Niccolo does not explicitly try to kill Gabi in Attack on Titan. However, in Season 4, Episode 15, “Sole Salvation,” his simmering rage and grief culminate in a violent outburst where he intends to harm her, fueled by the death of Sasha Braus. He assaults Gabi with a wine bottle, intending to inflict serious harm, driven by his intense pain and desire for revenge.
Niccolo’s Descent: A Breakdown of Episode 15
Episode 15, “Sole Salvation,” is a pivotal moment that showcases the devastating impact of war and hatred on individuals. The episode provides a raw and unflinching portrayal of Niccolo’s grief and anger as he confronts the reality that the person who killed his friend and comrade, Sasha Braus, is standing right in front of him: Gabi Braun.
Niccolo, an Eldian Marleyan chef who develops a close relationship with Sasha and the Braus family, is shattered by her death. He had considered Sasha a genuine friend and found solace and belonging in her company. This connection makes Gabi’s actions, the cold and calculated murder of Sasha, an unbearable betrayal.
The episode carefully builds tension as Niccolo prepares a meal for the Braus family and Gabi and Falco. He initially tries to maintain composure, but the weight of his grief, coupled with his growing resentment towards Gabi, eventually overwhelms him. This leads to the shocking moment when he smashes a wine bottle and attempts to attack Gabi, only to be stopped by Mr. Braus.
This incident is not a premeditated murder attempt in the traditional sense. It is an outburst of rage born from profound grief and a desperate need to lash out at the source of his pain. Niccolo’s actions, while violent, are a tragic consequence of the cycle of hatred and revenge that plagues the Attack on Titan world.
The Aftermath: Consequences and Reflections
Following the attack, Niccolo is apprehended and held accountable for his actions. While the Braus family is deeply hurt and disappointed by Niccolo’s behavior, they also understand the immense pain he is experiencing. This understanding highlights the complex moral landscape of the series and the difficult choices characters must make in the face of overwhelming loss.
The incident serves as a catalyst for further reflection on the nature of hatred and the futility of revenge. It underscores the devastating impact of war on both sides of the conflict, highlighting the humanity that exists even within the “enemies.”
Niccolo’s actions ultimately force characters to confront their own biases and prejudices. It prompts them to question the cycle of violence and consider alternative paths towards peace and understanding, however elusive they may be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions about Niccolo and his actions towards Gabi, offering further insight into this crucial moment in Attack on Titan.
FAQ 1: What was Niccolo’s relationship with Sasha before her death?
Niccolo was a Marleyan cook who served the Eldian soldiers on Paradis Island. He developed a unique friendship with Sasha Braus due to their shared love of food. He saw Sasha as a genuine friend, someone who accepted him despite his Marleyan heritage. This friendship was a source of comfort and belonging for Niccolo, making her death even more devastating.
FAQ 2: Why did Niccolo bring Gabi and Falco to the Braus family?
Niccolo brought Gabi and Falco to the Braus family to show them the human cost of their actions. He wanted them to see the pain and grief that Sasha’s death had caused to her loved ones. He hoped that by confronting them with the reality of their actions, he could somehow make them understand the consequences of war and hatred. This was a misguided attempt at forcing empathy, ultimately leading to his violent outburst.
FAQ 3: Did Niccolo know that Gabi was responsible for Sasha’s death?
Yes, Niccolo was fully aware that Gabi was the one who shot and killed Sasha during the raid on Liberio. This knowledge fueled his rage and grief, ultimately leading him to attack her.
FAQ 4: What exactly did Niccolo do to Gabi in Episode 15?
Niccolo smashed a wine bottle and attempted to attack Gabi with it. He was aiming to seriously injure her, driven by his grief and desire for revenge. However, Mr. Braus intervened and stopped him before he could inflict significant harm.
FAQ 5: What was the Braus family’s reaction to Niccolo’s attack?
The Braus family was shocked and horrified by Niccolo’s violent outburst. However, they also understood the immense pain he was experiencing. While they condemned his actions, they also recognized the tragedy of the situation and the devastating impact of war on both sides of the conflict. Kaya, Sasha’s adopted sister, was especially affected, highlighting the complexities of grief and forgiveness.
FAQ 6: Was Niccolo arrested after the incident?
Yes, Niccolo was apprehended by the Paradis Island military after the attack. The consequences of his actions were never fully shown on-screen, but he was most likely detained and punished for his assault on Gabi.
FAQ 7: Did the attack affect Gabi’s perspective on the people of Paradis Island?
The attack, combined with her interactions with the Braus family, had a significant impact on Gabi’s perspective. She began to see the people of Paradis Island as individuals with their own lives and stories, rather than as the “devils” she had been led to believe they were. This realization was crucial in her character development and her eventual rejection of the cycle of hatred.
FAQ 8: How does this event contribute to the overall themes of Attack on Titan?
This event is a powerful illustration of the cycle of violence and the devastating consequences of hatred and prejudice. It highlights the futility of revenge and the importance of empathy and understanding, even in the face of immense loss. It’s a microcosm of the larger conflict between Marley and Paradis, demonstrating the human cost of war on both sides.
FAQ 9: What is Niccolo’s background as a Marleyan Eldian?
Niccolo is a Marleyan Eldian, meaning he is a member of the Eldian race who lives within the nation of Marley. Unlike the Eldians on Paradis Island, who are demonized and forced to live within walls, Marleyan Eldians are sometimes allowed to live relatively normal lives, although they are still subject to discrimination and often used as soldiers in Marley’s military.
FAQ 10: Is Niccolo considered a hero or a villain in the series?
Niccolo is neither a hero nor a villain. He is a complex character who is deeply affected by the war and the loss of his friend. His actions are driven by grief and anger, but they are not inherently malicious. He is a victim of circumstance, caught in the crossfire of a long-standing conflict.
FAQ 11: How does Niccolo’s role contrast with other Marleyan characters like Zeke?
Niccolo’s role stands in stark contrast to characters like Zeke Yeager, who play a much more active role in the conflict. Niccolo is a more passive character who is primarily concerned with his personal relationships and his craft as a cook. He represents the ordinary people who are caught up in the war and whose lives are disrupted by the actions of powerful individuals and nations.
FAQ 12: What is the lasting impact of Niccolo’s actions on the story?
The lasting impact of Niccolo’s actions lies in his contribution to Gabi’s character development and her growing understanding of the complexities of the conflict. His attack, combined with the Braus family’s forgiveness, helped her to see the people of Paradis Island as individuals worthy of empathy and compassion. This ultimately led her to question the Marleyan propaganda she had been taught and to seek a different path forward. The incident, while violent and tragic, ultimately served as a catalyst for change and understanding.