Why Does Yelena Receive So Much Hate in Attack on Titan? Explained

Despite being a Marleyan, Yelena from Attack on Titan is known for her cunning and treacherous nature. She betrayed her own race for selfish reasons, which ultimately brought her no success. Despite aligning with the Eldian faction, Yelena is despised by many for her actions in the series.

Despite her desire to be remembered as one of the greatest saviors in history through Zeke’s euthanasia plan, Yelena’s actions, including betraying her own people, in the final part of the series have caused the majority of the fandom to hate her. Her behavior and choices have made her a disliked character.

Please be aware that this article may contain spoilers from the Attack on Titan series and reflects the author’s personal opinions.

Attack on Titan: Reasons why Yelena is hated, explained

Yelena as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Despite being a Marleyan, Yelena was a dedicated supporter of Zeke Yeager and held a leadership role in the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers. She was born into an unknown family in Marley, but eventually became disillusioned with her nation for reasons that are not specified. Her perspective shifted, however, when Zeke Yeager saved Yelena and some of her fellow companions.

After the events in Attack on Titan, she chooses to forget her past and assumes a false identity as a soldier from a fallen nation in order to join Zeke Yeager’s ranks. She becomes aligned with his euthanasia plan and develops a selfish ambition to become a hero in this world through his plan.

Despite initially being perceived as unlikable due to her traitorous behavior of betraying her own nation for selfish reasons, Yelena’s character development did not end there as she continued to make herself more disliked.

Upon implementing Zeke’s plan, she united those who shared his vision, establishing the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers. The goal of this group was to assist Zeke in his efforts to carry out the euthanization of the Eldians, which he believed would bring about a harmonious future.

Yelena’s actions during the War of Paradis arc in Attack on Titan only intensified the already existing animosity towards her. Despite initially forming a bond with Commander Pixis during a conversation, her loyalties quickly shifted when she discovered that Pixis had given orders to execute Zeke. In a sudden betrayal, she caused Pixis and other officials to unknowingly consume wine laced with Zeke’s spinal fluid.

Additionally, Yelena showed a lack of empathy towards both her allies and adversaries, as demonstrated by her ruthless killing of Griez in front of Eldians after he insulted Sasha Blouse. As the remaining Marley and Eldian forces united against Eren Yeager, she concealed her true emotions and worked towards causing a clash between the two sides.

Yelena after the Rumbling in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Despite Zeke’s failed plan, Yelena was left as an empty husk, as her sole purpose in life had always been his euthanasia scheme. As a result, she became a lifeless shell, showing no concern for the fate of either Eldia or Marley.

Despite her actions, Yelena still found the courage to aid the Eldia-Marley alliance, as they had agreed to acknowledge Zeke’s euthanasia plan as superior to Eren’s plan of annihilating everyone. Following Eren’s death and the end of the Rumbling, Yelena was spotted assisting those impacted by the catastrophe. However, it was unclear if she harbored any regret for her role in the events.