What is Eren's Goal AOT? Deep Dive & Theories

The character Eren Yeager, a central figure within the Attack on Titan narrative, possesses a multifaceted objective that has evolved significantly throughout the series. The Founding Titan's power, now wielded by Eren, grants him the capability to manipulate Eldians, influencing his strategic decisions. Marley, the nation historically at odds with Eldia, represents an obstacle to Eren's ambitions and informs his strategic calculations. Delving into these elements allows for a comprehensive analysis of "what is Eren's goal AOT," prompting a deep dive into various theories surrounding his ultimate intentions within the complex world crafted by Hajime Isayama.

Unraveling the Complexity of Eren Yeager

Eren Yeager stands as one of anime’s most intensely debated protagonists. His journey, marked by radical shifts and morally ambiguous choices, has captivated and divided audiences worldwide.

From a brash, vengeance-driven youth to a figure of immense power and destruction, Eren's evolution defies easy categorization. He challenges our understanding of heroism and villainy.

Scope of Analysis: Motivations, Actions, and Impact

This analysis aims to dissect the intricate layers of Eren Yeager's character. We will explore the core drivers behind his actions, dissecting the motivations that propelled him down a path of global conflict.

Our examination will extend to the lasting consequences of his choices. We will consider their repercussions on both a personal and global scale, to fully grasp the depth of his impact.

Ultimately, our goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of a character whose legacy will undoubtedly endure.

Key Factors: Influences, Locations, and Concepts

To fully comprehend Eren’s trajectory, we must consider a constellation of interconnected elements. Several key factors significantly shaped his path.

Influential Figures

The influences of those closest to him cannot be ignored. Individuals such as Armin Arlert, Mikasa Ackerman, and Zeke Yeager profoundly impacted his worldview and decisions.

Grisha Yeager's legacy, too, played a pivotal role in shaping Eren's destiny.

Significant Locations

The landscapes of Paradis Island and Marley serve as powerful symbols within the narrative. They are intrinsically linked to Eren's motivations.

The metaphysical realm of the Paths represents another key location. It facilitated Eren's manipulation of the Founding Titan's power.

Critical Concepts

Eren's interpretation of freedom is a central theme, one that undergoes a disturbing transformation throughout the series.

The concept of the Rumbling exemplifies the devastating lengths to which he was willing to go.

The nature of Titan powers, particularly the Attack Titan's ability to glimpse the future, also holds the key to unraveling Eren's complex character. We can fully grasp how this may or may not have influenced his trajectory.

Eren Yeager: A Protagonist's Transformation

Eren Yeager stands as one of anime’s most intensely debated protagonists. His journey, marked by radical shifts and morally ambiguous choices, has captivated and divided audiences worldwide.

From a brash, vengeance-driven youth to a figure of immense power and destruction, Eren's evolution defies easy categorization. It necessitates a close examination of the pivotal moments that sculpted his worldview.

The Genesis of a Titan: From Child to Soldier

Eren's story begins with a familiar trope: the innocent child robbed of his idyllic existence. Witnessing his mother's brutal demise at the hands of a Titan ignites a burning desire for revenge. This foundational trauma fuels his initial determination to eradicate the Titans and reclaim humanity's freedom.

The early Eren is defined by his unwavering resolve and headstrong nature. He embodies a raw, almost naive sense of justice. This is evident in his relentless pursuit of joining the Survey Corps, despite the inherent dangers.

His first transformation into the Attack Titan marks a significant turning point, offering him the power to confront his enemies directly. However, this newfound strength comes at a cost, blurring the lines between human and monster.

Shattered Illusions: The Weight of Truth

The revelation that Titans are not mindless beasts, but transformed humans. The truth about the world beyond the walls, irrevocably shatters Eren's preconceived notions.

This knowledge fundamentally alters his understanding of the conflict, shifting his focus from simple revenge to a complex struggle for survival. The weight of history and the sins of the past begin to bear down on him.

The basement reveal in Shiganshina district is not just a plot twist, but a psychological turning point for Eren. He confronts the reality of Eldia's history and the Marleyan oppression. This knowledge reshapes his perception of both his enemies and himself.

The Marley Infiltration: Embracing Extremism

Eren's infiltration of Marley marks a pivotal moment in his transformation. Witnessing the suffering of Eldians firsthand hardens his resolve. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

His actions during the Liberio attack demonstrate a willingness to embrace extreme measures. Eren inflicts devastating losses on civilian populations. This act signifies a profound shift in his character, cementing his descent into moral ambiguity.

The ends justify the means philosophy becomes increasingly prominent in Eren's worldview. This leads to friction with his comrades and a growing sense of isolation.

The Rumbling: A Descent into Darkness

The ultimate manifestation of Eren's transformation is his unleashing of the Rumbling. He uses the power of the Founding Titan to mobilize an army of colossal Titans. His aim is to obliterate all life outside Paradis Island.

This act of genocide represents the ultimate perversion of his initial desire for freedom. Eren becomes the very monster he once sought to destroy, inflicting unimaginable suffering on innocent populations.

The Rumbling is not simply a strategic decision, but a reflection of Eren's profound despair and his belief that only complete annihilation can secure Paradis's future. It marks the point of no return, solidifying his status as an antagonist in the eyes of many.

The Final Stand: Freedom or Fate?

Even in his final moments, Eren's motivations remain shrouded in ambiguity. Is he truly acting out of his own free will, or is he simply a pawn in a predetermined chain of events?

The Attack Titan's unique ability to see into the future complicates any attempt to understand Eren's actions. The question of whether his choices are truly his own. It raises profound questions about free will versus determinism.

Ultimately, Eren's transformation serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of trauma, the seductive nature of power, and the perilous pursuit of freedom at any cost. His legacy remains a subject of intense debate, forever etched in the annals of anime history.

The Paradox of Freedom: Eren's Twisted Ideal

Eren Yeager stands as one of anime’s most intensely debated protagonists. His journey, marked by radical shifts and morally ambiguous choices, has captivated and divided audiences worldwide.

From a brash, vengeance-driven youth to a figure of immense power and destruction, Eren's evolution defies easy categorization. Central to understanding his actions is his relentless pursuit of freedom, a concept that undergoes a chilling transformation throughout the series. His interpretation, diverging sharply from conventional notions, presents a complex ethical challenge.

Deconstructing Eren's Freedom: A Personal Crusade

Eren's initial drive stems from a visceral desire to eradicate the Titans and reclaim the world beyond the walls. This early concept of freedom is rooted in liberation from external threats, a tangible and understandable goal for someone who witnessed unimaginable horrors.

However, as the series progresses and Eren gains access to the Attack Titan’s memories and the broader context of the world's history, his understanding of freedom evolves, or rather, devolves. He comes to view the entire world outside Paradis Island as a threat to his people’s existence. This broadened scope leads him to believe that true freedom can only be achieved through the complete annihilation of all those who oppose Eldia.

This is where Eren's concept of freedom becomes deeply problematic. It shifts from a desire for liberation to a justification for domination. He equates the freedom of his people with the subjugation, and ultimately, the destruction, of all others.

The Ethical Abyss: Freedom at Whose Expense?

The ethical implications of Eren's actions are staggering. He is willing to commit genocide, the systematic extermination of billions of innocent lives, in the name of securing freedom for his people. This raises the fundamental question: can freedom truly be achieved through such morally reprehensible means?

The series does not shy away from portraying the devastating consequences of Eren's choices. The Rumbling, the unleashing of colossal Titans to flatten the world, is depicted as an act of unimaginable horror, showcasing the sheer scale of destruction and human suffering it inflicts.

Eren's actions force the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of freedom and the justifications people use to commit atrocities. The narrative actively critiques the idea that any group's freedom can be legitimately built upon the oppression and annihilation of another.

The Irony of Control: A Self-Imposed Cage

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Eren's story lies in the profound irony of his actions. While ostensibly fighting for freedom, he becomes increasingly trapped by the very forces he seeks to overcome.

His actions are heavily influenced by the memories of past Attack Titan shifters and the predetermined course laid out by the future he witnesses. He is, in many ways, a slave to fate, driven by a vision of the future that he believes he must fulfill, even if it means sacrificing his own humanity and free will.

Eren's pursuit of absolute freedom ultimately leads him to create a different kind of constraint. He becomes bound by the weight of his choices, the expectations of his followers, and the predetermined path he believes he must follow. His freedom becomes a gilded cage of his own making.

