Rod Reiss’s horrifying transformation into an abnormally large Titan occurs in Attack on Titan Season 3, Episode 18, titled “Midnight Sun.” This pivotal episode marks a turning point in the series, revealing the full extent of Reiss’s depravity and forcing Eren and his comrades to confront a truly monstrous foe.
The Shocking Revelation: Rod Reiss’s Descent
The events leading up to Rod Reiss’s transformation are fraught with tension and intrigue. After discovering the Reiss family’s history and their connection to the Founding Titan, Eren and his allies are drawn into a desperate struggle for survival. Reiss, driven by his desire to maintain the status quo and prevent Eren from wielding the power of the Founding Titan, resorts to drastic measures. He licks a vial of Titan serum, a grotesque act that triggers his transformation into a colossal, malformed Titan unlike anything seen before.
The Scale of the Horror
Rod Reiss’s Titan form is notable for its immense size and its unnatural appearance. Crawling on its belly, this Titan dwarves even the Colossal Titan in height, creating a terrifying spectacle for the Survey Corps. This unprecedented scale underscores the danger Reiss poses and emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The sheer grotesqueness of his form, with exposed flesh and distorted features, further amplifies the horror, solidifying its place as one of the most disturbing transformations in the series.
The Battle Against a Monstrosity
The ensuing battle against Rod Reiss’s Titan is a desperate and strategic affair. The Survey Corps, led by Erwin Smith and armed with newly acquired Thunder Spears, must find a way to take down this seemingly invincible behemoth. Their efforts highlight the resourcefulness and bravery of the soldiers, as they face overwhelming odds in a desperate attempt to protect humanity.
Utilizing Thunder Spears: A Strategic Advantage
The Thunder Spears, powerful anti-Titan weaponry developed by Hange Zoe, prove to be crucial in the fight against Rod Reiss. These weapons, capable of delivering massive explosive force, provide the Survey Corps with a means to penetrate the Titan’s thick hide and inflict significant damage. The successful deployment of the Thunder Spears demonstrates the importance of innovation and adaptability in the face of existential threats.
The Ultimate Sacrifice and Victory
Ultimately, the Survey Corps, working together with unwavering resolve, manages to defeat Rod Reiss. The battle is costly, with numerous casualties and the destruction of significant parts of the surrounding area. However, their victory is a crucial step in reclaiming Paradis Island and uncovering the truth about the Titans. The defeat of Rod Reiss marks a significant shift in power and paves the way for the next stage of their struggle.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Rod Reiss’s Titan Transformation
Here are some frequently asked questions about Rod Reiss’s transformation and its implications:
FAQ 1: Why didn’t Rod Reiss inherit the Founding Titan instead of transforming into a Titan?
Rod Reiss did not inherit the Founding Titan because he did not consume the spinal fluid of a Titan shifter who possessed it. He instead used a vial of serum containing Titan spinal fluid, leading to his abnormal Titan transformation. The intention was for Historia to inherit the Founding Titan, but he intervened to force her.
FAQ 2: What was the purpose of Rod Reiss’s Titan transformation?
Rod Reiss’s transformation was born out of desperation and a misguided desire to maintain the Reiss family’s control over the Founding Titan. He believed that by using the Titan power himself, he could prevent Eren from wielding it and continue to control the narrative of the world. His plan was ultimately to transfer the power to Historia once he subdued Eren.
FAQ 3: How does Rod Reiss’s Titan form differ from other Titans?
Rod Reiss’s Titan form differs significantly from other Titans in several ways. Firstly, its sheer size is unprecedented, dwarfing even the Colossal Titan. Secondly, its appearance is unusually grotesque and deformed, crawling on its belly instead of standing upright. Finally, it lacks the typical regenerative abilities of other Titans, making it more vulnerable to attack. His transformation is often described as abnormal, reflecting its irregularity.
FAQ 4: What were the consequences of Rod Reiss’s Titan transformation for the Survey Corps?
Rod Reiss’s transformation presented a significant challenge for the Survey Corps. They were forced to engage in a desperate battle against a monstrously powerful Titan, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. However, their victory ultimately strengthened their resolve and equipped them with valuable experience in fighting abnormal Titans. The event also solidified Historia’s resolve to take control of her destiny.
FAQ 5: Did Rod Reiss retain any of his memories or consciousness after transforming?
It’s implied that Rod Reiss retained some level of awareness after transforming, but he was largely driven by instinct and a primal desire to consume humans. His actions were not guided by rational thought or strategic planning, indicating a diminished mental capacity. He was driven by the instinct to seek humans to consume, hoping to obtain the Founding Titan’s power.
FAQ 6: What role did Historia Reiss play in the events surrounding Rod Reiss’s transformation?
Historia Reiss was a central figure in the events leading up to Rod Reiss’s transformation. He intended for her to inherit the Founding Titan, believing she was the rightful heir to the Reiss family’s power. However, Historia ultimately defied her father’s wishes and refused to become a Titan, choosing instead to fight for humanity’s freedom. Her defiance was crucial in preventing him from achieving his goals.
FAQ 7: How did the Thunder Spears contribute to the defeat of Rod Reiss’s Titan form?
The Thunder Spears were instrumental in the defeat of Rod Reiss’s Titan form. Their explosive power allowed the Survey Corps to penetrate the Titan’s thick hide and inflict significant damage to its weak point, the nape of the neck. Without the Thunder Spears, it would have been significantly more difficult, if not impossible, to defeat such a colossal and resilient foe.
FAQ 8: Was Rod Reiss’s Titan transformation avoidable?
Yes, Rod Reiss’s Titan transformation was avoidable. He chose to transform as a last resort, driven by his desire to control the Founding Titan and prevent Eren from using it. Had he been willing to relinquish his control and trust in others, the transformation could have been avoided altogether.
FAQ 9: How did Rod Reiss obtain the Titan serum?
The Titan serum Rod Reiss used was part of the Reiss family’s collection, passed down through generations as a means of inheriting the Titan powers. The family had preserved it for the purpose of passing on the Founding Titan, but Rod Reiss used it in a desperate act.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of Rod Reiss’s crawling Titan form?
The crawling Titan form signifies the abnormality and degradation of Rod Reiss’s transformation. It visually represents his departure from the natural order of Titans and highlights the grotesque nature of his actions. This unusual form emphasizes the extent of his depravity and desperation.
FAQ 11: How does Rod Reiss’s Titan transformation impact Eren Yeager?
Rod Reiss’s transformation serves as a stark reminder to Eren of the dangers of unchecked power and the sacrifices required to fight for freedom. It reinforces his determination to use the power of the Attack Titan responsibly and to protect humanity from the threat of the Titans. The fight motivates Eren further in his quest to eliminate the Titans and discover the truth of the world.
FAQ 12: What lasting impact does Rod Reiss’s Titan transformation have on the storyline?
Rod Reiss’s transformation serves as a pivotal moment in the Attack on Titan storyline. It exposes the depths of the Reiss family’s secrets, solidifies Historia’s position as a leader, and provides the Survey Corps with valuable experience in fighting abnormal Titans. The event sets the stage for the subsequent exploration of the world beyond the walls and the larger conflict between Eldia and Marley. The understanding gained also shapes strategies and informs decisions made by the Survey Corps.