Understanding the Finale: "Attack on Titan" Ending Explained (2024)

“Attack on Titan,” an anime that has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense narrative and complex characters, reached its epic conclusion in its final part. This series, based on Hajime Isayama’s manga of the same name, is not just a story of survival against gigantic foes but also a profound exploration of themes like freedom, morality, and the cyclical nature of history.

In this article, we delve deep into the final part of “Attack on Titan,” unraveling the complexities of its ending and exploring the various elements that make it a remarkable conclusion to a truly groundbreaking series. Through this exploration, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the finale’s narrative decisions, thematic resolutions, and its impact on the overall legacy of the series.

Background

Before diving into the final part of “Attack on Titan,” it’s crucial to revisit the journey that has led to this monumental conclusion. The series, set in a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from the Titans, monstrous humanoid creatures, has evolved significantly from its initial premise. Here’s a quick recap and a list of key characters pivotal to the storyline:

• The World of Titans: Initially, the series focuses on humanity’s fight for survival against the Titans, mysterious giants who devour humans. The story primarily takes place within three concentric walls – Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sina.
• Eren Yeager: The protagonist whose life changes after a Titan destroys his hometown and kills his mother. Eren’s journey from a revenge-driven youth to a key figure in the battle against Titans is central to the narrative.
• Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert: Eren’s closest friends, who each play crucial roles. Mikasa, known for her combat prowess and loyalty to Eren, and Armin, whose intelligence often provides crucial strategies, are integral to the plot.
• The Scout Regiment: A military division exploring outside the walls and fighting Titans. Characters like Levi Ackerman and Commander Erwin Smith are significant for their leadership and combat skills.
• Revealed Secrets: Over the seasons, secrets about the Titans are unveiled, including the existence of humans who can transform into Titans and the grim history of their world.
• Shifters and the Marleyan Conflict: The story expands to include the conflict with Marley, a nation holding historical and political significance to the Titans’ origin, and the Eldian people.
• Key Shifters: Characters like Reiner Braun, Annie Leonhart, and Zeke Yeager, who have the ability to transform into Titans, play pivotal roles in the unfolding events.
• The Struggle for Freedom: The series evolves from a simple survival narrative to a complex struggle involving themes of freedom, oppression, and the cycles of hatred.

This background sets the stage for the final part, where these characters and themes converge, leading to a climax that is both emotionally charged and thematically rich. The final part promises to tie together these narrative threads, providing closure to the characters’ arcs and the overarching story.

The Final Part: An Overview

The final part of “Attack on Titan” serves as the culmination of the series’ intricate and multi-layered narrative. This section of the story is characterized by its intense action, deep emotional impact, and significant revelations that tie together the series’ complex themes and plotlines. Here, we provide a concise overview of this pivotal segment without divulging the ultimate ending:

1. Escalation of Conflict: The final part witnesses the escalation of the conflict between the Eldians and the Marleyans, reaching a climax in the war’s intensity and scale. The struggle is no longer just about survival against the Titans but involves deeper political and ideological battles.
2. Character Developments: Central characters face their most significant challenges yet. Eren Yeager’s transformation from a vengeful youth to a pivotal figure in the world’s fate is highlighted, with his actions and motivations becoming increasingly complex.
3. Revelations and Twists: This part unveils several critical revelations about the Titans’ origins, the world’s history, and the intricate web of lies and truths that have been spun since the series’ beginning.
4. Themes of Freedom and Sacrifice: Themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the moral ambiguity of war are explored in depth. The narrative questions the nature of freedom and the price that comes with it, especially in the context of the characters’ personal journeys and the larger geopolitical landscape.
5. Final Battles and Strategies: The part features some of the most intense and strategically complex battles in the series, involving both human and Titan combat. These battles are not just physical confrontations but also ideological clashes, reflecting the series’ thematic depth.
6. Emotional Depth: The emotional stakes are at their highest, with characters confronting their past, their beliefs, and each other. Relationships are tested, and allegiances shift, adding to the narrative’s emotional weight.

This overview sets the stage for the detailed exploration of the ending in the subsequent sections, where the implications of these developments and their impact on the characters and the world of “Attack on Titan” are discussed in depth.

