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In the culmination of Attack on Titan’s gripping narrative, the resolution surrounding Eren Yeager’s ultimate goal finally unfolds, yet it remains a complex and morally gray area.
From the onset in Season 1, Eren’s pursuit of freedom for himself and his comrades is evident, aiming to dismantle the barriers restricting the Subjects of Ymir’s understanding of their existence. By the close of Season 3, this goal is partially realized, as they uncover the truth within Paradis Island. However, Eren comprehends that true freedom for his people remains unattainable as long as threats like Marley persist.
In a paradoxical turn, Eren becomes ensnared in the very quest for freedom he once championed. He believes that breaking the cycle of violence necessitates obliterating the opposition and rectifying the crimes perpetrated against Eldians. Thus, he initiates the cataclysmic Rumbling, obliterating not just the military capabilities but the civilizations of other nations on an unprecedented scale.
However, Eren’s motivations remain shrouded in uncertainty. He confesses to Armin during the series finale that he, in fact, desired his friends to halt him, showcasing that Eldians are more than mere savages. Simultaneously, Eren’s actions are driven by the seething desire for vengeance against the Marleyans, unleashing the Colossal Titans as a retribution for their atrocities against his people.
Yet, Eren’s ambiguity lingers, as he grapples with his own motivations and purpose. His intentions, whether driven by the pursuit of peace or vengeance, remain enigmatic. The colossal devastation wrought by his actions, tantamount to a war crime, underscores the grim aftermath of his relentless pursuit, leaving profound destruction and loss in its wake.
Reflecting on Eren’s choices, it’s evident that a less reckless approach might have fostered the possibility of a more constructive solution for Eldia, one not culminating in the wanton annihilation of the majority of the world’s population. Ultimately, Eren’s character arc underscores the complexities of human ambition, morality, and the devastating consequences of unrestrained pursuit of ideals.