The latest episode of The Last of Us Season 2, titled “The Price,” finally gives fans a heartfelt look at how Ellie got her iconic tattoo — a moment only referenced in the original video game.
In a flashback, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) receives the tattoo from Kat (Noah Lamanna), the girl who also designed it. While the game implies Kat was her girlfriend at the time, the show keeps their relationship more ambiguous. Still, the scene is powerful, capturing Ellie’s struggles with identity, her desire to hide her Cordyceps bite mark, and her evolving bond with Joel (Pedro Pascal).
Before getting inked, Ellie even attempts to burn the bite mark off her arm — a desperate moment that highlights her emotional burden. Joel eventually discovers Ellie with Kat, leading to a tense but transformative conversation where Ellie affirms who she is. Joel’s initial discomfort gives way to support, allowing her more freedom and privacy.
The tattoo — a moth over a fern — carries deep symbolism. While Ellie says she read about moths in a book on dreams, Joel later learns from Gail (Catherine O’Hara) that moths can symbolize death. For Ellie, who carries the Cordyceps infection that makes her immune, death is a constant part of her identity. Still, the fern beneath the moth suggests rebirth and resilience — a reflection of Ellie’s enduring spirit and complex journey.
By showing the story behind Ellie’s ink, the series deepens her emotional arc and adds new layers to her relationship with Joel and her past.
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