Ask John: What Relation Does the Title “Elfen Lied” Have to the Show?

Question:
I’ve seen Elfen Lied and found it awesome. I wonder what its title have to do the plot? And the beautiful song Lily with the story?

Answer:
As I have little familiarity with Lynn Okamoto’s original Elfen Lied manga, so I’ll have to attempt an answer concentrating almost exclusively on the anime. Considering that elements like the opening theme song and opening animation are exclusive to the anime, anyway, I don’t think that will cause too much problem.

The title “Elfen Lied” itself is German for “Elf Song.” The title is specifically a reference to a German classical song titled “Elfenlied” composed in 1888 by Hugo Wolf. In the original manga, this song is taught to Nyu; however, the song was not included in the anime. There are a number of classical European references and influences present in the Elfen Lied anime, and I think they are included primarily for two reasons. First, they are symptomatic of anime’s fascination with German language and culture. Second, I think these attributes contribute to establishing the atmosphere and theme of the series.

The title “Elfen Lied” is German, and the anime series episode titles, such as “begegnung” and “vernichtung” are likewise German. This German characteristic may be nothing more than another example among many of anime that include prominent German references, such as Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer, Cream Lemon: Nalice Scramble, Urotsukidoji, Kujaku-Oh, Ring ni Kakero, and Weiss Kreuz. But the classical European attributes of the anime don’t stop there. The series opening theme song, “Lilium,” is performed in Latin, and the opening animation is patterned on the Symbolist art of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. The combined effect of these classical, Romantic, and artistic characteristics creates a somber, dour tone and atmosphere to the animation. Furthermore, I believe that these European artistic references in conjunction with the series’ theme of the diclonius being the natural evolutionary progression of humankind recalls the concept of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s Ubermensch. Nietzsche’s “superman” was conceptually the human with the psychological fortitude to surpass conventional prohibitions and limitations, but the concept is widely expanded into the concept of the being which supersedes conventional mankind. In a literal sense, the diclonius mutants of Elfen Lied, who have an elf-like appearance, represent a literal manifestation of the German philosophical concept of the Ubermensch – the human being who is able to surpass the conventional limitations of humanity through will and mental power.

In summation, in regards to precisely the anime itself, I don’t think that the title “Elfen Lied” of the series’ European characteristics have a direct, literal significance or connection to the story. Rather, I think that these characteristics exist to enhance and focus the atmosphere and thematic conceit of the anime and its narrative.