The last episode of Attack on Titan, officially titled “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” served as the definitive conclusion to the globally acclaimed anime series, adapting the final chapters of Hajime Isayama’s manga. It brought closure to the epic conflict between the Eldians and the world, ultimately addressing the cycle of hatred and violence that had plagued the narrative from its inception.
A Legacy Concluded: Examining “Toward the Tree on That Hill”
The conclusion of Attack on Titan was an event of global significance, anticipated by millions worldwide. The final episode, aired on November 4, 2023, clocked in at a feature-length runtime of approximately 85 minutes, offering a detailed and emotional wrap-up to the complex narrative. This extended format allowed for a more thorough exploration of the characters’ fates and the ultimate consequences of Eren Yeager’s actions.
The episode primarily focuses on the aftermath of Eren’s demise and the world’s gradual recovery from the Rumbling. We witness the dissolution of the Titan powers and the establishment of a fragile peace. Key character arcs are resolved, with emphasis on Mikasa Ackerman’s journey of grief and acceptance, Armin Arlert’s role as an ambassador of peace, and the rebuilding efforts of the surviving members of the Scout Regiment.
The core narrative tension lies in the question of whether Eren’s drastic measures, aimed at eliminating Titans and ensuring Paradis Island’s survival, were ultimately justified. The episode provides a nuanced, rather than a purely celebratory, resolution. While the immediate threat of Titans is gone, the seeds of future conflict are subtly sown, acknowledging the inherent complexities of human nature and the enduring potential for war, even in the absence of a singular, monstrous enemy.
The final scenes, set years later, depict a mature Mikasa visiting Eren’s grave, accompanied by her family. This poignant moment underscores the lasting impact of Eren’s actions and the enduring bond between these characters. However, the concluding shots also show the tree on the hill where Eren is buried being rediscovered, implying the cyclical nature of conflict and the potential for the story to repeat itself, leaving audiences to ponder the true meaning of freedom and sacrifice.
Deeper Dive: Key Moments and Themes
The Resolution of Eren’s Plan
Eren’s plan, revealed more fully as a desperate attempt to eliminate the Titan curse and give his friends a chance at a future, is not presented as a heroic act. The episode emphasizes the immense suffering caused by the Rumbling and the moral ambiguities of Eren’s choices. The alliance, spearheaded by Armin, is crucial in stopping Eren and achieving a fragile peace, even if it comes at the cost of his life.
Mikasa’s Journey of Acceptance
Mikasa’s character arc is central to the ending. Her unwavering love for Eren, despite his increasingly monstrous actions, is a defining aspect of her identity. The episode culminates in her finally accepting his death and moving forward with her life, though the pain of her loss remains palpable. The visual representation of her visiting his grave, wearing the scarf he gifted her, symbolizes her enduring love and the bittersweet acceptance of his sacrifice.
The Future of Paradis Island
The episode doesn’t offer a utopian vision of the future. While the immediate threat of Titans is eradicated, Paradis Island faces new challenges in the form of international relations and the potential for future conflicts. The final scenes suggest that the cycle of violence may not be entirely broken, highlighting the complex and nuanced nature of the ending. This realistic portrayal underscores the inherent difficulties in achieving lasting peace and the enduring potential for human conflict, even in the absence of a monstrous enemy.
The Importance of Dialogue and Understanding
Armin’s role as a diplomat and advocate for understanding between Paradis and the rest of the world is vital. He embodies the hope for a future where communication and empathy can prevent further bloodshed. His efforts, though challenging, represent the best chance for a lasting peace and a break from the cycle of hatred. The episode emphasizes the importance of dialogue and cooperation in navigating complex political landscapes and preventing future conflicts.
Attack on Titan FAQs: Unveiling the Final Mysteries
FAQ 1: Was Eren’s plan truly successful?
Eren’s plan achieved the elimination of the Titan powers and provided a temporary respite from global aggression. However, it came at an immense cost, and the long-term success of his plan is questionable. The possibility of future conflicts suggests his actions were a complex, morally ambiguous choice with potentially limited benefits. Ultimately, Eren’s actions were a gamble, and the long-term consequences remain uncertain.
FAQ 2: What happened to Mikasa after Eren’s death?
Mikasa eventually married and had a family. Although the episode doesn’t explicitly name her husband, it is implied to be Jean Kirstein, considering visual cues and narrative context. She continues to honor Eren’s memory by visiting his grave throughout her life. Her story demonstrates the enduring power of love and loss and the possibility of finding happiness even after experiencing immense tragedy.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of the tree on the hill?
The tree on the hill represents the origin of the Titan powers and the cyclical nature of history. Its rediscovery in the final scene suggests that the potential for conflict and the emergence of new threats remains, even after Eren’s actions. The tree serves as a symbolic reminder that the fight for freedom and peace is an ongoing process.
FAQ 4: What happened to the remaining members of the Scout Regiment?
The surviving members of the Scout Regiment, including Armin, Mikasa, Levi, and others, played key roles in establishing peace negotiations and rebuilding efforts. They became ambassadors of Paradis, advocating for understanding and cooperation with the rest of the world. Their efforts represent the hope for a better future and the potential for reconciliation after years of conflict.
FAQ 5: Did the ending stay true to the manga?
While the anime adaptation remained largely faithful to the manga’s core plot points, there were minor adjustments in pacing and visual presentation. The overall message and thematic concerns of the ending were consistent with Isayama’s original vision. The anime provided a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of the manga’s conclusion.
FAQ 6: Why was the last episode so long?
The extended runtime of the last episode allowed for a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the complex narrative themes and character arcs. It provided the necessary time to resolve lingering plot points, address the emotional impact of Eren’s actions, and offer a satisfying conclusion to the series. The length was necessary to do justice to the scope and complexity of the Attack on Titan story.
FAQ 7: What is the general reception of the ending?
The ending of Attack on Titan has been met with a mixed reception. Some viewers praised its nuanced portrayal of war and its complex character arcs, while others criticized its ambiguous resolution and perceived lack of closure. The ending sparked considerable debate and discussion among fans, highlighting the complexity and thought-provoking nature of the series.
FAQ 8: What are the main themes explored in the final episode?
The final episode explores themes of war, peace, sacrifice, freedom, forgiveness, and the cyclical nature of history. It examines the complexities of moral choices and the enduring impact of trauma on individuals and societies. The episode delves into profound questions about human nature and the search for meaning in a world filled with conflict.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the final scene with Mikasa and her family?
The scene of Mikasa visiting Eren’s grave with her family signifies her acceptance of his death and her ability to move forward with her life. It represents the possibility of finding happiness and building a future even after experiencing profound loss. The scene underscores the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
FAQ 10: What does the ending say about the nature of freedom?
The ending suggests that true freedom is not simply the absence of external threats but also the ability to overcome internal conflicts and break free from the cycle of hatred. It implies that freedom requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to work towards a better future. The ending offers a complex and nuanced perspective on the meaning of freedom, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.
FAQ 11: What message did Hajime Isayama want to convey with the ending?
Isayama aimed to convey a message about the complexities of war and the difficulties of achieving lasting peace. He wanted to explore the moral ambiguities of conflict and the enduring impact of trauma on individuals and societies. His intention was to provoke thought and discussion about the human condition and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering.
FAQ 12: Will there be any further installments of Attack on Titan?
While the main storyline concluded with “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” the possibility of spin-offs or related projects remains. The world of Attack on Titan is rich and complex, and there is potential for further exploration of its characters and themes. As of now, there are no confirmed plans for further installments, but the franchise remains popular, leaving the door open for future developments.