The Enigmatic Character at the Conclusion of Attack on Titan: Unveiling the Mystery

The Attack on Titan anime and manga both concluded with the same ending, leaving fans with a lingering mystery. In the final scenes, viewers catch a glimpse of a mysterious boy and a dog entering Eren's burial site in the tree. However, the series does not disclose the boy's identity, leaving fans to speculate. The end credits of the anime depict an older Mikasa visiting Eren's grave periodically until she eventually passes away. Both Mikasa and Eren are then laid to rest together, with Armin also seen visiting their graves. Over time, Paradis transforms into a battlefield, leaving the once vibrant land desolate. Despite the devastation, the tree manages to grow remarkably tall and resilient against the test of time.

Attack on Titan: Who is the boy that entered the tree at the end?

The boy and his dog at the end of Attack on Titan (Image via MAPPA)

The boy's identity remains uncertain, but it is speculated that he may be descended from one of the characters in the series, most likely Mikasa. Although the manga did not explicitly reveal this, the resemblance between the boy and Mikasa, as well as the presence of a red scarf around his neck, suggest a connection. Regardless, the boy's inclusion in the final scenes symbolizes the recurring cycle depicted in Attack on Titan.

The funeral scene of Mikasa in Attack on Titan is depicted in the image above, which is taken from MAPPA.

After the burial of Eren beneath the tree, the end credits of the series revealed an astonishing growth of the tree, surpassing its normal proportions. This suggests the possibility that the Hallucigenia, which granted Ymir and Eren their powers as the Founding Titan, either managed to survive or had reappeared from within Eren. This phenomenon could explain the remarkable height of the tree, resembling the size depicted in Ymir's backstory.

Even after Eren's successful annihilation of 80% of the world's population, Shiganshina unexpectedly transformed into a bustling futuristic metropolis. As misfortune would have it, war once again erupted on Paradis Island, reducing the once-thriving area to a desolate wasteland. In its wake, lush forests reclaimed the land, evoking memories of the time when Ymir Fritz sought refuge within the now towering tree, fleeing the persecution of the Eldian oppressors.

The towering tree, overgrown and filled with history, marks the conclusion of Attack on Titan (Image via MAPPA)

The boy's identity remains undisclosed in both the anime and manga. However, it is clear that he seeks refuge in a post-apocalyptic war zone. During his journey, he stumbles upon the overgrown roots of the Eren and Mikasa memorial tree, resembling a cave. The concluding scene presents the boy entering the tree accompanied by a dog.

The potential interpretation of this ending suggests that the boy represents a distant future, long after Eren's era. It implies that despite Eren's endeavors, Hajime Isayama aimed to convey the unending cycle of warfare. With the boy's entrance into the tree, it can be presumed that he is destined to inherit the powers of the Founding Titan, resulting in two thousand more years of suffering.

Editor's P/S

Attack on Titan left fans with a bittersweet ending, but it was also one that was full of hope. The enigmatic character at the conclusion of the series is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for the future. The boy who enters the tree represents the next generation, and he will have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the past. He may be the one who finally breaks the cycle of violence that has plagued the world of Attack on Titan for so long.

The ending of Attack on Titan was also a reminder that war is a cycle that is difficult to break. Even after Eren's successful annihilation of 80% of the world's population, Shiganshina unexpectedly transformed into a bustling futuristic metropolis. As misfortune would have it, war once again erupted on Paradis Island, reducing the once-thriving area to a desolate wasteland. This shows that even if we can eliminate the people who are waging war, the cycle of violence will continue unless we address the underlying causes of conflict.