Why Was Attack On Titan Ending Controversial Plot Points Explained

When \"Attack on Titan\" concluded in 2021 after over a decade of serialized storytelling, it left fans around the world deeply divided. What began as a gripping survival narrative evolved into a complex exploration of war, freedom, and cyclical violence. The final arcs, particularly the \"Rumbling\" and Eren’s transformation into the villain of his own story, sparked intense debate. For many, the ending felt abrupt or inconsistent with earlier character development. Others praised it as a bold, thematically consistent culmination of the series’ core ideas. This article unpacks the most controversial plot points, examines the philosophical underpinnings, and provides context for why opinions remain so sharply split.

The Shift in Eren’s Character: From Hero to Genocide Architect

At the heart of the controversy is Eren Yeager’s dramatic transformation. Once portrayed as a determined youth seeking freedom from oppression, he becomes the orchestrator of global genocide through the Rumbling—a cataclysmic event where 80% of humanity outside Paradis is wiped out by colossal titans.

This shift shocked readers who had rooted for Eren throughout the series. His descent into extremism wasn’t sudden but gradual, seeded in earlier moments of trauma, isolation, and ideological rigidity. By Chapter 121, during the “Manga Dinner” meeting with Armin, Eren admits he wanted to destroy the world beyond the walls simply because he could. This confession alienated many fans who expected redemption or at least a more sympathetic motivation.

Tip: Revisit Eren’s conversations with Zeke in the Paths dimension—these scenes contain crucial foreshadowing about fate, desire, and inevitability.

Critics argue that Eren’s actions contradict his earlier ideals. Supporters counter that this evolution was always implied. Hajime Isayama, the creator, stated in interviews that Eren never truly believed in peace—he only ever wanted freedom for himself and his people, even if it meant becoming a monster.

“Eren didn’t want peace. He wanted freedom. And sometimes, freedom looks like destruction.” — Hajime Isayama, Final Interview (Shonen Magazine)

The Role of the Rumbling: Justified Defense or Unforgivable Atrocity?

The Rumbling—the activation of all Colossal Titans embedded in the Walls to crush the outside world—was framed both as an act of preemptive defense and mass murder. Paradis Island faced increasing military threats from Marley and other nations preparing invasions. Eren claimed the Rumbling was necessary to ensure Eldian survival.

Yet the scale of destruction goes far beyond self-defense. Millions of innocent civilians are erased without warning. Characters like Armin struggle with the moral weight of stopping Eren, knowing it means condemning their own people to potential future annihilation.

This duality lies at the thematic core of the series: the blurred line between victim and oppressor. Isayama forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths—those who suffer can become perpetrators when given power. The Rumbling isn’t glorified; it’s presented as tragic, inevitable, and horrifyingly logical within Eren’s warped worldview.

Key Moments Leading to the Rumbling

1. Eren infiltrates Liberio and kills numerous civilians, marking his first major break from morality.
2. He severs ties with Mikasa and Armin, believing emotional bonds weaken him.
3. In the Paths, he chooses a future of destruction despite seeing alternatives.
4. He activates the Founding Titan, initiating the Rumbling while claiming he “wanted this.”

Mikasa’s Choice: Love, Identity, and Letting Go

One of the most emotionally charged subplots involves Mikasa Ackerman. Her lifelong devotion to Eren has been central since the early chapters. However, in the finale, she cuts off his head after he is defeated, choosing to end his suffering rather than let others do it.

Some readers interpreted this act as romantic closure. Others found it problematic—especially given Mikasa’s limited agency throughout the series. Her identity was often defined solely by her relationship to Eren, raising concerns about how female characters were portrayed.

Isayama addressed this in commentary, stating that Mikasa’s final decision was not about love controlling her, but about reclaiming autonomy. By choosing to kill Eren herself, she breaks free from being “Eren’s protector” and asserts her own will.

Character	Role in Final Arc	Fan Reaction
Eren Yeager	Becomes antagonist; initiates Rumbling	Polarized – seen as tragic or unforgivable
Mikasa Ackerman	Kills Eren; finds personal closure	Mixed – praised for growth, criticized for romanticization
Armin Arlert	Negotiates peace post-Rumbling; becomes leader	Widely praised
Zeke Yeager	Sacrifices himself to stop Eren	Respected, though some found redemption rushed
Reiner Braun	Seeks forgiveness; survives	Emotionally impactful, seen as one of the most human arcs

The Ending’s Structure: Pacing and Narrative Compression

Perhaps the biggest source of backlash was the pacing of the final volumes. After years of meticulous buildup, the climax spans just a few chapters. Major battles, emotional confrontations, and geopolitical consequences are resolved rapidly.

