"Attack on Titan" has captivated audiences with its grand-scale world and deep, thought-provoking themes that shake the hearts of readers and viewers alike.
At the center of it all is Eren Yeager, a character who possesses a strong will and unwavering conviction.
Despite his resolute nature, he is also capable of making cold, calculated decisions, undergoing dramatic transformations throughout the story.
He is portrayed as someone who balances a passionate concern for his comrades with a willingness to sacrifice everything for his own goals.
Driven by his pursuit of what he believes to be "freedom," Eren charges forward, unafraid of clashing with both allies and the world itself.
However, his motivations and actions are far too complex to be neatly categorized as simple "justice" or a traditional "heroic" narrative.
This complexity has sparked extensive discussions and debates among fans.
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{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}Eren Yeager's Background and Transformation
Eren Yeager's story is not just a tale of a boy's coming of age; it is a symbolic journey of human conflict and transformation within an immense and intricate world.
His path was shaped by a tragic event in his childhood—witnessing firsthand the horrors inflicted by the Titans.
In this section, we delve into how Eren evolved over time, exploring the psychological and environmental factors that influenced him.
From his initial desire for revenge to the pivotal turning points in his life, we examine how his obsession with freedom and his uncompromising will ultimately shaped his destiny.
The Early Eren and His Strong Desire for Revenge
At the beginning of the story, Eren was just an ordinary boy living peacefully within the walls with his family and friends.
However, this peaceful life was shattered in an instant.
One fateful day, a colossal Titan breached the wall, allowing Titans to invade the city.
Amidst the chaos, Eren watched in horror as his mother was devoured by a Titan right before his eyes.
Helpless and unable to save her, he could do nothing but listen to her desperate cries for help as the Titan's massive jaws mercilessly crushed her.
This traumatic event left an indelible scar on Eren’s heart, planting within him a burning hatred and thirst for vengeance that would define his path.
His vow to "exterminate all Titans" became more than just a goal—it became his entire reason for existence.
The young boy who once lived a peaceful life took his first steps toward becoming a warrior.
Fueled by his hatred, he underwent rigorous training, preparing himself for the grueling battles ahead alongside his comrades.
His anger and determination not only propelled him toward the path of a hero but also set him on a course toward extremism.
Pivotal Events That Shaped His Journey
As the story progresses, Eren not only discovers his ability to transform into a Titan but also learns that this power is deeply intertwined with the long-standing history of conflict between humanity and the Titans.
He comes to realize that Titans are not merely enemies but are, in fact, former humans.
Moreover, those living within the walls are themselves part of a massive historical conspiracy.
Faced with this shocking revelation, Eren's once-clear distinctions between "enemy" and "ally" begin to blur, and his sense of justice wavers.
Upon learning about the vast world beyond the walls, Eren is freed from his previous narrow perspective.
Yet, this newfound knowledge also leads him to despair.
For someone who had always sought "freedom" within the confines of the walls, the realization that an even greater force of oppression and warfare existed beyond them was devastating.
When confronted with the harsh truth that they were not merely victims but were also seen as oppressors by the outside world, Eren's ideals were shaken to their core.
His simple goal of "eliminating all Titans" evolved into a new mission—"securing the future of the Eldians."
To achieve this, he made choices that his former self would have never considered.
Deceiving his comrades, ruthlessly eliminating his enemies—his actions were no longer justifiable by a simplistic notion of justice.
Was his struggle truly a fight for freedom, or was he merely perpetuating a cycle of vengeance? Finding the answer to this question is no simple task.
Obsession with Freedom and Unyielding Will
One of the key reasons behind Eren’s transformation is his relentless pursuit of "freedom."
Here, "freedom" does not merely refer to physical liberation but also to having the absolute ability to make decisions free from any control or influence.
For him, freedom was not just about escaping the threat of the Titans; it was about reshaping the very framework of the world and ensuring that he could choose his own future with his own hands.
