Eren Yeager: The Paradox of Freedom in “Attack on Titan”

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21 Mar 2024

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Eren Yeager, the central character of “Attack on Titan,” is a figure shrouded in complexity and contradiction. His journey from an impetuous youth to a revolutionary force against the Titans has captivated audiences worldwide. This article delves into the psyche of a character who embodies the very essence of the struggle for freedom.
“Attack on Titan” is set in a world where humanity resides within three enormous walls that protect them from gigantic, man-eating humanoids known as Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager, who vows to exterminate the Titans after they cause the destruction of his hometown and the death of his mother. Eren, along with his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, join the Scout Regiment to fight Titans and uncover the truth behind their existence

Eren Yeager: A Portrait of Resolve and Rebellion

Eren Yeager, the fiery protagonist of “Attack on Titan,” is a character defined by his relentless pursuit of freedom and his complex family history. Born into a world besieged by Titans, Eren’s life is marked by tragedy and a burning desire for vengeance.

Character Traits and Ideals

Eren is characterized by his passionate and hotheaded nature, often acting impulsively in the face of danger. His deep-seated hatred for the Titans stems from witnessing his mother’s brutal death during a Titan attack on his hometown, Shiganshina District1. This traumatic event shapes his ideals, as he vows to eradicate all Titans and reclaim the world beyond the walls for humanity.
Eren’s determination is matched by his ability to transform into a Titan himself, a power that he uses to fight against the very creatures he despises. His ideals often clash with his darker impulses, leading to a complex character arc that sees him evolve from a vengeful youth to a revolutionary figure willing to challenge the status quo at any cost1.

Family History

Eren’s family history is intricately tied to the larger narrative of “Attack on Titan.” His father, Grisha Yeager, is an Eldian doctor from Marley who becomes involved with the Eldian Restorationists, a group seeking to overthrow Marleyan oppression 2. Grisha’s actions set in motion a series of events that have profound implications for Eren and the fate of humanity within the walls.
Eren’s half-brother, Zeke Yeager, also plays a pivotal role in the story. As the Beast Titan, Zeke has his own complex motivations and a tumultuous relationship with Eren, further complicating the Yeager family dynamics 2.
The Yeager family’s basement in their Shiganshina home holds a significant secret about the Titans, which becomes a focal point in the series and is key to understanding the world’s history and the origin of the Titans 2.
Eren’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he uncovers the truth about his family, the Titans, and the world beyond the walls. His character embodies the themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of violence that are central to the narrative of “Attack on Titan.”

The Catalyst of Rage

Eren’s narrative begins with loss and fury. Witnessing his mother’s death at the hands of a Titan ignites a burning desire for vengeance and liberation from the Titans’ oppression1. His transformation into the Attack Titan reveals a power that is both a curse and a blessing, thrusting him into the forefront of humanity’s battle for survival.

The Burden of Leadership

As Eren evolves, so does his understanding of the world and the Titans. His initial black-and-white view of the world gradually fractures, revealing the grey complexities of war and existence 2. Eren’s leadership is marked by his unwavering resolve to end the Titans’ reign, even if it means making morally ambiguous decisions.

The Evolution of Ideals

Eren’s character arc is a testament to the series’ exploration of freedom. His radical shift in ideology, particularly in the final season, challenges viewers’ perceptions of heroism and villainy 3. Eren’s actions, driven by his vision of freedom, raise questions about the cost of such a pursuit and whether the end justifies the means.

EREN and MIKASA

Eren Yeager’s feelings for Mikasa Ackerman in “Attack on Titan” are complex and evolve significantly over the course of the series. Initially, their relationship seems like a deep bond formed from a shared childhood and Eren’s act of saving Mikasa from kidnappers. Mikasa develops a strong attachment to Eren, often appearing overprotective1.
As the series progresses, Eren’s feelings for Mikasa become more ambiguous. He is seen pushing her away, even claiming to hate her at one point, which confuses both Mikasa and the audience. However, this is later revealed to be a facade; Eren’s harsh words were part of a plan to protect Mikasa and ensure she could live a happy life without him1.
In the series finale, Eren’s true feelings are unveiled. He confesses to Armin that he has always loved Mikasa and desires her to think of him for the rest of her life, even as he faces death. This revelation confirms that Eren’s love for Mikasa was genuine, despite his attempts to distance himself from her for her own safety1. The tragic nature of their love story is highlighted by the fact that Mikasa ultimately has to make the heart-wrenching decision to kill Eren in order to save the world, a testament to the depth of her feelings for him1.
Their love story is poignant, marked by sacrifice and unfulfilled desires, making it one of the most compelling aspects of “Attack on Titan.”

Most popular characters in “Attack on Titan”

These characters are beloved for their depth, development, and contributions to the rich narrative of the series.

Conclusion

Eren Yeager remains one of the most enigmatic and discussed characters in anime history. His story is a poignant reflection on the human condition, the price of freedom, and the cyclical nature of violence. As “Attack on Titan” concludes, Eren’s legacy continues to provoke thought and debate among fans and critics alike.
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