel’s success. This event marks a profound moment of emotional and psychological development for both Rei and Shinji, highlighting the series’ recurring themes of identity, individuality, and human connection.
While Rei’s death may seem tragic, it is ultimately a moment of transcendence, both for Rei as a character and for the larger philosophical exploration of Evangelion. Armisael’s role in Rei’s death underscores the show’s exploration of what it means to exist in a chaotic and often indifferent world, and the personal sacrifices individuals make in the search for meaning.
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