Will Reiner Turn His Back on the Marleyan Army?

In the intricate and tumultuous world of Attack on Titan, the enigmatic character of Reiner Braun poses a fascinating question: Will he ultimately break ties with the Marleyan Army and embrace his allegiance to Paradis, or will he remain loyal to Marley? This article delves into Reiner's journey, exploring the complex loyalties and emotional struggles that shape his character, and provides insights into whether he might turn his back on his former allegiance.

Reiner's Character Arc and Complex Loyalties

Reiner Braun, a character deeply rooted in the Attack on Titan saga, has undergone a profound character arc. His journey is marked by the tension between his loyalty to Marley and his newfound allegiance to Paradis, a conflict that has become increasingly intricate as the narrative progresses. Throughout the series, Reiner struggles with his past decisions and the far-reaching consequences they have on his relationships and actions.

The conflict reaches a pivotal point in the final chapters, where Reiner's loyalties become more complex than ever. This question—whether Reiner will turn his back on the Marleyan Army—hangs in the balance, reflecting his ongoing character development and the overarching themes of the series concerning freedom, loyalty, and redemption.

Reiner's Internal Battle

Reiner's internal battle is one of the most compelling aspects of his character. His mind has always been split between two worlds: his home in Marley and his comrades in Paradis. This duality is reflected in his actions and decisions throughout the series. For instance, just after returning from the Paradis mission with Bertolt and Annie, Reiner's mindset was in turmoil. He exhibited significant depression and even attempted suicide, signifying the immense emotional turmoil within him.

A turning point occurs when Reiner encounters Eren in Marley. Despite the plan being Eren's, Reiner's emotional breakdown and request for Eren to kill him demonstrate a profound shift in his perspective, marking the first time he truly renounced Marley. This moment is a critical juncture in his character arc, illustrating his deep emotional struggles with his past and loyalty.

Reiner's survival after the Raid on Liberio and his subsequent reemergence in the War for Paradis arc add another layer to his complex loyalties. Although he appeared dead, he was revealed to be alive and participated actively in the conflict. It was only after the Jaw Titan, Porco Galliard, touched upon his past, that Reiner's mind shattered once again. This event marks another pivotal moment, where Reiner's allegiances became further blurred.

Final Collapse and Allegiance Shift

The crux of the question lies in the final events of the series. Reiner witnesses the destruction of the Founding Titan and the ensuing Rumbling, which lead to a profound shift in his mindset. As Eren conveys his intention to destroy the world, Reiner exclaims that they have already lost. This statement is, indeed, a clear indication of his repudiation of Marley.

The final act of Marley leaving Reiner behind without a care further cements his status as a Soldier of Paradis, rather than a Warrior of Marley. His decision to join forces with his old friends to save the world from Eren in Chapter 126 reiterates his allegiance to Paradis. Similarly, the actions of Magath and Pieck, the Marleyan general and Cart Titan, respectively, further solidify the shift in their allegiances.

Conclusion

The question of whether Reiner will turn his back on the Marleyan Army remains an open debate. However, based on his actions and the narrative trajectory, it seems that Reiner has indeed turned his back on Marley. The events of the series have irreversibly shaped his allegiances, and he is now more aligned with Paradis than ever before.

Stay tuned for the next chapter to see how Reiner's mindset evolves and to witness the final outcome of his allegiances in Attack on Titan.

Note: Points discussed in this article may be subject to change as more chapters of the Attack on Titan series are released.