Eren Yeager’s Decision to Initiate the Rumbling in Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan stands as a hallmark in modern anime, captivating audiences worldwide and turning even casual viewers into dedicated fans. It transcended traditional anime boundaries, much like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead, appealing to a broad audience. A key factor in its success is its masterful blend of mystery and intricate worldbuilding. Unlike typical U.S. genre shows that often rely on mystery boxes, Attack on Titan propels its narrative through character development, allowing the rich lore and suspense to evolve with each season.
One of the most compelling arcs is that of Eren Yeager, who undergoes a dramatic transformation from hero to what many perceive as a villain. His motivations become a central enigma in the final season, especially as his character remains somewhat distant from the audience. Fans debated whether Eren’s drastic actions were a strategy to protect Eldia from external threats or simply an expression of his troubled psyche. The tipping point arrives with the Rumbling, a cataclysmic event unleashed by Eren that leads to widespread devastation.
In the concluding episodes, Eren’s justification for the Rumbling is laid bare, yet some viewers yearned for deeper insights or a plot twist from series creator Hajime Isayama. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Eren’s chilling vision for the future, sparked during a poignant moment with Historia, significantly influences his actions. This vision links back to his father’s memories, revealing a predestined path that leaves Eren with a grim understanding of his fate.
Eren’s ultimate strategy, as revealed in the show’s finale, was to position himself as the antagonist, forcing humanity to unite against him while casting his friends as the saviors. This plan involved not only invoking the Rumbling but also ensuring that a vast majority of the global population would perish, leveling the balance between those who despised Eldians and those within the walls of Paradis.
While some argue that Eren’s tragic motivation lies in avenging his loved ones or the trauma of his past, the truth is more complex. It hinges on his inherent desire for freedom, which drives every choice he makes. Upon discovering the reality of the world beyond the walls, Eren’s ambitions shift. Rather than avert destruction, he embraces the role of executioner, longing for a world devoid of humanity, a vision reflected in Armin’s picture book.
In the end, Eren initiated the Rumbling driven by a selfish desire—akin to Walter White’s transformation in Breaking Bad, he ultimately did it for himself. Eren’s clarity unfolds as he confesses to Armin that he is merely a man who has wielded power without a balanced understanding of its consequences.
The catastrophic cost of the Rumbling is made starkly clear: Eren himself estimates a staggering 80% of the world’s population would perish. Paradis Island suffers alongside the outside world, leading to the deaths of many of his own people as the Colossal Titans unleash their devastation. The ensuing chaos renders the world unrecognizable, aligning with Eren’s destructive vision.
The epic conclusion of the Rumbling evokes a sense of desolation, with Eren embodying the monstrous culmination of his choices. However, the confrontational alliances among former foes in the final battle highlight the drastic transformations within the narrative as heroes and villains blur. An intense showdown culminates in Mikasa confronting Eren, effectively ending the cataclysm he initiated.
After Eren’s death, the world faces an uncertain future. The narrative underscores the futility of erasing cycles of hatred and war, symbolizing that true change must come from understanding rather than conflict. Thus, Attack on Titan ultimately argues for the imperative of nurturing compassion in the next generation, cautioning against blind acceptance of destructive ideologies presented by those who wield power. The series concludes with a poignant reflection on the enduring nature of conflict, enveloped in a tapestry of hope amidst despair.
