Why Ellie Is Obsessed with Moths Revealed in The Last of Us Season 2

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In simpler terms,

The initial season of HBO’s “The Last of Us” is still considered one of the greatest adaptations because it wisely followed the original storyline while developing characters and events hinted at in the game. Although Season 2 has been met with mixed opinions, the show continues to focus on extending the story from the games. For instance, Episode 6 delves into Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) fascination with moths and the tattoo she gets to hide her arm scar, finally answering a question that gamers have pondered for years.

Warning: Spoilers below for HBO’s The Last of Us and the game The Last of Us Part II

In The Last of Us Part II, the moth is frequently seen throughout the game, serving as a key symbol in Ellie’s story. It can be found on her tattoo, on Joel’s gifted guitar, within her journal pages, and even in the loading screens. This recurring motif quickly lets players understand its significance, anchoring Ellie’s complex and emotionally charged journey. Neil Druckmann, the game director, explained this symbolism in an interview with The Washington Post, stating that the moth signifies “being obsessed with something and being drawn to a light while constantly pursuing it,” a pursuit which can have devastating consequences. This meaning aligns strongly with Ellie’s relentless pursuit of vengeance throughout The Last of Us Part II.

Moreover, critics and fans have observed that the moth in “The Last of Us Part II” serves as a melancholic counterpart to the Fireflies, who once stood for hope and a possible cure. Unlike fireflies, which emit light naturally, moths are drawn towards it, often leading them to their demise. This symbolism mirrors Ellie’s difficult journey as she grapples with her past traumas and searches for purpose in a merciless world. While this interpretation holds weight in understanding the game’s themes, it doesn’t clarify why Ellie is particularly drawn to this insect. The upcoming Season 2 of “The Last of Us” aims to address this mystery.

Why Is Ellie Obsessed with Moths in The Last of Us?

In Episode 6 of Season 2 of “The Last of Us”, the narrative shifts from Ellie’s journey to Seattle, delving instead into her complex relationship with Joel (played by Pedro Pascal). Flashbacks are used to depict how their bond gradually weakened as Ellie uncovered Joel’s deceit about the Salt Lake City incidents. As Ellie matures, she develops a peculiar fascination with moths, adorning her bedroom walls with sketches of these insects and eventually getting a tattoo of a moth. This narrative arc echoes that of “The Last of Us Part II”.

Instead, let me rephrase it in a more straightforward manner: The show delves deeper into the game’s lore by showing Joel’s struggle to decipher the significance behind two symbols as he seeks to reconcile with his distant daughter. He turns to Gail for guidance and queries whether moths symbolize growth and change. However, Gail clarifies that butterflies are associated with metamorphosis while moths carry a different connotation, linked to death. This dialogue, combined with the poignant porch scene at the episode’s end, sheds light on why Ellie chose such a grim symbol.

Ellie’s fascination with moths stems from her belief that she was destined to die. She thought that sacrificing herself in Salt Lake City would have led to the creation of a cure for the Cordyceps infection, potentially saving humanity. This conviction leaves her feeling increasingly frustrated and melancholic as time passes, as she can’t find purpose in a life she believes should have ended in a hospital bed. The moth, symbolizing death, becomes Ellie’s emblem, mirroring her internal struggles, and serving as a reminder of the destiny Joel took from her. This obsession with death and purpose also fuels her resentment towards Joel, driving them apart. An intriguing aspect of character development, this theme was hinted at in the game but is now fully explored in Season 2 of The Last of Us.

The Last of Us Season 2 airs new episodes on HBO and Max every Sunday.

As a devoted fan, I’m curious about your thoughts on the symbolic representation of the moth in The Last of Us. Feel free to share your insights in the comments below!

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2025-05-19 22:09