The series Attack on Titan delves into themes of tragedy, politics, the yearning for freedom, history, and even unexpected elements such as romance. While romance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Hajime Isayama's manga, the series does navigate plot points centered around relationships and the emotional bonds between characters in love. One character who has garnered a significant following from fans is Levi Ackerman.
Despite his outward appearance not immediately suggesting a romantic nature, there are indications that Levi may have the potential to develop a romantic interest in someone. Many fans have speculated that his closest match could have been Petra Ral, given their shared history and the depth of their connection.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Attack on Titan series.
Explaining the relationship between Levi and Petra in Attack on Titan
There has been a persistent belief in the Attack on Titan community that Petra and Levi harbored romantic emotions for each other. Their strong bond as squad members was apparent, but the series never explicitly addressed their romantic inclinations, leaving everything to the imagination and inference based on certain scenes from the manga and anime.
Petra's father found her letter and inferred that she may have had feelings for Levi. She was always very devoted to her captain and seemed to always keep an eye on him, even though he was the strongest human in the series. On the other hand, Levi held her in high regard and her death at the hands of the Female Titan deeply affected him. While this isn't enough to confirm romantic feelings between them, it does hint at the possibility. However, it's all open to interpretation as the story never confirms any romantic involvement between Levi and Petra.
Should Levi have been given a romantic partner?
Levi is one of the most popular characters in Attack on Titan (Image via Wit).
Levi Ackerman, a character in the Attack on Titan series, fought tirelessly for freedom and endured numerous hardships, including the loss of friends and comrades. He carried on their dreams despite facing more losses, injuries, and tragedies.
Some argue that Levi deserved a happy ending with a romantic partner, but the story does not delve into this aspect of his character. Instead, he remains the stoic and determined fighter that humanity relies on, leading to a lonely existence.
Final thoughts
It is highly probable that Isayama never prioritized or focused on the romantic aspect of Levi's character, which is reasonable. Nonetheless, it is understandable that fans may have desired to see him find the happy ending that eluded him.
Levi Ackerman is undeniably one of the most beloved characters in Attack on Titan, and Petra could have been a suitable romantic match for him. However, the story never provided clear evidence of romantic feelings between them, so any assumptions in that regard are largely a product of fan speculation.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of Attack on Titan, I find the relationship between Petra and Levi to be intriguing and full of potential. The series hints at a deep connection between them, but it never explicitly confirms their romantic feelings for each other. This leaves room for interpretation and speculation, which is part of what makes their relationship so compelling.
I believe that Petra and Levi could have been a great couple. They were both strong and capable individuals who shared a deep bond of trust and respect. Petra was always devoted to Levi, and he held her in high regard. Her death deeply affected him, and it's clear that he cared for her deeply. While it's ultimately up to each individual fan to decide whether or not they believe Petra and Levi were romantically involved, I think there's enough evidence to support the idea that they had feelings for each other.