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Rei Ayanami (綾波 レイ, Ayanami Rei?) is a fictional character from Rebuild of Evangelion film series. She is the First Child (referred as the First Children in the Japanese version), the pilot of Evangelion Proto Type-00.
Quick Answers
What role does Rei Ayanami play in the Rebuild of Evangelion film series?
Why is Rei Ayanami referred to as the 'First Child' in the Evangelion series?
What is the significance of Rei Ayanami's bandages in the first movie of the series?
How does Rei Ayanami's appearance change throughout the Evangelion series?
What is the meaning behind Rei Ayanami's red eyes in Evangelion?
Appearance[]
Rei has short pale blue hair with bangs centered to the middle and has red eyes. In the first movie of the series, she would wear bandages such as her arm and her left eye. She wears the same school uniform but wears white loafers instead, and black ankle socks.
In Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, when visiting the ocean research facility, unlike other characters who uses casual clothes, she still uses her school uniform.
Her plugsuit is mostly white, with black, red, and dark green accents stylized in most places of her plugsuit.
In Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, Rei Ayanami (tentative name) is given a new grey plugsuit.
History[]
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone[]
Rei did not show much change from her previous incarnation. However, her relationship with Gendo seems to be closer than in NGE as Shinji sees Rei and Gendo chatting happily from his Eva. The most drastic change was that when Shinji smiled at her after the battle with Sixth Angel, she did not see a flash of Gendo Ikari. In this version, at least, she is genuinely smiling at Shinji.
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance[]
Her character begins to develop further and her relationship with Shinji is shown much more openly than in the original series. She attempts to host a dinner party for Shinji and his Father and is shown to work very hard while preparing the food, she is seen having multiple (bandaged) knife cuts on her fingers. Asuka takes her position as the test pilot for the Evangelion Unit-03 and Rei calls her to thank her. During the climax, she is devoured along with Unit-00 by Tenth Angel after her attempt to kill the Angel with N² Missile and also saving Mari Makinami Illustrious and Evangelion Unit-02 in the process.
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Rei merges with Unit-01
When Unit-01 goes berserk, Shinji is shown forcing his way into the Angel and pulling her out and the two embrace each other. At the end of the film, they are both trapped within Unit-01. In the preview at the end of Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance, there are three child Reis and one adult Rei in what appears to be a prison alongside Mari. The children appear to have pink eyes as opposed to the purple of the older one.
Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo[]
The Rei that appears in the first two films does not return in Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo, instead being replaced by a clone from the Ayanami Series, mostly referred as Rei Ayanami (tentative name) (アヤナミレイ(仮称)?), also known as Rei Ayanami (Provisional Name) in the GKIDS english version[1]. This Rei is very different from Rei Ayanami in the two previous movies, as well as the original. She is mostly seen wearing a black plugsuit for Mark.09. Her hair is slightly longer, and her facial expression looks more inexpressive. "Rei" is neither emotional, nor does she remember her past self, like her interests or the people she have met before. The only thing she does is to carry out orders from Gendo Ikari. Her emotionless personality annoys Asuka, and devastates Shinji, causing the latter to suffer a mental breakdown after Fuyutsuki reveals the origin of Rei and the relationship with his mother. Rei starts feeling doubtful about her condition and wonders about the original Rei when she fails to regain control of the puppeted Mark.09.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time[]
Rei Ayanami (tentative name) arrives with Shinji and Asuka at the survivor's village. She slowly adjusts to village life, assisted primarily by Hikari Suzuhara, whom together with Tōji Suzuhara calls her "lookalike", realizing she is not the same Rei they knew. She expresses curiosity at her daughter Tsubame Suzuhara, and exhibits an almost child-like behaviour of sheer wonder. Rei settles as a farmer and goes to school, befriending the children of the village, as she starts to learn to socialize and finds her own individuality, distinct from the earlier Rei, and finds purpose in her life. Asuka maintains antipathy at her when she asks about Shinji's whereabouts. She goes to meet him, but he remains despondent and guilty over not saving the original Rei. Rei keeps trying to find her own individuality, and tries on new clothes, and wants a proper name for herself. At Shinji's suggestions, she settles on simply "Ayanami". However, Rei cannot maintain her form without constant exposure to LCL, and decomposes in front of Shinji, further motivating his determination to take responsibility. After the death of Rei Ayanami (tentative name), Gendo and Fuyutsuki have a conversation. In that scene, it was revealed that Rei Ayanami (tentative name) was in fact Ayanami-Type No.006. (pronounced Ayanami number 6 in the English dubbed version)
In the final battle against NERV, Shinji finds the original Rei clone inside Unit-01, now with long hair. Rei apologizes that she was not able to make it so that he wouldn't have to get into a Evangelion again, but Shinji tells her it's alright and that he'll take care of the rest. During Instrumentality, there is a flashback to Gendo and Yui Ikari talking to each other, and reflecting on how, if they had a daughter, she'd be named Rei. Rei talks with Shinji and accepts living in a world without Evangelions, as a new place for her to belong, she thanks him, shakes hands with him, and initiates the Neon Genesis. In the ending, Rei and Kaworu are seen as adults (with a similar age of that of Shinji's and Mari's) staring to each other in a train station.
