Lilium

The song 'Lilium' serves as the opening theme for the anime series 'Elfen Lied', and it is as hauntingly beautiful as it is enigmatic. The lyrics are primarily in Latin, and they evoke a sense of ancient solemnity and spiritual depth. The use of Latin, a language often associated with the sacred and the liturgical, sets a tone that is both mystical and timeless. The text draws from biblical and religious imagery, which is fitting given the anime's exploration of themes such as the nature of humanity, sin, and redemption.

The opening lines, 'Os iusti meditabitur sapientiam, Et lingua eius loquetur indicium,' translate to 'The mouth of the righteous shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment.' This suggests a search for wisdom and a pronouncement of justice, which can be seen as reflecting the moral complexities and the harsh judgments the characters in 'Elfen Lied' face. The phrase 'Beatus vir qui suffert tentationem, Quoniam cum probatus fuerit accipient coronam vitae' translates to 'Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been proven, he will receive the crown of life.' This line speaks to the trials the characters endure and the hope for a reward beyond their suffering.

The refrain 'Kyrie, ignis divine, eleison' is a plea for mercy from the Lord, the divine fire, which underscores the characters' need for forgiveness and grace amidst their turmoil. The repeated description of a figure as 'Oh, quam sancta, quam serena, quam benigna, quam amoena, oh, castitatis lilium' (Oh, how holy, how serene, how kind, how pleasant, oh, the lily of chastity) likely refers to a character in the anime who embodies purity and innocence, yet is surrounded by violence and chaos. The lily is a symbol of purity and has strong Marian connotations, which may suggest a parallel to the Virgin Mary, a figure of ultimate compassion and mercy. 'Lilium' is a powerful and evocative piece that encapsulates the tragic beauty and complex themes of 'Elfen Lied'.