The battle between the War Hammer Titan and the combined forces of Armin, Mikasa, and the Survey Corps happens in less than ten pages. The aftermath of the Rumbling—how the world rebuilds, how Paradis is perceived—is summarized in brief epilogue panels.

Fans expected more resolution. How did the global community respond? Did diplomacy succeed? What happened to Falco, Gabi, or Pieck? These questions were left unanswered or only hinted at.

Tip: Read the bonus chapter “From You, 2,000 Years Ago” for additional insight into the legacy of the characters and the long-term impact of their choices.

While some compression was inevitable due to serialization constraints, the lack of closure frustrated audiences invested in the world-building. Isayama later admitted that editorial deadlines influenced the final structure, limiting his ability to expand certain arcs.

Expert Insight: Analyzing the Thematic Intent

“The ending of 'Attack on Titan' isn’t about justice or victory. It’s about the cost of freedom and the illusion of heroes. Eren had to fall so the cycle could be questioned—not broken, but examined.” — Dr. Naomi Takahashi, Scholar of Japanese Narrative Psychology

This perspective reframes the controversy. Rather than failing as a story, \"Attack on Titan\" succeeds in challenging conventional shonen tropes. There is no clean triumph. No single ideology wins. Peace is fragile, achieved not through conquest but through dialogue, sacrifice, and mutual understanding.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Ending

Was Eren possessed by Ymir Fritz?

No—this is a common misconception. While Ymir Fritz granted Eren access to the power of the Founding Titan, she did not control him. In the Paths dimension, she tells Eren she was waiting for him to set her free. Her tears fall when Mikasa kisses him, symbolizing her release from centuries of servitude driven by unrequited love. Eren acted of his own volition, shaped by trauma and determinism, not possession.

Why didn’t the Founding Titan work outside Paradis earlier?

Due to the ancestral curse placed by King Karl Fritz, the Founding Titan could only exert full control over other Titans within the Walls of Paradis. Outside that radius, its powers were limited unless activated by someone with royal blood in proximity. Eren bypassed this restriction by obtaining the Coordinate (Paths dimension) and using Zeke’s royal lineage remotely, enabling the Rumbling to proceed globally.

Did Armin succeed in changing the world?

Yes, in a nuanced way. Though unable to stop the Rumbling entirely, Armin plays a critical role in halting Eren and later becomes a diplomat representing Paradis. In the epilogue, he meets with foreign leaders, advocating for peace. While conflict persists, his efforts plant seeds for reconciliation—mirroring the series’ message that change is slow and imperfect.

A Mini Case Study: Reiner Braun’s Redemption Arc

Reiner Braun offers one of the most compelling character journeys. A warrior from Marley who infiltrated Wall Rose, he spent years living a double life, grappling with guilt and dissociation. After being captured and tortured, he regresses into a childlike state, symbolizing psychological collapse.

His recovery begins through interactions with Gabi and Falco, younger warriors who mirror his past. Unlike Eren, Reiner seeks atonement. He fights not for victory, but to protect those he once would have seen as enemies.

Though he survives, he does so burdened by grief. His arc illustrates that healing doesn’t erase harm—and redemption isn’t guaranteed, only attempted. Fans widely praised this portrayal as one of the most realistic depictions of trauma and moral ambiguity in modern manga.

Checklist: Understanding the Ending’s Core Themes

• Recognize that Eren’s goal was freedom, not peace.
• Understand the difference between self-defense and vengeance in the Rumbling.
• Analyze how cycles of hatred repeat across generations.
• Consider the symbolism of Ymir Fritz’s liberation through love, not war.
• Reflect on whether true peace requires mutual understanding, not dominance.
• Accept that not all questions are answered—ambiguity is intentional.

Conclusion: Why the Controversy Matters

The backlash against \"Attack on Titan’s\" ending reveals more than dissatisfaction—it reflects how deeply the series resonated. When a story challenges expectations, especially one that spent years building empathy for its protagonist, discomfort is inevitable. The ending refused to offer easy answers, rejecting the idea that heroes must win or be forgiven.

Hajime Isayama crafted a tragedy, not a triumph. Eren’s downfall mirrors real-world conflicts where liberation movements turn violent, where love becomes obsession, and where history repeats because no one listens. The controversy isn’t a flaw—it’s evidence of the story’s power.

💬 Your thoughts matter. Whether you loved the ending or felt betrayed by it, your reaction is part of the ongoing conversation. Share your interpretation, engage respectfully with others, and keep discussing—because stories like this deserve to be debated, remembered, and understood.