The “final” Attack on Titan episode isn’t just one episode; it’s a two-part special concluding the epic saga. Part 1, titled “Rumbling,” aired on March 4, 2023, and Part 2, titled “The Final Chapters Special 2,” aired on November 4, 2023, completing the adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s manga.
The Journey’s End: Decoding “The Final Chapters”
The conclusion of Attack on Titan has been a topic of intense speculation and anticipation for years. While the anime largely mirrors the manga’s ending, understanding the nuances of the final chapters requires exploring the context of Eren Yeager’s ultimate motivations, the ramifications of his actions, and the lingering questions of peace and freedom. The two-part special, “The Final Chapters,” masterfully brings this complex narrative to life, leaving viewers both satisfied and deeply reflective.
The Rumbling’s Echo: “The Final Chapters Special 1”
This first part of the finale focuses primarily on the unfolding of Eren’s Rumbling, the global genocide he initiates to secure Paradis Island’s future. The episode showcases the sheer devastation caused by the Wall Titans and the despair of those caught in their path. We also witness the formation of a coalition comprised of the remaining members of the Survey Corps, Marleyan soldiers, and other allies, all united by the common goal of stopping Eren. The episode is a visceral and emotionally charged experience, highlighting the moral complexities inherent in Attack on Titan’s narrative.
Confronting Destiny: “The Final Chapters Special 2”
The second part of the finale delves into the climactic battle between the Alliance and Eren, culminating in a showdown that decides the fate of humanity. This episode explores the emotional toll of the conflict on the characters, particularly Mikasa Ackerman, whose connection to Eren is deeply intertwined with the series’ central themes. The episode addresses Eren’s true motivations, revealing a deeply flawed and traumatized individual driven by a twisted sense of responsibility. Most importantly, it addresses the enduring questions surrounding the cycle of hatred and violence that has plagued the world of Attack on Titan for centuries.
FAQs: Unpacking the Attack on Titan Finale
These frequently asked questions will clarify key elements of the Attack on Titan finale and provide a deeper understanding of its themes and characters.
Q1: What exactly was Eren’s plan?
Eren’s plan, known as the Rumbling, was to eliminate 80% of humanity outside of Paradis Island to temporarily safeguard his people. His long-term goal was more complex. He intended to force the Alliance to kill him, turning them into heroes in the eyes of the world and creating a period of relative peace and negotiation for Paradis. He knew that lasting peace was unlikely, but he hoped to buy Paradis time to develop and thrive.
Q2: Why did Eren push Mikasa away?
Eren intentionally pushed Mikasa away to protect her and Armin, and to ensure they would be able to kill him. He fabricated a story about hating her and believing she was a slave to her Ackerman blood, intending to sever their emotional bond. He knew that Mikasa’s love for him might prevent her from making the difficult choice to end the Rumbling.
Q3: What is the significance of Mikasa killing Eren?
Mikasa killing Eren is the crucial turning point of the finale. By choosing to kill the one she loves, Mikasa breaks the cycle of hatred and violence that has defined the world of Attack on Titan. Her act allows Ymir Fritz, the original Titan, to finally be freed from her 2,000-year servitude, as she sees in Mikasa’s pain the suffering she herself endured.
Q4: What happened to the Titan powers after Eren’s death?
After Eren’s death, the Titan powers cease to exist. Ymir Fritz is finally freed from her burden, and the source of all living matter disappears. No more Titan shifters can be created, and the Eldian people are no longer burdened by the curse of the Titans.
Q5: What is the fate of Paradis Island after the Rumbling?
While Eren’s actions initially secure Paradis’s survival, the peace is fragile. The final scene shows Paradis eventually being destroyed, presumably in a future war, highlighting the cycle of violence that continues despite Eren’s efforts. This ambiguous ending suggests that lasting peace is an ongoing struggle.
Q6: Did Armin and the Alliance achieve true peace?
Armin and the Alliance succeed in stopping the Rumbling and gaining a period of peace for Paradis. They act as ambassadors to the remaining nations, attempting to foster understanding and prevent further conflict. However, as shown in the epilogue, this peace is temporary, suggesting that the nature of humanity makes lasting peace incredibly difficult to achieve.
Q7: What was the purpose of the Paths?
The Paths are a metaphysical dimension that connects all Eldians and the source of the Titan powers. It allows individuals with the Founding Titan power to influence and manipulate the memories of other Eldians. Eren used the Paths to communicate with Ymir and orchestrate the events of the final arc.
Q8: Who is Ymir Fritz, and why is she so important?
Ymir Fritz is the first Titan and the source of all Titan powers. She was a slave who stumbled upon the source of all living matter and gained the ability to transform into a Titan. She represents the cycle of abuse and oppression that has fueled the conflict in Attack on Titan. Her desire for freedom is ultimately fulfilled by Mikasa’s act of killing Eren.
Q9: What is the significance of the tree on the hill in the final scene?
The tree on the hill is a visual callback to the tree where Ymir Fritz first encountered the source of all living matter, becoming the first Titan. The scene in the final moments suggests the potential for the Titan powers to return in the future, highlighting the cyclical nature of history and the inherent risks of human nature.
Q10: What is the message of Attack on Titan’s ending?
The ending of Attack on Titan is complex and open to interpretation, but it generally conveys a message about the difficulty of achieving true peace and the dangers of unchecked power. It explores themes of sacrifice, responsibility, and the enduring cycle of violence that plagues humanity. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in breaking that cycle.
Q11: How faithful is the anime ending to the manga?
The anime ending is largely faithful to the manga ending. Minor additions and elaborations enhance some scenes, but the core events and thematic elements remain consistent. Any perceived differences are usually matters of interpretation rather than outright deviations.
Q12: Was the ending of Attack on Titan a good one?
The quality of the Attack on Titan ending is subjective and has been debated extensively. Many viewers found it emotionally resonant and thematically consistent with the series’ overall narrative. Others criticized it for being too ambiguous or for undermining Eren’s character. Ultimately, whether or not the ending is considered “good” depends on individual interpretation and expectations. However, its complexity and emotional impact are undeniable, solidifying Attack on Titan as a thought-provoking and enduring work of art.