Eren's Ambition: Unveiling the True Objectives Behind the Rumbling

Article Key Points

Eren's decision to activate the Rumbling and unleash the Wall Titans was driven by the world's refusal to engage in diplomatic talks with Paradis.

Eren's goal is to eliminate all life outside the Walls, resulting in a widespread genocide and leaving Paradis as the sole survivors.

It is unclear whether Eren plans to sacrifice himself or persist until all threats are eradicated, as he has always been driven by a desire for absolute freedom.

In the setup of Attack on Titan's final battle, filled with numerous twists, there is little surprise. Eren Yeager, amidst the world's collective hatred towards Paradis' Eldians, made the decision to remove the hardening of the island's Walls using the power of the Founding Titan. The consequence was the release of the Wall Titans, leading old comrades turned enemies to join forces in a last desperate attempt to halt their march.

Witnessing Eren commit this unforgivable act of genocide has left many questioning his true intentions. While he claims to be protecting his loved ones on Paradis, it remains uncertain if his ultimate goal is to eradicate all life beyond the Walls. As we approach "Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2," the situation hangs in the balance, with numerous unanswered questions.

Prelude To The End

The primary factor that influenced Eren's decision to activate the Rumbling was the world's refusal to engage in diplomatic discussions with Paradis. Upon discovering the existence of human civilization outside the Walls, Paradis residents also learned that they were perceived as dangerous "Devils" who posed a threat to humanity. This perception had developed over the course of a century, following the retreat of the 145th Fritz King into the Walls and the subsequent dissolution of the Eldian Empire.

When King Karl Fritz fled to Paradis, he used the threat of the Rumbling to dissuade any potential aggression from outsiders. However, this threat was hollow, as he had already utilized the power of the Founding Titan to enact a vow relinquishing warfare, effectively preventing future inheritors from retaliating against the rest of the world. For close to a century, King Fritz's words prevented any nation from attacking Paradis in order to obtain the Founding Titan. This changed with Marley's Paradis Island Operation in 845.

After witnessing the harsh realities of the world beyond the Walls, the people of Paradis were helpless in the face of the overwhelming hatred they encountered. Despite their efforts to establish trade relations with other countries, they were met with complete rejection. Their only support came from Hizuru, thanks to Mikasa's lineage as a member of the ruling Azumabito family. Kiyomi Azumabito, an envoy from Hizuru, initially proposed a limited demonstration of the Rumbling to help Paradis catch up technologically and militarily. However, this suggestion was met with mixed reactions from the Scouts.

During their visit to Marley, Eren and the Survey Corps directly experienced the world's distorted perception of the Eldians on Paradis. This revelation made it clear that diplomatic solutions to their predicament were impossible, as other nations showed no willingness to listen to Paradis' pleas for peace. Fueled by this realization, Eren devised a plan to join forces with Zeke and execute the Rumbling, with the ultimate goal of obtaining the power of the Founding Titan.

Eradicating All Life Beyond The Walls

After successfully undoing the hardening and unleashing the Titans within the Walls, Eren took to the Paths, addressing all Subjects of Ymir with a message. In his communication, he provided a rationale for his actions, pointing out that the world as a whole desired the destruction of Paradis. Being intimately connected to the island, Eren could not accept this fate and made the unwavering choice to protect his homeland, regardless of the cost.

For Eren, this meant harnessing the power of the Wall Titans and carrying out a mass genocide to eradicate all life on the planet, with only the islanders surviving. It is unequivocal that Eren's actions cannot be justified under any circumstances. Although it could be argued that the Rumbling was a desperate last resort, Eren's determination to see it through would inevitably result in the deaths of countless innocent people. This would unequivocally solidify the residents of Paradis as the very "Devils" they were being depicted as.

During the Scouts' visit to Marley, Eren had a heartfelt conversation with Ramzi, a young boy residing in a refugee camp. Later on, Ramzi would tragically become a victim of the Rumbling. Eren, visibly affected by the future memories he witnessed, sincerely apologized to Ramzi for his disappointment upon discovering the true nature of the world outside the Walls. He fervently pleaded for Ramzi's forgiveness and expressed his deep remorse for desiring a world devoid of civilization, recognizing that he was the one who initially sought the Rumbling.

Even when speaking to the remaining Scouts and Warriors in the Paths before their arrival at Fort Salta, Eren refused to back down or offer further justification for his actions. Additionally, he dismissed Armin's hope of reasoning with him, firmly stating that the only way to halt the Rumbling would be to kill him. These instances clearly indicate that Eren fully intends to see the Rumbling through to its bitter end.

If he succeeds in this endeavor, the threat to Paradis would practically vanish overnight. However, the cost of this victory might be too high for some, including Eren himself. This is evident in the opposition of Eren's closest friends, Armin and Mikasa, to his plans. Moreover, the fact that Titan shifters can still transform despite Eren possessing the Founding Titan power could imply an alternative outcome.

An Inevitable Sacrifice?

On the one hand, it may not seem too surprising that Eren would sacrifice himself for the greater good of his homeland, given his consistent desire to protect those around him. This may also help to explain his harsh treatment of Armin and Mikasa during the War for Paradis Arc, where he intentionally distanced himself from his closest friends. From a certain perspective, this could have been a deliberate action to lessen the emotional impact of his impending actions.

Given the circumstances, it is possible that Eren may choose to sacrifice his own life, allowing his friends to kill him and subsequently putting an end to the destructive Rumbling. This act would not only bring an end to the violence but also exonerate the Eldians who fought against him, presenting them as heroes who saved the world. However, it remains uncertain if events will unfold exactly in this way, considering that the rest of the world had already shown no interest in Paradis' diplomatic efforts and the Rumbling would only worsen their perception.

On the other hand, there is a darker side to Eren's character, where he is easily consumed by hatred and rage, particularly when his autonomy is threatened. This suggests that the possibility of Eren sacrificing himself is highly unlikely, as his ultimate goal has always been to achieve complete freedom, regardless of the laws that govern the world he was born into+.

Eren has been ingrained with the belief that he is exceptional from a young age – a notion reinforced by his Titan powers and numerous triumphs. This has driven him relentlessly towards his goal, even if it meant sacrificing innocent lives. Consequently, it is reasonable to expect that Eren will persist in pushing forward until all dangers are eradicated, as he has consistently done in the past. Whether the remaining Scouts and Warriors can impede his progress, however, is an entirely different question. Streaming of Attack on Titan can be accessed on Amazon Prime.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Eren's decision to activate the Rumbling. On the one hand, I understand his desire to protect his loved ones and his people on Paradis. The world has been cruel to them, and they have been forced to live in fear for centuries. On the other hand, I cannot condone the genocide that Eren has unleashed. It is a horrific act that will result in the deaths of millions of innocent people.

I believe that Eren's plan is ultimately misguided. He believes that by destroying the world outside of Paradis, he will be able to create a safe haven for his people. However, I believe that this is a false hope. The world is a complex place, and there will always be those who hate and fear others. Eren's actions will only serve to create more hatred and violence.

I am also concerned about the implications of Eren's actions for the future of Attack on Titan. The series has always been about the cycle of violence and the futility of war. Eren's decision to activate the Rumbling seems to suggest that there is no way to break this cycle. It is a dark and pessimistic message, and I am not sure if I agree with it.

Overall, I am disappointed with Eren's decision to activate the Rumbling. I believe that it is a mistake that will have devastating consequences. I hope that the series will be able to find a way to redeem Eren and offer a more hopeful message about the future.