Eren Yeager finally reaches the basement of his childhood home in Attack on Titan episode 21 of Season 3, titled “Attack Titan.” This pivotal moment marks a turning point in the series, revealing the long-awaited secrets surrounding the outside world and the truth behind the titans.
The Significance of the Basement Reveal
The basement’s contents, particularly Grisha Yeager’s journals, dramatically shift the narrative. What was once a straightforward fight for survival against seemingly mindless giants transforms into a complex geopolitical struggle with layers of historical context and moral ambiguity. The revelation shatters the Eldians’ perceived history and understanding of the world. It’s not just about survival anymore; it’s about reclaiming a forgotten past and navigating a future riddled with conflict. The impact of the discovery ripples throughout the rest of the series, informing every decision and action taken by the main characters.
Detailing the Episode: “Attack Titan”
Episode 21 of Season 3 is a culmination of years of anticipation. After the intense battle in Shiganshina District against the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Captain Levi finally break into the Yeager family basement. The atmosphere is heavy with expectation as they descend into the unknown. The episode carefully builds suspense, focusing on the meticulous search and the mounting excitement as they uncover the hidden room and ultimately, Grisha’s journals. The episode’s climax, of course, is the initial viewing of Grisha’s photographs and his declaration that everything they knew was a lie. This moment, powerfully animated and accompanied by a poignant score, solidifies the episode’s place as one of the most memorable in the entire series.
Diving Deeper: Grisha’s Journals and Their Impact
Grisha’s journals serve as a historical record, detailing the events that transpired outside the walls. They reveal the existence of Marley, a nation that has persecuted the Eldians for centuries, driving them to the island of Paradis. Furthermore, they explain the origins of the titans and the complex political landscape that governs the world beyond the walls. The journals also reveal Grisha’s own involvement in a restorationist movement and his ultimate mission to steal the Founding Titan. This information provides crucial context for understanding Eren’s motivations and the future direction of the war.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was the basement so important?
The basement held the secrets of the outside world, deliberately hidden by Grisha Yeager. Knowing these secrets was essential to understanding the true nature of the titans and the history that had been concealed from the people within the walls. This knowledge provided a vital advantage in the fight for survival and freedom.
2. What exactly was found in the basement?
The primary discovery was Grisha Yeager’s journals, which contained written accounts and photographs depicting life outside the walls, specifically in Marley. These journals outlined the history of the Eldians, the origins of the titans, and the complex political landscape of the outside world.
3. How did the basement revelation change Eren’s perspective?
The revelation fundamentally altered Eren’s perspective. He learned that the titans were not simply mindless monsters but rather transformed humans, specifically Eldians. He also discovered that the world outside the walls was far more complex and dangerous than he had ever imagined. This knowledge fueled his determination to fight for the freedom of his people, even if it meant resorting to extreme measures.
4. Did Armin play a role in reaching the basement?
While Eren, Mikasa, and Levi physically entered the basement, Armin’s strategic thinking and crucial decision-making throughout the Battle of Shiganshina directly contributed to their success in defeating Bertholdt (the Colossal Titan). Bertholdt’s defeat was necessary for the basement retrieval plan to succeed.
5. What was the significance of the photographs found in the basement?
The photographs were crucial because they provided undeniable visual proof of the existence of the outside world and its inhabitants. They shattered the long-held belief that humanity was extinct beyond the walls and demonstrated the technological advancements of the outside world, further highlighting the Eldians’ isolation.
6. How did the other characters react to the basement’s contents?
Mikasa, while primarily concerned with Eren’s well-being, understood the gravity of the situation and pledged her support. Armin, with his strategic mind, quickly grasped the implications of the historical and political information. Captain Levi, ever pragmatic, recognized the need to utilize this knowledge to plan their next move. Each character processed the information in their own way, but all recognized its importance.
7. What were Grisha Yeager’s motives for hiding the truth?
Grisha Yeager aimed to protect Eren from the harsh realities of the outside world for as long as possible. He likely hoped that Eren could live a normal life, free from the burden of the Eldian conflict. However, he also knew that the truth would eventually be necessary for Eren to understand his destiny and the role he was meant to play.
8. How does the basement reveal connect to the rest of the Attack on Titan story?
The basement reveal is a pivotal turning point that connects the first three seasons to the later arcs. It provides the foundation for understanding the conflict between Eldia and Marley, Eren’s evolving motivations, and the ultimate goal of achieving peace. The information discovered in the basement shapes the actions and decisions of all the major characters moving forward.
9. Did anyone suspect the contents of the basement before it was opened?
Captain Levi, with his keen intuition and strategic mind, had voiced suspicions about the true nature of the titans and the outside world. He entrusted Eren with the task of reaching the basement, recognizing its potential to unlock crucial secrets.
10. How did the revelation affect the public perception of the Survey Corps?
The discovery of the truth initially caused widespread shock and disbelief among the public. However, the Survey Corps eventually gained support as they revealed the findings to the world. The revelation legitimized the Survey Corps’ mission and strengthened their resolve to fight for the freedom of Eldians.
11. What is the overall theme highlighted by the basement’s discovery?
The basement’s discovery underscores the themes of truth, deception, and the manipulation of history. It explores how power structures can control information to maintain dominance and how the pursuit of truth can lead to unexpected and sometimes devastating consequences. It also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and questioning established narratives.
12. Does the anime adaptation accurately portray the basement reveal as depicted in the manga?
Yes, the anime adaptation faithfully recreates the basement reveal from the manga. Studio Wit did an excellent job of capturing the suspense, emotional weight, and historical significance of the event. The animation, voice acting, and musical score all contribute to a powerful and impactful portrayal of this pivotal moment in the series. The anime’s adaptation is considered by many to be a near-perfect translation of the source material, enhancing the impact of the reveal for viewers.