Summary of the ending

The chapter concludes with a leap in time spanning three years; the day marking the cessation of the Rumbling is now etched in history as the Battle of Heaven and Earth. Despite the disappearance of Titans, the Islanders remain gripped by apprehension, wary of potential repercussions from the rest of the world. The newly formed nation of Eldia organizes its military forces, rallying under the Yeagerist banner. Queen Historia, now a mother to a three-year-old daughter, pens a letter to Armin, stating, “In victory, we find life. In defeat, we face death. Without the will to fight, triumph eludes us. This struggle persists until either Eldia or the world vanishes. Eren believed this, and he may be right. Nevertheless, he entrusted the world to us, the realm we now inhabit – a world free from Titans.”

Armin, Reiner, Annie, Jean, Connie, and Pieck hold onto the hope that upon their return to the Island, having dismantled the Walls and confronted Eren, they can facilitate a peace agreement as Ambassadors for Peace Talks representing the Allied Nations. Connie’s trust in Historia and Armin’s conviction that sharing their perspective will suffice create an optimistic conclusion for Attack on Titan.

Ending Explained

The finale of “Attack on Titan” is a complex convergence of the series’ long-running themes and character arcs. Here, we break down the key elements of the final episode, providing clarity on its narrative choices and their implications:

1. Eren’s Motivations Unveiled: The crux of the ending revolves around understanding Eren Yeager’s true intentions. His seemingly antagonistic actions are revealed to be part of a larger plan aimed at freeing the Eldians and ending the cycle of hatred, albeit through extreme measures.
2. The Rumbling: A significant event in the finale is the activation of the Rumbling, a catastrophic unleashing of the wall Titans upon the world. This act serves as a drastic step towards Eren’s goal of ending the long-standing conflict between Eldians and Marleyans.
3. Alliance Against Eren: A pivotal part of the ending is the formation of an unlikely alliance between former enemies, both Eldians and Marleyans, who come together to stop Eren’s extreme measures. This alliance symbolizes the series’ theme of overcoming deep-seated hatred and working towards a common goal.
4. Character Fates: The finale reveals the fates of key characters like Mikasa, Armin, and Levi. Their individual journeys reach emotional conclusions, reflecting their growth and the impact of their decisions throughout the series.
5. The Final Confrontation: The climax features a dramatic confrontation between Eren and the alliance, leading to a decisive and heart-wrenching outcome. This confrontation is not just a battle but also a culmination of the philosophical and moral debates that the series has posed.
6. Aftermath and Resolution: The ending shows the aftermath of the final battle, providing glimpses into the future of the world and how the events have reshaped the geopolitical landscape. It also addresses the lingering question of whether true peace is achieved.
7. Themes Brought Full Circle: The conclusion of the series brings its central themes – the cycle of violence, the cost of freedom, and the complexity of human nature – full circle, offering a reflective and thought-provoking end to the saga.

This breakdown of the final episode aims to clarify its complex narrative and thematic elements, offering insights into how “Attack on Titan” concludes its ambitious and emotionally charged story.

Thematic Analysis

The final part of “Attack on Titan” is not just a conclusion to its story but also a culmination of its thematic explorations. Here’s a brief analysis of the major themes concluded in the final part:

1. Freedom vs. Determinism: The series has always grappled with the concept of freedom. In the finale, this theme reaches its zenith as characters confront their destinies. The question of whether their actions are determined by fate or free will is central to the narrative.
2. Cycle of Hatred and Violence: A recurring theme is the endless cycle of hatred and violence that plagues humanity. The ending addresses whether this cycle can be broken and at what cost, reflecting on the series’ long-standing narrative of conflict and revenge.
3. Moral Ambiguity: “Attack on Titan” is known for its morally gray characters and situations. The final part intensifies this, challenging viewers to reconsider their views on right and wrong, especially through the actions and decisions of characters like Eren Yeager.
4. Sacrifice and Loss: The theme of sacrifice is pivotal in the finale. Characters are forced to make difficult decisions, often involving great personal loss, highlighting the series’ ongoing narrative of sacrifice for the greater good.
5. Power and Responsibility: The handling of power and its accompanying responsibilities is a critical theme. The finale delves into how characters like Eren, who wield immense power, deal with the burden of their capabilities and the consequences of their actions.
6. Identity and Legacy: Characters struggle with their identities and the legacies they wish to leave behind. This theme is particularly poignant in the context of the Eldian people and their history.
7. Hope Amidst Despair: Despite the grim settings and events, the theme of hope persists. The final part explores whether hope can emerge from despair and what form it takes in a world ravaged by conflict.

