The last episode of Attack on Titan, titled “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” aired on November 4, 2023, concluding the epic saga adapted from Hajime Isayama’s groundbreaking manga. It marked the end of a decade-long journey for fans, resolving the fates of Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and the rest of the Survey Corps.
The End of an Era: Analyzing the Finale
The long-awaited conclusion to Attack on Titan was met with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. How could the story, known for its complex moral ambiguities and brutal realism, possibly wrap up in a satisfying manner? “Toward the Tree on That Hill” attempts to answer this question, focusing heavily on the emotional fallout of Eren’s actions and the future of Paradis Island and the world beyond the walls.
A Bitter Victory
The episode centers on the final confrontation between the remaining members of the Survey Corps and Eren Yeager, now fully transformed into the Founding Titan. After a grueling battle, Mikasa is ultimately the one to kill Eren, freeing the world from the threat of the Rumbling but at a tremendous personal cost. This act, while necessary to save humanity, leaves her heartbroken and burdened by the weight of her connection to Eren.
The episode doesn’t shy away from the ambiguity of victory. While the Rumbling is stopped, the world is left fractured and scarred. The hatred between Eldians and the rest of the world persists, and the future of Paradis Island remains uncertain. The episode presents a nuanced picture, emphasizing that there are no easy answers or clean resolutions in a world as complex as that of Attack on Titan.
A Look into the Future
Beyond the immediate aftermath of the battle, “Toward the Tree on That Hill” also provides glimpses into the future. We see Mikasa visiting Eren’s grave for years to come, symbolizing her enduring love and grief. The episode also shows the development of Paradis Island, hinting at a future where peace might be possible, though not without challenges. However, a later scene showing Paradis being bombed in the distant future casts a shadow, suggesting that the cycle of violence may ultimately continue, despite the sacrifices made.
The ending is intentionally open-ended, inviting viewers to contemplate the long-term implications of the events and the complex themes explored throughout the series. It refuses to offer a neatly packaged happy ending, instead opting for a more realistic and thought-provoking conclusion that resonates long after the credits roll.
Understanding Key Themes and Symbolism
The final episode is rich with symbolism and reinforces many of the core themes that have been present throughout the series.
The Power of Choice
Throughout Attack on Titan, characters are constantly faced with difficult choices, often with devastating consequences. The final episode emphasizes the importance of individual agency, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Mikasa’s choice to kill Eren, despite her love for him, underscores the power of choice and the willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for the greater good (or what she believes to be the greater good).
The Cycle of Hatred
One of the central themes of Attack on Titan is the cyclical nature of hatred and violence. The final episode acknowledges that simply stopping the Rumbling does not eradicate the root causes of conflict. The hatred between Eldians and the rest of the world persists, hinting at the potential for future conflicts. The ending suggests that breaking this cycle requires more than just military victory; it requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to forgive.
The Nature of Freedom
Attack on Titan explores the concept of freedom from multiple perspectives. Eren’s desire for freedom ultimately leads him to commit horrific acts, blurring the line between liberation and tyranny. The final episode raises questions about the true meaning of freedom and whether it can ever be achieved without sacrificing something else. The ambiguous ending leaves the viewer to ponder whether the characters have truly achieved freedom or are simply trapped in a new cycle of conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the final episode of Attack on Titan and its implications:
FAQ 1: Where can I watch the last episode of Attack on Titan?
The final episode, “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. These platforms typically require a subscription.
FAQ 2: What is the significance of the tree in the final scene?
The tree is highly symbolic, representing the original tree where Ymir Fritz gained the power of the Titans. It serves as a visual reminder of the origin of the Titan curse and the cyclical nature of history. Its presence suggests that the potential for a similar event to occur again always exists.
FAQ 3: Why did Mikasa have to kill Eren?
Eren had activated the Rumbling, a devastating event that threatened to destroy the entire world outside of Paradis Island. To save humanity, the Alliance, including Mikasa, had to stop him. Mikasa, burdened by her Ackerman bloodline’s bond to Eren, was ultimately the only one capable of delivering the final blow.
FAQ 4: What happened to the Titan powers after Eren’s death?
With Eren’s death, the Titan powers ceased to exist. This is confirmed in the episode and the manga. The Titan Curse, which had plagued humanity for centuries, finally came to an end.
FAQ 5: What is the future of Paradis Island?
The future of Paradis Island remains uncertain. The episode shows the island developing and rebuilding, but also hints at potential future conflicts. The final scene showing Paradis being bombed implies that the cycle of violence may ultimately continue.
FAQ 6: What are the major differences between the anime ending and the manga ending?
The anime ending is largely faithful to the manga ending. There are minor additions and alterations, particularly in the animation and visual presentation, but the core narrative and themes remain consistent. The anime provides a more visually detailed and emotionally resonant experience.
FAQ 7: What is the meaning of Eren’s last words to Armin?
Eren’s last words to Armin, revealed through the Paths, are complex and contradictory. He admits to wanting to destroy the world and protect Paradis Island, but also claims that he didn’t know why he did what he did. This highlights the ambiguity of his character and the difficulties in understanding his motivations.
FAQ 8: Why did Eren start the Rumbling?
Eren’s motivations for starting the Rumbling are multifaceted. He wanted to protect Paradis Island from being destroyed by the outside world. He also believed that it was the only way to achieve freedom for himself and his people. However, his actions were ultimately driven by a complex mix of idealism, desperation, and a desire to break free from the constraints of fate.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the scarf Mikasa wears?
The scarf is a powerful symbol of Mikasa’s connection to Eren. He gave it to her when they first met, and she continues to wear it throughout the series as a reminder of their bond. It represents her love, loyalty, and grief.
FAQ 10: What happens to the other members of the Survey Corps?
The remaining members of the Survey Corps, including Armin, Mikasa, Levi, and others, work to establish peace and stability in the world. They become ambassadors and diplomats, striving to prevent future conflicts between Eldians and other nations.
FAQ 11: Is there any possibility of a sequel to Attack on Titan?
While there are no concrete plans for a direct sequel, the ending leaves room for potential spin-offs or related stories exploring the future of Paradis Island or other aspects of the Attack on Titan universe.
FAQ 12: What are the main themes explored in the final episode?
The final episode explores themes of freedom, choice, sacrifice, the cycle of hatred, the nature of war, and the importance of empathy and understanding. It presents a complex and nuanced perspective on these issues, refusing to offer easy answers or simplistic solutions.
A Legacy of Impact
The conclusion of Attack on Titan marks the end of a truly impactful and unforgettable series. The anime’s complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals have captivated audiences worldwide. While the ending may be bittersweet, it remains true to the spirit of the series, leaving viewers with much to contemplate about the nature of humanity and the choices we make in the face of adversity. The last episode, “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” solidifies Attack on Titan‘s place as a modern masterpiece, destined to be discussed and debated for years to come.