Song reviewing is important for truly understanding the meaning behind a song If we don’t know much about the story of music we just listen for timbre.
Some songs are not merely heard with the ears; they are felt with the heart. “Lilium”, the opening theme of the 2004 anime Elfen Lied, rises like a sacred prayer, piercing the soul of the listener. But this piece is more than just a melody; it is a spiritual manifesto, carrying themes of sin, purification, love, loss, and redemption within its solemn notes.
Lilium – Lyrics and Origins:
Please listen the Lillium before read.
- “Os iusti meditabitur sapientiam”
Source: Psalms 37:30
Translation: “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom.”
Context: This verse describes how the words of a just person are filled with wisdom. In Elfen Lied, it resonates with Lucy’s repressed innocent side—Nyu. Despite Lucy’s violent actions, there remains a yearning within her for love, kindness, and understanding.
- “Et lingua eius loquetur iudicium”
Source: Continuation of Psalms 37:30
Translation: “And his tongue speaks justice.”
Context: Lucy’s violence often arises from a personal sense of justice. The abuse and rejection she endured as a child created a warped inner perception of justice. This verse reflects her internal voice, viewing her actions as a form of judgment.
- “Beatus vir qui suffert tentationem”
Source: James 1:12
Translation: “Blessed is the one who endures temptation.”
Context: Lucy constantly faces trials—genetically different, emotionally abused. This verse highlights the psychological battles she undergoes and the fragile remnants of her humanity that survive within.
- “Quia cum probatus fuerit accipiet coronam vitae”
Source: Continuation of James 1:12
Translation: “For after he has been tested, he will receive the crown of life.”
Context: This line promises redemption and reward after hardship. Lucy, having endured deep trauma, perhaps harbors a subconscious hope for purification and love—a desire to be accepted and seen as human.
- “Kyrie, ignis divine, eleison”
Source: Catholic liturgy (from “Kyrie eleison” prayers)
Translation: “Lord, divine fire, have mercy.”
Context: “Ignis divine” symbolizes both purification and judgment. Lucy’s inner conflict is clear here: a plea for mercy and forgiveness. The divine fire also suggests being cleansed through pain and sacrifice—mirroring Lucy’s path.
- “O quam sancta, quam serena, quam benigna, quam amoena”
Source: From the medieval hymn - “Ave mundi spes Maria”
Translation: “Oh how holy, how serene, how kind, how lovely…”
Context: These words are typically dedicated to the Virgin Mary and describe purity, serenity, and divine love. They reflect Nyu’s childlike innocence—harmless, affectionate, and yearning for connection. Lucy’s traumatic past suppresses this side, but it never fully disappears.
- “O castitatis lilium”
Source: Same hymn – “Ave mundi spes Maria”
Translation: “O lily of chastity.”
Context: The word “Lilium” appears directly here. In Christian symbolism, the lily represents purity, innocence, and spiritual cleansing. It mirrors Lucy’s hidden desire to remain unstained despite the blood-soaked reality she lives in. It is the symbol of a soul longing to be clean again.