[Spoilers] Elfen Lied Ending - Read for Clarification (2024)

RiceMuncher said:
Hi everyone, just joined AnimeList because I wanted to discuss Elfen Lied, specifically the ending.
First of all, I hope to clarify the ending for some people (yes, I am 5 years late but me and my sisters fully loved it). I'm not going to argue that this "definitely" happen but will put forward strong inferences we can all make, regardless if your an optimist or a pessimist =p
Bear in mind, that it still is - an open-ended interpretation ending much like Inception, Children of Men (all very very good movies)

[P.S Can someone tell me how to use the advance functions of the forum e.g "quotes", "add pictures etc?" Thanks]

[SPOILERS BELOW]

1. Who does Kouta like?
I think there's a stark contrast with the ways he treats Yuka and Lucy/Nyu. With Yuka, Kouta does not actually initiate any actions, only Yuka does. This kind of suggests he doesn't like her much(in that way) and only kisses her towards the middle episodes to reciprocate back and/or his a "first-timer" at relationships (but boy is he pimp lol)
With Lucy/Nyu, the relationship seems more passionate and natural. Even when he was young, feelings were strongly inclined to Lucy - as indicated by his preference to invite Lucy if he hadn't promised Yuka the date.
Now towards the end, we see Kouta do two things that he hasn't done before
a) tell someone i.e Lucy that he loved/loves her
b) initiate a romantic action i.e he hugged Lucy
Now especially towards the final minute, we see Kouta reminiscing over Nyu/Lucy and Yuka sort of looking at him jealously - this implies Kouta does indeed like/love Lucy

2.What did the clock ringing and music box mean?
IMO, the music box symbolises the past, including the seashell. It also symbolizes the sadness and pain Kouta experienced in his life. Note that the seashell symbolizes pain and the past BUT reminds him of Nyu.
When he puts the seashell back into the music box, I guess it kind of meant he wants to move on with happier memories.
IMPORTANT BIT
Now many people suggest music box=Lucy, Clock=Nyu. I don't believe this is the case.
What I mean is Kouta never,ever called Nyu/Lucy, Lucy. He only refers to her as Nyu at all stages of the anime.However, with that in mind, the music box does prbably symbolise the aggro/crazier/psychopath version of Nyu/Lucy, and the clock symoblises the innocent,extermely kind Nyu. To Kouta however, he always saw a good person as shown by 100% "Nyu" references in the end.

So when the clock rings and the music stops, it implies that there is a fresh new start without the sadness and pain of the past.

3. Then whos at the door?
Look, I strongly believe its "Nyu" . Who else would visit his house. In addition, if you look at the shape of the shadow, it is DEFINITELY A GIRL- with hair resembling Nyu. Also the dog barks at the visitor like he barked at Lucy towards the early episodes.
IMPORTANT BIT
- It is strongly implied that its the mature version i.e Lucy/Nyu at the final romantic scene with Kouta, that is at the door. This is because if it was 100% Nyu, she would be saying "Nyuuu" all the time. She also would probably not be able to find her way back. The more mature version of "Nyu" also is more quite and seems to only talk at important bits and to Kouta most of the time. It is very unlikely she would knock on the door and say stuff without seeing Kouta first.

4. Did Lucy/Nyu die?
Probably not. Bullets dont seem to affect Diclonius, and even after a hit, they seem to regenerate back their health. Nana did this when she was shot by Bando. Lucy did this when she was shot in the head.
Also note that the bullets continue to fly, Lucys vectors are flying up (meaning shes defending herself) and that even after her horn fell, bullets are still flying - implying she is not dead.

Side Note
People sometimes go "Nana would've sensed Lucy"
She cant, both her horns are gone

And finally,how did the clock get fixed?
Wel it started working just when Kouta walked outside and not before. Im not really sure, could just be pure chance that it fixed itself or Nyu fixed it or even the Nyu at the door using .. her improved vectors? Lol idk. Not really important as it is more symbolic than such

Conclusion
I hope this clarified abit for you, so you can go home and sleep that Elfen Lied had a happy ending =]
At the very least "Theres so many wonderful things..so many"

Thanks for reading