Eren Yeager’s cryptic dream in the opening moments of Attack on Titan Episode 1 is not simply a random nightmare, but a fragmented glimpse into future memories transmitted from himself, the Attack Titan. This initial vision foreshadows the devastating events to come, including the fall of Wall Maria and the tragic death of his mother, shaping Eren’s burning desire for revenge and freedom.
The Dream Explained: Foreshadowing and Future Memories
The opening scene of Attack on Titan plunges viewers into a world teetering on the brink of destruction. A young Eren wakes with tears streaming down his face, seemingly disturbed by a dream he can’t quite recall. He remarks to Mikasa that it felt like he’d been having a long, sad dream. But what was this dream, and why is it so significant?
The answer, as revealed much later in the series, lies in the power of the Attack Titan and its unique ability to see future memories. Eren’s dream isn’t a random nightmare; it’s a fractured and incomplete vision of events yet to unfold, sent back through time by a future version of himself. The most prominent images within this dream are likely glimpses of the Rumbling – the devastation wrought by countless Colossal Titans – and perhaps even fragments of his future confrontation with Reiner and Bertholdt.
The hazy, fragmented nature of the dream is crucial. Future Eren likely didn’t have complete control over which memories were sent, or perhaps the sheer volume of information overloaded young Eren’s mind, resulting in a distorted and confusing experience. This incompleteness contributes to the overwhelming sense of dread and loss he feels upon awakening, a feeling that serves as the catalyst for his future actions.
FAQs: Decoding Eren’s Dream and its Implications
To further clarify the significance of Eren’s initial dream and its implications for the wider Attack on Titan narrative, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
H3 What is the Attack Titan’s unique ability?
The Attack Titan possesses the unique ability to see future memories. This allows holders of the Attack Titan to glimpse events that will occur in the future, transmitted by subsequent holders of the Titan. This ability is crucial to understanding Eren’s actions and motivations throughout the series.
H3 How does the concept of “Paths” relate to Eren’s dream?
The Paths are a metaphysical dimension that connects all Eldians, allowing them to access each other’s memories and communicate across time and space. The Attack Titan’s ability to see future memories is facilitated through the Paths, making it possible for future Eren to influence the past.
H3 Why couldn’t Eren remember the dream clearly?
Several factors likely contributed to Eren’s inability to clearly remember the dream. The sheer volume of information could have been overwhelming, and his young mind may not have been equipped to fully process the complex and traumatic events he witnessed. Additionally, future Eren may not have been able to perfectly control which memories were sent.
H3 Did Mikasa also see parts of Eren’s dream?
There’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Mikasa directly saw Eren’s dream. However, she acknowledges the strangeness of his experience and mentions feeling a similar, though less intense, sense of unease. Her Ackermann lineage might grant her a heightened sensitivity to Eren’s experiences, but not direct access to his memories.
H3 What specific events from the future were likely shown in the dream?
While the exact contents of Eren’s dream remain somewhat ambiguous, it likely included glimpses of the Rumbling, the devastation of Wall Maria, and potentially confrontations with Reiner and Bertholdt. These events are central to Eren’s character arc and fuel his desire for revenge and freedom.
H3 How does Eren’s dream explain his aggressive personality?
The traumatic glimpses of the future likely contributed to Eren’s aggressive personality. Witnessing the destruction and loss he was destined to experience fueled his anger and determination to fight for survival. It instilled in him a sense of urgency and a willingness to do whatever it takes to change the future.
H3 Was Eren consciously aware of the future events at that young age?
Eren was not consciously aware of the specific details of the future events at that young age. The dream manifested as a vague sense of dread and loss, influencing his subconscious and shaping his overall outlook. It was later, as he inherited more memories and experiences, that the full picture began to emerge.
H3 Could Eren have changed the future after seeing the dream?
The debate about whether Eren could have changed the future is a central theme in Attack on Titan. Some argue that the future was predetermined, while others believe that Eren’s actions were influenced by his knowledge of the future, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Regardless, the dream significantly shaped his choices and ultimately led him down a specific path.
H3 Does this mean all Attack Titan holders see the same future?
While all Attack Titan holders have the potential to see future memories, it’s not necessarily a guarantee that they see the exact same future. The memories they receive can be influenced by the holder’s own actions and intentions, as well as the memories sent by previous holders.
H3 How does Eren Kruger’s line “To save Mikasa and Armin…” connect to the dream?
Eren Kruger’s cryptic instruction to Grisha Yeager, “To save Mikasa and Armin,” highlights the interconnectedness of time and the predetermined nature of certain events. This line suggests that Eren, in the future, somehow influenced Kruger to utter those words, reinforcing the idea that the past, present, and future are intertwined.
H3 Why is Eren the only Titan Shifter who can see the future?
Eren is not the only Titan Shifter who can see the future. The Attack Titan, as a whole, possesses this ability, regardless of who holds the Titan. It’s not exclusive to Eren Yeager himself.
H3 How does understanding Eren’s dream change our perception of the entire series?
Understanding Eren’s dream in Episode 1 reframes the entire series as a complex exploration of free will, determinism, and the consequences of trauma. It reveals that Eren’s actions are not simply driven by rage and revenge, but also by a profound understanding of the future and a desperate attempt to alter it. This knowledge adds layers of complexity to his character and makes his decisions all the more tragic and compelling.
Conclusion: The Dream as a Catalyst
Eren’s initial dream is more than just a narrative device; it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle that unlocks the complexities of Attack on Titan. It serves as a catalyst for his journey, shaping his character, driving his actions, and ultimately leading him towards a predetermined fate. By understanding the dream and its connection to the Attack Titan’s unique ability, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate and thought-provoking themes explored throughout the series. The dream is a microcosm of the entire Attack on Titan saga, hinting at the tragic cycle of violence and the desperate search for freedom that defines Eren Yeager’s existence.