Does Ellie ever make it to the Fireflies?

Ellie does make it to the Fireflies after a perilous journey with Joel, but her arrival at their hospital base in Salt Lake City sets off a chain of events that forever alters the course of their lives. Ultimately, Joel‘s actions ensure that Ellie does not undergo the surgery that the Fireflies had planned, which was intended to harness her immunity to the Cordyceps virus to potentially create a cure.

Understanding Ellie’s Journey and the Fireflies’ Intentions

The question of whether Ellie makes it to the Fireflies is just the beginning of a complex and emotionally charged narrative that explores themes of sacrifice, survival, and the human condition in the face of catastrophic loss.

Delving Deeper: FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most pressing questions related to Ellie, Joel, and their encounter with the Fireflies, providing a deeper understanding of the events and motivations that drive the story forward.

1. Does Ellie know Joel lied about the Fireflies?

• Yes, Ellie eventually discovers that Joel lied about what happened with the Fireflies, leading to a complicated and often strained relationship between them.

1. Why did Joel prevent the cure?

• Joel prevented the cure because the surgery required to extract the Cordyceps from Ellie’s brain would have killed her, and he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.

1. Is Ellie in love with Joel?

• Over time, Ellie and Joel develop a deep bond that can be interpreted as a form of love, albeit not in a traditional sense, more as a deep familial connection.

1. Can Ellie infect others?

• It’s implied that Ellie cannot infect others due to her immunity to the Cordyceps virus, although the exact nature of her immunity and its implications are complex and multifaceted.

1. Why did the Fireflies stop looking for a cure?

• The Fireflies stopped looking for a cure around the 15-year mark after the outbreak because they lacked the necessary technology and resources to continue their research effectively.

1. Does Joel join the Fireflies?

• Initially, Joel does not join the Fireflies; instead, he works against them to save Ellie. However, his brother Tommy does join a militia group after being persuaded by Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies.

1. Why was Ellie the only one immune?

• Ellie’s immunity stems from the Cordyceps already present in her system, which tricks any newly introduced Cordyceps into believing she is already infected, thereby rendering her immune.

1. What happens if Joel didn’t save Ellie?

• If Joel had not saved Ellie, it’s likely that she would have died during the surgery, and Joel would have been consumed by grief, potentially leading to his own demise.

1. What did Joel whisper before he died?

• In an early version of Joel’s death scene, he utters his daughter Sarah’s name, symbolizing the profound impact of his loss and his enduring love for his family.

1. Why did Ellie not forgive Joel?

   • Ellie struggles to forgive Joel because his actions, although motivated by a desire to protect her, denied her the chance to potentially save humanity, leading to a deep-seated anger and sense of betrayal.

2. Is Ellie the only immune person?

   • The narrative suggests that Ellie might be the only person immune to the Cordyceps virus, making her a unique individual in a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and uncertainty.

3. Can Joel survive Last of Us 2?

   • Joel does not survive the events of The Last of Us Part II; he is killed by Abby, the daughter of the Firefly surgeon he killed in the first game, in a brutal act of revenge.

4. Could they have made a vaccine from Ellie?

   • The possibility of creating a vaccine from Ellie’s immunity is left ambiguous, with the story suggesting that even if a vaccine were possible, the world might not return to normal due to the lack of resources and potential corruption.

5. Was Joel wrong for saving Ellie?

   • Joel’s decision to save Ellie is morally complex; while it can be seen as right in the context of protecting a life, it also denied humanity a potential cure, making it a deeply controversial choice.

6. What happens to Ellie after Joel dies?

   • After Joel’s death, Ellie sets out on a journey of revenge against Abby, navigating a dangerous world filled with infected humans and violent survivors, in a quest for justice and closure.