In other media[]
Goddess of Victory: Nikke[]
You Can (Not) Evade[]
See main story at You Can (Not) Evade in Nikkepedia.
Second Quest[]
See main story at Second Quest in Nikkepedia.
Bond story[]
Set during the events of You Can (Not) Evade
Episode 1 - Getting to Know a Boring Buddy[]
In order for the members of School Circle and NERV to work together for the sake of the Ark and to return the latter group home, both squads have been paired off with one member of each squad per team. One such pairing is the outgoing Ein and the quiet Rei.A. The normally talkative Ein is having trouble bonding with her reserved teammate and it's driving her mad. She figures she would work better with either of her friends, Zwei or Rei, but Rei.A has no real opinion on the matter.
Bored out of her mind, she hopes a change of scenery will lighten the mood. Since Rei.A hasn't explored the Ark yet, she wants to give her new friend a personal tour. They will be going to the hippest and most bustling places around. Even though Rei.A isn't the most expressive person Ein has met, she is certain that even she will enjoy their time together. In response, Rei.A looks quietly at Ein and nods.
The first stop for the diametrically opposed duo is the most happenin' place in the Ark, a term of phrase that Rei.A doesn't understand (even though it is just happening without the "g"). To be specific, they are visiting the Cafe to sample some delicious parfaits. They're so tasty that Ein can't get enough of them, despite her not usually being a fan of sweets. They came at just the right time to get served quickly. After some silence, Rei.A agrees to follow her lead.
As Ein skips her way inside, Rei.A speed walks to catch up with her.
Episode 2 - Must-See Happenin' Spots[]
As expected, the two didn't have to wait in line and were brought to a table. Ein wants to get the classic strawberry parfait and an iced coffee, since caffeine goes well with sweets. Rei.A will have... the exact same thing? Since she's new here, Ein understands the idea of ordering what's popular. The student goes to put in their orders.
Alone at her table, Rei.A looks around the cafe. She notices that it has an upscale vibe and it is filled with other patrons chowing down on their parfaits. Shortly after, Ein returns to the table with food in hand. She suggests that she should eat the strawberry and cream first, then she can have everything else however she wants it. Ein takes the first bite and is enamored by the flavor. After Rei.A watches Ein enjoy her dessert, she takes a spoon for herself and tries some. She admits she likes the taste and Ein knew she made the right choice.
Compared to how they were before, the two were chatting more than they were earlier. To be more specific...Ein gabs up a storm while Rei.A continues eating. This goes on until both of their sweets have been completely devoured...
The two leave not long after and Ein suggests that they should go shopping together. Even though their personalities are polar opposites of each other, Ein thinks Rei.A is beautiful and has a good sense of style. Though she doesn't have much money, she hopes there will be a sale going on so she can buy something. With their next destination set, the two travel to the biggest shopping mall in the Ark.
Episode 3 - We Should Do Some Shopping[]
Ein and Rei.A go from store to store looking for new clothing and accessories for the latter to try on. Unfortunately, this isn't something that interests her, much to Ein's disappointment. Even so, Ein wants to look at what's available from her favorite brand, Rushae, and hope she changes her mind. As the two head over to the store, they happen to find none other than... Rupee?
Ein was ecstatic to see her idol again and she was glad to see her too. The streamer is here to promote her store and is curious about her new friend. Rei.A introduces herself and Ein partially lies reveals that the two are in the process of becoming friends. Rupee decides to give the two a hairpin each that she thinks will look great on them. Ein graciously accepts her gift and gives Rei.A her gift. Even if the pilot doesn't feel that she deserves a present, Ein assures her that she should accept little things like this.
