Attack on Titancan be considered one of the most popular horror animes to date. The show focuses on what is believed to be the last humans on earth, safe behind three walls. At least that’s what humanity thought until titan shifters from the opposing nation of Marley broke down the walls and the reality of the people who live within.
Before the walls and the wars, there was a young girl named Ymir Fritz. No one knows how, but she obtained the power to transform into a titan. She was the first titan,giving her unimaginable power; sadly, after thirteen years, she died. Her soul was divided into nine titans. These 9 Titans were able to pass their power down their lineage and founded the Kingdom of Eldia. Over the years, the families fought for control over the titan abilities, only being stopped by the Fritz family, who held the power of the founding titan. It is with Karl Fritz, the 145th King of Eldia, that the history of Paradis begins.
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The Collapse of Eldia
King Fritz was known for his kindness and immense guilt over his ancestors' war. Fritz no longer wanted to fight this war. Deciding that it would be best to leave and allow Eldia to fall. It’s during the year 743 that King Karl Fritz begins his plansto end the warwith the help of the Tybur family (the family who possesses the War Hammer Titan).
Together a fake Marleyan hero named Helos was created to provide hope amongst the ostracized Marlyans. Having everything in place, King Fritz takes his family and as many Eldian’s to Paradis Island. Erecting walls made from Colossal Titans, King Fritz leaves Eldian to infighting and eventually complete destruction from the Marlyans.
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The collapse of Eldia is an important one to remember, especially when examining the society Marley constructed after taking over. With newfound power Marley was able to construct a false history, forcing the remaining Eldian’s to become second class citizens. Similar to the life the Marleyan’sexperienced under the reignof the Fritz family.
The events are extremely symbolic of how victors write the history books. Anything that once happened can be twisted into a new image, like the story of Helos. What started out as a false story transformed into a hero who destroyed the Devil of All Earth, which supposedly gave Ymir her powers (according to Marley history).
Flattening of the Earth
Having conquered Eldia, the new Marley nation looks to Paradis Island, where King Fritz and his people escaped too. Fearing war would come to the walls, King Fritz sends a threat to the rulers of Marley. If any of his people, within the walls or those still in Marley were harmed he would send an army of Colossal Titansto flatten the earth. With this threat hanging over the Marleyan’s, war finally ends. King Fritz changes his family name to Reiss and wipes the memories of Ymir’s people. Creating a new future for those within the walls while the truth is passed down through the Founding Titan.
For years the people within the walls believe to be the final specks of humanity. Thinking the rest have been devoured by the titans. While trapped within the walls, Marley builds a wall on the southern shore of Paradis. It’s here criminals and Eldians are transformed and pushed over the wall.Forced to roam the islandas titans for the rest of their lives. The actions of Marley are what leads to Grisha Yeager inheriting the Attack Titan, and the Paradise Island Operation to fail.
Much of this history is kept secret through the anime, only those possessing a titan having the memories of these events. It isn’t until Willy Tybur, the brother of Lara Tybur who has the War Hammer Titan, exposes the truth during his play. Those in the crowd are shocked to hear the news, some not even believing it. Could the old Eldian King really have saved them, and if so would his threat of flattening the earth come true? No, Karl Fritz ensured that no harm would come toanyone after his death. Part of what a titan holder gains is the convictions of the past users, so for those who gain the Founding Titan ability, they’ll have no desire to send out the Colossal titans.
What does all mean for the final part of season four? With the truth revealed, perhaps history will repeat itself again. We might see the rise of the Eldian people against the Marleyans, or they’ll escape to Paradis Island as King Fritz did all those years ago. Then again, with the attack starting at the end of season four-part one, we might see a new ending, something history hasn’t shown fans yet. With thepower of three titansunder his belt, Eren might have the ability to stop all wars for good, like Karl Fritz wanted, or he might destroy the world.
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