Decoding Attack on Titan: Unveiling the Titan Injection

The Titan injection is a mysterious yet essential element in the story of Attack on Titan. This serum has the power to turn Ymir's subjects into Titans, although the exact chemical makeup remains unknown. Marleyans believe it to be Titan spinal fluid. When introduced into the bloodstream or consumed, it quickly results in a transformation into a pure Titan.

The capabilities of the Titan injection are more intricate than originally believed. There are various specialized serums that can affect the characteristics of the resulting Titan. For instance, Eren obtained hardening abilities after taking an "armor" serum. Rod Reiss consumed a "strongest" serum, which turned him into an unusually large Titan. Other serums are thought to influence aspects like size and strength. But what exactly constitutes the Titan injection, and how do specific serums create Titans with specific powers?

The Origins of the Titan Injection

The origins of the Titan Injection are unclear, but it is believed that the Reiss family, who governed Paradise Island, used it to pass on the Nine Titans' power from generation to generation since King Fritz's era. They, as the royal family, held the Titans' power secrets.

Around 60 years ago, before Wall Maria in Shiganshina District fell, historical records show the first known use of the Titan Injection. During this time, Marley's public security forces found Ymir and her followers in Marley. Despite Ymir's pleas, her followers were captured and taken to Paradise Island where they were turned into Titans as punishment using the Titan injection serum.

Marley's Public Security forces regularly used a harsh measure against rebellious Eldians on Paradis until around 845. One notable incident was the Eldian Restorationists in 832, who were captured and turned into Titans on Paradise Island. However, an officer named Eren Kruger saved Grisha Jaeger from this fate.

Under Marley's rule, any Eldian who broke the law could be transformed into a Pure Titan as punishment. These Titans were then banished to Paradise Island to wander aimlessly for the rest of their lives. "Look. That's your true form," said an officer, pointing to the Titans. "All it takes is some Titan spinal fluid and you become gigantic monsters. The world believes that every Eldian must be eradicated. That is the desire of humanity everywhere."

The Science Behind the Serum

The_Titan_Injection - The Science Behind the Serum

The Titan injection contained Titan spinal fluid, although the exact chemical composition remains unknown. Hange Zoe believed that the creator had advanced technology not available to the Paradise military.

When Ymir was injected with the serum, she transformed into a pure Titan instantly. It is thought that the fluid changes the genetic makeup of the subject, giving them Titan-like abilities. However, how the injection is done is crucial. For instance, Rod Reiss turned into a deformed 120-meter Titan because he improperly ingested the serum.

The serum needed to be kept sealed in tightly-closed vials, as both the serum and Titan corpses could quickly evaporate when exposed to air. That's why the serums were always sealed for transport and storage.

Contrary to common belief, the transformations experienced by the subjects of Ymir were not always permanent. They had the potential to regain their human form by consuming a human with Titan powers, which was the method the Scout Regiment planned to use to heal a wounded soldier. So, although challenging, it was possible for a pure titan to eventually become human again under the right circumstances.

Uses and Applications of the Titan Injection

Rod_fills_a_syringe_for_Historia - Uses and Applications of the Titan Injection

The Titan injection had important roles to play. For the Reiss family, it was crucial in passing down the power of the Founding Titan through generations. Successors like Uri and Frieda Reiss received the abilities of the Founding Titan through this method. However, Rod Reiss did not fully inherit the powers of the Founding Titan when he consumed a special serum meant to enhance titan abilities, instead of undergoing the proper injection process.

The Marleyans used the injection in a cruel manner against the Eldians. They transformed Eldians into mindless titans as a punishment, forcing them to wander Paradise Island forever. This fate befell Eldian Restorationists like Grisha Jaeger's comrades. Nevertheless, Eren Kruger stepped in to rescue Grisha and later administered the injection, allowing Grisha to inherit the powers of the Attack Titan.

After the fall of Wall Maria, Grisha injected his son Eren with the serum to awaken his dormant Titan powers. Later, in the Underground Chapel, Rod Reiss planned to use an injection on Historia to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline.

Desperate situations within the military forced the Scout Regiment to contemplate injecting gravely injured soldiers. Eventually, Levi was given a Titan injection and decided to use it to save Armin instead of Erwin, who was also severely injured in battle.

Gross_prepares_the_Titan_injection

Controlling Titan's Powers and Forms

Rod_and_Eren_After_Using_The_Titan_Injection - Controlling Titan's Powers and Forms

Sergeant Major Gross said he could influence the size of a Titan created from an Eldian after injection. He mentioned being able to change an Eldian captive into a three- or four-meter Titan. This was proven true when he transformed Dina Fritz into a pure Titan.

Rod Reiss had two special serums besides the regular injection. He named one "strongest" and the other "armor." The "strongest" serum, when taken orally, turned Rod into a huge and deformed Titan. On the other hand, when Eren drank the "Armor" serum, his Titan gained the ability to harden. Kenny thought that Rod's abnormal Titan form might be due to ingesting the serum orally instead of injecting it.

Special serums seemed to affect specific Titan traits, such as size and hardening abilities. Yet, the process of creating different serums and the extent to which Titan traits could be controlled remained a scientific mystery. When volunteers stole serum from Marley, they realized that reproducing it without the original experts and equipment would be challenging, indicating that creating the serum required advanced scientific knowledge not yet available in Paradise.

Attack on Titan is available to stream on Prime Video.

Editor's P/S:

This in-depth article on the Titan injection in "Attack on Titan" provides a comprehensive overview of its origins, scientific basis, and applications. It explores the serum's role in the story, revealing its significance in the power dynamics and struggles within the series. The article also highlights the moral ambiguities and ethical dilemmas associated with the use of the injection, as it can be used for both noble and cruel purposes.

Overall, the article presents a well-researched and engaging analysis of the Titan injection, shedding light on its transformative capabilities and the complex consequences it has on the characters and the world of "Attack on Titan." It is a valuable resource for fans of the series who seek a deeper understanding of this enigmatic element.