In Attack on Titan season 1, episode 17, the identity of the Female Titan is definitively revealed to be Annie Leonhart, a member of the 104th Training Corps and a skilled fighter. This revelation dramatically shifts the series’ trajectory, unveiling a complex antagonist and deepening the mysteries surrounding the Titans’ true nature.
The Shocking Reveal: Annie’s Transformation
The pivotal moment occurs during the expedition outside the walls aimed at capturing the Female Titan. After numerous encounters and near-captures, Eren, driven to the edge of his patience and suspicion, confronts Annie directly. He demands she prove her innocence by accompanying him to the underground headquarters of the Survey Corps. However, when she hesitates and begins to cry, refusing to enter and emitting a distinct odor, Eren’s suspicions solidify.
The scene culminates in Annie’s chilling transformation within the underground tunnel. Using a hidden blade within her ring, she wounds herself and activates her Titan shifting ability. This act confirms the long-held suspicions of Armin and the rest of the Survey Corps, exposing her as the cunning and formidable Female Titan who had wreaked havoc and caused significant loss of life. The ensuing battle is a brutal clash of Titans, setting the stage for the escalating conflict that defines the series.
Understanding Annie’s Motivations
Annie Leonhart’s motivations are complex and gradually revealed throughout the series. Unlike some Titans who act purely on instinct, Annie possesses intelligence and agency, suggesting a deeper purpose behind her actions.
The Warrior Unit
Annie is revealed to be one of the Warrior Unit dispatched from Marley, a nation across the sea. Her mission, along with Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover, was to infiltrate the walls and retrieve the Founding Titan. This mission stems from Marley’s desire to reclaim the power of the Titans and secure their dominance in the world.
A Reluctant Antagonist
Despite her role in causing devastation within the walls, Annie often displays a sense of internal conflict and weariness. Her dialogue and actions suggest that she may not fully agree with the objectives of Marley and that she carries a heavy burden related to her mission. This nuance makes her a more compelling and tragic figure than a purely villainous antagonist.
The Impact of Annie’s Revelation
The unmasking of Annie as the Female Titan had a profound impact on the characters and the narrative of Attack on Titan.
Betrayal and Loss of Trust
The revelation of Annie’s true identity shattered the trust within the 104th Training Corps. The characters who had trained alongside her, fought with her, and considered her a comrade now faced the bitter realization that she was their enemy. This betrayal added a layer of complexity to the relationships within the group and significantly altered the dynamic of the Survey Corps.
Shifting Perspectives
Annie’s actions forced the characters, particularly Eren, to confront the moral ambiguities of their own actions. They were no longer simply fighting mindless monsters, but individuals driven by their own goals and motivations. This realization challenged their understanding of the world and forced them to question the righteousness of their cause.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Annie Leonhart and the Female Titan
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Annie Leonhart’s role and significance within the Attack on Titan universe:
Why did Annie transform in the underground tunnel instead of escaping?
Annie transformed because she was cornered and felt betrayed. More importantly, transforming allowed her to escape the potential interrogation and further investigation by the Survey Corps, which would have revealed more about her mission and compromised her allies.
What are the Female Titan’s specific abilities?
The Female Titan possesses a unique set of abilities, including crystallization, which she can use to harden parts of her body for defense or attack. She also displays exceptional speed and agility, and the ability to call other Titans to her location.
How did Annie learn to control her Titan form so effectively?
Annie’s exceptional control over her Titan form is a result of rigorous training from a young age. The Marleyan Warriors undergo extensive combat training to master their Titan abilities, turning them into formidable weapons.
What is Annie’s connection to Reiner and Bertholdt?
Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt are members of the same Warrior Unit dispatched from Marley. They share a common mission to retrieve the Founding Titan, and they have a complicated history of loyalty and conflicting ideologies.
What were the clues leading up to Annie’s reveal as the Female Titan?
Several clues pointed to Annie’s identity, including her superior combat skills, her hesitation to kill Titans, her possession of a blade concealed within her ring, and her refusal to accompany Eren into the underground headquarters. Armin Arlert was instrumental in piecing together these clues.
Why didn’t Annie simply kill Eren when she had the chance?
Annie’s reasons for not killing Eren are multifaceted. She was likely under orders to capture Eren, not kill him. Furthermore, she may have harbored conflicted feelings towards him and her former comrades. Her hesitation suggests a moral struggle within her.
Is Annie considered a villain, or is she more complex than that?
Annie is undoubtedly a complex character. While she has committed heinous acts, her motivations stem from a lifetime of indoctrination and a sense of duty to Marley. Her internal conflicts and moments of empathy suggest she is not purely evil but rather a product of circumstance and a victim of war.
What is Annie’s status after being captured by the Survey Corps?
After her defeat, Annie encased herself in a crystalline cocoon, entering a state of self-imposed hibernation. She remained in this state for several years, effectively withdrawing from the ongoing conflict.
Does Annie ever escape her crystalline prison?
Yes, Annie eventually emerges from her crystalline prison later in the series. This occurs during a crucial moment that significantly impacts the unfolding events of the war and the fate of Paradis Island.
What role does Annie play in the later seasons of Attack on Titan?
Annie’s role in the later seasons is significant. She becomes a key player in the complex political and military landscape, grappling with her past actions and ultimately contributing to the resolution of the conflict between Paradis and Marley.
How does Eren feel about Annie after her reveal?
Eren’s feelings towards Annie are complex and volatile. He initially feels betrayed and enraged, but his understanding of the broader conflict and Annie’s motivations evolves over time. Their relationship remains strained, yet Eren recognizes the shared burden they both carry.
What are the parallels between Annie and Eren?
Both Annie and Eren are Titan shifters who have experienced immense suffering and carry the weight of their respective missions. They both grapple with the moral implications of their actions and the consequences of war. This shared experience creates a complex dynamic between them, highlighting the blurred lines between hero and villain in the world of Attack on Titan.