These themes, woven intricately throughout the series, find resolution or, in some cases, deeper exploration in the final part. They contribute to the rich tapestry of “Attack on Titan,” making it a thought-provoking and impactful series.

Symbolism and Allegory

“Attack on Titan” is rich in symbolic elements and allegories, especially evident in its final part. These elements not only enhance the story’s depth but also provide insights into its broader narrative and character arcs. Here’s a look at some of the key symbolic and allegorical aspects:

1. The Walls: Symbolizing both protection and confinement, the walls are a powerful metaphor for the limitations placed on freedom and knowledge. In the finale, the fate of the walls reflects the broader theme of breaking free from constraints, both physical and ideological.
2. The Titans: Initially representing a clear and present danger, Titans evolve to symbolize the complexities of human nature and the cycle of oppression and victimhood. Their origin and role in the final part offer a deeper allegorical meaning to the struggle for power and control.
3. The Basement: Eren’s basement, a long-standing mystery in the series, symbolizes the pursuit of truth and the revelation of hidden histories. Its significance in the final part underscores the power of knowledge and the impact of uncovering the past.
4. The Ackerman Clan: The Ackermans, with their unique abilities and history, represent the themes of legacy and the burden of predetermined roles. Their journey in the final part highlights the struggle for individuality against inherited destiny.
5. The Coordinate: As the point where all paths meet, the Coordinate is an allegory for the interconnectedness of lives and events. It reflects the series’ exploration of fate, causality, and the impact of individual actions on the larger tapestry of history.
6. Birds: Frequently appearing throughout the series, birds symbolize freedom and the desire to escape confinement. In the final part, they take on a poignant significance, representing the aspiration for a world unbound by fear and oppression.
7. The Rumbling: Beyond its plot significance, the Rumbling represents the culmination of years of anger, resentment, and desire for liberation. It’s an allegory for the destructive potential of unchecked power and the consequences of extreme measures in the pursuit of peace.

Each of these symbols and allegories enriches the narrative of “Attack on Titan,” adding layers of meaning and contributing to a more profound understanding of its themes and messages.

The post-credits scene

A remarkable conclusion that leaves no room for betterment, and the post-credits scene unveils additional pages that the manga received after its conclusion.

In this scene, we glimpse into the future of Paradis Island, witnessing a harrowing fate where it lies in ruins, yet something endures. A tree, the site where Eren Yeager’s remains rest, gradually transforms into a striking resemblance of the place where it all began, discovered by Ymir Fritz, the founder, two millennia ago. Will history repeat itself? A young Eldian, exploring the terrain with his dog, discovers the tree and observes it with curiosity. The scene concludes as he is poised to enter it. The outcome rests on each individual, and we remain uncertain about the passage of time and what memories persist among the current population regarding the events that unfolded. In this modern and technologically advanced world, where Titans may possibly be confronted in a much more formidable manner than in Ymir’s time, the narrative leaves us questioning the potential future.

Fan theories

Many viewers began to create fan theories after watching the post-credits scene. Someone even noticed that one of the titans we see during the final battle on Eren’s back looks like a dog. Therefore, it is possible that this is a titan from the future who became a dog and not a boy.

Another interesting theory is that the boy is Mikasa’s son, because of the similarities in appearance and the scarf around his neck.

But the most important theory is that the power of the titans has not disappeared, and everything in the world repeats itself, closing the circle of anger and hatred between people. And as long as people live, this enmity and power struggle will not end.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of “Attack on Titan,” it’s clear that this anime transcends its genre, offering a story rich in depth, complexity, and emotion. The final part of the series not only provided a climactic end to its epic narrative but also left a lasting impression through its thematic depth and character development. From the unraveling of Eren Yeager’s motivations to the symbolic weight of its allegories, the series challenged viewers to ponder profound questions about freedom, morality, and the cycles of history.

The diverse reactions from fans and critics alike testify to the series’ impact and its place in the annals of anime history. Whether through its storytelling prowess, artistic achievement, or philosophical depth, “Attack on Titan” has carved out a legacy that will endure, inviting future generations to explore its rich narrative tapestry. In sum, this series stands not only as a landmark in anime but also as a powerful narrative exploration of the human condition.