The Existence of Titans in Attack on Titan

In the world of Attack on Titan, titans are not merely creatures of fiction but are deeply intertwined with the lore and themes of the series. Understanding their existence reveals a complex narrative about power, identity, and the human condition. This article delves into the origins and significance of these colossal beings, examining the historical, mythological, and symbolic aspects behind their creation.

Historical and Mythological Influences

The existence of titans in Attack on Titan is primarily due to a combination of historical and mythological factors within the story's universe. The universe is a rich tapestry of ancient and modern elements, which blend together to create a unique and compelling narrative.

The Founding Titan

The Founding Titan is a central figure in the history of the world. It possesses the ability to control other titans and influence the memories of Eldians, making it a pivotal element in the series. The story begins with the tale of Ymir Fritz, the progenitor of all titans, who made a pact with a mysterious entity. After her tragic death, her powers were inherited by her descendants, leading to the creation of the titans.

Eldian Bloodline

Titans are primarily a result of the Eldian people, who have a unique ability to transform into titans. This transformation is triggered when an Eldian is injected with titan spinal fluid. The Eldians are the descendants of Ymir Fritz, whose powers were split into the Nine Titans after her death.

The Curse of Ymir

The Curse of Ymir is the driving force behind the titans' existence. Ymir Fritz made a pact with a mysterious entity, granting her the ability to transform into a titan. Her powers were inherited by her descendants, perpetuating the cycle of titan transformations among the Eldians. This curse has become a defining feature of the Eldian people and the world they live in.

Social and Political Context

The existence of titans serves as a key plot device that reflects the themes of oppression, fear, and the struggle for freedom. The titans are often used as a tool of warfare and control, particularly by the Marleyan government, which uses the threat of titans to subjugate the Eldian population. This social and political context adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complex and often dark realities of the world.

Symbols and Themes

Titans also symbolize the consequences of humanity's actions, such as the impacts of war, suffering, and the cycle of hatred. The fear of titans drives many of the character motivations and conflicts throughout the series. This theme is explored through various angles, including the character arcs and the overarching plot.

The Origins of the Titans

Long ago, when all manner of strange things began to form, the source of all life gave birth to a perfect and unchanged creature. This creature remained untouched for millennia until the arrival of Ymir Fritz, a slave girl who performed an act of kindness that would change her fate forever.

One fateful day, Ymir freed a pig from its pen, leading to her release from her captors. However, her kindness would be short-lived as she was later captured and sent into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Finding refuge in a great tree, Ymir encountered a creature that remained unchanged for millennia.

This encounter granted Ymir unprecedented power, leading to her transformation into the very first Titan. Ymir, known as the Founder Ymir, would become the mother of all Titans. Despite her power, Ymir remained a slave to her tyrant king, using her abilities for mass slaughter in his conquests.

The king's greed led him to reward Ymir with his seed, which resulted in the conception of Ymir's three daughters: Maria, Sheena, and Rose. Ymir lived for another 13 years before meeting a tragic end, preventing an assassination attempt on the king. As a final act of preservation, the king had Ymir's children eat their mother, splitting her power into three distinct Titan forms. Ymir was trapped within the Paths, a realm outside of time and space, and was tasked with crafting the bodies of all future Titans.

King Fritz continued the practice of passing down the Titan powers through cannibalism, ensuring the Eldian empire's dominance. This act of preserving power through such a brutal and gruesome ritual defined the Eldian society and the world they lived in.

Conclusion

The existence of titans in Attack on Titan is a central element that shapes the story's narrative. It is deeply intertwined with the series' lore and themes, encapsulating a complex story about power, identity, and the human condition. The origins of the titans, their transformation, and their significance within the world of the series make them both a fascinating and terrifying aspect of this epic tale.