Since childhood, he had felt a sense of discomfort with his confined life within the walls, which eventually evolved into a burning desire to "discover the true nature of the world and decide his own path."
His wish to be free from the Titans was not only for himself but also for his comrades and his homeland.
However, as his obsession with freedom grew, his methods became increasingly extreme, leading to the radical belief that "any sacrifice is acceptable for the sake of freedom."
Ultimately, he was forced to make the ultimate decision—one that would mean destroying others to protect his own future—leading to one of the story’s greatest tragedies.
Inner Conflicts and Philosophical Perspectives
Eren Yeager’s actions go beyond mere personal revenge or self-actualization; they embody profound philosophical questions.
His decisions challenge the definitions of justice and evil while exploring the very nature of freedom.
In this section, we will delve into Eren’s inner conflicts and the philosophical perspectives that underpin his choices.
How does his philosophy relate to existentialism?
How does he waver between utilitarianism and deontological ethics?
And how is the relationship between violence and freedom depicted in his journey?
By examining these viewpoints, we aim to uncover the essence of Eren Yeager as a character.
Existentialism and the Responsibility of Choice
Throughout the story, Eren takes full responsibility for the consequences of his actions, embodying the existentialist belief that "humans are free and must always bear responsibility for that freedom."
Regardless of the hardships he faces, he never blames others; instead, he makes every decision based on his own will.
For example, he frequently chooses to fight Titans alone rather than relying on his comrades for help.
From his training days, his determination was evident—no matter how dire the situation, he never gave up.
Additionally, his decision to activate the Rumbling serves as a symbol of his responsibility toward his chosen path.
Despite understanding the devastating consequences of his actions, he pursued his belief in reshaping the world’s future.
Never blaming others and unwaveringly following his will—
This unbreakable resolve is one of the core aspects of Eren’s character, transforming him from a mere avenger into someone determined to carve his own fate.
The Struggle Between Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics
Eren increasingly embraces the idea that sacrifices are justifiable if they lead to a greater benefit—ensuring the survival and freedom of his people.
For instance, he willingly betrays the trust of his closest friends, Mikasa and Armin, prioritizing his mission over personal relationships.
Furthermore, his decision to unleash the "Rumbling," an apocalyptic act that wipes out countless innocent lives, reflects his adoption of radical utilitarianism.
Utilitarianism is a philosophy that prioritizes the "greatest happiness for the greatest number," meaning that sacrifices can be justified if they bring greater benefits overall.
Eren reaches the conclusion that for Eldians to survive, he must destroy humanity beyond the walls—taking action based on this belief.
On the other hand, from the perspective of deontological ethics, no matter how noble the goal, if the means are inhumane, they cannot be justified.
Immanuel Kant, a key figure in deontological ethics, argued that "humans must always be treated as ends in themselves, never as mere means."
From this viewpoint, Eren’s decision to sacrifice countless lives for his cause is morally indefensible.
His actions, viewed through the lens of deontological ethics, clearly deviate from fundamental moral principles, making them highly controversial.
The Struggle Between Violence and Liberation
The story constantly juxtaposes moments where violence is justified and moments where it is condemned.
Eren’s belief that "freedom cannot be attained without violence" resonates with the ideologies of historical revolutionaries and leaders of liberation movements.
For example, the French Revolution and the American War of Independence utilized violence to break free from oppression.
However, in many cases, such violent struggles led to immense casualties, and the power that emerged from such conflicts often gave rise to new forms of oppression.
Eren himself, while choosing violence as a means, understands that it could fuel an endless cycle of hatred and retaliation.
Despite this, he believes, "If I don’t act now, we will be annihilated," and resolves to change the future with his own hands.
Thus, while violence can sometimes serve as an indispensable tool for securing freedom, it also harbors the risk of plunging people into deeper despair.
For this reason, the morality of violence cannot be evaluated through simple notions of good and evil—it greatly depends on the context and objectives.
