‘Attack on Titan’ Ends With the Sorrow of Freedom
When freedom is achieved, it often brings with it the pain of separation and personal sorrow. After much anticipation, the second half of the final season of the hit anime “Attack on Titan” has premiered. The episode not only met global expectations but also provided a fitting and poignant conclusion to the characters’ journey for freedom.
A Fitting Conclusion to a Decade-Long Journey
Following the 12-year journey of the “Attack on Titan” manga (2009-2021) by Isayama Hajime, the anime adaptation has concluded after a decade. “Attack on Titan” achieved significant success in both manga and anime formats. Since its debut in 2013, it became the best-selling anime of the year in Japan and the top-streamed anime on Funimation in 2014.
The anime received multiple awards, including the Newtype Anime Awards, Animation Kobe Awards, and Tokyo Anime Award. Recently, it won 6 out of 12 categories at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards (2023). When the final episode aired, millions of international fans, despite the lack of subtitles and unstable streaming quality, eagerly watched live on NHK or Twitch.
Even though there were technical issues, this only highlighted the anime’s success, as it kept viewers eagerly anticipating the final episode, despite knowing the ending from the manga.
The Slaves of Freedom
In a pivotal moment, Eren admits to Armin, “Armin, you’re right. I am a slave to freedom.” This line reflects Eren’s realization that achieving freedom often comes with personal sorrow.
Freedom, in this context, means a state of not being confined or restricted. Eren’s journey was driven by the desire to reach this state. From a young age, he was curious about what lay beyond the colossal walls and was determined to explore.
Despite his success in activating the “Rumbling” and devastating the world, Eren’s physical freedom was only temporary. His mind remained trapped in the shadows of his past. Similarly, Mikasa and the Founding Titan Ymir, despite their physical liberation, remain bound by their emotional chains.
Ymir’s love for King Fritz kept her bound for 2000 years, while Mikasa’s love for Eren, although deep and unwavering, also led her to struggle with the reality of his choices. Unlike Ymir, Mikasa took decisive action to confront Eren’s misguided path, offering a contrast that helped Ymir reflect on her own situation.
A Freedom Tinged with Sorrow
Ultimately, Eren finds the freedom he sought but at the cost of his own life. This moment of true freedom is also when sorrow arrives, filling the minds of both the departed and the ones left behind. Memories of their shared past and unfulfilled dreams are overshadowed by the bloodshed of humanity.
In their final moments, Mikasa and Eren say their goodbyes in the familiar setting of a wooden house on a grassy hill, cherishing their most peaceful memories together.
Thus, achieving freedom also means parting ways, with each person carrying their own sorrow, leaving behind unfulfilled reunions for personal grief.