The ultimate outcome of his actions, orchestrated to bring an end to the titan curse at his own demise, is a somber reflection on the cost of unbridled power and twisted ideals.

Influential Figures: Shaping Eren's Destiny

Eren Yeager's path was not forged in isolation. Numerous individuals exerted profound influence, shaping his worldview, reinforcing his convictions, or challenging his ideals. Understanding these relationships is crucial to deciphering the complex tapestry of motivations behind Eren's actions.

Armin Arlert: The Voice of Reason, Echoing in Vain?

Armin, Eren's childhood friend, represented a contrasting ideology rooted in diplomacy and strategic thinking. Where Eren often resorted to impulsive action, Armin sought solutions through understanding and negotiation.

This difference in approach is starkly illustrated in their debates on how to deal with external threats. Armin advocated for communication and alliance-building, while Eren leaned toward decisive, often violent, action to eliminate the source of conflict.

The question remains: did Armin's voice of reason truly impact Eren's decisions, or was it ultimately drowned out by the ever-growing tempest of Eren's internal turmoil?

Perhaps Armin provided the road not taken, a constant reminder of a different, potentially less destructive path.

Mikasa Ackerman: Unwavering Loyalty and the Burden of Freedom

Mikasa's unwavering loyalty to Eren is an undeniable force in his life. Her devotion, stemming from a life debt and deep affection, offered him a constant shield, a protector in a world of relentless danger.

However, this very loyalty raises a crucial question: did Mikasa's protection inadvertently limit Eren's freedom? Did her constant presence, her instinctive need to safeguard him, subtly constrain his choices and reinforce his sense of responsibility?

Eren's desire for freedom clashes with Mikasa's protective instincts, creating a complex dynamic that is central to understanding his ultimate decision. Mikasa's love becomes both a source of strength and a potential cage.

Zeke Yeager: Brotherly Bond or Manipulation?

Zeke Yeager, Eren's half-brother, presented a seemingly altruistic plan: the Euthanasia Plan, which aimed to end the suffering of Eldians by preventing their reproduction.

Superficially, both Eren and Zeke shared a common goal: to liberate Eldians from their perceived curse. However, their methods diverged drastically. Zeke sought a passive solution, a quiet extinction, while Eren pursued active resistance, a fight for survival, regardless of the cost.

The true nature of their relationship is complex: Was Eren truly collaborating with Zeke, or was he strategically using him to achieve his own, far grander, plan? The truth, like Eren's character, lies shrouded in layers of manipulation and hidden intentions. This brotherly dynamic becomes a critical piece of the puzzle.

Grisha Yeager: The Inherited Burden of the Attack Titan

Grisha Yeager, Eren's father, played a pivotal role in shaping Eren's destiny, both through his actions and through the memories he passed down via the Attack Titan. Grisha's initial mission was to restore Eldia.

His memories influenced Eren's worldview profoundly. The weight of Grisha's experiences, his regrets, and his thirst for revenge all became intertwined with Eren's own desires.

Grisha's legacy becomes a double-edged sword, granting Eren the power to fight but also burdening him with a pre-determined path of violence and destruction.

Historia Reiss: A Shared Vision, a Constrained Position?

Historia Reiss, the Queen of Paradis, shared a unique bond with Eren. They both bore the burden of leadership and possessed a deep understanding of the sacrifices required to protect their people.

Their shared vision of a future free from oppression, however, existed within the constraints of their respective roles. Eren, with the power of the Founding Titan, held the means to enact drastic change, while Historia was bound by her responsibility to her people.

Did Historia genuinely agree with Eren's methods, or was she a reluctant participant in his grand plan? The extent of her agency remains a point of contention, adding another layer of complexity to Eren's narrative.

Levi Ackerman: Duty vs. Idealism

Levi Ackerman, humanity's strongest soldier, embodied the unwavering dedication to duty and the cold pragmatism required to survive in a brutal world. His approach clashes directly with Eren's increasingly idealistic and radical vision.

Levi's commitment to protecting humanity, even at the cost of individual lives, placed him in direct opposition to Eren's methods, particularly The Rumbling.

Levi serves as a counterpoint to Eren's descent into extremism. He remains grounded in reality, reminding the audience of the human cost of Eren's choices.

