Eren Yeager first transforms into the Attack Titan in Episode 5, “First Battle,” of the first season of Attack on Titan. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of Eren’s journey, setting the stage for the series’ complex narrative and the struggles that lie ahead.
Witnessing the Birth of a Titan: A Moment of Desperation
The scene unfolds as Eren, seemingly devoured by a Titan, is actually inside its stomach, injured and desperate. Fuelled by an overwhelming desire to protect humanity, a surge of will and latent titan power triggers his first transformation. This unexpected emergence of a Titan from within another is a shock to everyone present, including Eren himself. The transformation is violent and chaotic, reflecting the untamed nature of his newfound abilities.
The First Battle and Its Implications
Eren’s initial transformation is far from graceful. He is driven by instinct, attacking the other Titans with a ferocity that is both terrifying and inspiring. He lacks control and coordination, relying on brute strength and rage. Despite his clumsy efforts, he manages to significantly weaken the Titan that devoured Thomas Wagner, showcasing the immense potential of the Attack Titan. This battle is crucial for several reasons:
- It proves the existence of human-Titan hybrids.
- It provides humanity with a fighting chance against the Titans.
- It raises questions about Eren’s origins and the source of his power.
- It forces the Survey Corps to reassess their strategies.
The events of Episode 5 fundamentally alter the course of the series. Eren’s transformation becomes a beacon of hope, but also a source of fear and uncertainty, leading to numerous internal and external conflicts.
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Attack Titan
The Attack Titan is unique among the Nine Titans. Its distinguishing feature is its relentless pursuit of freedom, a trait that sets it apart from the other Titan powers. This desire for freedom is deeply embedded in its nature, influencing its actions and the actions of its inheritors. Understanding the Attack Titan’s motivations is key to understanding the overarching narrative of Attack on Titan.
The Inherited Will
The Attack Titan possesses a remarkable ability: it can see memories of future inheritors. This ability, referred to as “future memories,” allows it to influence the course of history, shaping events to achieve its ultimate goal of freedom. This revelation adds layers of complexity to the story, raising questions about determinism and free will.
The Unpredictability of Power
Eren’s initial struggles to control the Attack Titan are indicative of the challenges faced by all Titan shifters. Mastering the power requires intense training, mental fortitude, and a deep understanding of the Titan’s abilities. The unpredictability of his transformation made him a liability in the beginning, requiring careful supervision and strategic deployment.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Eren’s Titan Transformation
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into Eren’s transformation into the Attack Titan:
1. What triggered Eren’s initial transformation into the Attack Titan?
Eren’s initial transformation was triggered by a combination of factors: his desperate desire to survive, his inherent Titan powers, and the physiological stress of being inside a Titan’s stomach. This intense emotional and physical state activated his latent abilities.
2. Did Eren know he could transform into a Titan before Episode 5?
No, Eren was completely unaware of his ability to transform into a Titan. The transformation was a complete surprise to him and everyone around him. He only began to understand his powers later on.
3. How did the other members of the Survey Corps react to Eren’s transformation?
The reaction was mixed. Some were terrified and suspicious, viewing him as a potential threat. Others, like Mikasa and Armin, were relieved and hopeful, seeing him as a potential weapon against the Titans. Commander Erwin recognized the strategic importance of Eren’s abilities and decided to utilize them.
4. What were Eren’s initial struggles with controlling his Titan form?
Eren’s initial struggles were primarily due to a lack of control and understanding. He often acted on instinct, driven by rage and a desire to kill Titans. He also struggled with coordination and maintaining his human consciousness within the Titan form. His transformations were also unpredictable.
5. How does the Attack Titan differ from other Titans?
The Attack Titan is distinguished by its unwavering pursuit of freedom and its ability to see memories of future inheritors. This sets it apart from other Titans who are primarily driven by instinct or controlled by external forces.
6. What role did Grisha Yeager play in Eren gaining the Attack Titan power?
Grisha Yeager, Eren’s father, stole the Attack Titan from Eren Kruger and later consumed the Founding Titan. He then passed these powers onto Eren by injecting him with Titan serum and allowing Eren to consume him. This act was crucial in setting the stage for Eren’s journey.
7. What is the significance of the “future memories” that the Attack Titan possesses?
The “future memories” allow the Attack Titan to influence the course of history by guiding its inheritors towards a specific goal: achieving freedom. This adds a layer of determinism to the narrative and raises questions about free will.
8. How did Eren learn to control his Titan form better?
Eren underwent rigorous training under the supervision of the Survey Corps, specifically Captain Levi. This training involved physical conditioning, mental exercises, and strategic combat simulations. He also gained experience through numerous battles against Titans.
9. What is the relationship between the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan?
The Attack Titan and the Founding Titan are two of the Nine Titans. While the Founding Titan possesses the power to control other Titans, the Attack Titan’s unwavering pursuit of freedom often puts it in direct conflict with the Founding Titan’s wielders and their objectives. The two titans, in combination, held the key to Eldian history and freedom.
10. Besides the Attack Titan, what other Titan powers does Eren eventually possess?
Eren eventually gains possession of the Founding Titan and the War Hammer Titan, making him one of the most powerful Titan shifters in history.
11. How does Eren’s perspective on his Titan powers change throughout the series?
Initially, Eren views his Titan powers as a weapon to protect humanity. However, as he learns more about the history of the Titans and the world, his perspective shifts. He begins to see his powers as a burden and a means to an end, ultimately leading him to embrace a destructive path.
12. What is the ultimate fate of the Attack Titan power?
The Attack Titan power, along with all other Titan powers, is ultimately eliminated at the end of the series by Eren himself after achieving his complex and controversial goals. This action ends the cycle of Titan inheritance and frees the world from the curse of the Titans.