The final episode of Attack on Titan, titled “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” delivers a heart-wrenching resolution to the centuries-long conflict, culminating in Eren Yeager’s death and the elimination of the Titan power. While seemingly achieving peace, the ending subtly acknowledges the cyclical nature of violence and the enduring struggle for freedom.
Eren’s Final Act: Genocide and Sacrifice
Eren’s ultimate goal wasn’t global peace as initially perceived. Instead, he intended to orchestrate a situation where the remaining members of the Scouting Regiment would be forced to kill him, thereby becoming heroes in the eyes of the world and paving the way for a potential future where Eldians and non-Eldians could coexist. This twisted plan, revealed during the final confrontation in the Paths, required him to become the world’s enemy, pushing humanity to unite against a common threat.
The episode opens with the continued chaos of the Rumbling, showcasing its devastating impact on the world. The surviving members of the alliance – Mikasa, Armin, Levi, Reiner, Annie, Pieck, and Gabi – confront Eren within the Founding Titan, engaging in a brutal battle to stop him. Armin, using his Colossal Titan form, manages to detonate near Eren’s neck, providing an opening for Mikasa to finally kill him.
In the episode’s most poignant moment, Mikasa, after severing Eren’s head, carries it to a secluded spot and kisses him goodbye. This scene confirms the enduring depth of her love for Eren, a love that transcends his actions and ultimately leads to his demise. With Eren’s death, the Titan curse is lifted, freeing all Eldians from their Titan forms and the constant threat of transformation.
The New World: Peace is Fragile
The final scenes depict a world years after Eren’s death. While the immediate threat of the Titans is gone, the underlying tensions and prejudices remain. Despite the alliance’s efforts, the world doesn’t magically transform into a harmonious utopia.
Armin becomes an ambassador, attempting to negotiate peace between Paradis Island and the outside world. However, as time passes, Paradis Island militarizes and engages in conflict, hinting at the cyclical nature of history and the inevitability of future wars. The episode concludes with a scene showing Mikasa visiting Eren’s grave, accompanied by her husband and child, a stark reminder of the personal sacrifices made for a fragile peace. The final shot focuses on the Tree on That Hill, Eren’s burial place, with a young boy discovering it, perhaps hinting at the potential for the cycle to begin anew.
FAQs About Attack on Titan’s Ending
1. Did Eren truly want to destroy the world?
Eren’s motives are complex and open to interpretation. While he initiates the Rumbling and causes immense destruction, it’s revealed that his actions were partially influenced by the Attack Titan’s future-seeing ability and the inevitability of certain events. He chose to become the villain to create a potential path towards peace, even if that path was paved with unimaginable suffering. He never fully “wanted” to destroy the world, but believed it was a necessary evil to protect Paradis and his friends.
2. Why did Mikasa have to kill Eren?
Mikasa’s connection to Eren through the Ackerman bloodline made her the key to breaking the Titan power. Her enduring love for Eren, coupled with her ability to choose her own path, allowed her to sever the connection and end the cycle. Only someone with a strong connection to Eren and the Founding Titan could ultimately free the world from its curse.
3. What happened to the Titan powers?
With Eren’s death, the Titan powers vanish completely. No new Titans are born, and existing Titans revert to their human forms. This marks a definitive end to the Titan threat, though the underlying societal issues remain unaddressed.
4. Is Paradis Island safe after the ending?
While the immediate threat of the Titans is gone, Paradis Island isn’t guaranteed safety. The episode shows the island militarizing and engaging in conflict years later, implying that war is still a possibility. The peace achieved is fragile and requires constant effort to maintain.
5. What role did Ymir play in the ending?
Ymir Fritz’s role is crucial. Her centuries-long suffering and imprisonment within the Paths ultimately end with Eren’s death. Mikasa’s ability to connect with and understand Ymir allows her to finally free her from her bondage, ending the source of the Titan power.
6. Why was the Rumbling necessary?
Eren believed the Rumbling was necessary to significantly reduce the world’s population and ensure Paradis Island’s survival. He saw it as the only way to deter future attacks and allow Paradis to develop without being constantly threatened. However, his methods are highly controversial and morally reprehensible.
7. What happens to Levi after the battle?
Levi survives the final battle but is severely injured. He’s seen in the final scenes in a wheelchair, alongside Gabi and Falco, overseeing a new generation. While his fighting days are over, he continues to contribute to the rebuilding effort.
8. Do Eren and Mikasa end up together in the afterlife?
The ending doesn’t explicitly state whether Eren and Mikasa reunite in the afterlife. However, their connection is undeniable, and the final scene of Mikasa visiting Eren’s grave suggests that their love transcends death. The possibility of a reunion is left open to interpretation.
9. What is the significance of the tree at the end of the episode?
The Tree on That Hill represents the cyclical nature of history. It’s where Ymir originally gained the Titan power, and it’s where Eren is buried. The ending scene with the boy discovering the tree suggests that the potential for conflict and the emergence of new powers always exists.
10. Why didn’t Armin use the Coordinate to stop Eren earlier?
Armin’s use of the Coordinate to communicate with Eren in the Paths was a gradual process. It took time for him to understand Eren’s true motives and develop a plan to stop him. He also needed to consider the consequences of his actions and the potential impact on the world.
11. What is the future of the Eldian people after the Titan curse is gone?
The future of the Eldian people is uncertain. While they are no longer subject to the Titan curse, they still face prejudice and discrimination from the outside world. Their survival depends on their ability to build alliances and create a more peaceful future.
12. Is there any hope for true peace in the world after Attack on Titan’s ending?
The ending offers a glimmer of hope for peace, but it also acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. The cyclical nature of violence suggests that achieving true and lasting peace is a constant struggle that requires vigilance and empathy. The future remains unwritten, dependent on the choices made by future generations.