A character from Neon Genesis Evangelion who was a genetic engineering student. She is the beloved mother of Ikari Shinji, former wife of Ikari Gendou, and is considered one of the most important characters in the series despite her not being physically present.
She disappeared inside the EVA 01 unit during a pilot test, known as a Contact Experiment. It is later revealed that her essence fused with the mecha, turning the EVA 01 into Shinji's actual mother.
Ayanami Rei is a clone of her made infused with the soul of Lilith after a failed attempt to salvage her.