Ymir Fritz: The Founder and the Legacy of Slavery

Ymir Fritz, the originator of all Titans, is a shadowy figure whose will appears to have profoundly shaped the course of history. Some speculate that Ymir's desire to serve influenced Eren's actions, turning him into a puppet of her will.

Understanding Ymir's motives, her long history of enslavement, is crucial to interpreting Eren's actions.

Willy Tybur: Declaration of War and the Catalyst for Destruction

Willy Tybur's declaration of war against Paradis Island marked a critical turning point in Eren's strategic calculations. Willy masterfully presented the Eldians of Paradis as the ultimate evil, uniting the world against them.

Willy's actions accelerated Eren's timeline, forcing him to make drastic decisions to protect his people. His speech lit the fuse that ultimately led to The Rumbling.

Symbolic Landscapes: Key Locations in Eren's Journey

Eren Yeager's odyssey unfolded across distinct locales, each imbued with symbolic weight that directly intertwined with his evolving motivations. These landscapes weren't mere backdrops; they were active participants, shaping the narrative and molding Eren's perception of the world and his place within it.

Paradis Island: A Confined Cradle

Paradis Island, the ancestral home of the Eldians, represents far more than just geographical location. It is the cradle of a people confined, a symbol of generational trauma passed down through blood and history. The walls, initially erected for protection against the Titans, become a potent metaphor for the psychological barriers erected by fear and ignorance.

The island's history of isolation fueled a unique culture, one deeply rooted in a yearning for the outside world. Eren's burning desire for freedom stems directly from this confined existence, this inherent understanding of limitations imposed upon him and his people. Paradis is the 'before,' the idyllic (though threatened) past that Eren seeks to protect, even as his methods shatter its very foundations.

The cyclical nature of Paradis's conflict is further exemplified in its landscape. The constant threat from the Titans beyond the walls and the revelation of the world beyond highlight the island as a focal point for repeated conflict. Eren's actions become inextricably linked to Paradis's fate.

Marley: The Embodiment of Hatred

In stark contrast to Paradis stands Marley, a nation built upon the subjugation and dehumanization of Eldians. Marley embodies the external forces that oppress Paradis, representing the global hatred that fuels Eren's rage. It symbolizes the injustice and prejudice that he ultimately seeks to eradicate.

Marley's militaristic society and its strategic use of Titan powers showcases the extent of the Eldians' oppression. The internment zones are a visceral symbol of the Eldians' dehumanization.

The attack on Liberio wasn't just a strategic military maneuver; it was a direct confrontation with the source of Paradis's suffering. Eren's actions in Marley represent a turning point, a declaration of war against the world that condemned his people. It's a tangible representation of his shift from defensive survival to aggressive retaliation.

Paths: The Metaphysical Nexus

Paths transcends the physical realm, existing as a metaphysical space where all Eldians are connected. It is here that Eren gains access to the Founding Titan's power, allowing him to manipulate memories and ultimately enact his plan. Paths symbolizes the weight of history, the collective consciousness of the Eldian people, and the power of inherited trauma.

The ability to influence past, present, and future generations through Paths highlights the concept of interconnectedness and the burden of legacy. Eren's use of Paths demonstrates his capacity for control. It emphasizes his manipulation to pursue his aims, blurring the lines between savior and destroyer.

Paths challenges the very notion of free will. The interplay of memories and the potential for predestination question the characters' agency, particularly Eren's. The realm represents the ultimate intersection of choice and consequence, fate and freedom, central to Eren's complex journey.

Core Concepts: Drivers Behind Eren's Actions

Eren Yeager's journey is underscored by a series of fundamental concepts that served as the driving force behind his controversial choices.

These concepts, deeply embedded within the narrative's fabric, offer a crucial lens through which to understand his actions and motivations.

We delve into these core ideas, exploring their evolution and impact on Eren's trajectory.

The Evolving Definition of Freedom

Eren's pursuit of freedom is the cornerstone of his character arc, yet its definition undergoes a dramatic transformation.

Initially, freedom represents liberation from the Titans and the walls that confined humanity.

However, as Eren gains knowledge of the world beyond Paradis, his understanding shifts.

Freedom becomes intertwined with the elimination of all threats to his people, regardless of the cost.

This leads to a paradoxical situation where Eren's fight for freedom results in the ultimate oppression of others.

The Rumbling: A Measure of Self-Preservation or Genocide?

