Erwin Smith’s iconic and devastating final charge against the Beast Titan occurs in Season 3, Episode 17, titled “Hero.” This episode depicts the culmination of the battle to reclaim Wall Maria and showcases the ultimate sacrifice made by Commander Erwin and the Survey Corps.
The Weight of Leadership: Erwin’s Decision
Erwin Smith, a brilliant strategist and charismatic leader, faced an impossible choice. He understood that the Beast Titan, Zeke Yeager, posed an insurmountable threat that could decimate the remaining Survey Corps. Furthermore, Eren needed time to reach the Armored Titan and Reiner Braun to deliver the final blow and secure victory. Recognizing the bleak odds, Erwin conceived a plan so audacious, so reckless, and so utterly selfless, that it became legendary.
He would lead a suicide charge to distract the Beast Titan, drawing its fire away from Levi Ackerman, who was secretly maneuvering to strike Zeke down. This plan hinged on the willingness of his soldiers to follow him to their deaths, knowing the slim chance of success. The sheer gravity of his decision weighed heavily on him, and the scene preceding the charge is a masterclass in character portrayal, revealing the inner turmoil Erwin wrestled with.
The Charge: A Symphony of Courage and Despair
The moment Erwin gives the order is nothing short of breathtaking. The new recruits, many of whom had only recently joined the Survey Corps, steel themselves for what is to come. The ground thunders as they surge forward, their cries echoing across the battlefield.
The Beast Titan, initially bewildered by the seemingly pointless attack, responds with a hail of rocks, obliterating vast swathes of the charging soldiers. The scene is visually stunning, a brutal ballet of death and destruction. Yet, amidst the carnage, the soldiers continue their advance, fueled by their faith in Erwin and their unwavering commitment to humanity’s survival.
This charge isn’t just a reckless act; it’s a calculated gamble. It buys Levi the crucial time he needs to close the distance and engage the Beast Titan. The sacrifice of these soldiers, led by Erwin, allows Levi to cripple Zeke and create an opening for the counterattack that ultimately wins the battle.
The Aftermath: A Victory Bought with Blood
The aftermath of the charge is heartbreaking. The battlefield is littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers, a testament to the terrible cost of freedom. Erwin himself is mortally wounded, a testament to his personal bravery and willingness to lead from the front. While the victory over the Beast Titan is crucial, it comes at a profound emotional cost. The loss of so many lives, particularly Erwin’s, casts a long shadow over the Survey Corps.
The choice between saving Erwin or Armin Arlert using the Titan serum adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While Erwin’s tactical brilliance and leadership were invaluable, Armin’s potential as the Colossal Titan holder and his innovative thinking ultimately swayed the decision. Erwin’s death marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Survey Corps, one shaped by the sacrifices made on that fateful day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was Erwin’s main motivation for leading the charge?
Erwin’s primary motivation was to create an opening for Levi Ackerman to defeat the Beast Titan. He recognized that Levi was the only one capable of stopping Zeke Yeager, and the charge was a necessary distraction to allow Levi to reach him undetected. Beyond the immediate tactical goal, Erwin also sought to give meaning to the lives lost by the Survey Corps up to that point, preventing their deaths from being in vain.
How did the other Survey Corps members react to Erwin’s plan?
The Survey Corps members, while undoubtedly fearful, trusted Erwin implicitly. They understood the dire situation and the necessity of the plan. The new recruits, in particular, demonstrated incredible bravery, knowing that their chances of survival were slim. Their willingness to follow Erwin into certain death speaks to the powerful bond of trust and loyalty he had cultivated.
Why didn’t Erwin simply order everyone to retreat?
A retreat would have been strategically disastrous. It would have allowed the Beast Titan to continue its bombardment, decimating the remaining forces and potentially breaching Wall Maria once again. Moreover, it would have left Eren vulnerable to attack. Erwin understood that a bold, albeit risky, maneuver was the only way to secure a chance of victory.
What were Erwin’s final words to the Survey Corps before the charge?
Erwin’s final words, delivered with unwavering conviction, were: “Advance! Those who want to follow me, follow! I will not force those who don’t! But I will continue to the end! Advance!” He rallied his troops by reminding them of their purpose: to avenge the fallen, reclaim Wall Maria, and finally understand the truth of the world beyond the walls.
How many soldiers died during the charge against the Beast Titan?
The exact number of casualties isn’t explicitly stated, but it was a significant portion of the Survey Corps’ remaining forces. The charge was essentially a suicide mission, with the majority of the soldiers being killed by the Beast Titan’s rock bombardment. The episode visually depicts the sheer scale of the devastation.
What was the significance of Erwin’s dream before the charge?
Erwin’s dream, where he imagines finally reaching the basement and uncovering the secrets hidden within, highlights his deep-seated desire for knowledge and understanding. This dream underscores the internal conflict he faced: choosing between his personal ambition and the needs of humanity. Ultimately, he chose to sacrifice his dream for the greater good.
How did the Beast Titan react to Erwin’s charge?
Initially, the Beast Titan was surprised and confused by the charge. He couldn’t understand why the humans were attacking him with such a seemingly futile strategy. However, he quickly realized the threat they posed as a distraction and began unleashing a devastating barrage of rocks to decimate their ranks.
What role did Armin Arlert play during the battle against the Beast Titan?
While Erwin’s charge distracted the Beast Titan, Armin was engaged in his own battle against the Colossal Titan, Bertholdt Hoover. Armin’s intelligence and strategic thinking allowed him to discern Bertholdt’s weaknesses and devise a plan to defeat him. Although Armin was severely injured in the process, his sacrifice was crucial in securing the victory and allowing Eren to consume Bertholdt.
What was the strategic value of reclaiming Wall Maria?
Reclaiming Wall Maria was strategically vital for several reasons. It provided humanity with access to a vast amount of farmland, alleviating the food shortage crisis. It also opened the path to retake Wall Rose and potentially Wall Sina, further expanding human territory. Most importantly, it allowed the Survey Corps to finally reach the basement of Eren’s childhood home, where the secrets of the world were hidden.
How did Erwin’s death impact the future of the Survey Corps?
Erwin’s death left a significant void in the Survey Corps. He was an exceptional leader and strategist whose vision and unwavering determination had guided them through countless battles. His loss forced the remaining members to step up and take on greater responsibilities, ultimately shaping the future direction of the Survey Corps.
Why was Levi ultimately chosen to receive the Titan serum instead of Erwin?
The decision to save Armin over Erwin was a complex one, debated fiercely between Levi and Mikasa. Ultimately, Levi chose Armin because he believed Armin possessed the potential to surpass Erwin in terms of strategic thinking and could effectively wield the power of the Colossal Titan. He saw Armin as a symbol of hope for the future.
How does Erwin’s sacrifice contribute to the overall themes of Attack on Titan?
Erwin’s sacrifice perfectly encapsulates the overarching themes of Attack on Titan, including the price of freedom, the weight of leadership, and the cyclical nature of violence. His decision highlights the difficult choices that must be made in times of war and the willingness of individuals to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. His death serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of those who fight for it.