Ein is over the moon since she got to hang out with Rupee again and the streamer is ready to take off. She hopes the two have fun shopping. The student can't wait to browse her selection and wants to start with pants and skirts. Rei.A can't make a decision, so Ein figures they should start with skirts given her slim figure. She also has some dresses in mind that can suit her too, as well as some hair extensions and much more...
Despite how eager Ein was to buy some new clothes, she didn't end up buying anything, mainly because she can't pin down anything Rei.A would be satisfied with. Ein hoped she had fun, but the pilot didn't give her a response. The next stop on their tour is the movie theater.
Episode 4 - Ending with a Movie[]
At the theater, three movies are playing today. A romantic movie, a sci-fi movie, and a horror movie. Ein allows Rei.A to choose what to watch... but she can't make a decision. Ein figured this would happen, so she booked the tickets before they arrived. She teases about the horror movie at first, before revealing the tickets are for the sci-fi movie as she believes it will be the one she would most likely enjoy. Rei.A is fine with that and the two take their seats.
An hour in, the two are watching an epic battle accompanied by fitting music. Ein occasionally looks at Rei.A to see how she is reacting to it. Up until now, she has been viewing the screen with the same calm expression. If anything, it's the same look she has had on her face all day. No hint of emotion can be denoted from it, nor any indication about how she truly feels, much to Ein's disappointment.
The movie ended after some time and Ein enjoyed it. She liked its touching ending and she can tell how focused Rei.A was. She admits that she also liked the movie, an answer she wasn't expecting. It only now dawns on the student that the two were out later than expected. Since a park is nearby, she offers to go there so the two can rest. Rei.A agrees with her plan.
Unlike before, Ein moves at a slower pace than usual and Rei.A trails behind her.
Episode 5 - Buddy's True Feelings[]
The two take a seat on a bench next to each other. Ein worries that she kept her new friend out later than expected and she wanted to know if she enjoyed their adventure today. Rei.A. remains quiet, a response she was expecting, but after a bit of silence, she shares... that she had fun? Ein was surprised to hear that and made her repeat herself to make sure she wasn't hearing things.
Everything the two did today, from eating parfaits, to going shopping, to watching a movie, were all pleasant experiences for the pilot. Needless to say, Ein was overjoyed by this revelation. As the student continues to pepper her friend with questions, for each one, Rei.A nods and calmly provides a response. This whole time, Ein thought the pilot was quiet all day because she hated their time together. She was relieved to be proven wrong, in her own way. Thinking back on it, there were a few times where Rei.A made her interests known. She only didn't talk when she didn't know the answer to one of her questions. All in all, she was actually more honest and fun to be around than expected. Ein was hoping that Rei.A would be more expressive, but she is content with how things turned out. Even though their topics of conversation, or lack thereof, haven't changed, she can tell the atmosphere between them has.
Ein is certain that of the pairings, the two of them are by far the closest. She's eager to spend more time together tomorrow and Rei.A is in agreement. Since it's getting dark out, the two want to head back to avoid getting into trouble.
Bond story[]
Set during the events of Second Quest
Episode 1 - Silently Slumbering Seed[]
Rei visits the Protagonist in his room and he notices something in her hand. She shows him the seed that she found while fishing with Mast in the red sea.[2] He is curious about what specific plant it will grow into, but this is knowledge that Rei lacks. Fortunately, he is friends with a flower specialist and if they are lucky, she can help it sprout...
The two travel to Flora's botanical garden and are greeted by the woman in question. She is once again enamored by his aroma though she can detect a hint of chamomile lingering near him. Her curiosity is answered once she notices Rei, which she calls Chamomile, standing behind him. Blossom introduces the two to each other and Rei can also sense the lovely fragrance from the flowers. Flora appreciates the compliment, but this is the first time that Rei has been to a garden. The commander explains that gardens are greenhouses in which flowers are cultivated. This is also the first time Rei has seen so many unfamiliar flowers before, so Flora introduces her children to her new friend. She starts with a red rose before moving on to a yellow tulip. Then to a blue hydrangea and a purple iris. Despite how different the flowers look, they are very pretty. Rei doesn't understand why they look so lovely so the horticulturalist briefly shares the things that plants need to grow. Chief among them include soil, water, sunlight, fertilizer, and the knowledge about how to use them. The most important thing needed however is a seed to plant.