The Rumbling, Eren's activation of the Wall Titans to decimate the world beyond Paradis, represents the apex of his radicalization.

Was it a necessary evil, a desperate measure for self-preservation against a world determined to eradicate his people?

Or was it an act of unjustifiable genocide, condemning countless innocents to secure the survival of Paradis?

This question lies at the heart of the ethical debate surrounding Eren's actions, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about war, survival, and morality.

The Power Dynamic of Titan Inheritance

Eren inherited not one, but three Titan powers: the Attack Titan, the Founding Titan, and, briefly, the War Hammer Titan.

Each power granted him unique abilities and access to crucial information, shaping his strategic approach.

The Attack Titan, with its ability to see future memories, instilled in Eren a sense of predetermination.

The Founding Titan allowed control over all Eldians and the ability to initiate the Rumbling.

How each of these influenced Eren is an integral part of deconstructing his actions.

The Coordinate: A Burden of Godlike Power

The Coordinate, accessed through the Founding Titan, offered Eren the potential to reshape reality and control the Eldian race.

This immense power, however, came with a heavy burden.

The Founding Titan's abilities are not free from the constraints of the inheritors of the Titan, and the Founder Ymir.

Eren's struggle to reconcile his own will with the power of the Coordinate forms a crucial element in his descent.

Attack Titan’s Power: A Predestined Path?

The Attack Titan’s unique ability to see fragments of the future introduces a complex element of predestination versus free will.

Did Eren act according to his own desires, or was he merely fulfilling a predetermined path dictated by those who came before?

This power adds layers of ambiguity to Eren's choices, challenging the notion of individual agency.

Genocide: Ends Justify the Means?

Eren's decision to unleash the Rumbling is, undeniably, an act of genocide.

He willingly sacrificed countless lives to ensure the survival of Paradis.

The ethical implications of this act are staggering.

Did the potential extinction of his people justify the mass extermination of others?

This question is a central theme in the series, forcing a critical examination of moral absolutes in times of crisis.

Breaking or Reinforcing the Cycle of Hatred

Eren claimed his ultimate goal was to end the cycle of hatred that plagued the world.

However, his actions arguably perpetuated the cycle, creating new enemies and fueling further conflict.

Did his actions ultimately break the cycle or tragically reinforce it, condemning future generations to repeat the same mistakes?

The ending of Attack on Titan offers no easy answers, leaving it to viewers to grapple with these difficult questions.

Organizational Allegiances: Shifting Loyalties and Ideological Divides

Eren Yeager's path was not forged in solitude, but rather within a complex web of organizational allegiances. These affiliations, initially defined by a shared goal of survival, gradually fractured under the weight of Eren's evolving ideology and increasingly radical actions. Understanding Eren's shifting loyalties is crucial to grasping the trajectory of his character and the profound consequences of his choices on Paradis Island.

The Survey Corps: From Idealism to Disillusionment

Eren's early years were marked by an unwavering commitment to the Survey Corps, the military branch dedicated to venturing beyond the walls and combating the Titans. Driven by a burning desire for revenge and fueled by the Corps' promise of freedom, Eren initially embodied the organization's ideals.

However, as Eren gained a deeper understanding of the world's complexities and the true nature of the Titans, his faith in the Survey Corps began to wane. The Corps' reliance on diplomacy and incremental change clashed with Eren's growing conviction that only decisive, even brutal, action could secure Paradis's future.

The turning point arrived with the revelation of Marley's existence and the knowledge that the Titans were, in fact, Eldians. This revelation shattered Eren's naive worldview and ignited a new, more ruthless determination.

He began to perceive the Survey Corps as an obstacle to his goals, a group hampered by its adherence to outdated strategies and moral constraints. While outwardly maintaining his allegiance, Eren started operating independently, laying the groundwork for his own agenda.

This gradual departure culminated in the raid on Liberio, an act of defiance that solidified Eren's separation from the Survey Corps and signaled the emergence of a new power dynamic within Paradis.

The Rise of the Yeagerists: Loyalty Redefined

Eren's actions in Liberio resonated with a segment of Paradis's population, particularly those who felt abandoned by the government and disillusioned with the Survey Corps' perceived inaction. From this discontent, the Yeagerists emerged, a radical faction dedicated to Eren's vision and willing to embrace any means necessary to achieve it.

