Eren Jaeger first gains the powers of the Founding Titan in episode 59, “The Other Side of the Wall,” of Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Part 1. This pivotal moment arrives after a series of complex events and revelations surrounding the true history of the Titans and the world beyond Paradis Island.
The Genesis of Power: Unraveling Eren’s Acquisition
Eren’s transformation into the vessel of the Founding Titan is not a straightforward process. It involves understanding the historical context, the power dynamics between different Titan forms, and the specific conditions required for Eren to activate this dormant ability. Unlike inheriting the Attack Titan or the Warhammer Titan, becoming the Founding Titan requires a crucial, and initially hidden, element: royal blood.
The episode “The Other Side of the Wall” chronicles the culmination of Eren’s long-awaited journey to understand his powers and his place in the grand scheme of things. After traveling to Marley and experiencing the harsh realities of the world beyond the walls, Eren orchestrates events that lead him to contact Zeke Jaeger, his half-brother, who possesses royal blood through his mother, Dina Fritz. It’s this contact, achieved amidst the chaos and devastation Eren has unleashed on Liberio, that unlocks the Founding Titan’s potential within him.
The episode masterfully builds tension, meticulously weaving together flashbacks, strategic maneuvers, and intense battles. The viewer witnesses Eren’s unwavering determination and his strategic exploitation of the situation, ultimately leading to his touching of Zeke and triggering the transformation. While the immediate effects of this transformation are not fully explored in this particular episode, the act itself marks a definitive turning point in the narrative, establishing Eren as a wielder of unimaginable power and forever altering the course of the war between Eldia and the world. This moment signifies more than just a power upgrade; it represents the unleashing of a force that could reshape the fate of humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Eren and the Founding Titan
Here are some common questions surrounding Eren’s acquisition and use of the Founding Titan powers, explained with clarity and precision.
1. What exactly is the Founding Titan?
The Founding Titan is the original Titan, possessed by Ymir Fritz, the ancestor of all Eldians. It holds the power to control all other Titans, alter the memories of Eldians, and shape their bodies. Its power is arguably the strongest of all the Nine Titans. It resides in the Coordinate, a dimension accessible only through a Titan of royal blood.
2. Why does Eren need Zeke to use the Founding Titan’s powers?
The royal blood requirement is a key condition for accessing the full potential of the Founding Titan. While Eren possessed the Titan itself, the ability to fully control its powers and access the Coordinate required him to come into contact with someone of royal lineage, specifically Zeke Jaeger. This limitation was imposed long ago to restrict the use of the Founding Titan’s power by non-royal members of the Fritz family.
3. What happens immediately after Eren touches Zeke?
Immediately after contact, Eren and Zeke are transported to the Coordinate, a strange, dreamlike realm where the Founding Titan’s power resides. Within the Coordinate, they encounter the spirit of Ymir Fritz, the original Titan. Here, Zeke initially intends to use the Founding Titan’s power to sterilize all Eldians, preventing future generations from suffering.
4. Can anyone with royal blood use the Founding Titan’s powers?
While royal blood is necessary, it’s not sufficient on its own. A Titan host is still required. The individual with royal blood must also be able to mentally command Ymir Fritz and the Founding Titan’s power. In the story, this is a point of contention, as Zeke’s control is eventually usurped by Eren.
5. How is Eren able to defy Zeke’s plan within the Coordinate?
Eren’s unwavering determination and his connection to the Attack Titan, which is known for its ability to see into the future and resist control, play a critical role. Eren manages to convince Ymir Fritz to lend him her power by appealing to her deep-seated desire for freedom and by expressing his own unyielding commitment to his goals. This defiance is a pivotal moment that determines the direction of the series.
6. What does Eren do with the Founding Titan’s power after taking control?
After gaining control, Eren unleashes the Rumbling, an event where countless Colossal Titans within the walls of Paradis Island are awakened and march across the world, devastating everything in their path. This act is intended to eradicate all life outside the island, ensuring the survival of the Eldian people within Paradis.
7. Does Eren have access to the Founding Titan’s powers before episode 59?
No, Eren does not have access to the full extent of the Founding Titan’s powers before episode 59. While he possesses the physical form of the Titan, the powers remain dormant until he makes contact with Zeke. There is a brief moment in Season 2 where Eren unconsciously uses the Founding Titan’s power to command other titans, but he is unaware of his ability at that time and cannot control it.
8. What is the “Coordinate” and why is it important?
The Coordinate is a metaphysical space where all Titans are connected. It is essentially the source of the Titan’s power and a realm where memories can be altered and Titans can be controlled. Accessing the Coordinate is essential for wielding the full potential of the Founding Titan.
9. How does the Warhammer Titan fit into this picture?
Eren acquires the Warhammer Titan earlier in the series, specifically during the raid on Liberio. This Titan grants him the ability to create structures and weapons from hardened Titan flesh. While powerful, it’s distinct from the Founding Titan, which grants him control over other Titans and access to the Coordinate. The Warhammer Titan is a separate weapon in Eren’s arsenal.
10. Is Eren the only one who has ever possessed both the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan?
Yes, Eren is the only known character in the series to simultaneously possess both the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan. This combination, coupled with his connection to Zeke, makes him an extraordinarily powerful and dangerous figure. This unique situation gives him unprecedented influence over the course of history.
11. Why did Eren choose to use the Founding Titan in the way he did?
Eren’s motives are complex and deeply rooted in his desire to protect the people of Paradis Island from the hatred and persecution they face from the outside world. He believes that the Rumbling is the only way to ensure their survival, even if it means causing immense suffering to others. His choices are driven by a warped sense of justice and a belief that he is carrying the burden of history.
12. What are the long-term consequences of Eren using the Founding Titan’s power?
The long-term consequences of the Rumbling are devastating, resulting in the deaths of billions of people and reshaping the global landscape. Eren’s actions ultimately lead to the end of the Titan curse, but at a tremendous cost. The series explores the moral ambiguity of his choices and the profound impact they have on the remaining characters and the future of the world. Eren’s use of the Founding Titan leaves an indelible scar on the world and tests the very definition of justice and freedom.