Why Was Mikasa the Only One to Kill Eren in Attack on Titan?

In Chapter 138 of Attack on Titan, Mikasa takes the ultimate step and kills Eren. This pivotal moment is shaped by a complex interplay of emotional connection, thematic significance, and character development. Here’s a deeper dive into these factors and why Mikasa’s journey serves as a powerful emotional arc for fans.

Emotional Connection Childhood Bond

Mikasa's relationship with Eren is not just one of military comrades or allies. They have shared a deep emotional bond since childhood. This emotional connection is both a strength and a source of challenge for Mikasa. Throughout the series, her love for Eren has driven her to make difficult and often dangerous choices. Her emotional connection provides a unique perspective and resolve that allows her to confront Eren with the finality of his defeat.

Eren’s Transformation

By the time he reaches the end of the series, Eren has undergone significant physical and ideological changes. His actions have led to devastating consequences, and he has become a major threat to the survival of the Survey Corps and humanity. This transformation makes Eren a different kind of enemy compared to previous foes. Levi, on the other hand, has a more complicated relationship with Eren. Levi's role is more focused on the broader implications of Eren's actions and the fight against the Titans. Due to his past experiences and the trauma he has faced, Levi is less emotionally equipped to deal with Eren in the same personal and powerful way that Mikasa is.

Thematic Significance Love, Sacrifice, and Violence

Mikasa's killing of Eren serves as a poignant culmination of their relationship and the overarching themes of love, sacrifice, and the cycle of violence. This moment highlights the tragic nature of their bond, emphasizing the lengths one will go to protect loved ones, even from themselves. Levi’s role is more aligned with the broader fight against Eren’s ideology rather than a personal confrontation. This makes Mikasa the one who ultimately ends Eren's life, adding an emotional weight to the narrative and the characters' journeys.

Levi’s Condition Personal Responsibility

At this point in the story, Levi is also physically weakened and emotionally burdened after the events of the previous battles. His focus has shifted towards the larger battle and the consequences of Eren's actions, making him less likely to take on the personal responsibility of killing Eren. Levi’s primary goal and promise is to kill Zeke, his arch-enemy, which is a crucial motivation for his character. If Levi were to kill Eren instead of Zeke, it would upset the established narrative and disrupt the emotional journeys of both Levi and Mikasa.

Character Emotional Journeys

Mikasa’s emotional journey throughout the series has been one of deepening attachment and acceptance of her role in ending Eren's life. Her willingness to kill Eren shows her growth and her ability to accept the necessity of such an action for the greater good. Levi, meanwhile, remains focused on his personal goal of killing Zeke, which is part of his emotional and narrative arc.

Why Levi Isn’t the One to Kill Eren

Levi’s primary mission is to kill Zeke. If he were to kill Eren instead, it would undermine his personal and professional goals, as well as disrupt the emotional journeys of both characters. This decision keeps the focus on Mikasa’s journey and the intricate emotional stakes involved in her decision to kill Eren. It leaves room for further exploration of Mikasa’s growth and the complexity of her relationship with Eren.

In conclusion, Mikasa’s unique position as someone deeply connected to Eren and emotionally equipped to confront him, combined with the narrative and thematic needs of the story, makes her the ideal choice to deliver the final blow. This decision enhances the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative, ensuring a powerful and memorable ending for fans.