Overview
- Eren’s quest for freedom culminated in his transformation into a slave to his own ideals, reshaping the world of Attack on Titan.
- His demise marked the end of the Titan curse and heralded a new era of peace for Eldia.
- The series concludes with a brutally realistic portrayal of the cyclical nature of human conflict.
Attack on Titan concluded with Eren’s heartbreaking death, transitioning him from the hero into an antagonist and altering the series’ trajectory. Throughout his life, Eren sought freedom fervently. Did he ultimately attain this freedom, and what repercussions did his death have for the world he left behind?
In his quest for liberation, Eren became ensnared by the very notion of freedom, sacrificing millions along the way to grant his loved ones a chance at liberation. In essence, he constructed a new world within the Attack on Titan universe.
The Significance of Eren’s Death
Upon encountering Historia, Eren foresaw impending destruction and resigned himself to his fate, distancing from those he loved. He became perceived as a villain, responsible for the deaths of 80% of humanity. Yet, his death at the hands of former friends repositioned Eldians as the heroes of a new era.
Memory Retrieval
In Eren’s final moments, key figures like Armin, Mikasa, and Reiner retrieved memories of their conversations with him. Before embarking on his destructive path, Eren harnessed the Founding Titan’s power to share glimpses of the future with his allies, ensuring their memories would be erased, so they could stand against him. This recollection allowed audiences to grasp the depths of Eren’s intentions and emotions.
The Conclusion of the Titan Curse
These memories revealed Ymir Fritz’s choice to empower Mikasa, which ultimately freed them both. By slaying Eren, Mikasa liberated herself from the shackles of unconditional love, also granting Ymir the freedom to reject King Fritz’s control after millennia. Consequently, the Titan curse was finally lifted, allowing Eldians to return to normalcy, free from the ability to transform into titans.
“I think your love was nothing but a long nightmare.
The lives taken will never come back.
Still, I existed because of the lives you created.
Rest in peace, Ymir.”
– Mikasa, The Final Chapters Special 2
Characters like Reiner and Annie were able to reunite with their families, relieved that their burdens of being Titan Shifters had dissipated. Other former pure titans, including Connie’s mother, also returned to humanity.
Mikasa’s Journey of Acceptance
After years of visiting a love that consumed her, Mikasa finally took action for the greater good by ending Eren’s life. However, her love persisted. She returned his remains to Eldia, entombing him beneath the tree where they spent their childhood. In her later years, she continued to pay her respects at his grave, ultimately finding reunion with Eren in death.
In the concluding scenes, Mikasa is depicted heartbroken beside Eren’s grave, where a bird wraps the red scarf around her—a poignant reminder of Eren’s enduring affection and the liberation he bestowed upon her.
The Fate of Eldia
The devastation wrought by the Rumbling left Eldia unscathed, yet under constant threat of retribution from humanity. In response, Eldia established a robust military presence, illustrating humanity’s perpetual cycle of strife. Historia emerged once more as the leader of Paradis Island, recognizing that the world’s condition was shaped not solely by Eren’s decisions, but by humanity’s collective choices.
“I’m certain this outcome was not the result of Eren’s choices alone.
This world is an outcome wrought by all of our choices.
We must fight, so that we need fight no more.”
– Historia, The Final Chapters Special 2
In a surprising turn, Armin and others returned as peace envoys, sailing back to the island in a bid to forge a future devoid of past betrayals.
An Examination of the Ending
The finale of Attack on Titan offers a glimpse into the repercussions following Eren’s demise. Eldia initially thrived as a nation, maintaining peace for many years, yet this tranquility was inevitably shattered as humanity defaulted back into conflict, leading to devastation once again.
In a stark portrayal of the human condition, the final scenes depict a child and a dog visiting a tree in the ashes of a ravaged world, reminiscent of Ymir’s original transformation into a titan. This imagery powerful encapsulates the cyclical nature of human existence—a new chapter begins, only to reset into turmoil once more.
Ultimately, Attack on Titan serves as a profound commentary on the complexities of human society and politics, intricately woven through a narrative of action and fantasy. The series masterfully unfolds a raw and realistic tale about an endless quest for peace and harmony, leaving audiences to reflect on the implications of its storyline.
Catch the entire series of Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll.
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