Some distinct imagery which I largely picked up on while watching Neon Genesis Evangelion was how the character Rei Ayanami was often associated with the moon, while Asuka Soryu was often associated with the sun.
Initially, I would like to expand on the association of Rei and the moon. The moon is widely regarded as a calming presence; symbolic of femininity, immortality, and, in turn, darkness.
The moon emerges in the night, and in absence of the sun, illuminating the cold and darkness. This is reflective of Rei’s reserved nature, as she only acts when needed to (when the sun is not there), and further illustrates her stoic nature, highlighted by her passive nature of following instructions when told to and not acting otherwise. In the nighttime, the moon shines brightly, isolated yet perceived divinely. This is a reflection of Rei’s abhuman image, which is especially glorified by Gendo Ikari as he wishes only for the easiest means to achieve his end goal, which Rei can assist him with due to her passive nature.
It is evident that Rei is perceived through various lenses throughout the series, some characters viewing her as an asset, others as a begrudging rival.
Additionally, Rei states that ‘if I die, I can be replaced’, referencing her understanding and willing acceptance that her soul is able to transfer through each clone; she is therefore unaffected by what danger she is put in as she believes she only exists to serve Dr Ikari’s greater purpose.
This idea that she can be constantly regenerated as long as there are clones that can hold her soul serves as yet another correlation to the moon. The moon’s constant waxing and waning is a symbol of natural change over time, however, this change is regenerative: the cycle never ends. As is with Rei’s existence.
Another important interrelationship here is that Rei’s frequent association with the moon not only highlights her personality or character traits, but her connection to Lilith, which is revealed later on in the anime.
The moon has a connection to the cycle of femininity, as the waxing and waning of the moon can also be representative of the menstrual cycle. In the same sense, Rei is connected to (and is a part of) Lilith, who represents the initial human grasp of the seed of knowledge, therefore solidifying Rei Ayanami as this maternal symbol.
Conversely, Asuka is often associated with warm imagery and the sun. Asuka’s pairing with the sun is an ode to her very bold and brash personality, but also her parallel with Rei. The two are significant opposites, similar to the moon and sun; even within their character designs, with Rei having more toned and cool colours and Asuka more warm and forward colours, it is recognisable.
Generally, the sun symbolises determination, ego and strength, as well, more negatively depicting themes of arrogance and stubbornness. All of these traits are familiar to Asuka’s character as she strives to be the best Eva pilot but is often prevented from achieving this due to her pride.
Asuka’s character is excellently written to portray a teenage girl who inwardly struggles with this continues battle of possessing many insecurities regarding her self-worth, while simultaneously attempting to display a very confident and egotistical facade, leading to her being fiery and short-tempered while interacting with other characters (directly contrasting Rei’s passive nature).
When Asuka is first introduced in episode 8, she is silhouetted against the sun. The viewer sees her from a lower angle as the sun rays beam entirely around her, obscuring the view. This was the perfect way to introduce her as the composition of the scene is very telling; while Asuka looks down upon others and constantly overachieves, she is insecure, she constantly pushes others away in fears of rejection, in fear of not being enough, of not being loved. Though she is entirely illuminated by the sun, there are parts of her that others can still not perceive.
Additionally, the rays beaming down on the viewer may be reflective of Asuka’s dominant and controlling personality, in the same way the sun commands control when radiating down to the earth, warming the entire atmosphere .
When the sun hits your skin, the heat is easily recognisable and felt by many. These rays may also highlight Asuka’s need for affection, or rather warmth and genuine loving interaction.
In conclusion, these striking images of Rei being paired with colder colours and the moon while Asuka was paired with warmer tones and the sun, allowed the producers of Neon Genesis Evangelion to present them as opposites in an even more intricate light. While the sun warms, the moon cools, reflecting their personalities; although the moon and sun are opposites, there is an unbreakable bond and connection between the two, reminding the viewer of the need for both of them in the series, in order to aid both each other and the entirety of the plot.
