Bertholdt Hoover meets his demise in episode 18 of season 3, titled “Midnight Sun.” This pivotal episode marks the culmination of the Shiganshina District retaking operation and a devastating choice between saving Armin Arlert or Erwin Smith with the Titan serum.
The Fall of the Colossal Titan
Bertholdt Hoover, the former Colossal Titan, played a significant and ultimately tragic role in the Attack on Titan narrative. His actions precipitated the initial fall of Wall Maria and sparked the series’ central conflict. However, his character is far more complex than a simple antagonist. Understanding the circumstances surrounding his death requires a deeper examination of the events leading up to it.
A Clash of Ideologies
The Shiganshina District battle represented not only a clash between humanity and the Titans but also a profound ideological conflict. Bertholdt, alongside Reiner Braun and Annie Leonhart, were warriors from Marley, tasked with retrieving the Founding Titan. Their mission was driven by a deeply ingrained belief in Marleyan superiority and a perceived threat from the “devils” of Paradis Island.
The Weight of Responsibility
Throughout the series, Bertholdt is portrayed as hesitant and burdened by the weight of his actions. He is often depicted as following Reiner’s lead, lacking the same unwavering conviction. His internal struggles highlight the moral ambiguity of the conflict, raising questions about the nature of good and evil in a world ravaged by war. The burden of carrying the Colossal Titan, with its immense destructive power, clearly weighed heavily on him.
The Confrontation at Shiganshina
During the Shiganshina battle, Bertholdt finally unleashed the full extent of the Colossal Titan’s power. His transformation created a massive explosion, devastating the landscape and severely hindering the Survey Corps’ efforts. However, his strategic advantage was short-lived. He was eventually outmaneuvered by Armin Arlert’s tactical brilliance and Eren Yeager’s unwavering determination.
The Choice: Armin or Erwin?
After Eren managed to extract Bertholdt from the Colossal Titan’s nape, he was incapacitated. The remaining serum-infused Titan spinal fluid became a crucial element in the narrative. Captain Levi Ackerman was faced with a heartbreaking decision: use the serum to save either the critically wounded Armin Arlert or the equally near-death Commander Erwin Smith.
The Value of Experience vs. The Spark of Hope
Erwin, a brilliant strategist and visionary leader, possessed invaluable experience and knowledge that could potentially turn the tide against Marley. However, Armin, with his sharp intellect and strategic mind, represented the future and a potentially different, more hopeful path for humanity.
Levi’s Decision
Ultimately, Levi chose to inject Armin with the Titan serum, effectively sacrificing Erwin. This controversial decision sparked heated debate among fans, highlighting the complexities of leadership and the difficult choices that must be made in times of crisis.
Bertholdt’s Sacrifice
By being consumed by Armin, Bertholdt’s power passed on, allowing Armin to inherit the Colossal Titan and its memories. This transference marked a turning point in the story, providing the Survey Corps with a significant weapon against Marley and unlocking a deeper understanding of the Titan’s origins.
FAQs: Understanding Bertholdt’s Death and Legacy
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the circumstances surrounding Bertholdt Hoover’s death and his lasting impact on the Attack on Titan narrative:
1. Why was Bertholdt chosen to be the Colossal Titan?
Bertholdt’s aptitude for the Colossal Titan was likely due to a combination of factors, including his physical compatibility with the Titan’s immense size and power, as well as his strategic mind and willingness to follow orders. The exact criteria for selecting Titan inheritors are not explicitly stated but likely involve a rigorous assessment of their physical and mental capabilities.
2. Did Bertholdt regret his actions?
Yes, Bertholdt demonstrated remorse and conflicted emotions throughout the series. He acknowledged the devastating consequences of his actions and expressed a desire to avoid further bloodshed. His internal conflict humanized him, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
3. How did Armin eat Bertholdt?
After being injected with the Titan serum, Armin transformed into a mindless Titan. Guided by instinct, he consumed Bertholdt, inheriting the Colossal Titan’s power and memories. This process is typical of Titan inheritance, where the new inheritor devours the previous Titan shifter in their Titan form.
4. What powers did Armin gain from Bertholdt?
Armin gained the power to transform into the Colossal Titan, granting him immense size, strength, and the ability to emit scorching steam. He also inherited Bertholdt’s memories, providing him with valuable insights into Marley’s objectives and the history of the Titan power.
5. How did Bertholdt and Reiner get past the Survey Corps initially?
They infiltrated the Survey Corps alongside Annie, blending in as trainees. Their exceptional combat skills and apparent loyalty allowed them to gain the trust of their comrades, making their eventual betrayal all the more devastating.
6. Was Bertholdt stronger than Reiner?
While Reiner possessed the Armored Titan, known for its incredible defense, Bertholdt’s Colossal Titan possessed immense destructive power. Their strengths were different, making them a formidable team. It’s difficult to definitively say who was “stronger” overall as their effectiveness depended on the specific situation.
7. What was Bertholdt’s motivation for destroying Wall Maria?
Bertholdt’s motivation stemmed from his allegiance to Marley and his belief that the Eldians on Paradis Island posed a threat to the world. He saw his actions as necessary to protect Marley and its people, driven by years of indoctrination and propaganda.
8. Did Annie feel anything when Bertholdt died?
While Annie’s reaction to Bertholdt’s death isn’t explicitly shown, it’s implied that she was deeply affected. They were part of the same warrior team and shared a strong bond, even if it wasn’t openly expressed. Her subsequent actions suggest a sense of loss and guilt.
9. Why didn’t Bertholdt simply refuse to destroy the wall?
Bertholdt was bound by his duty and loyalty to Marley. Refusal would have likely resulted in severe consequences for him and his family. Furthermore, he was deeply ingrained in the Marleyan ideology, making it difficult for him to question his mission.
10. What impact did Bertholdt’s memories have on Armin?
Bertholdt’s memories significantly impacted Armin, shaping his understanding of the world and the conflict between Marley and Paradis Island. He gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the situation and the perspectives of both sides, influencing his future actions and decisions.
11. How powerful was the Colossal Titan really?
The Colossal Titan is arguably the most destructive of the Nine Titans. Its immense size and the ability to release massive bursts of steam made it capable of obliterating entire landscapes and decimating enemy forces.
12. What happened to Bertholdt’s Titan form after Armin inherited it?
Armin continues to wield the power of the Colossal Titan, utilizing its abilities to fight against Marley and protect Paradis Island. The Titan form remains a potent weapon, but Armin’s strategic mind and compassion often temper its destructive potential.
In conclusion, Bertholdt Hoover’s death in episode 18 of season 3 marks a significant turning point in Attack on Titan. His demise serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the complex moral choices that must be made in the face of unimaginable adversity. His legacy lives on through Armin Arlert, who inherits the Colossal Titan and carries the weight of Bertholdt’s past as he navigates the treacherous path toward a future for Paradis Island.