Rei takes out a transparent container holding her seed and asks Flora about what it will eventually become. She reveals where she found it... only for Blossom to stop her from sharing classified information. Flora decides not to pry, but admits that she has never seen a seed like it before. It resembles one that a chamomile would sprout from, but its coloring is far different. Until she gives it a more thorough examination, she won't know what kind of plant it is. Rei hands her seed to Flora and though she reveals that it will take her some time until she can share her findings, Rei trusts her enough and is willing to wait. After Rei is startled by the automatic sprinklers, Flora is ready to return to her duties, ones that involve helping others. Flora wants to know more about her new friend, however she has no answers for her. That being said, Rei does like flowers so Flora offers to let her work here while she cares for her plant. She agrees to tend to the other flowers and the two are looking forward to seeing each other again.
Episode 2 - A Seed Filled with Hope[]
Rei has been visiting Flora at her garden for some time now and the protagonist decides to check up on her. The two get reacquainted, with Rei wearing a different outfit, and he watches as she levels the soil with a shovel. He suggests that using a machine would make her life easier, however, she admits to like sweating while she works. It was clear to him that Flora taught her this and she shares that by perspiring, she can understand how the flowers feel. Flora stops by before clarifying that she only taught her the basics and this was something Chamomile wanted to do of her own accord. Because of her efforts, the soil has become much softer and the sprouts will have an easier time absorbing nutrients from it. They want to express their gratitude to Rei, a concept she can't comprehend. Flora explains that the flowers express their content by their straightened stems and swaying petals. Rei wants to return the favor so Blossom tells her to just say " Your welcome". She bends down and whispers said sentence.
Since many of the flowers have already been planted, Flora wants Chamomile to cultivate a flower she is particularly fond of. This is a new experience for her so Flora assures her that if she keeps doing what she is doing and treats her seeds with love and care, they will bloom into beautiful flowers. The gardener will entrust her with a few seeds and she can take her time choosing which ones to raise. Rei can't make up her mind, so she asks for the protagonist's advice... only for him to remind her that this is a question only she can answer. Because they all smell and look wonderful, it's hard for her to choose only one. To make things easier on her, Flora wants Blossom to make the decision for her. He decides to choose a seed at random so that it will be a surprise to all of them. Rei is confused, but Flora feels he made the right decision. They are all looking forward to when the seed finally buds.
Episode 3 - A Bud Waiting to Bloom[]
Rei once again visits the protagonist and he can tell something is off about her. She reveals that the seed has sprouted and he is eager to see it...
The two return to Flora's garden and find said planter crouching towards the ground. They are curious about what she is doing, but she tells them to be quiet as she is observing the seed Rei found. As Chamomile has reported, a bud is beginning to emerge from the ground and its swaying motion signals that the flower is happy. Blossom is surprised at how quickly it has grown and Flora wants to know how Rei feels now that her seed has shown signs of life. Rei expresses her gratitude to her seedlings and Flora admits that she is a wonderful person. She has come to this conclusion because despite being an amateur, she has grown several flowers in a short amount of time. She feels that she was only following orders, a humble response which Flora admires. She has been watching her new friend as she arrives in the morning and works until the dead of night. She has been doing her duties to the best of her abilities and the results speak for themselves. Her tenacity and merit are quite admirable and it's clear to Flora that she values life. She's certain that the seed shall bloom soon as a way to repay her kindness, a notion that puts a small smile on Rei's face. Speaking of which, Flora shares that Rei has a beautiful smile, reminiscent of a flower in full bloom. As if on cue, the bud opens its petals, revealing a delicate, soft violet blossom. The three are in awe of the plant's true appearance and Rei is starting to understand what living is like.
Episode 4 - A Quietly Blooming Flower[]
Another day comes and the commander visits Rei at Flora's garden. She has cultivated quite a few flowers now and from her seed, a white flower has bloomed. It was at this moment that Rei learned what a surprise is and the two are interrupted by Flora, who has some results to share about the seed they found. It turns out the seed Rei found is a Matricaria seed, similar to one from which a chamomile would grow from. Since this is the case, she has created a notebook explaining how to raise chamomile and has created a special nutrient blend it can absorb. There is a problem however...from M.M.R.'s findings, the seed is emitting a wavelength foreign to any they have encountered. Blossom deduces that it is emitting D-Waves... before he remembers that he spilled some secrets on accident. Flora promises not to share anything about them and continues by adding that this plant can only thrive in soil that can specifically accommodate it. This should increase its lifespan, however the flower can only grow in soil that also sends out D-Waves. She is curious if they know of a place in which such ideal soil exists and the two figure that the dirt by the red sea should suffice. This puts Flora's worries to rest and she wants them to plant the flower there. Rei wants to be the one who does it personally so Flora returns the plant to its owner. She reveals that the seed has been listening to her and is very eager to properly introduce itself. She is also ready to greet it. Before the two leave, Flora has prepared a gift for Rei...