The Yeagerists represented a complete reversal of the Survey Corps' principles. Where the Corps valued discipline, strategic planning, and international cooperation, the Yeagerists prioritized blind loyalty to Eren, unbridled aggression, and the absolute supremacy of Eldia.

Their unwavering support for Eren, even in the face of overwhelming evidence of his destructive tendencies, highlights the dangerous allure of charismatic leadership and the seductive power of a simple, albeit brutal, solution.

Consequences of Blind Allegiance

The Yeagerists' rise to power had devastating consequences for Paradis. They instigated a coup, overthrowing the existing government and silencing dissent. Their fanatical devotion to Eren blinded them to the potential ramifications of his actions, leading to a self-imposed isolation and a descent into authoritarianism.

The internal conflict between the Yeagerists and the remnants of the Survey Corps further weakened Paradis, making it vulnerable to external threats. In the end, the Yeagerists' unwavering loyalty proved to be a double-edged sword, securing Eren's goals in the short term but ultimately contributing to the island's near-destruction.

The story of the Yeagerists serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked fanaticism and the importance of critical thinking, even when faced with a seemingly messianic figure. Their unwavering allegiance to Eren, fueled by fear and desperation, ultimately paved the path to their own undoing and left an indelible scar on the history of Paradis Island.

Tools of Manipulation: Memories and Prophecy

Eren Yeager's journey was not solely driven by personal conviction; it was also profoundly shaped by external forces, operating on a grander scale. Among these, the manipulation of memories and the perceived certainty of prophecy stand out as critical instruments in shaping Eren's destiny. These elements blur the line between free will and predetermined fate, ultimately raising the question of whether Eren was truly in control of his actions or merely a puppet dancing to the tune of a larger narrative.

The Weight of the Past: Inherited Memories

The Titan powers, particularly those of the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan, carry a significant burden: the memories of previous wielders. These are not mere recollections; they are deeply ingrained experiences that can influence the thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, the actions of the current holder.

Eren inherited a torrent of memories from his father, Grisha, and from past holders of the Attack Titan. These memories included not only Grisha's personal experiences but also glimpses into the future, adding a layer of complexity to Eren's understanding of his own existence. The implications are staggering, as these inherited memories become a lens through which Eren perceives the world.

They shape his understanding of his enemies, his allies, and his own role in the unfolding conflict. The burden of the past becomes a palpable weight, guiding Eren's decisions and potentially warping his perspective.

It raises an important question: to what extent were Eren's actions truly his own, and to what extent were they dictated by the echoes of those who came before? Was Eren merely a vessel, carrying out a predetermined path laid down by the collective experiences of past Titan shifters?

The Illusion of Choice: The Attack Titan's Prophecy

The Attack Titan possesses a unique and terrifying ability: the power to see glimpses of the future. This ability adds another layer of complexity to Eren's decision-making process. Rather than acting solely on present circumstances, Eren was burdened with the knowledge of what would come to pass.

This raises profound questions about free will. If Eren knew the future, did he truly have a choice in how he acted? Was he simply following a predetermined script, his actions guided by the inevitability of fate?

The existence of prophecy casts a shadow of doubt over Eren's motivations. Was he driven by a genuine desire for freedom, or was he simply trying to fulfill a vision that had already been laid out for him?

Perhaps, the illusion of choice is the most potent form of manipulation. Believing that his actions were shaping the future, Eren may have been unknowingly fulfilling a prophecy that was always destined to occur. This notion leaves us questioning the very nature of choice and the extent to which our destinies are predetermined by forces beyond our control.

Ultimately, the interplay of inherited memories and the perceived certainty of prophecy create a complex web of influence around Eren. These elements challenge the notion of individual agency and force us to consider the extent to which our lives are shaped by the echoes of the past and the specter of the future. Eren's tragic journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of being manipulated by forces both internal and external, and the struggle to maintain one's autonomy in the face of overwhelming forces.

So, what is Eren's goal AOT? It's still a question that sparks heated debates, and honestly, that's part of what makes Attack on Titan so compelling. Whether you buy into the freedom fighter, misguided savior, or straight-up villain theories, one thing's for sure: Eren's journey kept us all on the edge of our seats. What's your take? Let me know in the comments!