Apple is arguably the most symbolic fruit in history. It’s no wonder why Mawaru Penguindrum heavily uses this fruit to symbolize salvation and humanity. The apple acquired symbolic significance because it is one of the oldest fruits gathered by man. For so many of years, these fruits have been linked with tales, stories and myths of love, sensuality, fertility, and temptation especially in the case of the red apple. And in most cases, this fruit appeared in many religious traditions of then being portrayed as a forbidden or mystical fruit.
As what Mawaru Penguindrum always addresses, one of the key symbolisms of apple on this series is the wheel of fate. This fruit’s spherical shape was occasionally interpreted as a symbol of eternity. As of now, we have no idea whether the Kiga apple brings perpetual salvation or everlasting misfortune; however as exemplified by Momoka’s fate, we do know that there’s always going to be a sacrificial lamb (the one below the wheel) in order to reverse one’s fate (the one above the wheel).
