Eren Yeager's biggest lie to Mikasa in Attack on Titan was also the most painful one

Modified Sep 30, 2024 00:30 GMT

Attack on Titan has taken a shocking turn in the final season with Eren Yeager's actions leading off into controversy. Eren got himself entangled in some pretty terrible things during this time, but perhaps the biggest betrayal goes to how he has treated Mikasa. In the last stretch, Eren's character transforms into someone bent on simply achieving one destructive goal.

Having been spoiled and loved by everyone around him, his previous warmth and loyalty turn cold and calculating towards his loved ones, even close friends. This dramatic turn results in one of the most painful lies he tells Mikasa, a moment that leaves an emotional scar on their relationship as a deep rift between them.

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

How Eren Yeager's biggest lie to Mikasa in Attack on Titan was more painful than fans think

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The biggest lie Eren Yeager has spoken to Mikasa in Attack on Titan is when he tells her that he has always hated her. It occurs at the most tense moment of the Final Season, when Eren, Mikasa, and Armin clash.

Eren argues that Mikasa's dedication to him is not because of free will, but because of the Ackerman bloodline, which, supposedly forces her to protect him. He goes so far as to claim that her actions aren't out of love, but rather a programmed instinct.

Eren's confession shattered the bond they had, leaving Mikasa questioning everything they shared. But the real weight of this lie was not in its cruelty— it was in its purpose.

Eren knew he would have to push away his closest friends in order to carry out his plan. It was not only Eren's endgame to finish the enemies but also a guarantee that someone close to him could have the opportunity to kill him if things ran too far.

Mikasa as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

In saying he hated Mikasa, Eren was attempting to break up her attachment so that once it was time for her to kill him, she would be able to cope better. He knew his feelings towards Mikasa would make this an obstacle, so this lie was placed to create that much-needed emotional distance.

This moment is truly heartbreaking in the story because, regardless of its necessity, it cuts to the heart of the most beautiful relationship. Mikasa had always been the protector of Eren, for whom she was ready to die. To be told suddenly that her care was unwelcome and meaningless hurt her terribly emotionally, but the strength to kill him at the right moment came from this blow.

Without this lie, perhaps she wouldn't have been able to do what she did, in which case the future of humanity would have faced great danger. The lie told by Eren is painful but tragic and necessary for his final end.

Final thoughts

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

Among all the hurtful lies that Eren Yeager told Mikasa at the end of Attack on Titan, the biggest lie stands out is the one where he said he hated her, which was a clever move meant to cut her from him and push her towards the hard task of killing him when necessary.

This lie was not only emotionally devastating for Mikasa, the one who protected Eren since day one, but it was also necessary for the plan undertaken by Eren to be a success. It transformed their once-deep relationship into a heartbreaking conflict, with love being sacrificed for survival.

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Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay