The final episode of Attack on Titan, officially titled “The Rumbling” Part 2 in English, and originally “Shūmatsu no Torikeshi” (終末の取消) – “Cancellation of the Apocalypse” in Japanese, concluded the decade-long saga of Eren Yeager and the fate of humanity. This concluding chapter cemented the series’ place in anime history, sparking both immense praise and intense debate among fans.
The Significance of “The Rumbling” Part 2/ “Cancellation of the Apocalypse”
“The Rumbling” Part 2, as the English title indicates, directly addresses the cataclysmic event Eren initiates to eradicate the world outside Paradis Island. However, the original Japanese title, “Cancellation of the Apocalypse,” provides a crucial layer of nuance. It suggests a perspective where Eren’s actions, while devastating, ultimately aim to prevent a different, potentially worse apocalypse – the annihilation of the Eldian people. This difference in interpretation highlights the moral ambiguity that defines Attack on Titan. The title itself serves as a final, poignant reminder of the complex choices faced by the characters and the lack of easy answers in a world consumed by hatred and fear. The series doesn’t present Eren’s actions as heroic, but as a desperate attempt to secure a future for his people, even at the cost of countless lives. The duality of the titles encapsulates the core themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of violence that run throughout the entirety of Attack on Titan.
Key Moments and Narrative Closure
This final episode doesn’t just wrap up plot threads; it grapples with the philosophical underpinnings of the entire series. The episode showcases the culmination of the Alliance’s efforts to stop Eren, leading to a final, emotionally charged confrontation within the Founding Titan.
Eren’s Motivations Explained (Further)
The ending delves deeper into Eren’s motivations, revealing the burden he carried and the limited choices he felt were available to him. The episode clarifies that Eren wasn’t simply driven by a desire for freedom in a simplistic sense. He was, in a twisted way, trying to create a future where his friends could live in peace, even if that meant sacrificing the rest of the world. This doesn’t absolve him of his actions, but it adds layers of complexity to his character.
The Aftermath and Long-Term Consequences
The episode concludes with a glimpse into the future, showing the long-term consequences of Eren’s actions. While the Rumbling did decimate the world’s population, it also bought Paradis Island time. However, the cycle of violence continues, hinting at the potential for future conflict even after Eren’s death. This ambiguous ending reinforces the series’ message about the enduring nature of human conflict and the difficulty of achieving lasting peace.
Attack on Titan: FAQs Explored
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the finale and its surrounding context, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Why was the final season split into so many parts?
The final season of Attack on Titan was divided into multiple parts to ensure the quality of animation and storytelling remained high. The scope and complexity of the ending required more time and resources to adapt faithfully from the manga. The production team wanted to avoid rushing the adaptation and compromising the impact of the conclusion. Additionally, breaking the season into parts allowed for strategic release scheduling, maximizing viewership and engagement.
FAQ 2: How faithful was the anime adaptation to the manga ending?
While the anime adaptation remained largely faithful to the manga ending, there were some minor adjustments and additions to enhance the emotional impact and clarity of certain scenes. Most notably, some of Eren’s internal monologues were expanded, providing more insight into his thought process. These changes were generally well-received by fans as they helped to solidify the thematic conclusions of the series.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of Mikasa killing Eren?
Mikasa’s decision to kill Eren is arguably the most crucial and emotionally charged moment in the entire series. It signifies the breaking of the cycle of violence and the end of the Titan curse. It represents a profound sacrifice, as Mikasa is forced to kill the person she loves most in order to save the world. Furthermore, her act frees Ymir from her 2,000-year-long servitude, finally bringing an end to the Titan powers.
FAQ 4: Did Eren actually want to destroy the world?
Eren’s motivations are complex and debated. He claimed to be acting for the sake of Paradis Island and his friends, but his actions were undeniably destructive. He saw the Rumbling as the only way to secure their future, believing that the world outside Paradis would never allow the Eldians to live in peace. Whether he truly wanted to destroy the world or felt it was a necessary evil is a central question of the ending.
FAQ 5: What happened to Paradis Island after the ending?
The ending shows that Paradis Island eventually faces another conflict, implying that the peace bought by Eren’s actions was temporary. This reinforces the series’ cyclical theme of violence and the difficulty of achieving lasting peace. The ambiguity of the ending highlights the fact that Eren’s actions, while intended to protect Paradis, ultimately only delayed the inevitable.
FAQ 6: What is the meaning of the tree where Eren is buried?
The tree where Eren is buried resembles the tree where Ymir Fritz first gained the power of the Titans. This imagery suggests a continuation of the cycle of power and conflict, even after the death of Eren and the supposed end of the Titan curse. The presence of the tree serves as a visual reminder that the potential for conflict always exists, even in a seemingly peaceful world.
FAQ 7: What is the significance of the final scene with the boy finding the tree?
The final scene, decades or even centuries after Eren’s death, showing a boy discovering the tree where Eren is buried, further emphasizes the cyclical nature of history and the potential for the Titan powers to re-emerge. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers that the seeds of conflict can lie dormant for generations, only to sprout again under the right circumstances.
FAQ 8: How did the alliance members survive the final battle?
The Alliance members survived due to a combination of skill, determination, and, crucially, Eren’s plan. Eren ensured that they would defeat him to be seen as heroes who saved the world, thus securing a better future for Paradis Island and preventing further bloodshed. This was a painful but necessary part of his convoluted plan.
FAQ 9: What happened to the Titan powers after Eren’s death?
With Eren’s death, the Titan powers seemingly disappeared. The scene depicting the disappearance of the “source of all organic matter” suggests a complete severance from the Titan lineage. However, the final scene with the tree hints at the possibility of their return, leaving the ultimate fate of the Titan powers ambiguous.
FAQ 10: How did the ending impact the overall reception of Attack on Titan?
The ending of Attack on Titan was met with mixed reactions. Some praised its complexity, emotional depth, and willingness to explore morally ambiguous themes. Others criticized it for perceived plot holes, character inconsistencies, and a lack of a truly satisfying resolution. Despite the controversy, the ending generated considerable discussion and debate, solidifying Attack on Titan’s place as a landmark anime series.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch the final episode of Attack on Titan?
The final episode of Attack on Titan is available for streaming on several platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu (depending on your region). It is also available for purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Google Play.
FAQ 12: What are some good analyses of the Attack on Titan ending?
Numerous analyses of the Attack on Titan ending are available online, ranging from video essays to in-depth articles. Searching for terms like “Attack on Titan ending explained” or “Attack on Titan ending analysis” will yield a wealth of resources offering different interpretations and perspectives on the conclusion of the series. Remember to consider different viewpoints to formulate your own informed opinion.