After some time, the gardener returns with the notebook detailing how to care for the flower and a pouch full of nutrients to feed it. She hopes the knowledge she has gathered will prove useful to them and Rei appreciates all of her help. The two confess that they were glad to have met each other and Flora wants Chamomile to promise her to send her a picture of the flower after it blooms. Rei doesn't know how to do that so the commander will handle that once the time comes. Rei is curious to know more about the flowers she planted in the garden. Flora reveals they are called "Forget-Me-Nots" and on that note, she will miss them and never forget Rei. She's eagerly anticipating the day she can see the flower in all of its beauty. Rei happily accepts the promise.
Episode 5 - The Garden, the Sea, and the Chamomile[]
The protagonist meets Rei at the Temporary Camp and she informs him that the flower has fully bloomed. He looks in the direction she points and notices a sole white chamomile flower blossoming in the distance. He is very excited at what Rei has accomplished and the two marvel at the flower's beauty. She wants to fulfill her promise so the commander is ready to take the picture for Flora. He wants her to stand next to the flower because she too is a flower the horticulturalist cherishes. It would make her very happy to see the two together and after giving it some thought, Rei agrees to stand next to it. She gets into position and he wants her to smile for the camera, a task easier said than done. He suggested to remember when her seed plant first bloomed and upon remembering how she felt, a slight smile crosses her face. The picture is taken and they like how it came out. The protagonist messages Flora with the image and she loves how it turned out. She's happy to see Chamomile with her chamomile, but now she wants another one with him in it as well. She has some photos of her own to show them too. A picture arrives showing Flora surrounded by all of the blossoms she cultivated and it's clear to them that everyone is doing well. This gives Rei some internal strength and she admits to having a surprise for him. Before the commander can suggest it, Rei asks to take another picture, but with him included in it. She wants to send a photo of them to Flora as well and he suggests that all three of them should be present.
After the shutter flashes, Rei thinks back on the beautiful flowers she has met. From the crimson roses, to the gilded tulips, to the azure hydrangeas, the violet iris', the memorable Forget-Me-Nots, and the flower in which Flora has so kindly dubbed her as and she helped grow. Before she returns home, she expresses her gratitude and joy for what they have given her.
Voice Actors[]
- Japanese: Megumi Hayashibara
- English: Brina PalenciaWP
Amanda Winn-LeeWP (Amazon) - French: Stéphanie Lafforgue, Francoise Escobar, Élisabeth Ventura (Amazon)
- Italian: Valentina Mari (Amazon)
- Portuguese (Brazil): Priscila Ferreira, Priscilla Concepción (Amazon)
- Russian: Margarita Ivanova-Donskaya (Reanimedia)
- Spanish (Spain): Joël Mulachs (Amazon and 1.01, Selecta Visión), Carmen Ambrós (2.22 and 3.33, Selecta Visión)
- Spanish (Latin America): Circe Luna (Amazon)
- Catalan: Carmen Ambrós, María Lluïsa Magaña (3.0+1.01)
- German: Samia Little Elk, Marie Bierstedt (Amazon)
- Hindi:
- Korean:
- Chinese (Taiwan):
Trivia[]
- The doctors assigned to Rei were named H. NISHITANI and F. SUGAWARA in Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.[3]
- The books featured in Rei's room were: Psychological Evaluation of Human Cerebral Cortex, Advances for the Molecular Genetic Biology and Statistical Approaches for Psychology in Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.[4]
- Rei's handwriting in her letter for the dinner in Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance were handmade by Hideaki Anno.[5]
References[]
- ↑ https://gkids.com/EVANGELION/
- ↑ #Never Ending Story: B
- ↑ Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone - Complete Records Visual Story Edition - Setting Material Edition p.329
- ↑ Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone - Complete Records Visual Story Edition - Setting Material Edition p.329
- ↑ ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版破 全記録全集 設定 資料版 p.196