The original Elfen Lied manga by Lynn Okamoto started serialization in Weekly Young Jump.
The Elfen Lied anime television series premiered in Japan, adapting the manga and gaining a cult following due to its themes and graphic content.
The 13-episode run of the Elfen Lied anime concluded its original broadcast in Japan.
A Diclonius child named Lucy, later known as Nyu, is born with vectors (invisible arms) capable of immense destruction.
Lucy escapes from the laboratory where she was held captive and experimented on, resulting in a violent breakout.
Lucy encounters Kouta and Yuka in Kamakura, where she loses memory and adopts the Nyu personality—innocent and childlike.
Kouta, unaware of her true nature, lets Nyu live with him, leading to multiple interactions blending human and Diclonius lives.
Kurama, a scientist and Kouta's father figure, continues to hunt Lucy to eliminate the Diclonius threat while wrestling with his personal feelings.
Lucy's darker personality resurfaces intermittently, causing violent and tragic incidents linked to the research facility's pursuit.
Other Diclonii such as Nana appear, leading to complex alliances and battles between the Diclonius characters.
Kouta recalls past tragic events involving his family and his connection with Lucy, shedding light on underlying motivations.
The climax involves a confrontation between Lucy/Nyu, Kurama, and other characters, determining the fate of the Diclonii and humans.
Post-conflict, surviving characters deal with the aftermath, including themes of forgiveness and coexistence.
