Each installment of Hajime Isayama’s *Attack on Titan* has left fans reeling from heart-wrenching and brutal character deaths. These traumatic moments are unforgettable, especially as they add layers to the narrative and impact the surviving characters profoundly.
While the creator playfully suggested opening a spa to gather our tears, the truth is that several character exits significantly affected both the cast and the audience. Some heroes met their end in shocking fashion, leaving behind unresolved emotional turmoil and grief.
As we continue to process the pain of these losses, let’s revisit some of the most unforgettable and harrowing deaths in *Attack on Titan*, each one leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Please note that this discussion contains major spoilers, so we recommend enjoying the manga or anime first.
10 Sasha Blouse
Everyone’s Favorite Potato Girl
Though Sasha Blouse’s demise was perhaps the gentler of the heart-wrenching stories, it remains a powerful moment in the series. Surrounded by friends aboard the airship, she was tragically shot by Gabi Braun before she could react.
The poignant moment that preceded her death—Connie embracing both her and Jean—heightened the tragedy, making the betrayal all the more shocking. Sasha’s passing was far more than just a loss of comic relief; it symbolized the descent into darkness for the entire storyline of *Attack on Titan*.
9 Bertholdt Hoover
Still Can’t Pronounce His Name
When Bertholdt’s fate came, he was devoured by Armin Arlert in his Titan form, desperately calling out for his comrades Reiner and Annie. The fleeting smile Bertholdt had when captured by Armin left viewers stunned, as it hinted at his hope for rescue, unaware of the tragic twist awaiting him.
This moment became even more poignant considering Bertholdt had no knowledge about the *Titan syringe* or that Armin would inherit his powers, amplifying the emotional weight of his demise.
8 Carla Jaeger
Could Have Stopped Rumbling In Seconds!
Carla Jaeger’s tragic demise marked a pivotal moment for her son, Eren, igniting his deep-seated hatred for Titans. Trapped under the rubble of the Shiganshina district wall while Titans ravaged the area, her plea for protection for Eren and Mikasa resonated with viewers deeply.
Ultimately, the Smiling Titan brutally ended her life right before Eren’s eyes, solidifying her death as a key motivator for Eren’s future actions. The emotional weight of her final moments fuels the long-standing trauma faced by Eren throughout the series.
7 Hans
100 Points For The Effort!
Hannes’s fate compounds Eren’s trauma, as he witnesses yet another figure he cares about meeting an untimely end. Hannes’s attempt to protect Eren and Mikasa moments after failing to save Carla Jaeger underscores the tragic cycle of loss faced by Eren.
In a desperate attempt to save the kids from the Smiling Titan, Hannes faced a devastating defeat, ultimately being devoured in front of Eren. This heartbreaking scene intensified the emotional turmoil as Eren realized the futility of relying on anyone for protection.
6 Marlo Freudenberg
Do And Most Willingly, Die!
Marlo Freudenberg chose the path of honor over comfort by leaving the corrupt Military Police to join the Scouts. He led a valiant charge against the Beast Titan, understanding the sacrifice it might entail.
His last moments were poignant and tragic—wondering about his feelings for Hitch as he faced inevitable death when a boulder obliterated him. This seemed to convey the theme that even in their bravest moments, the characters grappled with uncertainty that makes their fates even more heartbreaking.
5 Petra Ral
Falling Star
Petra Ral, a skilled member of Levi’s squad, met her untimely death at the hands of the _______ while the Scouts were still inexperienced in battling Titans and their capabilities. Her shock upon realizing the Female Titan’s speed contributed to the emotional intensity of her demise.
Levi’s quiet sorrow upon returning after her death served as a poignant reminder of the real consequences of war. This tragedy left a heavy imprint on his character arc, reinforcing the series’ exploration of loss and its lasting effects.
4 Nanaba
Childhood Scarier Than Titans?
Nanaba’s demise showcased heroism in the face of despair as she fought fiercely but ultimately succumbed to countless Pure Titans. In a heartbreaking moment, she cried for her father as she was torn apart, implying a troubled past and unspoken stories.
This haunting scene resonated deeply with fans, emphasizing the personal stakes of every life claimed by the Titans and how such grief ripples through the lives of those left behind.
3 Miche Zacharius
Couldn’t Smell His Looming Death
Even one of the strongest characters, Miche Zacharius fell victim to carelessness as he misjudged his surroundings. When the Beast Titan knocked him off a building, he landed directly in the mouth of a Pure Titan.
His chilling anticipation of death was compounded as he realized he was pathetically surrounded. Miche’s demise is a stark reminder of how quickly even the most capable can fall, leaving an impact that lingers long after it unfolds.
2 Fay Jaeger
Sorry, But Who Let The Dogs Out?
The fate of Grisha Jaeger’s sister, Fay, starkly illustrated the harsh realities of systemic racism faced by Eldians at the hands of the Marleyans. Fay, a naive and innocent child, suffered a cruel fate merely due to her identity.
The heart-wrenching moment she was fed to dogs while Grisha was beaten for attempting to defend her speaks volumes about the injustice within the narrative. Represented only briefly in the anime, Fay’s death resonated heavily, leaving a profound emotional impact on both Grisha and the audience.
1 Symbol
Caught In A Crossfire!
Innocent lives like Ramzi’s should never be collateral in warfare. This young boy, alongside his best friend Halil, fell victim during the Rumbling, crushed under a titan’s foot after debris trapped him.
Ramzi’s earlier encounter with Eren, where he was saved from bullies, starkly highlighted the helplessness of children in this brutal conflict. The juxtaposition of his naïveté with the horror he faced emphasized the tragedy of being caught in the gears of war, solidifying his death as one of the most painful in *Attack on Titan*.
Leave a Reply