ダーリン・イン・ザ・フランキス
DARLING in the FRANXX - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Jian Bird (The Bird with One Wing)
The Jian is a mythical bird from Chinese folklore born with only one wing, requiring it to find a mate to fly. It is the central metaphor for the series, symbolizing the necessity of partnership and the idea that individuals are incomplete on their own.
Introduced by Zero Two in the first episode, the symbol is constantly referenced in relation to her and Hiro's bond. Their ability to pilot the Strelitzia together when Hiro can pilot with no one else reinforces this symbolism. The concept applies to all Franxx pilots, who must work in male-female pairs to function effectively.
The Franxx Mecha
The Franxx, with their distinctly feminine appearances and the intimate piloting mechanism, symbolize relationships, puberty, and sexuality. Each Franxx's name is derived from a flower, with the flower's meaning often reflecting the personality or arc of its pistil pilot.
The piloting position, with the male controlling the female's movements, is a very direct and controversial metaphor for sexual intercourse. The Franxx going into "Stampede Mode" when a pilot's emotions run wild further links the mecha to the adolescent emotional and physical turmoil the characters experience.
Horns
Zero Two's horns are a physical manifestation of her non-human, Klaxosaur side. They symbolize her otherness, her perceived monstrosity, and her alienation from the human society she wishes to join. As her connection with Hiro grows, his own body begins to develop horns, symbolizing their deepening bond and the blurring of lines between human and Klaxosaur.
Throughout the series, the length and state of Zero Two's horns often reflect her emotional state and the stability of her connection with Hiro. When she becomes more monstrous, they grow larger; when she feels more human with him, they are less prominent. Hiro accepting and even touching her horns is a key sign of his unconditional love for her.
The Picture Book: "The Beast and the Prince"
The wordless picture book that Zero Two treasures tells the story of a lonely, horned beast princess who falls in love with a human prince, but cannot be with him because of their different natures. It is a direct allegory for Zero Two and Hiro's own story, symbolizing their forbidden love and their struggle to overcome their differences to be together.
The book is revealed in Episode 13, showing that their meeting as children was the basis for their entire relationship. Zero Two modeled her entire personality and quest to become human on the characters in the book, hoping to reunite with her "darling" prince from the past. The story's tragic ending foreshadows the sacrifices they will ultimately have to make.
Philosophical Questions
What defines humanity?
The series explores this by contrasting the immortal, passionless "adults" with the emotional, mortal "parasites." Is humanity defined by longevity and knowledge, or by the capacity to love, reproduce, and experience a full range of emotions? Zero Two's journey from a "monster" wanting to be human to someone who realizes her connection with Hiro is her humanity suggests the answer lies in relationships, not biology or status.
Is a life without struggle and emotion truly living?
The dystopian society offers immortality and stability at the cost of individuality, procreation, and strong emotions. The adults live in a state of stagnant apathy. The series argues that the struggles of life—pain, heartbreak, jealousy, and eventually death—are inseparable from its joys, like love and family. Squad 13 chooses a shorter, more difficult life filled with emotion over the empty eternity of the adults, suggesting that a meaningful existence requires both suffering and happiness.
Can you create your own purpose in a world that has defined it for you?
The parasites are bred for a single purpose: to pilot Franxx and die in battle. Their entire rebellion is an exercise in finding new meaning for their lives. Hiro and Zero Two find purpose in each other. Kokoro and Mitsuru find it in becoming parents. The rest of Squad 13 finds it in building a new society. The series strongly advocates for self-determination against a deterministic and oppressive system.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of DARLING in the FRANXX revolves around the exploration of humanity, identity, and the profound significance of relationships and love in a society that has suppressed them. The series posits that true humanity is defined not by immortality or technological advancement, but by the messy, emotional, and reproductive connections between people. It critiques sterile, authoritarian systems that sacrifice individuality and emotion for perceived stability. Ultimately, the creators convey a message that finding a partner—a 'darling'—with whom to share life's struggles and joys is essential to being human, and that breaking free from oppressive systems to create one's own future is a fundamental part of the human experience.