Did Ellie Really Have the Cure?

To answer the question directly, Ellie did not have the cure for the Cordyceps infection in the classical sense, as her immunity was not something that could be easily replicated or used to create a vaccine. The concept of Ellie’s immunity is complex, stemming from the unique circumstances of her birth and her mother’s infection, which makes her a special case rather than a universal cure for the Cordyceps fungus.

Understanding Ellie’s Immunity

The Origin of Ellie’s Immunity

The question of whether Ellie had the cure is multifaceted, requiring an understanding of how her immunity to Cordyceps came to be. Ellie’s immunity is attributed to the Cordyceps already present in her system, which makes any new Cordyceps entering her body believe she is already infected, thereby rendering her immune to its effects. This unique situation arises from the specific timing of her mother Anna’s bite, Ellie’s birth, and the subsequent nursing period, during which Ellie received antibodies from her mother through colostrum.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Ellie immune to the Cordyceps virus?

• Ellie is immune due to the Cordyceps already in her system, which prevents new Cordyceps from affecting her.

1. How did Ellie get her immunity?

• Ellie’s immunity comes from the unique circumstances of her birth, including the timing of her mother’s infection and the transfer of antibodies through colostrum.

1. Can Ellie infect others?

• Ellie almost certainly cannot infect others, as her body does not produce the Cordyceps spores in a way that could spread the infection.

1. Why did Joel prevent the cure?

• Joel prevented the supposed cure by stopping the surgery that would have used Ellie’s brain to potentially create a vaccine, as it required removing parts of her brain and would have killed her.

1. Is a cure ever found in The Last of Us?

• The storyline of finding a cure using Ellie is never resolved in the series, leaving the question of whether a cure could have been developed open.

1. How did Ellie survive the bite?

• Ellie survived the Cordyceps bite because the Cordyceps in her system already made her appear infected to any new Cordyceps entering her body.

1. Can Cordyceps infect humans in real life?

• While Cordyceps can infect insects, it is highly unlikely to cause infection in humans in the near future, according to scientific perspectives.

1. Why is Joel not infected?

• Joel may have avoided infection due to his food choices and not being bitten by an infected individual.

1. Did Ellie know Tess was bitten?

• Ellie realized Tess was infected after seeing the bite mark on her shoulder from a runner.

1. Is it possible that Joel survived?

   • Joel has managed to survive for twenty years, suggesting it’s possible for him to continue surviving, albeit with health struggles.

2. What disease does Joel have?

   • Joel suffers from anxiety, gastric ulcers, and high blood pressure, issues that are likely exacerbated by the stress of living in a post-apocalyptic world.

3. Was Ellie’s mom bitten while pregnant?

   • Yes, Anna, Ellie’s mom, was bitten just before giving birth to Ellie, which played a crucial role in Ellie’s immunity.

4. Can Ellie spread the Cordyceps?

   • Despite being immune, Ellie cannot spread Cordyceps because her body does not support the fungus in a way that allows it to infect others.

5. Did Joel get bitten?

   • Joel is injured but not bitten, allowing Ellie the opportunity to save him.

6. Is the Cordyceps in Ellie’s brain?

   • The Cordyceps in Ellie’s system is what makes her immune, but the specifics of how it interacts with her brain are not fully explored, as the surgery to understand this is prevented by Joel.

Conclusion

The concept of Ellie having the cure is a complex one, deeply intertwined with the narrative of The Last of Us. Understanding Ellie’s immunity and how it works provides insight into the world of the game and the Cordyceps infection, highlighting the themes of sacrifice, survival, and the human condition in the face of catastrophic loss. While Ellie does not hold a traditional cure, her story and the exploration of her immunity serve as a pivotal element in the unfolding drama of The Last of Us, leaving audiences to ponder the what-ifs and the deeper implications of her unique condition.