Attack on Titan and the Philosophy of Freedom vs. Fate
Written by Johan Kim
Attack on Titan, created by Hajime Isayama, has captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling battles, complex characters, and post-apocalyptic setting. But beneath the layers of action and intrigue lies a profound exploration of philosophical questions—chief among them, the tension between freedom and fate. The series grapples with whether humans can truly break free from the forces that shape their lives or if they are bound by an inevitable fate that dictates their actions and outcomes.
In a world where humanity is caged within walls, constantly facing the threat of extinction, Attack on Titan raises questions about what it means to be free. Are the characters fighting to achieve true freedom, or are they merely pawns in a preordained struggle? As the story unfolds, themes of freedom, choice, and destiny intertwine, challenging both the characters and viewers to reflect on the meaning of autonomy in a world full of constraints.
PART 1: The Walls as Symbols of Constraint and Control
The three concentric walls that encase humanity in Attack on Titan—Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sina—represent much more than physical barriers; they are symbolic of humanity’s confinement within its own limitations. Within these walls, humanity is shielded from the monstrous Titans outside, but at a great cost: their freedom and their worldview. The walls both protect and confine, creating a paradox that lies at the heart of the series.
For many characters, especially in the early episodes, the walls are synonymous with fate. Generations have lived and died within these boundaries, convinced that the Titans beyond the walls represent an insurmountable threat. This mindset reinforces a sense of inevitability, instilling the belief that humanity’s fate is to remain trapped. For Eren Yeager, however, the walls become a suffocating symbol of oppression, sparking his desire to break free from what he perceives as a forced reality.
The walls shape the beliefs and behaviors of the people within, who come to view their limited existence as the only possible way to live. This psychological confinement is as powerful as the physical one, leading to complacency and fear of the unknown. Attack on Titan uses the walls to pose questions about the nature of freedom, suggesting that true liberation may require the courage to face not only external dangers but also the internal boundaries imposed by one’s beliefs.
PART 2: Eren’s Quest for Freedom: A Rebellion Against Fate
Eren Yeager is the embodiment of rebellion against fate. From a young age, he is driven by an intense desire for freedom and a refusal to accept the limitations imposed by the walls. To Eren, the walls are not a source of security; they are an oppressive force that stifles his ambition to see the world beyond. His desire to break free from his constrained existence is not just about escaping physical barriers—it’s a philosophical rebellion against a world that feels preordained and controlled.
Eren’s journey is marked by a fierce pursuit of autonomy, but as the series progresses, he learns that freedom is far more complex than he initially imagined. His battles against Titans, and eventually against humanity’s own systems of control, reveal the harsh realities of the world and the weight of his choices. As he uncovers hidden truths about his society, his family, and himself, Eren’s simplistic view of freedom begins to unravel, and he is forced to confront questions of morality, sacrifice, and responsibility.
Through Eren’s character, Attack on Titan examines the human drive for freedom, even when it comes at great personal and moral cost. Eren’s transformation reflects the tension between youthful ideals and the burdens of reality. His actions, though controversial, underscore the series’ exploration of freedom and fate as dual forces shaping human lives. Eren’s journey serves as a reminder that the pursuit of freedom can be fraught with challenges and consequences, forcing individuals to make difficult choices in their quest for autonomy.
PART 3: The Role of Fate in Titan Powers and Bloodlines
In the world of Attack on Titan, the notion of fate is also deeply tied to the Titan powers and the bloodlines that carry them. The Eldian people, for instance, are genetically linked to the power of the Titans, making them both revered and feared by others. This connection to Titans defines the lives of the Eldians, many of whom are forced to bear the burden of their heritage.
The Titan powers themselves seem to represent an unbreakable link to fate. Only those of Eldian descent can inherit and wield these powers, creating a hierarchy that perpetuates cycles of violence, prejudice, and oppression. The ability to transform into Titans and the responsibilities it entails are inherited, not chosen, making those who carry this power bound by the weight of history and ancestry. Characters like Zeke, Reiner, and Eren face moral dilemmas shaped by this inheritance, questioning whether they are fighting for personal freedom or fulfilling a destiny imposed upon them.
Additionally, the power of the Founding Titan, which can alter the memories of all Eldians, raises questions about free will. The Founding Titan’s ability to manipulate memories reinforces the idea that individual freedom is limited by external forces—powers that can reshape one’s very sense of identity and reality. Through these Titan powers and bloodlines, Attack on Titan suggests that individuals are often bound by forces beyond their control, tied to a fate that predates them. The series raises difficult questions about the extent to which individuals can shape their destinies in a world where power, heritage, and fate are so deeply intertwined.
