Overview
- Attack on Titan masterfully redefines the archetypes of heroes and villains, creating a nuanced landscape where the distinction between good and evil becomes increasingly ambiguous.
- The series excels in character development, featuring deeply flawed yet relatable individuals who drive the narrative forward.
- As the plot unfolds, it interrogates conventional heroism, delving into significant themes such as sacrifice, morality, and the complexities of human nature.
Table of Contents
The conclusion of Attack on Titan has left fans astounded and occasionally bewildered. Many viewers found themselves returning to previous episodes to comprehend the intricate layers and foreshadowing woven by Hajime Isayama. The series finale has cemented its legacy as a hallmark of anime, influencing how narratives of heroism are perceived.
Even as we grapple with the complex finale, it is apparent that Attack on Titan heralds a pivotal shift in anime storytelling. It reshapes our understanding of heroes and villains, particularly epitomized in the character of Eren Yeager, whose evolution from hero to anti-hero and ultimately to villain challenges the very essence of what defines a ‘hero.’
Warning: This article contains significant spoilers for Attack on Titan. Proceed with caution if you haven’t completed the series.
How Attack on Titan Redefined Heroes and Villains in Anime
We Totally Didn’t See That One Coming
Within the narrative, Eren Yeager embodies the struggle for freedom against the tyranny of Titans. Humanity has retreated behind enormous walls to shield themselves from these monstrous threats. The story takes a dark turn when one of these barriers is destroyed, leading to devastating loss for Eren, including the death of his mother.
“Every time I close my eyes, I see the faces of people I couldn’t save. Every time I open them, I see this world full of despair.” – Eren Yeager
In the wake of this tragedy, Eren commits himself to eradicate Titans from existence, vowing revenge against these threats to humanity.
Eren Loses Humanity
After enlisting in the Survey Corps, Eren faces a horrific fate when a Titan consumes him during a breach. Within the creature, Eren’s latent abilities awaken, transforming him into a Titan shifter. Initially condemned to death, the military opts to utilize Eren’s powers for their benefit.
However, this decision compels Eren to grapple with his identity, as he becomes an instrument of the very force he despises. His experience further intensifies when he witnesses a glimpse of the future that shatters his previous convictions, precipitating a dramatic shift in his demeanor.
During the Marley arc, Eren uncovers the chilling truth about his world and the revelations contained within his family’s basement. He ultimately resolves that to liberate the Eldians, he must resort to the rumbling, an apocalyptic act that involves unleashing Colossal Titans globally.
“I hate this world. I hate the people in it. But… I’ll never stop fighting. I’ll never stop until I destroy this world that took everything from me.” – Eren Yeager
Eren’s protective instincts for his friends underscore his drastic decisions. Confronted with hostility from the world towards the Eldians, Eren concludes that the only solution is the annihilation of all those beyond Paradis Island. This leads viewers to ponder whether he is a heroic savior or a villain sentenced to mass destruction.
Marley’s Perspective
Conversely, the narrative introduces us to Marley, where characters like Falco and Gabi first appear as antagonists. As the storyline progresses, viewers witness that the Marleyans’ animosity toward Eldians is rooted in a tragic history of violence and loss inflicted by Eldians upon them. Gabi, in her determination to defend her homeland, reflects Eren’s earlier motivations.
“I don’t care about the people of Paradis! I just want to protect Marley and everyone I love!” – Gabi Braun
As the layers of truth unfold, the audience finds it increasingly difficult to align themselves with either side in the Eldian-Marleyan conflict. While the violence inflicted by Eldians in the past justifies some level of resentment, the extremity of Marley’s hatred raises questions about the cycle of vengeance.
Not Your Typical Heroes
As the plot unfolds, the dichotomy of good versus evil becomes increasingly obscured. Hajime Isayama adeptly crafts a narrative that challenges viewers’ traditional perceptions by illustrating the flaws and complexities of his characters.
The introduction of characters like Reiner, Annie, and Bertholdt encourages viewers to initially trust them, only for them to reveal their true roles as Titan shifters betraying Paradis Island. This narrative twist underscores the theme of distrust permeating the series. Meanwhile, friends like Mikasa and Armin are left powerless as Eren wrestles with his mounting burdens.
“The truth is that the world is an endless cycle of pain and suffering, and we all have our roles to play in it.” – Reiner Braun
Armin, who starts as the seemingly weak member of the team, is faced with moral dilemmas, ultimately needing to make sacrifices for what he believes to be the greater good. Meanwhile, Mikasa is forced to choose between her affinity for Eren and the future of humanity, heightening the emotional stakes of the story.
Isayama’s character development challenges typical shonen tropes, demonstrating that in the aftermath of war, no character can be simply defined as a hero or a villain. Attack on Titan successfully revolutionizes the anime landscape by providing a narrative that forces audiences to confront the moral complexities inherent in human conflicts.
The series compellingly illustrates that, within the tragic story of war, all characters are flawed human beings, struggling to navigate their destinies amidst overwhelming anguish.
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