How Were Ellie Discovered By The Fireflies?

Ellie, the protagonist of HBO’s The Last of Us, is captured and chained up in an unidentified building by the Fireflies. The Firefly doctor believes that Ellie has a growing cordyceps fungus inside her since birth. Joel lied to Ellie about the Fireflies and the cure for the infection to protect her from the truth. In Season 2, Ellie and Riley are left behind as the only person immune to the Cordyceps virus.

Ellie is found by the Fireflies after losing Sarah and becoming a cold, broken man. In the third flashback of The Last of Us Part 2, Ellie explores Saint Mary Hospital where Joel killed the Fireflies and finds a tape of a recording. Marlene, the leader of the Boston QZ Fireflies, discovers the real reason behind Ellie’s immunity to Joel, which is discovered by the Fireflies’ surgeon.

The final episode of The Last of Us likely sees Joel and Ellie reach Saint Mary’s Hospital and find the Fireflies trying to extract a cure from Ellie. On April 28, 2034, a Firefly patrol found the pair in the tunnels of the city on the way to the hospital. Ellie found Owen’s firefly tag in Owen’s bag at the aquarium. Marlene asks how Joel and Ellie managed to find the Fireflies, to which Joel responds that Ellie “fought like hell”.

Watchers can infer that Marlene, the leader of the Boston QZ Fireflies, captured Ellie due to her possible immunity. However, at the end of the episode, Tess, Joel, and Ellie find the Fireflies dead and infected in the State House, leaving the mission in no way. Ellie was not cured of her immunity by the Fireflies, and Marlene hired Joel and Tess to escort her. She went back to her camp, leaving Ellie behind.

Are There More Immune In The Last Of Us?

Fourteen years after the Cordyceps outbreak in "The Last of Us," Ellie stands out as the only known individual immune to the infection. According to Marlene and the doctor's examinations, Ellie's exposure to the Cordyceps at birth sent a "chemical message" that affected the fungus when she was bitten. This doesn't make Ellie completely "immune" in the traditional sense; instead, the fungus has mutated uniquely within her.

While the game emphasizes Ellie’s unique immunity, there is speculation among fans that other immune individuals might exist. However, these potential immunes likely remain hidden or are eliminated before their immunity becomes known, similar to Ellie and Joel’s situations.

In the game, Ellie is the sole character explicitly shown or mentioned to be immune, and there are no other known survivors with this trait. The finale of "The Last of Us" reveals that Ellie's immunity is not because she was never infected, but rather due to a unique aspect of her biology that prevents the fungus from taking full control. Most infected individuals succumb to the fungus within two days, but Ellie remains asymptomatic, indicating a special resistance. Marlene communicates that the Fireflies’ surgeon discovered Ellie's immunity through their examinations, although the Fireflies primarily experimented on infected individuals rather than immunes.

Fans have debated the possibility of other immune people, especially with hints from recordings, but the narrative in Part 2 clarifies that Ellie is the only known immune person. There is no evidence in the series that others have contracted the infection and recovered to become immune. The finale confirms that Ellie’s immunity is unprecedented, solidifying her unique role in humanity's potential salvation. Thus, within the universe of "The Last of Us," Ellie remains the singular beacon of hope against the Cordyceps pandemic.

Why Did Joel Kill Ellie?

In the climax of HBO's "The Last of Us" Season 1, Joel learns that Ellie’s unique immunity to the Cordyceps virus could help create a cure, but at the cost of her life. Unable to accept Ellie’s potential sacrifice, Joel murders all the medical staff at the hospital to save her, creating a morally ambiguous situation where he becomes a villain in the eyes of some. The episode opens with a flashback featuring Anna Williams, Ellie’s mother, who gives birth to Ellie while being bitten by an infected.

Joel’s lie to Ellie about the events at the hospital is rooted in his self-serving desire to protect her, despite the implications that his actions are driven by love. At the end, Joel fabricates a story about a raider attack to explain their escape from the hospital, further complicating their relationship.

