Are There Actually Other Immune in The Last of Us?
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The world of The Last of Us is a brutal and unforgiving landscape, ravaged by the Cordyceps brain infection. The desperate search for a cure and the struggle for survival are central to the narrative. One crucial element that fuels the story is the apparent uniqueness of Ellie Williams’s immunity. But is she truly the only immune individual in this post-apocalyptic world? The answer, based on both the games and the HBO adaptation, is a resounding: Yes. Ellie is the only known immune individual. Throughout the entire series, we never see or even hear of another character who possesses the same resistance to the Cordyceps fungus.
Ellie’s Unique Immunity
Ellie’s immunity isn’t just a plot device; it’s the driving force behind much of the conflict and hope within the story. Her ability to withstand the Cordyceps infection without succumbing to its horrific transformations is what makes her so valuable – and, tragically, so vulnerable. The specific mechanics of her immunity were explained in a flashback in the HBO series, showing her mother, Anna, bitten by an infected while giving birth. The infection was transmitted to Ellie through the umbilical cord, allowing her body to develop a unique resistance to the fungus as she grew. Essentially, her body recognized the fungus as a part of her, rather than a foreign invader. This concept was theorized by fans long before being confirmed in the show.
The uniqueness of her situation emphasizes the rarity of her immunity. The scientific community, represented by the Fireflies, was desperate to understand her biology. They theorized, although without absolute certainty, that they could develop a cure or vaccine by studying her, which would have required her sacrifice. The moral implications of this are central to the narrative.
The Lack of Other Immune Individuals
The fact that no other immune people are ever discovered is important. It underscores the desperation of the situation. The search for a cure rested solely on Ellie. This heightens the stakes and highlights the seemingly insurmountable odds faced by humanity in The Last of Us. This isolation also further solidifies Ellie’s unique position as the last hope for humanity, putting a great deal of responsibility and burden on her shoulders.
The Implications of Ellie’s Immunity
While her immunity provides a glimmer of hope, it also places her in constant danger. Various factions want to exploit her for their own agendas. This includes not only groups striving to find a cure but also those who simply see her as a valuable resource. This constant pressure shapes Ellie’s character, forcing her to grow up quickly in a world filled with danger and moral ambiguity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the details around immunity, here are some frequently asked questions about this aspect of The Last of Us universe:
1. Why is Ellie the only known immune person?
Ellie’s immunity stems from her mother, Anna, being bitten while giving birth. The infection was likely passed through the umbilical cord, allowing Ellie’s body to adapt and co-exist with the Cordyceps fungus from birth. Her system learned to fight it off rather than succumb to it, providing immunity against the infection.
2. Can Ellie infect others?
No, Ellie cannot infect others. Her immunity means her body has learned to live with the Cordyceps. Since she isn’t actively being infected, she is not contagious. As with any type of immunity, if you are not infected, you cannot infect.
3. Could Ellie be used to create a cure or vaccine?
The Fireflies initially believed that by studying Ellie, they could develop a cure or vaccine. However, they never created a vaccine or cure and would have to sacrifice her to create one. In addition to this the Fireflies technology had become obsolete at the time.
4. Why did Joel prevent the surgery?
Joel prevented the surgery because it was determined that to find a cure they would have to remove parts of Ellie’s brain, effectively killing her. He prioritized Ellie’s life over the potential cure, choosing to save her and steal her away from the Fireflies.
5. Did Joel ruin the chance for a cure?
Joel’s actions undeniably halted the Fireflies’ attempts to develop a cure using Ellie, but he also saved the only known immune person. The science behind the procedure was never confirmed so it is a question of if there was ever a possibility.
6. Why did the Fireflies stop looking for a cure?
After years of unsuccessful research and the dwindling of necessary resources, especially technological resources, the Fireflies, along with other global organizations, eventually gave up the search for a cure.
7. Is it possible there are other immune people that haven’t been found?
While it’s possible that others could exist, there is no narrative evidence to suggest it. The fact that no others have been discovered in the course of the game or the show supports the notion of Ellie’s unique status.
8. Was the Fireflies plan guaranteed to create a cure?
The Fireflies’ plan was never guaranteed to succeed. It was a desperate hope, based on a theory. The procedure was highly experimental and potentially fatal for Ellie. They could have killed her for no reason.
9. Is Joel selfish for saving Ellie?
Joel’s actions were fundamentally selfish, as he prioritized his own personal desires for a relationship over the potential for a cure. However, his actions are also human, born out of a deep love and a desire to protect Ellie.
10. Did Ellie know that Joel was lying about the cure?
There are indications that Ellie knew, on some level, that Joel was lying about the potential for a cure. She chooses to ignore the possibility for her own protection from grief, and to maintain her own peace of mind.
11. How did Joel avoid infection throughout the series?
While Joel’s survival isn’t directly tied to an immunity, he avoids infection by being cautious and careful. In the HBO show, they suggest his diet choices may have indirectly contributed to this.
12. What is the rarest Infected type?
The rarest Infected type is the Rat King. Introduced in The Last of Us Part II, it’s a gruesome amalgam of multiple Infected individuals that have fused together due to advanced stages of the infection.
13. Why does Ellie cut the Infected before killing them?
Ellie cuts Infected as a way of dealing with the grief and trauma she has experienced. She associates the Infected with people she has lost, and cutting them is a way to take out her rage.
14. Is it possible to complete the games without killing anyone?
No. While stealth can be used to avoid many encounters, there are scripted events in both games where killing is unavoidable.
15. Are there child Infected in The Last of Us?
Yes, child Infected are seen in The Last of Us universe. This serves to emphasize the horror of the infection, and contrasts the innocence of childhood with the brutality of the post-apocalyptic world.
Conclusion
In summary, within the narrative of The Last of Us, Ellie is the only known individual immune to the Cordyceps brain infection. While the possibility of others existing isn’t explicitly denied, the story consistently portrays her as a unique and incredibly valuable anomaly. Her immunity drives much of the plot, and her journey is a poignant exploration of hope, loss, and the difficult choices faced in a world ravaged by a devastating pandemic. Ellie’s journey is a testament to the power of humanity in the face of incredible adversity. Her immunity, and the moral questions it raises, is a core part of what makes The Last of Us so compelling and enduring.