Interactions with Other Characters and Impact on the Story
The appeal of Eren Yeager as a character is not only his actions but also how his transformations stand out through his relationships with those around him.
Throughout the story, his beliefs and actions are significantly influenced by his childhood friends, Mikasa and Armin, as well as his interactions with opposing forces.
Eren’s decisions can bring hope to his allies, but they can also lead to intense conflicts and struggles.
How did his radical ideology shape those around him, and how did it ultimately drive the entire story forward?
This section explores Eren’s influence by examining his relationships with Mikasa and Armin, his interactions with opposing factions, and key turning points in the narrative.
Contrasts with Mikasa and Armin
Mikasa and Armin, Eren’s childhood friends, are his closest allies yet struggle deeply with his transformation and increasingly extreme actions.
Mikasa has always considered protecting Eren as her purpose, staying by his side no matter what.
Her deep love and unwavering loyalty push her to defend him on the battlefield without hesitation.
However, as Eren adopts more extremist ideologies and begins deceiving even his own comrades, Mikasa starts to struggle between her loyalty to him and her own will.
The more Eren pushes her away, the more she questions, "Should I continue protecting Eren, or should I live my own life?"—a dilemma that fuels her personal growth.
Armin, on the other hand, differs greatly from Eren, valuing strategy and diplomacy over brute force and continually searching for non-violent solutions.
From childhood, his intelligence and insight have positioned him as the one trying to keep Eren’s emotions and impulsive actions in check.
However, when Eren executes the Rumbling, Armin faces the ultimate choice: "Should I trust my best friend, or should I stop his rampage?"
His internal struggle forces readers to contemplate profound questions: What is justice? How far can friendship endure?
Interactions with Opposing Forces
In the latter half of the story, Eren dramatically alters his relationships with the factions he once viewed as "enemies."
By acquiring the power of the Titans and positioning himself as their ruler, he overturns the established battle dynamics.
To those outside the walls, Eren is not seen as a liberator but as a destroyer, and he gradually comes to be regarded as a threat to the entire world.
Once a warrior for freedom, Eren now stands as an absolute force of dominance, seeking to control even the very enemies he once fought against—this dramatic role reversal highlights the true nature of his motivations.
This transformation has led to a deep divide in how Eren is perceived.
Some view his actions as righteous, a means to secure his people’s future, while others see him as a ruthless dictator who perpetuates destruction and violence.
Even those who were once his comrades struggle to understand his true intentions, with some ultimately choosing to oppose him.
Eren is neither a hero nor a villain; he is a force that disrupts the balance of the world, and the debates surrounding him remain a central theme of the story.
Major Turning Points in the Story
Eren's decisions serve as the driving force behind the entire narrative.
The path he chooses is not just a personal battle; it has the power to shake the very foundation of the world’s order, challenging the values and beliefs of every character involved.
In particular, the initiation of the Rumbling is more than just a strategic choice—it becomes a symbol of destruction and rebirth in human history.
Through this decision, Eren positions himself as the enemy of the world, yet at the same time, he seeks to grant the people within the walls a chance at survival.
However, this act drastically alters his relationships with his comrades, leading to a division in perspectives—some view him as a figure of justice, while others see him as a tyrant.
As a result, the core themes explored in Attack on Titan—freedom, human survival, and the cycle of revenge and reconciliation—are further deepened through Eren’s decisions.
Readers are compelled to confront both the hope and despair brought about by his choices, forcing them to reflect on their own ethical and moral values.
Lessons and Implications for the Real World
Although Attack on Titan is a work of fiction, it explores profound themes that resonate with real-world issues.
Eren Yeager’s choices and actions extend beyond mere plot developments, offering valuable lessons on leadership, conflict and reconciliation, and personal conviction and responsibility.
His decisions raise questions about how people make choices in morally ambiguous situations and how they face the consequences of their actions.