His drastic actions stem from a paternal instinct, as he sees Ellie not just as a companion but as a second chance after losing his biological daughter, Sarah. He justifies his decision to kill the Fireflies and others around them, believing that safeguarding Ellie’s life is paramount. This sets the stage for significant future consequences, showcasing Joel’s internal conflict and his determination to create a new life with Ellie, free from the horrors they face.

The finale raises critical questions about morality, the value of life, and the choices one makes out of love, turning Joel into a deeply flawed hero wrestling with his past and the future he envisions for them both.

What Were The Fireflies Going To Do With Ellie?

Marlene's Fireflies plan to transport Ellie westward from Boston to meet fellow Fireflies at an old State House in another Massachusetts quarantine zone (QZ), ultimately reaching a base camp where scientists are attempting to develop a cure for the Cordyceps pandemic. Joel and Ellie set out on this journey, hoping Ellie's unique immunity could be the key to finding a cure. However, upon their arrival at the Firefly-operated hospital in Salt Lake City, their hopes take a dark turn. Joel and Ellie are captured and separated, and Ellie is taken for surgery, which is revealed to be a procedure that would likely cost her life as it involves removing part of her brain.

In a powerful moment, Joel shares his painful past with Ellie, recounting how he acquired his scar from a suicide attempt. Motivated by his love for Ellie, he misleads her into believing he thwarted the Fireflies' plans, all while wrestling with the moral implications of his choices. Initially, Marlene and the Fireflies hired Joel to escort Ellie because they believed her immunity could help develop a cure for the Cordyceps infection.

The episode features a flashback involving Anna Williams, Ellie’s mother, during childbirth. Nora, a Firefly, reflects on their decision-making, indicating that they underestimated the value of Ellie's life. As the narrative unfolds, the moral dilemma intensifies — Joel kills the Fireflies to save Ellie, rejecting their intentions to sacrifice her for humanity's potential cure. Ultimately, the conflict presents a classic ethical question: is it justifiable to sacrifice one life for the many?

In the end, Joel's love for Ellie prevails, showcasing his unwillingness to repeat the loss he endured with his daughter Sarah. He escapes with Ellie as the Fireflies close in, prioritizing his bond over humanity's hopes for a cure.

How Is Ellie Immune To The Virus?

The finale of "The Last of Us" reveals the origins of Ellie Williams' immunity to the cordyceps infection, confirming a long-cherished fan theory. It suggests that Ellie’s immunity stems from her mother, Anna, being bitten shortly before Ellie’s birth. The critical element is the placenta, which serves as a protective barrier that prevents harmful pathogens from reaching the fetus. During her struggle against the infection, Anna was able to pass a form of protection to Ellie, which plays a pivotal role in her immunity.

Anna was bitten on her inner thigh while giving birth, and after defeating the infected, she cut Ellie’s umbilical cord with the same knife. This suggests that either the bite or the blade could have contributed to Ellie’s unique immunity. Given the rapid spread of the infection, it is likely that some of the cordyceps made its way into Ellie’s bloodstream.

Showrunner Craig Mazin elaborated on this process, indicating that the exact timing of Anna’s infection, Ellie’s birth, and the cord cutting positioned Ellie as a potential cure for the infection. Ellie’s immune system learned to combat the cordyceps naturally, as she was exposed to it in utero. The Firefly doctor believes that Ellie’s body produces a kind of chemical messenger due to this unique exposure, allowing her to resist the infection.

This revelation raises the stakes for Joel’s choice at the end of the series, turning Ellie into a miracle cure for the cordyceps outbreak and altering the narrative’s trajectory significantly. The complexities of Ellie’s immunity highlight the intricate storytelling within "The Last of Us."

Why Did The Infected Kiss Tess?

In HBO's adaptation of "The Last of Us," Tess, portrayed by Anna Torv, experiences a distressing encounter with an infected Runner in the show’s second episode. Unlike the typical violent attacks from the infected, the Runner approaches Tess and gives her an open-mouthed kiss, which allows tendrils of the evolved Cordyceps fungi to enter her. This moment is significant as it illustrates the interconnectedness of the infected through a hive mind, designed to spread the infection more efficiently.

