The final episode of Attack on Titan brings a cataclysmic end to Eren Yeager’s reign of terror, culminating in his death at the hands of Mikasa Ackerman and a fragile peace bought at an enormous cost. The episode explores the psychological impact of war, the cyclical nature of hatred, and the enduring hope for a future free from the curse of the Titans, ultimately delivering a complex and controversial conclusion that will be debated for years to come.
The Rumble Ends, A New World Dawns (Sort Of)
The episode, titled “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” doesn’t shy away from the emotional and brutal reality of the conflict. We witness the Allied Forces – Mikasa, Armin, Levi, Reiner, Annie, Jean, and Connie – fighting valiantly against Eren’s Founding Titan form, a monstrous, sprawling entity wreaking havoc on the world.
Mikasa, driven by her unwavering love for Eren but understanding the necessity of stopping him, ultimately delivers the final blow. In a deeply emotional scene, she decapitates Eren, bringing an end to the Rumbling and, seemingly, the Titan curse itself. The episode then delves into the aftermath, showcasing the grief, the rebuilding efforts, and the seeds of new conflicts being sown. The power of the Titans vanishes, freeing those afflicted and theoretically breaking the cycle of hatred. Armin, designated as the negotiator for Paradis Island, embarks on the daunting task of securing peace with the rest of the world.
The episode concludes with Mikasa visiting Eren’s grave years later, still mourning his loss. A bird, often associated with freedom in the series, wraps her scarf, symbolizing a bittersweet closure. While the threat of Titans is gone, the potential for war and prejudice remains, suggesting that the struggle for true peace is a never-ending one.
Key Moments and Their Significance
The final episode is packed with significant moments that underscore the themes woven throughout the series.
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Eren’s Confession to Armin: In a shared path, Eren reveals his true intentions to Armin, admitting he orchestrated much of the conflict to ensure the survival of Paradis, even if it meant becoming a global villain. This admission clarifies his motivations but doesn’t necessarily excuse his actions, further blurring the lines between hero and villain.
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The Death of Eren: Mikasa’s decision to kill Eren is arguably the most impactful moment. It signifies her ultimate act of love and sacrifice, choosing the greater good over her personal feelings. This act breaks the cycle of violence and paves the way for a potential future of peace.
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The Disappearance of the Titan Power: The eradication of the Titan power is a pivotal turning point. It liberates the Eldians from their inherited burden and removes the source of much of the world’s conflict. However, the episode also suggests that humanity’s inherent capacity for violence remains, regardless of the absence of Titans.
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The Future of Paradis: The episode hints at the future of Paradis, showing it eventually being bombed and destroyed. While peace was secured for a time, the cycle of hatred continued, showing that the problems ran far deeper than Titans alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Attack on Titan Finale
H3 What was Eren’s ultimate goal with the Rumbling?
Eren claimed his goal was to eradicate all life outside of Paradis Island to ensure the safety and freedom of his people. However, as revealed to Armin, his true objective was more nuanced. He wanted to eliminate the Titan power and create a world where his friends could live long lives, even if it meant becoming the world’s enemy. This involves sacrificing his own freedom and future. Eren knew he couldn’t truly achieve complete peace, but he believed he could buy his friends time.
H3 Why did Mikasa kill Eren?
Mikasa killed Eren because she realized it was the only way to stop the Rumbling and prevent the annihilation of the world. She understood that Eren, despite his love for her and his friends, had become consumed by his own twisted sense of justice and was unwilling to stop on his own. Her decision was driven by a combination of love, grief, and a deep sense of responsibility.
H3 What happened to the Titan powers after Eren’s death?
After Eren’s death, the source of all living matter, the entity that granted the Titan powers, disappeared. This effectively ended the curse of the Titans and freed all Eldians from their ability to transform. It also meant that Titan shifters like Reiner, Annie, and Pieck lost their Titan abilities.
H3 Did Eren know he would die?
Yes, Eren knew that he would die. As the Founding Titan, he had access to the memories of past and future inheritors. He orchestrated events knowing that his death was necessary to achieve his ultimate goals, even if he kept the full picture hidden from most of his friends.
H3 Why did Eren make himself the villain?
Eren believed that by becoming the enemy of the entire world, he could unite the remaining nations against a common foe, giving Paradis Island a chance to rebuild and secure its future. He also wanted to ensure that his friends would be seen as heroes for stopping him, thereby preventing them from being targeted for their Eldian heritage.
H3 What was the significance of the bird wrapping Mikasa’s scarf?
The bird is widely interpreted as a symbol of Eren’s enduring love for Mikasa and the freedom he ultimately achieved, albeit through tragic means. It represents a connection that transcends death and reinforces the idea that Eren’s sacrifice was not in vain. Some theories suggest that the bird is Eren, freed from the Titan powers.
H3 What happened to Levi after the final battle?
Levi survives the final battle but is permanently injured, losing the use of some of his fingers. Despite his physical limitations, he dedicates his life to helping children orphaned by the war, continuing his commitment to protecting humanity in a different capacity. He is last seen observing the changing landscape of Paradis, contemplating the fleeting nature of peace.
H3 What is the future of Paradis Island?
The future of Paradis Island is bleak, hinted at in the final moments of the episode. Decades after Eren’s death, Paradis is eventually bombed and destroyed, signifying the cyclical nature of violence and the failure to achieve lasting peace. This outcome underscores the inherent flaws in humanity and the enduring challenge of overcoming prejudice and hatred.
H3 What happened to the other members of the Survey Corps?
The surviving members of the Survey Corps, including Armin, Mikasa, Reiner, Annie, Jean, and Connie, all live out their lives to varying degrees of happiness. Armin becomes an ambassador for Paradis, striving for peace. The others return to Paradis to live out their lives with their respective families and loved ones.
H3 Was the ending a happy one?
The ending is bittersweet at best. While the Titan curse is eradicated and Eren’s friends survive, the ultimate fate of Paradis and the enduring potential for conflict suggest that true happiness remains elusive. It is an ending that acknowledges the complexities of war and the difficult choices individuals must make in the face of unimaginable circumstances. The ending is not wholly happy but rather, realistic.
H3 What are the main themes explored in the final episode?
The final episode explores themes of love, sacrifice, freedom, the cyclical nature of violence, the consequences of war, and the enduring power of hope. It also delves into the complexities of morality and the blurring lines between hero and villain.
H3 Was the series as a whole about war?
While war is a major element of the series, Attack on Titan is ultimately about the human condition. It explores themes of identity, prejudice, the cycle of violence, the price of freedom, and the difficult choices individuals must make in the face of overwhelming adversity. The war is a catalyst for exploring these deeper themes.