Unveiling the Truth: Is Ymir Fritz Truly Evil in Attack on Titan?

The highly anticipated conclusion of the Attack on Titan anime series has finally arrived, bringing an end to the decade-long journey of Eren, Armin, and Mikasa and revealing the long-held secrets surrounding the Titans. In this final chapter, fans are able to uncover deeper insights into the originator of all Titans, the remarkable Ymir Fritz.

As the series nears its climax, Ymir emerges as a crucial character, as it is through her that Eren is able to unleash the devastating power known as the Rumbling. Additionally, she actively thwarts the efforts of the Scouts and Warriors to approach Eren, even resorting to the abduction of Armin using the Okapi. This leads to the ultimate question of whether Ymir Fritz is truly an evil antagonist within the series.

Attack on Titan: is Ymir Fritz evil in the end

The Tragedy of Ymir Fritz

Ymir Fritz's portrayal in Attack on Titan (Image via Mappa) is central to the discussion of whether or not she can be classified as evil. In order to effectively evaluate her nature, it is essential to comprehend her character and the circumstances she was subjected to. Unveiled in Attack on Titan Season 4 Episode 21 (entitled "From You, 2000 Years Ago"), the tragic narrative of the Founder Ymir illuminates the immense agony and torment that plagued her existence.

Her home and village were invaded and razed by the Eldian barbarian tribes, known as the Eldians, resulting in the tragic demise of her parents. Enslaved and rendered mute after her tongue was severed, she endured further suffering when wrongly accused of a crime. Even after gaining the titan powers, her anguish persisted as she was coerced by the Eldian leader Fritz to obliterate the Marleyans and bear his children.

Even in death, which occurred while she valiantly saved King Fritz from an assassination attempt, she remained trapped in her torment. Her spirit was held captive within the path, compelled to serve the desires of the Fritz bloodline for the following two millennia. This fate would have endured if not for Eren, who ultimately set her free.

Ymir Fritz: a victim

Eren and Ymir in Attack on Titan (Image via Mappa)

Ymir Fritz, the strongest titan in the Attack on Titan series, is the progenitor of all Titans. However, her unfortunate demise can partly be attributed to her own actions. Despite gaining titan abilities, she lived as a slave under King Fritz, enduring all the suffering he inflicted upon her.

In the Attack on Titan series, it is explained that Ymir's loyalty to the king was driven by her love for him. However, this love was unreciprocated and described by Mikasa as a never-ending nightmare in the Attack on Titan Finale. Ymir not only remained a lifelong slave to King Fritz's bloodline but also to her own emotions.

A victim of circumstances, her distress compounded by the wretched life she lived and an eternal struggle to find solace in the afterlife, intensified her frustration. Having endured two millennia of torment, she finally reached the point of collapse.

Eren: the savior

In the finale of Attack on Titan, Eren revealed that all along, Ymir had been eagerly anticipating someone to free her from the anguish and restraints she had endured. Surprisingly, Eren turned out to be the chosen one, assuring Ymir that she was not merely a captive or a deity, but a being deserving of liberation. He solemnly pledged to put an end to her suffering.

Given the option to break free from her long-held obligations, she experiences an emotional breakdown before ultimately choosing to follow Eren's path, which initiates the Rumbling. In the concluding episode of Attack on Titan, Eren discloses his motives for continuing with the Rumbling, admitting that he, a self-centered fool, obtained immense power but lacked the wisdom to wield it properly.

Ymir exhibits similar traits. Alongside being a victim, she is an idealistic young girl infatuated with King Frits, unwilling to let go of her emotions until the very end. Only through Mikasa does she gain clarity and manage to overcome her feelings, ultimately liberating herself from the restraints of love.

Was Ymir, the Founder, genuinely evil?

Ymir in Attack on Titan finale (Image via Mappa)

The question of whether Ymir Fritz is evil is subjective. Initially, she was a kind-hearted girl, but she allowed evil and lacked the power to resist it. The manipulative King Fritz exploited her abilities for his own gain.

After enduring centuries of torment, she became resentful and sought to bring an end to everything, similar to Eren. However, she was simply following Eren's plan, unleashing her built-up anger, frustration, and sadness. Some may perceive her transformation into a vengeful spirit as malevolent.

Final thoughts

In Attack on Titan Season 4 Episode 21, a conversation between young Historia and Frieda Reiss introduces Ymir the Founder as a genuinely compassionate girl who consistently prioritizes others. The creator of Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama, is known for his ability to develop characters with heartbreaking pasts. This portrayal of a gentle village girl transforming into the formidable Founding titan, ultimately being responsible for eradicating eighty percent of humanity (while fulfilling Eren's desires), powerfully showcases the tragic essence of humanity. It exemplifies how even the most empathetic individuals can be driven towards darkness by their circumstances.

Editor's P/S

In the highly-anticipated conclusion of Attack on Titan, the enigmatic Ymir Fritz emerges as a central figure, sparking intense debate regarding her true nature. While her actions, such as abducting Armin and unleashing the devastating Rumbling, may initially paint her as an antagonist, a deeper examination of her tragic history and motivations reveals a more nuanced portrayal.

Ymir Fritz, the originator of all Titans, endured unimaginable suffering throughout her life. From the invasion and destruction of her homeland to her enslavement and the loss of her voice, she faced relentless cruelty at the hands of the Eldian tribes. Even after obtaining titan powers, she remained a victim, forced to serve the whims of the Fritz bloodline and bear children for King Fritz. Her torment extended beyond her mortal existence, as her spirit was trapped within the path, bound to serve the desires of her oppressors for two millennia.