Why a Happy Ending Wouldn’t Have Suited Attack on Titan

The concluding episodes of Attack on Titan have sparked extensive discussions among fans, marked by controversy and intense emotions. The narrative unfolds in a world where humanity battles enormous beings known as Titans, focusing on Eren Yeager and his companions as they strive for survival and liberation.

Throughout its gripping storyline, the series delves into themes of warfare, sacrifice, and revenge. Many viewers were left polarized by the grim resolution, which was accompanied by numerous plot twists. While some anticipated a conclusive happy ending, Attack on Titan was never a tale inclined toward simplistic conclusions.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and contain spoilers from Attack on Titan.

Explaining Why a Happy Ending Would Have Been Incompatible with Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA) — Eren Yeager as depicted in anime (Image via MAPPA)

An ending filled with happiness would have significantly diminished the essence of Attack on Titan. From the very beginning, the series presents a brutal reality, where survival demands immense sacrifices.

The conflicts faced by characters were multifaceted: battling Titans, grappling with deeper adversaries, combating political corruption, and navigating human cruelty. This somber reality shaped the tone of the series and influenced the decisions made by its characters.

Eren Yeager’s character evolution is among the most profound in anime, transitioning from an idealistic youth determined to eliminate Titans into a morally intricate individual ready to sacrifice everything for his vision of freedom.

His story is one bound with despair and a sense of futility, and offering a happy conclusion would have negated the very motivations and decisions defining his character growth.

Mikasa as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Similarly, other key characters, including Mikasa, Armin, and Levi, navigated a delicate balance between their idealistic aspirations and the harsh truths they faced, making a peaceful resolution utterly incompatible with their voyages.

The themes threaded throughout Attack on Titan — including war, sacrifice, and the perpetual cycle of violence — highlight that genuine peace is never easily attained. From the onset, it became apparent that any peace derived from conflict is inherently fragile and comes at a significant cost. Characters like Zeke and Eren explicitly acknowledged that their universe could not facilitate a truly joyful resolution without enduring great suffering and loss.

Levi as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA) — Levi as portrayed in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Though the ending was mired in controversy and sorrow, it remained true to the narrative’s core themes. It emphasized that true peace requires enormous sacrifices and leaves enduring scars.

A conclusion steeped in joy would have betrayed the sacrifices made by the characters and the lessons imparted to the audience: peace achieved through war is neither guaranteed nor permanent, and its toll is always severe. Thus, the ending of Attack on Titan, despite its tragedy, feels both appropriate and justified.

Understanding the Controversy Surrounding the Attack on Titan Finale

Eren and Mikasa as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA) — Eren and Mikasa in anime (Image via MAPPA)

The finale of Attack on Titan ignited controversy primarily because of Eren Yeager’s shocking choice to annihilate humanity beyond Paradis Island. Many fans found it difficult to reconcile his shift from hero to a figure accused of mass murder, feeling he betrayed his foundational beliefs through this drastic action.

While some viewed his choices as a grim necessity for the survival of his people, others felt it tarnished the moral intricacies that had been carefully established throughout the series. This divergence in interpretations has fueled ongoing discussions about morality, sacrifice, and the true essence of freedom, eliciting varied reactions from viewers.

Concluding Thoughts

Attack on Titan could not have concluded on a happy note without contradicting its exploration of profound and complex issues. The series consistently portrays the harsh realities of survival, sacrifice, and the costs of warfare.

The evolution of Eren and the transformations experienced by all characters serve to illustrate that true resolution often comes with significant consequences. A light-hearted ending would have diminished the significance of the journey and the insights gained throughout the saga.

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