PART 4: Armin and Mikasa: Perspectives on Freedom vs. Fate
As Eren’s closest friends, Armin and Mikasa provide alternative perspectives on the struggle between freedom and fate. Armin, known for his intellect and strategic mind, often wrestles with philosophical questions about humanity and freedom. While he values freedom, he also acknowledges the weight of responsibility that comes with it. Armin’s approach to freedom is nuanced—he recognizes that while everyone has the right to seek autonomy, they must also consider the consequences of their actions on others.
Mikasa, on the other hand, is driven by loyalty and an unbreakable bond with Eren. Her sense of fate is less about destiny and more about personal allegiance. Mikasa’s dedication to protecting Eren and following him wherever he goes reflects her acceptance of a fate intertwined with his, even if it means sacrificing her own desires. Her commitment raises questions about whether true freedom can be achieved when one’s sense of purpose is so deeply tied to another person.
Through Armin and Mikasa, Attack on Titan explores the balance between personal freedom and loyalty to others. While Armin seeks a path of cautious freedom, Mikasa embraces a self-imposed fate. Together, they provide a more nuanced view of freedom and fate, showing that different forms of autonomy exist and that each person’s struggle for liberation is unique.
PART 5: The Cycle of Violence: Freedom’s Cost and Fate’s Grip
One of the recurring themes in Attack on Titan is the cycle of violence, a destructive force that both limits freedom and reinforces the grip of fate. The series depicts a world where one generation’s quest for freedom often results in the suffering and oppression of the next. This cycle of revenge and conflict creates an environment where freedom seems unattainable, as each act of liberation gives birth to new forms of oppression.
The cycle of violence is particularly evident in the conflict between the Eldians and Marleyans. Both groups are bound by a history of mutual hostility, with each side viewing the other as an existential threat. For the Eldians, their freedom is tied to overcoming the oppression they face; for the Marleyans, freedom means eradicating what they see as the Titan threat. This perpetual struggle creates a chain of events that seems fated, as each generation inherits the grudges and hatred of the previous one.
Eren’s actions toward the end of the series bring this cycle of violence to its peak. His determination to secure freedom at any cost blurs the lines between heroism and tyranny, suggesting that the pursuit of freedom, when taken to its extreme, can perpetuate the very chains it seeks to break. Through this cycle, Attack on Titan questions whether true freedom can ever be achieved in a world where violence begets violence. The series implies that breaking free from fate requires not only physical liberation but also a willingness to abandon the desire for revenge and embrace peace—a choice that few characters are able to make.
PART 6: Freedom, Responsibility, and Moral Ambiguity
As Attack on Titan delves into the theme of freedom, it also explores the responsibilities and moral complexities that come with it. Characters like Eren are faced with choices that challenge conventional notions of right and wrong. Eren’s actions, though motivated by a desire for freedom, lead to devastating consequences, raising questions about the morality of his choices and the true cost of autonomy.
The series highlights that freedom is not an absolute good; it comes with obligations and sacrifices. Pursuing freedom often requires difficult decisions that can harm others, and Attack on Titan does not shy away from depicting these moral ambiguities. Through Eren’s journey, the series suggests that the quest for freedom can blur the line between hero and villain, forcing individuals to confront uncomfortable ethical questions.
This exploration of freedom’s cost adds depth to Attack on Titan’s philosophical inquiry. It presents freedom as a complex, multifaceted concept that requires not only courage but also a willingness to bear the moral weight of one’s choices. In this way, the series encourages viewers to reflect on their own beliefs about freedom, responsibility, and the ethical implications of pursuing autonomy in a world fraught with competing values.
Conclusion
Attack on Titan presents a nuanced exploration of freedom and fate, using its characters’ journeys to pose thought-provoking questions about human agency and destiny. By portraying freedom as both an aspiration and a burden, the series invites viewers to confront the complexities of autonomy and the moral weight it carries. In the end, Attack on Titan serves as a powerful meditation on the human condition, challenging us to consider our own beliefs about fate and freedom, and to seek meaning in a world that is often as unforgiving as it is inspiring.
PART 7: Final Reflections: Freedom vs. Fate in Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan ultimately presents freedom and fate as two sides of the same coin, with neither existing in isolation. The characters’ struggles to break free from fate often lead them into situations where they are forced to confront new forms of constraint. For Eren, Armin, Mikasa, and others, the pursuit of freedom is a journey that reveals both the possibilities and limitations of human autonomy.
The series suggests that while fate exerts a powerful influence on individuals, there is room for agency within these boundaries. Characters can make choices, form bonds, and seek purpose, even as they face the constraints of their world. By portraying freedom and fate as intertwined, Attack on Titan reflects the complexities of the human experience, acknowledging that while true freedom may be elusive, the struggle for autonomy is a defining aspect of life.
In its exploration of these themes, Attack on Titan invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs about destiny, choice, and the nature of freedom. It suggests that while fate may shape the circumstances of our lives, we have the power to choose how we respond. Through its characters and story, Attack on Titan reminds us that the pursuit of freedom, though challenging and sometimes painful, is a deeply human endeavor.