Attack On Titan’s Ending Explained [SPOILER]

The journey of Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan manga came to a dramatic close in 2021. The last chapter, titled “Toward the Tree on That Hill,” provided a poignant and fulfilling end to the saga. As the anime adaptation nears its final episode in the autumn of 2023, fans are curious about potential divergences from the manga, a common occurrence in such adaptations.

The narrative, though often grim, offered a glimmer of hope for many central characters. Not all survived, and their sacrifices were not in vain. The Rumbling, while catastrophic, ultimately left survivors who owed their lives to a few heroic figures. This article delves into the conclusion of Attack on Titan, focusing on the destinies of Eren Yeager and the people of Paradis.

The Attack on Titan anime concluded on November 4, 2023, two years after the manga. While some fans have mixed feelings about the ending, the majority appreciate the closure it brings to their beloved characters. This article has been updated to include additional insights.

The Final Destiny of Eren Yeager in Attack On Titan

In the series’ second-to-last chapter, key characters like Mikasa, Armin, Levi, and others confront Eren and the Shining Centipede, the origin of all Titans. Mikasa’s final act of severing Eren’s head after a poignant moment, confirmed in the last chapter, marks the end of his life. Post-battle, Mikasa solemnly carries his head to Armin, sharing a moment of mourning. She then takes his head for a proper burial, acknowledging that his actions during the Rumbling might deny him that dignity.

The story’s concluding pages reveal a three-year time skip. Eren’s final resting place lies under the tree in Paradis where he often rested in his youth. Mikasa reflects on their shared memories and hopes for a reunion with friends including Armin, Jean, Connie, Annie, and Pieck at Eren’s grave. In a touching moment, as she reminisces, a bird mysteriously wraps her scarf around her neck, a gesture she attributes to Eren, symbolizing his enduring desire for freedom, a recurring theme symbolized by birds throughout the series.

Mikasa’s Role in Freeing Ymir and the End of the Titans

Eren’s ultimate aim was the eradication of the Titans.

The final chapter unveils a conversation between Eren and Armin, revealing Eren’s motives behind the Rumbling and the fate of 80% of humanity. Eren presents a vision of a primitive land, explaining Ymir’s subservience to King Fritz over two millennia due to her love for him, despite his atrocities. Eren admits his limited understanding of Ymir but recognizes her desire for liberation.

Contrary to expectations, it is Mikasa’s act of killing Eren that frees Ymir from her long-standing agony. This revelation, brought to light in the final moments of Eren and Armin’s dialogue in the Path, becomes apparent to Armin only after Eren’s death. Eren’s demise and Mikasa’s decisive action lead to the transformation of all Titans back into humans, releasing them from the curse. This bittersweet victory brings gratitude yet skepticism from different factions.

Decoding the Finale of Attack On Titan’s Manga

The narrative concludes with a three-year jump into the future, marking the Rumbling’s halt as the Battle of Heaven and Earth. While Titans no longer exist, the people of the Island fear potential retribution. Under the Yeagerist flag, Eldia reconstitutes its military. Queen Historia pens a letter to Armin, now a mother, expressing a bittersweet sentiment reflecting Eren’s philosophy and acknowledging their new world without Titans.

Armin and his companions, viewed as peacemakers, hope to negotiate a peace treaty upon their return to the Island. Their optimism, coupled with their faith in Historia and their belief in the power of their story, brings a hopeful closure to Attack on Titan.

The Extended Finale Episode of Attack On Titan’s Anime

Eren, realizing his role in ending the cycle of suffering, orchestrates the Rumbling to achieve peace and bring an end to the Titans. The anime adaptation, in its extended final episode of 85 minutes, encompasses the climax and aftermath of Eren’s plan. Armin’s admission of being the one to stop Eren and a symbolic visit from a bird to Mikasa at Eren’s grave, signify the closure of Eren’s tumultuous journey.

Furthermore, an additional chapter by Hajime Isayama, informally known as Chapter 139.5, provides a glimpse into Paradis’ future, portraying its evolution and eventual destruction, suggesting a cyclical nature of history. Interestingly, this epilogue is integrated into the anime’s post-credits, often missed by viewers.

Available on platforms like Crunchyroll and Hulu, AOT: The Final Chapter – Special 2 can be accessed by subscribers. Previous episodes are also available across various streaming services and for purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

Final Thoughts

I would like to share my personal opinion and declare Attack on Titan as a worst of the worst and crappy endings, I stopped watching the anime before the last two seasons. I have no intention of watching it to completion. For people who have different opinion, I hope you like this article and all the related information regarding attack on titan ending.