Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps finally reach the basement of Grisha Yeager’s home in Shiganshina in Episode 21 of Season 3, titled “Attack Titan,” which originally aired on February 18, 2019. This pivotal moment marks a turning point in Attack on Titan, unlocking crucial secrets about the world outside the walls and the true nature of the Titans.
Understanding the Significance of the Basement
The journey to the basement is more than just a physical one; it’s a symbolic quest for truth that spans multiple seasons. The basement represents the unknown, the promise of answers to the mysteries plaguing humanity within the walls. Reaching it is a culmination of years of struggle, loss, and unwavering determination. But what exactly did they find there, and why was it so important?
The Content of Grisha’s Basement: Unveiling the Truth
The basement contained a false wall concealing Grisha Yeager’s study, containing three crucial books that would redefine everything the characters believed to be true.
- Grisha’s Memoirs: These detailed his life outside the walls, revealing the existence of a world beyond the perceived boundaries of Paradis Island.
- Photographs: Visual evidence of technology and a vastly different society, challenging the medieval-like setting the characters were accustomed to.
- Medical Texts: These offered further insight into Grisha’s medical background and provided clues about Titan physiology and his research.
These revelations completely shatter the established narrative. It revealed that humanity hadn’t been wiped out, that they were, in fact, living in a much larger world where they were the minority.
Impact on the Story: A Paradigm Shift
The discovery in the basement significantly alters the direction of the story. It transitions from a desperate struggle for survival against seemingly mindless Titans to a complex geopolitical conflict involving nations, ideologies, and the fight for freedom.
- Shifting Alliances: The discovery leads to new alliances and rivalries, as the characters grapple with the implications of the truth.
- Moral Ambiguity: The previously clear-cut good versus evil dynamic becomes blurred, forcing the characters to confront uncomfortable realities about their history and potential future.
- Motivation for War: The revelation provides a clear motivation for Paradis Island’s war against Marley and other nations, driven by the desire for self-determination and vengeance.
Eren’s Reaction and Transformation
Eren’s reaction to the contents of the basement is profound. He experiences a mixture of anger, betrayal, and a burning desire for revenge. This moment fuels his resolve and sets him on a path of radicalization, culminating in his controversial actions later in the series. The basement doesn’t just change the story; it profoundly changes Eren.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What season and episode does the Scout Regiment finally reach the basement?
The Scout Regiment reaches the basement in Season 3, Episode 21, “Attack Titan.”
H3 What were the most important things discovered in Grisha’s basement?
The most important discoveries were Grisha’s memoirs, photographs of the outside world, and medical texts. These provided irrefutable proof of a larger world and the true history of the Titans.
H3 Why was the basement so heavily guarded?
The basement wasn’t heavily guarded in the traditional sense. It was simply a hidden room behind a false wall. Its secrecy was maintained by the fact that only Grisha knew of its existence. The lack of obvious defenses contributed to its effectiveness as a secret location.
H3 How did Eren feel after reading Grisha’s journals?
Eren felt a complex mix of emotions including anger, betrayal, confusion, and a burning desire for revenge. The revelation shattered his understanding of the world and his place in it.
H3 Did anyone suspect what was in the basement before they found it?
Armin, being highly analytical, had suspected that Grisha held secrets in his basement and that the answer to their troubles might be found there. However, he couldn’t know for certain what those secrets entailed.
H3 What were the immediate consequences of finding the basement?
The immediate consequence was a shift in focus for the Survey Corps. Instead of solely focusing on defending the walls from Titans, they now had a clear objective: to learn more about the outside world and prepare for war.
H3 How did the discovery of the outside world affect the people within the walls?
It sparked a mixture of hope, fear, and resentment. Some were excited by the prospect of a larger world and freedom, while others were terrified by the implications of being a minority group facing powerful enemies. Resentment arose from the realization that they had been lied to for generations.
H3 What role did the basement play in Eren’s eventual transformation into the antagonist?
The basement revelations played a crucial role. Learning about the atrocities committed against the Eldians and the suffering of his father fueled Eren’s desire for revenge and his willingness to resort to extreme measures to protect Paradis Island. He became increasingly radicalized, believing that only through force could they achieve true freedom.
H3 Where was the basement located in Shiganshina?
The basement was located within Grisha Yeager’s former clinic in Shiganshina District.
H3 Besides the books, were there any other significant items found in the basement?
While the books were the most significant, the photographs provided irrefutable visual proof of the outside world and were essential in convincing others of the truth. The medical texts also offered valuable insights into Titan biology.
H3 How long did it take the Scout Regiment to reach Grisha’s basement from the beginning of the series?
It took roughly three seasons of the anime, or approximately 59 episodes (including recap episodes), from the beginning of the series to reach Grisha’s basement. This represents a significant portion of the story and underscores the importance of this objective.
H3 How did the discovery in the basement change the tone and themes of Attack on Titan?
The discovery shifted the tone from one of desperate survival against a mysterious enemy to a complex war story with political and ethical dilemmas. The themes shifted from simple good versus evil to explore themes of prejudice, nationalism, freedom, and the cycle of violence. It forced viewers to question the nature of justice and the cost of freedom.