The kiss, a grotesque inversion of human intimacy, symbolizes Tess's unfulfilled desire for closeness with Joel. The infected Runner’s action is not merely a kiss but serves a purpose: it facilitates the rapid transmission of the Cordyceps fungi into Tess, enhancing the likelihood of the infection fully taking hold of her body. In previous interactions, viewers witnessed Tess’s sacrifice as she distracts a horde of infected, leading to her being bitten earlier in the episode, which foreshadows her fate.

Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have explained that this disturbing scene was included to expand on both the horror and the science behind the fungal infection, emphasizing Tess's confrontation with a new, terrifying form of intimacy. They argue that the Runner isn’t engaging in a romantic kiss but rather performing a method by which the infected prefer to transmit the fungus – a gentle approach that may allow the individual to survive long enough for the fungus to take complete control. This unsettling moment serves to heighten tension and encapsulate the brutal reality of life within the series’ post-apocalyptic world.

Why Did Joel Kill The Fireflies?

The season 1 finale of The Last of Us features a dramatic climax where Joel resorts to violence to save Ellie from the Fireflies in Salt Lake City. The Fireflies plan to dissect Ellie’s brain to study her immunity and create a vaccine, which would ultimately result in her death. Faced with this harsh reality, Joel chooses to eliminate any threat to Ellie, leading to a brutal scene of him killing the doctors and guards at the hospital.

As Marlene informs Joel of Ellie’s fate, he reacts fiercely, killing the two men tasked to escort him, and embarks on a rampage against the Fireflies. Despite the couple’s lighthearted moments earlier, the situation escalates into violence as Joel confronts the grim truth about the Fireflies' plans.

The finale reveals Joel’s deep love for Ellie, prompting his ruthless actions. He understands that if Marlene escapes, she could rally remaining Fireflies to continue their mission to find another surgeon, potentially jeopardizing Ellie’s safety. Consequently, Joel decides to kill everyone in the hospital, including Marlene, to ensure Ellie’s survival.

Ultimately, Joel’s actions reflect a selfish but fiercely protective instinct. The moral ambiguity of his choices—sacrificing others for the sake of one—sparks discussions about love, duty, and the lengths a person will go for someone they care about. As Joel fights to create a safe life for himself and Ellie, he embraces his role as her protector, even amidst the violent consequences of his decisions. Thus, the finale leaves viewers contemplating the nature of love and sacrifice.

How Did Joel And Ellie Find The Fireflies?

On the night of April 28, 2034, Joel awakens in a hospital bed to Marlene, welcoming him to the Fireflies. After apologizing for his head injury, Marlene inquires about how Joel and Ellie reached their location. Joel attributes their arrival to Ellie's fierce determination. In the previous game, Joel learns that Ellie’s immunity could be crucial in developing a cure for the virus, but it would lead to her death. This revelation prompts Joel to kill the medical staff in the hospital to save Ellie.

Episode 9 presents the origin of Ellie’s immunity: her mother was infected during childbirth, triggering a unique chemical reaction in Ellie’s brain. As the series progresses, particularly following the events of Episode 6, Joel and Ellie’s journey to find the Fireflies ends bleakly, with their original plan thwarted. After encountering Joel's brother, Tommy, they attempt to reach the Fireflies’ hideout, with Ellie narrowly escaping drowning in a flooded alley.

Ellie eventually discovers Joel’s actions and the truth about his lies. In a pivotal flashback from The Last of Us Part 2, Ellie investigates the hospital where Joel eliminated the Fireflies, uncovering a tape revealing the events. The story culminates with their arrival in Salt Lake City, facing off against the Fireflies, and culminating in Joel’s fateful decision to save Ellie during a crucial surgery.

Do They Ever Find A Cure In The Last Of Us?

