Eren Yeager: Hero or Villain? The Truth Behind His Actions in Attack on Titan
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| Eren Yeager |
Few anime characters have sparked as much debate as Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. Starting as an ambitious yet reckless boy seeking freedom, his transformation into one of the most complex and morally ambiguous figures in anime history has left fans divided. Is Eren a hero fighting for his people’s survival, or has he become a villain willing to sacrifice everything for his own ideology? Let’s break it down.
Eren as a Hero: The Freedom Fighter
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| Eren as a Hero: The Freedom Fighter |
At the beginning of Attack on Titan, Eren’s motives are clear—he wants to protect humanity from the monstrous Titans and avenge his mother’s death. His unwavering determination makes him an inspiring protagonist, and as he grows stronger, he becomes a beacon of hope for those inside the walls. Some key points supporting Eren as a hero include:
Fighting for His People: Eren’s main goal has always been to free his people from oppression, whether from the Titans or the Marleyan government.
Taking on the Burden Alone: He shoulders immense pain and responsibility, making tough decisions so that his loved ones don’t have to.
Breaking the Cycle: By waging war on Marley, Eren believes he is finally securing a future where the Eldians won’t live in fear.
Despite his brutal methods, many argue that Eren is simply doing what needs to be done to ensure true freedom.
Eren as a Villain: The Ruthless Destroyer
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| Eren as a Villain: The Ruthless Destroyer |
As Attack on Titan progresses, Eren’s actions become increasingly extreme. His shift from a determined soldier to an unstoppable force of destruction leaves many questioning if he has lost his humanity. Here’s why some see Eren as a villain:
The Rumbling: Eren’s decision to unleash millions of Colossal Titans upon the world, causing mass genocide, is undeniably the act of a villain.
Manipulation and Betrayal: He deceives even his closest friends, including Mikasa and Armin, keeping them in the dark about his true intentions.
Loss of Morality: Eren justifies every atrocity as necessary for freedom, blurring the line between righteousness and tyranny.
His willingness to kill innocents for the sake of Eldia’s survival makes it difficult to classify him purely as a hero.
The Truth: Eren as an Anti-Hero
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| Eren as an Anti-Hero |
Rather than being a clear-cut hero or villain, Eren Yeager is best described as an anti-hero—a protagonist with questionable morality who operates in shades of gray. He isn’t driven by selfish evil, nor is he a noble savior. Instead, his actions reflect his deep, unwavering commitment to securing freedom at any cost, regardless of how many lives are lost along the way.
Self-Sacrifice: Despite the destruction he causes, Eren ultimately accepts his fate, knowing he will be remembered as a monster for the sake of a better world.
Different Perspectives: To the Eldians, Eren is a savior; to the rest of the world, he is the greatest villain in history.
A Tragic Figure: In the end, Eren is neither fully good nor fully evil—just a man who did what he believed was necessary.
Final Verdict: A Revolutionary With No Easy Answer
Eren Yeager is one of the most fascinating characters in anime history because he defies easy categorization. Whether seen as a hero or villain depends on perspective, but one thing is certain—his story is a powerful exploration of freedom, sacrifice, and the consequences of absolute conviction. What do you think? Is Eren a hero, a villain, or something in between?
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