Mikasa's Central Role in the Final Season of Attack on Titan Affirmed in the Finale

MAPPA released the highly anticipated finale of Attack on Titan on November 4. This epic saga, which captivated audiences for a decade, concluded in a heart-wrenching manner, leaving fans worldwide in awe. The conclusion of the anime was truly monumental, effectively tying up loose ends and providing satisfying resolutions for each of the story's main characters, particularly Eren Yeager and his companions Armin and Mikasa. Notably, Mikasa emerged as the central figure of the season, taking on a pivotal role in the story's culmination.

How the Attack on Titan finale solidified Mikasa as the main character

In Attack on Titan, Mikasa Ackerman entered the scene as Eren's adoptive family member before becoming a vital part of the Survey Corps. Her dedication to safeguarding him was a promise made to the protagonist's mother, Carla. Over time, we have observed Mikasa's growth as a character, not only in terms of her emotional complexity but also in the crucial role she plays in the unfolding narrative.

In the Attack on Titan finale, the transition of Mikasa from a secondary character to a central figure is evident. She evolves from being Eren's protector to ultimately being the one who sacrifices his life to save humanity. Throughout the series, Mikasa consistently demonstrates unwavering loyalty and protective instincts towards Eren.

In Part 1 of Attack on Titan's Final Season Part 3, it becomes clear that Mikasa has romantic feelings for Eren. However, she is unable to express these feelings when he asks about her true sentiments. This inner turmoil and her eventual decision to end Eren's life are pivotal in driving the story towards its conclusion.

In this image provided by Wit Studio, Mikasa takes a courageous step and reveals her feelings to Eren. As the finale unfolds and Eren's clash with his friends reaches its climax, it falls upon Mikasa to assume the responsibility of putting an end to it all. Tasked with saving humanity from imminent destruction, Mikasa's deep connection with Eren becomes the focal point as she confronts his extreme actions and the immense consequences they entail.

Why does the Founder Ymir choose Mikasa to end her woes?

In the climactic final encounter, she uttered the words, "I'll see you later, Eren," before ultimately ending his life. This pivotal moment in the narrative brought Mikasa's internal struggle to the forefront, as the magnitude of her decision and the conflicting emotions she faced became apparent. Sacrificing her deepest love, she was compelled to eliminate the very person who meant the world to her in order to safeguard humanity. Undoubtedly, her actions, choices, and remarkable personal evolution stand out as key highlights in the culmination of Attack on Titan.

Ymir's character in Attack on Titan (image via MAPPA) was given a significant focus in the finale, reminiscent of how central characters are usually portrayed. In the concluding episodes, it was revealed that Ymir chose Mikasa as the one to release her from her long-lasting torment, a decision that aligns with the striking similarities between the two. Ymir had been enslaved by King Fritz for more than two millennia, driven by her unyielding love for him, even though she knew he was exploiting her exceptional abilities.

Mikasa and Ymir have similar stories, both bound by affection for Eren. Mikasa has always gone to great lengths to protect him, even though her feelings were never reciprocated. Eren knew about her affections but never acknowledged them, instead using her to further his own goals. Therefore, it is widely believed that in the final events of Attack on Titan, Ymir chose Mikasa to help her break free from her own chains and finally attain the freedom she had always yearned for.

What happens to Mikasa after the War?

In the Attack on Titan finale, Eren's brutal war against the world comes to an end as Mikasa Ackerman reluctantly takes on the task she never wanted to do. Following Armin's fight against Eren's Founding Titan, Mikasa finally accepts the reality of what she must do to bring an end to the conflict. Upon discovering Eren still trapped within the titan's mouth, she forcefully breaks through its teeth and confronts him one last time.

Acknowledging that she has no other choice, Mikasa decapitates Eren after sharing a final gaze with him. With the heaviness of having killed the person she had sworn to protect, Mikasa carries Eren's head away from the battlefield, intending to give him a proper burial.

Image: Mikasa at Eren's grave (courtesy of MAPPA).

Following the devastating Rumbling and the end of the War, Mikasa finally found solace in a peaceful existence, something she had yearned for deeply. As three years passed by and the world moved on to new conflicts, Mikasa remained distanced from the turmoil, embracing a tranquil and serene life.

In conclusion

As the episode concluded, she sat beside Eren's grave, visibly grieving his passing. The subsequent scenes during the end credits offered glimpses into her life, showing her regular visits to Eren's resting place. It is apparent that she lived a lengthy and thriving life, ultimately being laid to rest with the treasured red scarf gifted to her by Eren.

The conclusion of Attack on Titan brought a mix of emotions for the characters, particularly Eren, who never had the chance to fulfill his lifelong longing for freedom. Mikasa, on the other hand, found solace in living the remainder of her days in tranquility, but the loss of Eren inflicted a profound wound on her existence.

Eren and Mikasa's tragic love story in Attack on Titan reached its conclusion in the finale. While viewers were not able to witness Mikasa's life with Eren, her remarkable transformation from a timid girl hiding within the walls to becoming one of humanity's most formidable soldiers and the pivotal character in the final season has been truly captivating.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Attack on Titan, I was thrilled to see Mikasa take on a central role in the final season. Her character has always been a fan favorite, and it was satisfying to see her play such a pivotal role in the story's conclusion. Mikasa's journey throughout the series has been one of growth and self-discovery, and it was fitting that she was the one to ultimately save humanity from Eren's wrath.

I was also intrigued by the connection between Mikasa and Ymir. Both characters were bound by their love for Eren, and it was ultimately Mikasa's love that freed Ymir from her centuries-long torment. This twist added an extra layer of depth to the story and helped to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion. Overall, I was very pleased with the way Mikasa's character was handled in the final season of Attack on Titan. Her role as the central protagonist was well-deserved, and her actions and choices helped to bring the story to a powerful and emotional conclusion.