Was Eren Yeager Right to Initiate the Rumbling in Attack on Titan Chapter 139?

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Chapter 139 of Attack on Titan serves as a climactic conclusion to the series, presenting a complex resolution to Eren Yeager's character arc and his motivations. This article delves into the key points, moral implications, and broader themes explored in this pivotal chapter, providing insights into whether Eren was ultimately right in his actions.

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Eren’s Motivation

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In Chapter 139, Eren Yeager's decision to initiate the Rumbling was driven by an overwhelming desire to protect his friends and the future of his people. With the merciless Titans still present, he believed that the only way to ensure the survival and future of his people was to eliminate the threat posed by the rest of the world. For Eren, this was not a moment of delusion or recklessness, but a pivotal moment of clarity and conviction. He was willing to risk everything to guarantee the safety and prosperity of those he loved.

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The Consequences of His Actions

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The chapter unfolds to reveal the catastrophic aftermath of Eren's actions, resulting in massive loss of life and extensive destruction. The battle, though intended to protect their people, has left a profound and lasting impact on the world of Shiganshina. The desolation and suffering inflicted on both sides of the conflict raise profound questions about the morality of his choices and the expendability of human life. The stark reality of the consequences forces the audience to ponder whether the ends ever truly justify the means.

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Perspective of Other Characters

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Other characters, such as Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, are deeply affected by Eren's decisions. Their reflections throughout the chapter highlight the moral ambiguity of his path. While they understand Eren's intentions—his desire to protect their friends and future—there is a sense that even these noble aims were fatally flawed. The chapter underscores the complexity of their emotions, revealing that while they may not question his intentions, they cannot reconcile the reality of the results. This internal struggle adds depth to the narrative, portraying the weight of these decisions on all those involved.

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Themes of Freedom and the Cycle of Hatred

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The theme of freedom is central to Chapter 139, yet the cycle of hatred and violence continues unabated. Eren's actions, initially aimed at achieving freedom for his people, perpetuate a cycle of violence. This cycle is evident in Paradise Island's response to the Rumbling; the island seeks revenge for what Eren did, suggesting that his actions have fueled rather than quelled the cycle of hatred. The contrast between Eren's noble intentions and the ultimate result adds a layer of irony and complexity to the narrative, challenging the audience to consider the unintended consequences of well-intentioned actions.

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Conclusion

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Ultimately, whether Eren was 'right' is a gray area. On one hand, it can be argued that Eren was not trying to prove anything; his actions were driven by a desire to secure the future of his friends and people. He was merely trying to ensure their safety and happiness. However, the plan he devised, while initially aimed at achieving a noble goal, could have been executed more effectively. If the goal was to eliminate the threat and prevent another conflict, Eren's actions might have succeeded, and Paradise Island would not have faced retaliation. Instead, Eren's actions, while well-intentioned, ultimately backfired and led to greater suffering. Eren's downfall was not so much in his intentions but in the flawed execution of his plan.

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This chapter invites readers to reflect on the nature of heroism, the complexity of moral choices, and the unintended consequences of well-intentioned actions. It challenges the audience to deeper emotionally and intellectually, encouraging a nuanced understanding of the events and characters in the series.