Through his journey, we can draw parallels to the way historical leaders have made critical decisions and how those choices have shaped societies.
In this section, we will explore Eren’s leadership style, the cycle of hatred and how to break it, and the significance and risks of unwavering conviction, uncovering the broader implications for the real world.
Leadership and Ethics
Eren’s forceful leadership may seem highly effective in achieving results.
His actions demonstrate a willingness to maximize his power and take any necessary steps to accomplish his goals.
For example, he does not hesitate to take unconventional actions towards both his allies and enemies in pursuit of his mission.
He keeps secrets from the Survey Corps, acts independently, and even deceives his closest friends, Armin and Mikasa, distancing himself for the sake of his objectives.
His decision to activate the Rumbling, a cataclysmic event that would wipe out most of humanity beyond the walls, illustrates the immense impact of his leadership.
This choice not only affects his comrades and enemies but also alters the entire structure of the world.
However, his approach raises serious moral and ethical concerns.
While his willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good may align with utilitarian principles, it is highly controversial from a deontological perspective, which emphasizes moral duty over outcomes.
In the real world, history has shown how leaders in politics, organizations, and social movements who adopt a "the ends justify the means" mindset often bring about significant risks and consequences.
Leadership is not just about achieving goals—it also requires consideration of the values upheld in the process, and Eren’s actions force us to confront this fundamental truth.
Personal Convictions and Introspection
While Eren holds unwavering convictions, he does not fully contemplate the responsibility that comes with pursuing them to the very end.
His relentless pursuit of "freedom" led him to adopt a means-justify-the-ends approach, but it remains uncertain how deeply he considered the scale of destruction and sacrifice his actions would bring.
For instance, when he initiated the Rumbling, he made the decision to annihilate the people beyond the walls, yet it is unclear whether he fully acknowledged the possibility that this act would only breed further hatred and perpetuate a cycle of revenge.
Additionally, he appeared to intentionally disregard the emotional turmoil his actions would cause among his comrades.
In other words, while his beliefs were absolute, it is debatable whether he truly bore full responsibility for the future they would shape.
This theme holds significant implications in real-world contexts as well.
When we act upon our beliefs, we must constantly consider the impact of our choices.
Is enforcing our own sense of justice truly the best course of action, or should we strive to respect differing values and seek harmony?
Eren’s choices compel us to reflect on this fundamental question.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Eren Yeager’s story serves as the defining essence of Attack on Titan, and his actions and ideology transcend fiction, offering valuable insights into our real world.
His obsession with vengeance, his relentless thirst for freedom, and the choices he made to uphold his beliefs—these themes resonate with historical revolutions and the decisions made by world leaders.
It is difficult to make a simple judgment about his actions, as whether he embodies justice or tyranny depends entirely on one’s perspective.
Was he a hero who defied the injustices of the world, or was he a dictator who ushered in destruction and chaos?
His journey challenges us with a profound question: What is true freedom?
The dilemma Eren faced is not just a fictional struggle—it is deeply connected to real-world issues we encounter.
Throughout history, battles fought in the name of "freedom" or "justice" have rarely been simple matters of good versus evil.
Eren embodies this very question, forcing us to confront its complexities.
If you were in Eren’s position, what choice would you have made?
Would you choose the path of sacrificing others for survival, or would you continue to seek dialogue and coexistence?
At what point does a "fight for freedom" turn into "oppression and destruction"?
If this article has prompted deep reflection, consider engaging in a discussion on this theme.
Sharing thoughts on social media or in the comments section may provide new perspectives from other readers.
Additionally, revisiting Attack on Titan and analyzing how Eren’s choices shaped the story could be a valuable exercise.
While the series is often celebrated for its intense battles and shocking twists, it fundamentally explores the nature of humanity.
Through the lens of Eren Yeager, a deeply complex character, take this opportunity to reflect on your own values and ethics.
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