Why Eren Killed 80% of Humanity: Unveiling the Complex Motivations of a Troubled Hero

In the world of Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager is a character that elicits both fascination and controversy. His actions throughout the series have been nothing short of tumultuous, culminating in his decision to exterminate 80% of humanity outside the confines of Paradis Island. While this act may seem unfathomably cruel and devoid of any semblance of justification, a deeper exploration into Eren's motivations reveals a complex tapestry of emotions, trauma, and a desperate desire to protect the people he holds dear.

1. The Cycle of Hatred: A Never-Ending Spiral of Violence

Eren's childhood was marred by tragedy. He witnessed the death of his mother at the hands of a Titan, an event that instilled in him an unyielding hatred for the creatures responsible for his mother's demise. As Eren grew older, he became acutely aware of the cyclical nature of violence and the endless conflict between humans and Titans. He realized that Paradis Island, the place he called home, was trapped in a perpetual state of war, with both sides inflicting unimaginable atrocities upon one another.

2. The Basement Revelations: Unraveling a Dark History

A pivotal moment in Eren's life occurred when he discovered the secrets hidden within his father's basement. The information he unearthed revealed a shocking truth: the Titans were not mindless monsters but rather humans who had been subjected to a horrific transformation. This revelation shattered Eren's black-and-white perception of the world and forced him to confront the unsettling reality that there was no clear distinction between good and evil.

3. The Path Forward: A Desperate Gamble for Survival

The weight of the knowledge he had acquired coupled with the incessant threat of annihilation from the outside world pushed Eren to the brink of despair. He came to believe that the only way to break the cycle of hatred and ensure the survival of his people was to take drastic action. This conviction led him to enact the Rumbling, a cataclysmic event that would eradicate 80% of humanity beyond the borders of Paradis Island.

4. The Dilemma of Morality: Questioning the Cost of Survival

Eren's decision to exterminate 80% of humanity was not made lightly. He grappled with the moral implications of his actions, wrestling with the guilt and horror of the lives he would extinguish. However, Eren ultimately concluded that the preservation of Paradis Island and the people he loved justified the immense sacrifice that would be demanded.

5. The Unseen Consequences: A Bleak Future in the Aftermath

The Rumbling had far-reaching and devastating consequences. The destruction it wrought reshaped the world, leaving behind a barren and desolate landscape. The survivors were left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives in a shattered world. The act of mass extermination left an indelible scar on the collective psyche of humanity, fueling distrust and animosity among the remaining nations.

Conclusion: A Tragic Hero's Desperate Choice

Eren Yeager is a complex and flawed character whose actions, while extreme and morally questionable, were driven by a fervent desire to protect his people and break the cycle of hatred that had plagued humanity for generations. His decision to exterminate 80% of humanity was born out of desperation and the belief that it was the only way to secure a future for Paradis Island. While his actions may have been drastic and resulted in immense suffering, they also sparked introspection and a dialogue about the nature of conflict, the boundaries of morality, and the complexities of human nature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why did Eren choose to exterminate 80% of humanity?

Eren's decision stemmed from his belief that it was the only way to break the cycle of hatred and ensure the survival of Paradis Island. He was convinced that the outside world would never cease its attempts to annihilate the people of Paradis, and that drastic action was necessary to protect his homeland.

2. Did Eren have any regrets about his actions?

While Eren was resolute in his conviction that the Rumbling was necessary, he was not immune to the guilt and horror of the lives he extinguished. He grappled with the moral implications of his decision, understanding the immense suffering it would cause.

3. What were the consequences of Eren's actions?

The Rumbling resulted in the destruction of 80% of humanity outside Paradis Island, leaving behind a barren and desolate world. The survivors were left to rebuild their lives in a shattered world, marked by distrust and animosity among the remaining nations.

4. Is Eren considered a hero or a villain?

Eren's legacy is a complex one. He is simultaneously revered as a hero for his unwavering dedication to protecting his people and reviled as a villain for the atrocities he committed. His actions have sparked a debate about the boundaries of morality and the complexities of human nature.

5. Did Eren achieve his goal of breaking the cycle of hatred?

While Eren's actions may have temporarily halted the conflict between Paradis Island and the outside world, they did not eradicate the underlying hatred and mistrust that fueled the conflict in the first place. The future of humanity remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether Eren's actions will ultimately lead to a lasting peace.