Zeke Yeager, a complex and controversial figure in Attack on Titan, meets his demise in Episode 80, “From You, 2,000 Years Ago” of Season 4, Part 1. His death is a pivotal moment, marking the culmination of years of planning and the shattering of Eren’s supposed plan to end the Titan curse.
The Significance of Zeke’s Death
Zeke’s death isn’t merely the elimination of a powerful antagonist; it’s the symbolic end of a particular ideology and a crucial turning point in the overall narrative. To fully understand its significance, we must delve into the events leading up to it, the circumstances surrounding it, and its lasting impact on the remaining characters and the fate of Paradis Island. He was instrumental in Eren’s plan to use the Rumbling as a deterrent and then euthanize the Eldian race, a plan revealed as a manipulation later on. Zeke’s influence and control over Eren throughout much of the series makes his demise all the more poignant.
The Events Leading Up To Zeke’s Demise
Before his death, Zeke was residing within the Coordinate, the realm of the Founding Titan, with Eren. Eren, supposedly collaborating with Zeke to carry out the euthanasia plan, actually had his own agenda. He exploited Zeke’s royal blood to access the full power of the Founding Titan. This confrontation within the Coordinate revealed Eren’s true intentions, showcasing his manipulation of Zeke and further solidifying Eren as a complex and morally ambiguous character.
The Circumstances of Zeke’s Death
Levi Ackerman, driven by a burning desire for revenge and bound by his promise to Erwin Smith, finally cornered Zeke. The confrontation was brutal and decisive. Zeke, attempting to activate the Rumbling and put his plan into motion, was stopped by Levi, who expertly navigated the battlefield and struck the fatal blow. Levi’s unwavering commitment to his oath and the sheer force of his will ultimately sealed Zeke’s fate. His death occurred when Levi detonated a thunder spear inside the mouth of the Titan form Zeke occupied, essentially killing him while he was merged with a Titan.
The Impact of Zeke’s Death
Zeke’s death had a profound impact. Firstly, it unleashed Eren’s full power, allowing him to initiate the Rumbling – the destruction of the world outside Paradis Island. Secondly, it shattered the Eldian Restorationists’ dream of a Titan-free future through sterilization. Finally, it left Levi severely wounded but ultimately victorious, although burdened by the moral implications of his actions. His sacrifice, though born of a twisted ideology, ultimately freed Eren to pursue his own destructive path, creating immense moral challenges for the remaining Survey Corps members.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Zeke’s Fate
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of Zeke’s death and its implications, let’s address some frequently asked questions.
H3: 1. Why was Zeke so determined to euthanize the Eldian race?
Zeke believed that Eldians were cursed by their Titan heritage and that their suffering could only be ended through extinction. He viewed procreation as a continuation of that suffering and considered euthanasia the most compassionate solution. This belief stemmed from his traumatic childhood and his indoctrination by the Eldian Restorationists.
H3: 2. What role did the Beast Titan play in Zeke’s plan?
The Beast Titan was crucial because Zeke possessed royal blood, enabling him to access the Coordinate and use the Founding Titan’s power in conjunction with Eren. The Beast Titan’s spinal fluid was also essential for creating Titans, which was part of Zeke’s plan to control the Eldian population.
H3: 3. Was Zeke actually working with Eren, or was he being manipulated?
Initially, Zeke believed he and Eren were collaborating, but it became clear within the Coordinate that Eren was manipulating Zeke for his own purposes. Eren used Zeke’s royal blood to gain access to the Founding Titan’s power and subsequently rejected Zeke’s euthanasia plan.
H3: 4. How did Levi manage to defeat Zeke, considering Zeke’s Titan power?
Levi’s superior combat skills, honed through years of experience and fueled by a personal vendetta, allowed him to exploit Zeke’s weaknesses. He utilized his Thunder Spears to devastating effect, disabling and ultimately killing Zeke despite the latter’s Titan form. Levi’s determination, strategy, and acrobatic prowess proved too much for Zeke to handle.
H3: 5. What was the significance of the promise Levi made to Erwin regarding Zeke?
Levi promised Erwin to kill the Beast Titan, responsible for Erwin’s death and the deaths of many other soldiers. This promise fueled Levi’s relentless pursuit of Zeke and ultimately provided the motivation for him to deliver the final blow. The weight of this promise added an emotional depth to their final confrontation.
H3: 6. How did Zeke’s death affect the activation of the Rumbling?
Zeke’s death was the key that unlocked the Rumbling. With his royal blood no longer tethering Eren within the Coordinate, Eren was free to fully unleash the power of the Founding Titan and command the Wall Titans, initiating the global destruction.
H3: 7. What were Zeke’s final thoughts before his death?
While his exact thoughts remain somewhat ambiguous, Zeke likely experienced a mix of regret, acceptance, and perhaps even a flicker of hope that his actions, however misguided, would ultimately lead to a better future for the Eldians. He likely pondered the futility of his actions, as Eren had been using him all along.
H3: 8. Could Zeke have been saved or redeemed in any way?
The series presents Zeke as a deeply flawed character driven by a traumatic past and a twisted ideology. While redemption is a complex concept, his actions and beliefs made genuine reconciliation with the Survey Corps or a change of heart incredibly unlikely. The level of harm he caused made any chance of redemption almost impossible.
H3: 9. How does Zeke’s death compare to other major character deaths in Attack on Titan?
Zeke’s death, like many others in Attack on Titan, is impactful because it’s not simply a plot device. It represents the culmination of his character arc, the failure of his ideology, and the tragic consequences of war and hatred. It is another pivotal moment in the overall narrative, shifting the balance of power and escalating the conflict.
H3: 10. What alternative scenarios could have played out if Zeke had survived?
If Zeke had survived, the Rumbling might have been prevented, or at least delayed. Eren’s plan would have been significantly altered, and the future of Paradis Island and the world would have been drastically different. It’s possible that a negotiated solution could have been reached, but considering Eren’s unwavering resolve, it’s unlikely.
H3: 11. How did Zeke’s relationship with his brother Eren contribute to his death?
Their complex relationship, marked by manipulation, betrayal, and a shared history of trauma, was a significant factor. Zeke’s initial desire to protect Eren ultimately blinded him to Eren’s true intentions, making him vulnerable to manipulation. Zeke believed Eren shared his beliefs and goals, which made his deception even more impactful.
H3: 12. What are the lasting legacies of Zeke’s actions in the Attack on Titan universe?
Zeke’s actions left a legacy of destruction, betrayal, and shattered hopes. While his euthanasia plan ultimately failed, his role in unleashing the Rumbling and the subsequent devastation had a profound and irreversible impact on the world. His death marked a turning point, ushering in an era of unprecedented violence and forcing the remaining characters to confront the true meaning of freedom and sacrifice. He serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ideological extremism and the devastating consequences of pursuing misguided ideals.