In the HBO adaptation of "The Last of Us," Joel kills the Fireflies before they can extract a cure from Ellie’s blood, leaving the possibility of a cure ambiguous. In the video games, Ellie’s immunity to the Cordyceps infection is never utilized to develop a cure, as her brain would need to be dissected, a procedure Joel prevents. The games also do not provide any new avenues for a cure. While "The Last of Us Part II" examines Ellie’s immunity, it does not conclusively address the existence of a cure.

Despite theoretical possibilities of creating a weak vaccine, the likelihood of mass production or effective treatment in an apocalyptic scenario remains low. The narrative suggests that only minor hopes existed for a cure, as noted by the characters, including Jerry and his team, who believed in the potential for a cure but lacked assurance.

Throughout both "The Last of Us" and its sequel, the pursuit of a cure for the Cordyceps infection remains unresolved. Realistically, the chances for a cure are nearly nonexistent, as no known methods can currently eradicate a fungal infection. In a discussion about a BBC drama, "In The Flesh," which depicted a zombie outbreak resolved with a cure, the concept contrasts with the harsh realities within the game universe.

Joel’s actions prevent any exploration into how Ellie’s immunity truly functions, reinforcing the tormenting dilemma faced by the characters: Ellie’s death might not be necessary for a cure, and the belief that past experimentation with infected individuals failed to yield results echoes throughout the narrative. Ultimately, the uncertainty of finding a cure persists, even as Ellie embodies the best hope for salvation.

Was Ellie'S Mom A Firefly?

Anna, Ellie’s mother, was a nurse and a close friend of Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies. She gave birth to Ellie shortly after the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak in September 2013, passing away a few hours later. There is speculation that Anna might have been a Firefly herself, but there is no conclusive confirmation of this in the narrative. In the HBO adaptation, Anna is portrayed as heavily pregnant and is shown attempting to evade Clickers before eventually settling in an old house.

Although her role in Ellie’s background is minimal, Anna's connection to Marlene implies a deeper relationship, as Marlene became Ellie’s guardian after Anna’s death. The character Anna features prominently in discussions about Ellie’s heritage, particularly regarding her immunity and how it relates to the Fireflies. There are hints throughout the series that suggest a more complex history between Anna and the Fireflies, fueling speculation among fans.

The voice of Ellie in the games was provided by Ashley Johnson, who also plays Anna in the show, creating a unique link between the characters. Following the events of the Season 1 finale, the narrative of Ellie and her adoptive father, Joel, continues to evolve dramatically. Overall, Anna’s story encapsulates themes of friendship, loss, and the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Despite limited information, the significance of her character resonates throughout the series.

What Happened To Ellie In Fireflies?

Leaving the two assistants behind, Joel carries Ellie away as more Fireflies close in. He reaches an elevator and encounters Marlene, who questions how long Ellie can survive without facing dangers, including clickers and other survivors. This leads to a shocking conclusion in line with the 2013 video game's ending when Joel and Ellie arrive at the Firefly hospital in Salt Lake City. Ellie, like Riley, grew up in Boston's quarantine zone under FEDRA's care in a military preparatory school, becoming rebellious and sneaking out.

As best friends, Ellie and Riley understood each other's frustrations deeply. In Season 1, Joel saves Ellie, healing his own trauma but denying her the chance to process her experiences, fearing the loss of their relationship. Marlene, who enrolled Ellie in military school, might have seen Ellie's mother die fighting for the Fireflies.

In Episode 9, major spoilers reveal Ellie’s immunity origins; her mother was infected before giving birth, leading to unique immunity traits. Joel kills the Fireflies because he refuses to let them sacrifice Ellie to create a Cordyceps cure. He treats her like a daughter, unwilling to lose her. In the finale, Joel murders the Fireflies at the Salt Lake City hospital after they separate him from Ellie for surgery. Joel's past trauma fuels his actions, as he wants to protect his new purpose in life—Ellie.

Notably, Ellie faces the emotional pain of killing her best friend, Riley, who succumbs to the Cordyceps infection. After escaping, Joel lies to Ellie about the Fireflies' intentions, asserting they had given up finding a cure, forever altering their relationship and future.