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September 26, 2024
Attack on Titan | Did Eren Have to Start the Rumbling?
In this article, we’re discussing one of the biggest questions in anime history. Read on to learn what led Eren to make his catastrophic decision.
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Eren’s Rumbling is one of the most grandiose and horrifying events in anime. And, while the majority agree that destroying almost the whole planet is not something to glorify a character for, the perception of his character changes when Eren’s background story comes into consideration.
However, the question remains: Was the Rumbling necessary?
The Main Reason Eren Started the Rumbling
Growing up, Eren Yeager saw nothing but death and destruction, surrounded by people desperately battling Titans to protect what’s left of humanity. Motivated by the struggles within the walls and the desire to defend, Eren decided to become Paradis Island’s savior, promising to eliminate all Titans.
The Battle of Shiganshina altered Eren and humanity’s fates. Achieving his initial goal to eliminate Titans, Eren uncovered the basement and learned about the world's darkest secrets, including Marley’s hatred and inhumane acts toward his people. In other words, he found out who his real enemy was.
Eren's quest for peace transformed into a desire to destroy nations. This unexpected turn of events marked the first time he displayed hatred toward humans. It drove Eren toward a new objective and marked the true start of the Rumbling.
Eren’s Attack on Liberio
After the events in Shiganshina District, Eren embarks on a solo journey to destroy the nation that made his people’s lives miserable for centuries. Infiltrating Liberio, he approached key Marleyan figures and learned more secrets that further fueled his hatred.
Here, Eren finds confirmation that destroying Marley is the right choice. Especially when Willy Tybur, a powerful noble, addressed the people of Liberio, criticizing those from Paradis Island and declaring war.
This moment solidified Eren’s resolve, leading him to attack, introducing himself to the Marleyan nation and claiming the powers of the War Hammer Titan. Following these events, he became the primary target in the city where Zeke, the missing piece for starting the Rumbling, resided.
The Euthanization Plan’s Role in the Rumbling
Another reason Eren chose the Rumbling as the only viable way to achieve freedom was his frustration with Zeke's plan. Zeke proposed euthanization to end the Titan curse and the suffering of his people. This involved using the Founder's power to make all Eldians incapable of reproducing, ultimately ending their race.
As a person prepared to do everything for those important to him, Eren opposed both the euthanization and the plan of Historia inheriting the Beast Titan. However, he pretended to cooperate until he could eventually use Zeke to fulfill his own objective – commencing the Rumbling.
When Gabi decapitated Eren, Zeke rushed to save him, not knowing what would happen to the world—not knowing that he would start the destruction of 80% of the population.
Why Did Eren Want to Start the Rumbling?
Whenever his loved ones were in trouble, Eren had always been ready to protect them. He killed the thugs who attacked Mikasa, jumped into a Titan’s mouth to save Armin Arlert, and gave his all to defend his homeland. Growing up, he never wanted to destroy the world, but later came to believe that the Rumbling was the only way to save it.
In his talk with Armin in Attack on Titan’s finale, Eren revealed that he wanted to destroy everything and create a blank slate so the world could start anew. He also mentioned that he wasn’t sure if his friends would survive the battle. However, he granted them the freedom to try to stop him.
Eren also caused an unlikely alliance between Eldia and Marley. United against the colossal threat of the Rumbling, former enemies joined forces to confront this greater threat, setting aside blame for the state of the world. Later, they successfully put an end to this threat and used their newfound alliance to create a world of peace between nations.
Ymir’s Role in The Rumbling
Ymir Fritz played an indirect role in the Rumbling as she was the one who marked the inception of the Titan race and later gave Eren his powers. Since she stayed alive inside the Paths, many theories suggest that she may have guided Eren on his path by subtly influencing his decisions throughout the years.
Ultimately, Eren was put in a position where the Rumbling was the sole acceptable option for achieving world peace and, most importantly, freedom. Ymir also longed for freedom after enduring slavery for a long time and fortunately, the Rumbling allowed her to achieve it. However, it’s not yet confirmed if she intentionally planned this liberation.
Why Was Eren Crying While Talking to Ramzi?
In a flashback episode near the end of Attack on Titan, the Scouts visited Marley for the first time and, to their surprise, were humbly welcomed by the inhabitants. However, despite having a good time, Eren noticed a heartbreaking similarity between these people and those of Paradis Island. He noticed a lack of hate or ill thoughts.
Knowing what he would eventually do, Eren suffered a breakdown while talking with a young boy named Ramzi. His Founding Titan powers granted him visions of all upcoming events, revealing that the Rumbling would impact these and many other similar people. Faced with the inevitable course of events, Eren tearfully apologized to Ramzi, feeling an immense amount of guilt.
Final Thoughts on the Rumbling
Eren was not fortunate to have a peaceful childhood, witnessing intense struggle and pain that shaped him into the person who ultimately brought destruction to the world. After enduring non-stop suffering inflicted by Marley, Eren became the agent of their retribution.
Without wars, oppression, and suffering, Eren wouldn't have chosen destruction. However, since he learned about the state of the world, he saw the Rumbling as the only way to end two millennia-long suffering.
Ultimately, Eren fulfilled his promise, eliminating the Titans and securing freedom for his people. While it was probably an impulsive decision that was worse than Zeke’s plan, Eren would’ve never accepted to be a part of a scheme where his people continued to suffer. And, while the cost was great, it was most likely necessary.
The Attack on Titan anime and manga series is much more complex than a Shonen series where everything is either good or bad. And that’s why there will never be one true answer that will settle the debate if Eren’s Rumbling was necessary.
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