Summary
- Eren’s final dialogue with Armin transformed the understanding of his actions and revealed his innermost feelings, clarifying his troubled journey.
- His intention was to protect Eldia through destruction, distancing himself from loved ones to shield them from his fate.
- This crucial conversation unveiled Eren’s motivations, leading to acceptance and empathy, despite his troubling actions.
In the climactic moments of Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager’s transformation into the series’ antagonist culminated in catastrophic events—the Rumbling, which resulted in the tragic loss of billions. Yet, it was his poignant conversation with Armin that ultimately elucidated his controversial choices, adding depth to his complex character.
Initially driven by a dream of freedom, Eren’s discovery of Marley and the broader world marked a significant turning point. Armin’s flashback to their final exchange reveals critical insights into Eren’s psyche, illustrating how pivotal this encounter was in reshaping the narrative.
When Did This Conversation Take Place?
The significant exchange between Armin and Eren occurs in Chapter 4 of Attack on Titan Final Chapters (Part 2) Special. Following Eren’s demise, Armin recalls this conversation, which transpired after their last meeting on Paradis Island—not as a physical interaction but through the Founding Titan’s unique power.
In a dreamlike sequence, Eren and Armin traverse landscapes they once wished to explore together. Their journey begins in the Shiganshina District, where Armin had first introduced Eren to the intriguing book about the outside world.
- They then move to a rugged volcanic area, attempting to experience the book’s wonders firsthand.
- Next, they find themselves in a snowy mountainscape under an enchanting aurora.
- The emotional culmination takes place on a shoreline that ominously morphs into a sea of blood, symbolizing the devastating genocide Eren has set in motion.
The Significance of This Conversation
This final conversation holds immense significance as it represents the last opportunity for Eren and Armin to connect. Their bond, forged in childhood, had always been centered on their quest for freedom, yet the unfolding events saw Eren distancing himself deliberately. Despite this, their dialogue illuminated Eren’s underlying motive: he did not wish to forsake his friends but rather protect them from the dark path he had chosen.
For the Sake of Eldia
Eren’s destructive determination led him to pursue a course where he aimed to eliminate 80% of the world. He claimed this radical action was for the protection of Eldia, knowing full well that this decision would ultimately necessitate his friends’ separation from him, allowing them to emerge as heroes in a new world, potentially reducing the animosity directed at his people.
The True Nature of the Founding Titan
Eren’s choice to prioritize his allies over the rest of the world revealed the complexities of his character. During their exchange, Eren acknowledged that he intended to eradicate a significant portion of humanity, prompting Armin’s outrage. However, Eren elaborated on how the Founding Titan’s capabilities allowed him to experience memories from both the past and future, disclosing that his actions were, in a sense, preordained.
Eren’s True Feelings For Mikasa
Throughout their childhood, Mikasa’s unwavering affection for Eren was evident; she constantly safeguarded him. However, as circumstances shifted with the rise of the Yeagerists, a rift developed between them. In their final exchange, Eren’s declarations of disdain towards Mikasa were a façade, designed to create the emotional distance necessary for her to fulfill her likely grim destiny.
Despite insisting that Mikasa’s bond with him derived from her Ackerman instincts and not genuine love, his emotional outpouring upon contemplating her moving on from him revealed his true feelings. He desperately wished for her to cherish him for at least a decade, showcasing the profound love he had for her despite the chaotic circumstances.
Understanding Ymir Fritz “The Founder”
The discussion between Eren and Armin further illuminated the enigma of Ymir Fritz, known for her tragic loyalty to King Fritz across millennia. Eren’s dismay at Ymir’s motivations revealed that her obedience stemmed from a twisted form of “love, ”which shackled her for over 2, 000 years. Finally, she found a glimpse of hope embodied in Mikasa, marking a pivotal moment in breaking the cycle of torment that defined her existence.
“There’s something I felt when I touched her in the Paths. I couldn’t believe it. The Founder Ymir… loved King Fritz. That’s what it is was that kept Ymir bound, even after 2, 000 years… She kept searching for someone to release her, and finally, they appeared. That person was Mikasa.”
– Eren, The Final Chapters Special 2
While it initially appeared that Eren liberated Ymir, the reality was that Mikasa’s love for Eren ultimately liberated them both from their cycles of anguish. Even following his devastating decisions, Mikasa’s enduring commitment to saving him culminated in her tragic act of ending Eren’s life, finally granting them both freedom from their respective myths of suffering.
Eren and Armin’s Acceptance as Sinners
Upon contemplating their impending fate, Armin wrestled with disbelief at Eren’s intentions. Despite Eren’s assertion that he was driven by a need to protect his kin, his confession of a yearning to obliterate the outside world revealed a darker reality about his motivations.
“I wanted to level everything. I wanted to see this sight. I don’t know why. I just wanted to do it… so very badly.”
– Eren, The Final Chapters Special 2
Armin soon recognized the shared guilt they bore; he had influenced Eren’s mindset and, in a way, his actions. Ultimately, Armin expressed gratitude for the revelations about the wider world Eren unveiled, vowing to join him in whatever fate lay ahead, thus embracing their shared journey into darkness.
How Did This Conversation Impact the Ending?
Despite the gravity of Eren’s actions and the immeasurable loss of innocent lives, his dialogue with Armin fostered understanding among his friends about his true aspirations. While they struggled to condone his methods, they developed sympathy for his plight, which allowed them to become heroes in the revised world order.
Armin accepted the heavy burden of Eren’s legacy, stepping forward as a leader and peace ambassador, while Mikasa’s grief for Eren persisted. Ultimately, her journey led her back to him, as she chose to rest beside Eren’s grave, forever bound by their shared history.
Ultimately, Attack on Titan weaves a profound narrative about the pursuit of freedom, culminating in Eren’s realization that while he remained imprisoned by his tragic destiny, he had forged a path toward a liberated future for those he held dear.
For viewers interested in following this epic tale, Attack on Titan is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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