Zeke Yeager, the Beast Titan, meets his end in Attack on Titan Season 4, Episode 21, titled “From You, 2,000 Years Ago.” His death marks a pivotal turning point in the series, severing the connection to the Founding Titan and altering the course of the Rumbling.
The Culmination: How Zeke’s End Unfolded
The circumstances surrounding Zeke’s death are deeply intertwined with the themes of freedom, destiny, and the complex relationship between Zeke and Eren. Throughout the final season, Zeke’s true intentions remained shrouded in mystery, even as he seemingly collaborated with Eren. The reality, however, was far more nuanced.
A Grudge Against Parenthood: Zeke’s Motives
Zeke’s childhood trauma and his perceived abandonment by his parents, Grisha and Dina Yeager, profoundly shaped his worldview. He came to believe that Eldians were inherently suffering due to their ability to transform into Titans and that their continued existence was a curse. This conviction led him to formulate his Euthanasia Plan, a strategy to sterilize all Eldians, effectively ending their lineage.
The Paths: A Battleground of Wills
The episode “From You, 2,000 Years Ago” takes place within the Paths, a metaphysical realm connecting all Eldians. Eren, having made contact with Zeke, uses the power of the Founding Titan, which requires royal blood, to access this dimension. However, Zeke, initially intending to control Eren and implement his Euthanasia Plan, finds himself locked in a battle of wills with his younger brother.
Levi’s Resolve: The Final Blow
Outside the Paths, Levi Ackerman relentlessly pursues Zeke. Despite Zeke’s best efforts to escape and unleash the Rumbling, Levi remains a formidable obstacle. In a climactic confrontation, Levi uses his superior skills and unwavering determination to finally corner Zeke. With the threat of the Rumbling looming and Zeke seemingly defeated, Levi delivers the killing blow, severing Zeke’s connection to the Founding Titan and halting the advance of the colossal Titans. The symbolic act of Levi beheading Zeke is a powerful representation of humanity’s resistance against predetermined fate and the struggle for freedom.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Zeke’s Death and its Implications
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Zeke’s death, exploring its immediate consequences and long-term impact on the narrative of Attack on Titan:
Why was Zeke so important to Eren?
Zeke’s royal blood was crucial for Eren to access the full power of the Founding Titan. Without a Titan with royal blood, the Founding Titan’s power remains dormant, unable to be used. This is why Eren sought Zeke out and initially appeared to be cooperating with him.
Did Eren actually care about Zeke?
Eren’s true feelings towards Zeke are complex and remain open to interpretation. While he seemingly used Zeke to gain access to the Founding Titan’s power, there are moments where Eren shows glimpses of genuine affection or empathy. However, Eren’s ultimate goal was to protect Paradis, even if it meant manipulating and betraying Zeke.
What was the immediate impact of Zeke’s death?
The immediate impact of Zeke’s death was the cessation of the Rumbling, albeit temporarily. While Levi managed to kill Zeke, Eren was able to regain control of the Founding Titan and resume the Rumbling on a much larger scale. This signifies a shift in power and a deepening of the conflict.
Could Zeke have survived that injury?
Given the extent of Levi’s attack and the context of the story, it is highly unlikely that Zeke could have survived. Levi’s attacks were precise and targeted, aimed at severing Zeke’s connection to the Titan power and ending his threat to humanity. The narrative strongly implies that Zeke’s death was final.
How did Zeke’s death affect the other characters?
Zeke’s death had a profound impact on many characters. For Levi, it was the culmination of a long and arduous quest for revenge against the Beast Titan, responsible for the deaths of many comrades. For Eren, it was a necessary sacrifice to further his own agenda. For the other members of the Survey Corps, it was a moment of both relief and uncertainty, as they knew Eren’s intentions remained unknown.
What was Zeke’s Euthanasia Plan, and why did he want it?
Zeke’s Euthanasia Plan was a scheme to sterilize all Eldians, preventing them from reproducing and eventually leading to their extinction. He believed this was the only way to end the cycle of suffering and violence caused by the Titan curse. He saw it as an act of mercy, freeing Eldians from a life of oppression and conflict.
Did Zeke truly believe in his plan, or was he manipulated?
Zeke genuinely believed in his Euthanasia Plan. His traumatic childhood experiences and his belief that Eldians were inherently cursed shaped his worldview. While he may have been influenced by others throughout his life, the core of his belief system stemmed from his personal experiences.
What role did Ymir play in Zeke’s death?
Ymir Fritz, the original Founding Titan, played a crucial role in the events leading up to Zeke’s death. Her centuries-long servitude in the Paths stemmed from her desire to fulfill the will of the royal family. However, Eren’s influence and his desire for freedom ultimately led Ymir to grant him the power of the Founding Titan, allowing him to resume the Rumbling despite Zeke’s death.
How did Zeke’s death contribute to the ending of Attack on Titan?
Zeke’s death was a crucial stepping stone towards the final events of Attack on Titan. By breaking the connection to the Founding Titan, Levi allowed Eren to solidify his control and push forward with his own vision for the future. While Zeke’s initial death halted the Rumbling, it ultimately paved the way for its full-scale execution.
Why didn’t Eren try to save Zeke?
Eren’s priority was always the protection of Paradis Island, even if it meant sacrificing others. While he may have had complex feelings for Zeke, Eren ultimately saw him as a tool to achieve his goals. Saving Zeke would have undermined his plan and risked the survival of his people.
Was Zeke ultimately a hero or a villain?
Zeke’s character is morally ambiguous, making it difficult to definitively label him as either a hero or a villain. His intentions were driven by a desire to end suffering, but his methods were extreme and ultimately led to widespread destruction. He can be seen as a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance who made choices he believed were necessary for the greater good.
What is the significance of the final scene featuring Zeke in the Paths?
The final scene featuring Zeke in the Paths shows him helping Armin convince the past Titan shifters to assist in stopping Eren. This moment suggests that Zeke, in his final moments, experienced a change of heart. He understood the importance of fighting for freedom and breaking the cycle of hatred, ultimately contributing to Eren’s defeat and the eventual end of the Titan curse. This redemptive arc adds further complexity to his character and offers a nuanced perspective on his actions throughout the series.