Attack on Titan would never have worked with a happy ending

Modified Oct 07, 2024 20:30 GMT

The final episodes of Attack on Titan have been widely discussed in debates by fans as controversial and emotionally charged. The series is set in a world where humanity fights against giant creatures known as Titans. It features the main character, Eren Yeager, and his friends as they struggle for survival and freedom.

At all times, during its most intense plot, the story took themes of war, sacrifice, and vengeance. Many people were left divided by the somberness of the conclusion despite all the twists and turns. Some may have expected a happy ending, but Attack on Titan was never a story that could take simple resolutions.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from Attack on Titan.

Why Attack on Titan would never have worked with a happy ending, explained

Eren Yeager as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Attack on Titan would never have worked with a happy ending because it would have undermined its storyline's fundamental core. The series started off in a harsh world where survival came at an immense cost of sacrifice.

Battles were fought on several levels: against Titans, against deeper enemies, corruption in politics, betrayal, and human cruelty. This bleaker reality defined the series's tone and the choices its characters made.

Eren Yeager's transformation is one of the most drastic in anime history as he goes from an idealistic boy bent on eradicating Titans to a morally complex figure willing to sacrifice everything for his concept of freedom.

His journey was one of devastation and hopelessness, and a happy ending would have undone the very reasons and choices that made his character development.

Mikasa as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Likewise, all other characters, like Mikasa, Armin, and Levi, were played with this piece of balance with their idealistic mind and brutal exposure, which cannot go hand in hand with a peaceful end.

Also, the themes in Attack on Titan — war, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of violence — point to the fact that peace cannot be easy to achieve. From the start, it was clear that peace born from war is fragile and comes with a high price. Characters like Zeke and Eren specifically noted that this world could not have a truly happy resolution for them without the prodigious magnificence of suffering and loss.

Though controversial and sad, the ending was also truthful to the themes. It demonstrated the point that peace comes at too high a cost and leaves scars that cannot heal.

Any attempt to end the series on a happy note would have sold out what the characters fought for and what the audience learned: peace through war is never guaranteed or permanent, while its cost is always too severe. Attack on Titan's ending, even though tragic and sad, is fitting and justified.

Why the Attack on Titan ending is controversial, explained

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

The finale of Attack on Titan is controversial, mainly due to Eren Yeager's drastic decision to exterminate mankind outside Paradis Island. According to many fans, it was not easy to accept his transformation from a hero to a mass murderer, accusing him of betrayal of original principles in relation to his choice.

While some considered his actions a necessary evil for the survival of his people, to others, they compromised the moral complexity that had been established in the series. This division in interpretation has caused extended debate regarding the morality, sacrifice, and real meaning of freedom, getting many reactions from the viewers.

Final thoughts

Attack on Titan would never have succeeded if it were to end on a happy note since it contradicts the themes of exploring deep and complex issues. It repeatedly brings out the harsh realities of survival, sacrifice, and the cost of war.

Eren’s transformation and all the characters' changes especially make the point that true resolution often comes at a profound cost. The effort and learning that occurred throughout the story would have been undermined by a light, happy ending.

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Edited by Shreya Das