In the final episode of Attack on Titan, titled “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” Eren Yeager is finally defeated, bringing an end to the Rumbling and saving humanity from total annihilation – at the cost of his own life and the future of Paradis Island. The episode primarily focuses on the aftermath, exploring the emotional toll on the surviving characters and grappling with the complex consequences of Eren’s actions.
The Fall of Eren: A Necessary Evil?
The culmination of years of conflict and moral ambiguity reaches its peak in the battle within Eren’s Titan form. Mikasa Ackerman, ultimately making the impossible choice, kills Eren, severing the source of the Titan power. This act not only stops the Rumbling but also effectively ends the Titan curse itself.
The emotional weight of Mikasa’s decision is palpable. The episode dedicates significant screen time to portraying her grief and struggle in accepting the fate of her beloved Eren. The shared vision of their imagined peaceful life, flashing through her mind as she delivers the final blow, adds a layer of tragic beauty to the scene. It reinforces the central theme of the series: the devastating consequences of war and the sacrifices made in the name of peace.
Beyond the immediate battle, the episode delves into the long-term ramifications of Eren’s actions. While the Rumbling was intended to eliminate the threat to Paradis Island, it also resulted in the deaths of countless innocent civilians. This leaves the surviving characters with the daunting task of building a new world from the ashes of the old, knowing that the scars of Eren’s choices will forever shape their future.
FAQ: Unraveling the Complexities of the Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the pivotal events and underlying themes of the Attack on Titan finale:
Understanding the Rumbling
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FAQ 1: What exactly was the Rumbling and what was its purpose?
The Rumbling was Eren Yeager’s plan to unleash the Wall Titans and trample the world outside Paradis Island. His stated purpose was to eliminate the threat of annihilation to his people, effectively ensuring the survival of Eldians living on Paradis. However, the true nature of his goal was far more complex, as he also sought to end the Titan curse itself, albeit through a horrific and morally questionable method.
Mikasa’s Decision and its Impact
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FAQ 2: Why did Mikasa ultimately kill Eren? Was there any other choice?
Mikasa killed Eren to stop the Rumbling and prevent the total destruction of humanity. While Eren believed his actions were necessary to protect Paradis, his methods were deemed unacceptable by Mikasa and the Survey Corps. There was no other way to end the Rumbling and stop the cycle of violence without eliminating the source of the Titan power, which resided within Eren himself. It was a deeply agonizing choice, dictated by her love for Eren and her commitment to the greater good.
The Fate of Paradis Island
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FAQ 3: What happens to Paradis Island after the Rumbling?
After the Rumbling, Paradis Island faces a precarious future. While the immediate threat from the outside world is diminished, the island is left politically and militarily weakened. The episode shows that even with the end of the Titan power, conflict and the possibility of war persist, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence. In the final scene, we see Paradis Island eventually destroyed by another war, signifying that peace achieved through violence is ultimately unsustainable.
The Ending of the Titan Curse
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FAQ 4: How was the Titan curse actually broken?
The Titan curse was broken when Mikasa killed Eren. This act severed the link between the coordinate and the Subjects of Ymir, effectively ending the power of the Titans. Ymir, the original Titan, was finally released from her centuries-long bondage, ending the cycle of transformation and suffering.
Eren’s True Motivations
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FAQ 5: What were Eren’s true motivations for initiating the Rumbling? Did he genuinely believe it was the only way?
Eren’s motivations were complex and multifaceted. While he initially claimed to be acting solely to protect Paradis, it’s revealed that he saw glimpses of the future and was partially driven by a fatalistic acceptance of the predetermined events. He sought to end the Titan curse and create a world where his friends could live longer lives, even if it meant becoming a villain in the process. Whether he genuinely believed it was the only way is debatable, but he was certainly convinced that it was a path he had to take.
The Role of Ymir
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FAQ 6: What was Ymir’s role in the events of the finale? Why did she choose Mikasa?
Ymir, the original Titan, played a pivotal role in the finale. For centuries, she remained bound to the coordinate, granting the power of the Titans to her descendants. She sought someone who understood her pain and suffering, someone who could make a difficult choice driven by love. Mikasa, who had loved Eren deeply and was forced to kill him, resonated with Ymir’s experience. Ymir entrusted Mikasa with the task of ending the Titan curse, effectively freeing her from her eternal burden.
The Surviving Characters
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FAQ 7: What happens to Armin, Mikasa, and the other surviving members of the Survey Corps?
Armin, Mikasa, and the other surviving members of the Survey Corps become ambassadors for peace, working to establish diplomatic relations between Paradis Island and the outside world. They dedicate their lives to preventing future conflicts and honoring the sacrifices made during the war. Mikasa, in particular, continues to mourn Eren and visits his grave regularly.
The Morality of Eren’s Actions
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FAQ 8: Was Eren’s decision to initiate the Rumbling morally justifiable?
Eren’s decision is a subject of intense debate. While his stated goal was to protect Paradis, his methods resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent people. From a purely utilitarian perspective, his actions could be seen as necessary to ensure the survival of his people. However, from a moral standpoint, the deliberate targeting of civilians is widely considered unjustifiable. The series ultimately leaves the moral judgment to the viewer.
The Significance of the Tree on the Hill
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FAQ 9: What is the significance of the tree on the hill where Eren is buried?
The tree on the hill where Eren is buried serves as a visual reminder of the cycle of violence and the enduring legacy of the Titan power. It echoes the tree where Ymir first gained the power of the Titans, suggesting that the potential for conflict and the emergence of new power structures will always exist. However, it also symbolizes hope, as new life can grow from the ashes of the past.
The Cycle of Hatred
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FAQ 10: Does the ending truly break the cycle of hatred and violence, or is it only temporary?
The ending offers a glimmer of hope for breaking the cycle of hatred and violence, but it also acknowledges the inherent challenges in achieving lasting peace. While the Titan power is gone, the underlying tensions and historical grievances between Paradis Island and the outside world remain. The final scene, depicting Paradis Island being destroyed, suggests that the cycle will eventually continue. However, the efforts of Armin and the other ambassadors represent a commitment to building a better future, even if the ultimate outcome is uncertain.
The Alliance’s Success
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FAQ 11: Did the Alliance (Armin, Mikasa, etc.) truly succeed in their goal of stopping Eren and achieving peace?
The Alliance achieved a tactical victory in stopping the Rumbling and ending the Titan curse. However, their success in achieving lasting peace is questionable. While they managed to establish a period of relative stability, the underlying tensions between Paradis and the outside world persisted. The eventual destruction of Paradis Island suggests that their efforts were not entirely successful in preventing future conflicts. They bought humanity time, but time is not synonymous with a resolution.
The Nature of Freedom
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FAQ 12: What does the ending say about the nature of freedom in Attack on Titan?
The ending suggests that true freedom is an elusive and often unattainable ideal. Eren believed that the Rumbling was necessary to secure freedom for his people, but his actions ultimately resulted in the loss of freedom for countless others. The series portrays freedom as a complex and often contradictory concept, one that is intertwined with responsibility, sacrifice, and the acceptance of difficult choices. The final message underscores the tragic irony that the pursuit of freedom can sometimes lead to its own destruction. The cycle will most probably repeat.