Attack on Titan, also known as Shingeki no Kyojin, has taken the world by storm as one of the most successful action anime series to date. With its captivating storyline, complex characters, and intense action, it’s no wonder that fans are entranced by the world of Attack on Titan. What sets this series apart from other shonen anime is its portrayal of heroes and villains. Unlike many shonen series where the line between good and evil is clear-cut, in Attack on Titan, the concept is far more nuanced. This adds a level of depth to the series that keeps viewers engaged and invested in the characters.
At the center of Attack on Titan is Eren Yeager, the unlikely protagonist of the series. Eren starts off as a typical shonen hero, but over the course of the series, he transforms into something much more complex. As the series progresses, Eren’s motivations and beliefs are called into question, causing him to question his own identity as a hero. This evolution of Eren’s character is what makes Attack on Titan stand out, as he becomes an anti-hero in the later seasons. The transformation of Eren’s character, combined with the ambiguous nature of heroes and villains in the series, adds a level of unpredictability that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Meet the Most Feared Villains in Attack on Titan
In the world of “Attack on Titan”, the main antagonists shift as the story progresses. The initial villains were the Armored and Colossal Titans, wreaking havoc and destruction on the land of Eldia. However, the arrival of the Female Titan brought about even more tragedy, as she was responsible for the deaths of many members of the Survey Corps. The truth was, these villains were merely pawns in a larger game, brainwashed from childhood and forced to carry out a mission to retrieve the Founding Titan and destroy Eldia. Their actions were driven by the need to protect their families, even if it meant sacrificing innocent lives.
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Then there’s Zeke Yeager, the Beast Titan, who betrayed his own parents and became a warrior for Marley. He used his powers to massacre countless innocent people and even wiped out almost the entire Survey Corps. Despite his cunning intellect, Zeke never hesitated to betray or harm anyone, be it his enemies or his allies, in his quest to sterilize the Eldian race. Despite his monstrous acts, he did have a soft spot for his brother, hoping to create a better future for him.
Lastly, the protagonist Eren Yaeger, who some might consider a villain himself. He has the ability to control the Titans and has caused the deaths of millions. Yet, Eren’s actions were driven by his desire to make his friends, Armin and the alliance, heroes who could save humanity from extinction by stopping him. He was willing to sacrifice everything, even his own life, to ensure their freedom. In the end, it can be said that none of these characters were true villains, but rather did what they believed was right, whether raised in Eldia or Marley. The real villain of the series, in fact, stems from a much earlier time period.
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Karl Fritz – The Actual Villain
Karl Fritz, the 145th King of Eldia, was the root cause of the atrocities committed by the Eldian Empire. Through his marriage to Ymir, he gained access to her Titan powers and used it to conquer and enslave nations, resulting in countless war crimes and acts of genocide.
But his reign was nearly cut short when a group of Marleyan soldiers attempted to assassinate him. Ymir, in a selfless act of love, took the blow meant for Karl, sacrificing her life for his. But instead of grieving for his fallen wife, Karl saw only the potential loss of the Titan power and ordered her corpse to be chopped up and fed to their three daughters, perpetuating a cycle of cannibalism within the royal family to maintain their rule.
Karl Fritz, with his insatiable thirst for power and utter disregard for those closest to him, was the true villain of the story. He single-handedly set in motion a never-ending cycle of pain and suffering that was only broken by the determination of Eren and the Scout Regiment.
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