Who are the Titans in Attack on Titan?

Introduction to Titans: The Gigantic Antagonists of Attack on Titan

The colossal story of Attack on Titan, masterfully crafted by Hajime Isayama, introduces us to a grim world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, besieged by gigantic humanoid creatures known as Titans. Serving as the primary antagonists of the series, these Titans have shaped the course of humanity and the thematic direction of the story.

Typically standing between 3 and 15 meters tall, Titans are known for their voracious and seemingly mindless consumption of humans, despite having no biological need to eat. Their grotesque, eerily human-like appearance, coupled with their lack of intelligence and apparent lack of empathy, instills a chilling sense of dread and despair.

The physiology of Titans is also intriguingly complex. Their bodies are unusually light for their size, they have the ability to regenerate rapidly, and they draw energy from the sun.

The Titans are not simply monstrous creatures, however. As the story unfolds, the Titans' origins, their connection to certain humans, and their integral role in the socio-political conflict between the Eldians and the Marleyans are revealed. This revelation elevates the Titans from mindless beasts to tragic figures caught in a cycle of violence and exploitation.

Types of Titans: Pure Titans and Titan Shifters

In the complex world of Attack on Titan, Titans are not monolithic entities, but come in several types, each with their own unique characteristics and roles in the overarching narrative. The two main types are the Pure Titans and the Titan Shifters.

Pure Titans, also known as Mindless Titans, are the most commonly seen Titans in the series. They typically range from 3 to 15 meters in height, although there are exceptions. These Titans mindlessly devour humans and lack any semblance of consciousness or human intelligence. Their behavior is instinctive, and their movements are usually slow and clumsy, though they can display surprising agility when humans are nearby. The mystery of their origins and their transformation from humans is a crucial narrative thread.

Titan Shifters, on the other hand, are humans who possess the ability to transform into Titans while retaining their human consciousness. This ability makes them far more dangerous and strategic than their mindless counterparts. These shifters can transform into Titans far beyond the standard size range, often with unique abilities tied to their Titan form. Key examples from the series include Eren Yeager's Attack Titan, who possesses strong combat skills and the power of "Coordinate"; and the Armored Titan, controlled by Reiner Braun, known for his nearly impenetrable skin.

The existence of these two different types of Titans adds depth to the conflict and mystery of the series. The Pure Titans represent an immediate, mindless threat, a horror that humanity must constantly fend off. The Titan Shifters, meanwhile, introduce elements of intrigue, espionage, and inner conflict, embodying the blurred lines between humans and Titans, friends and enemies, victims and oppressors.

The Nine Titan Powers: The Inheritable Titan Abilities

In the thrilling story of Attack on Titan, the mythology of the Titans is deepened by the concept of the Nine Titans, a group of unique Titan powers passed down through generations among the Eldians. These Nine Titans are unique in their abilities, size, and physical attributes, each providing a distinct advantage in combat or utility. They are wielded by Titan Shifters, humans with the ability to transform into these specific Titans at will while retaining their human consciousness.

The Founding Titan: Known as the coordinate where all paths intersect, this Titan has the ability to control other Titans and alter the memories and bodies of Eldians.

The Attack Titan: This Titan is known for his robust strength and agility in battle. Its heirs also have the ability to receive the memories of future heirs.

The Colossal Titan: As the name suggests, this Titan is colossal in size, standing a staggering 60 meters tall. It can emit massive amounts of steam and create a massive explosion when it transforms.

The Armored Titan: Known for its hardened skin that serves as a natural armor, this Titan has immense strength and endurance.

The Female Titan: This Titan has the ability to harden her skin, summon Pure Titans, and has great agility and speed.

The Beast Titan: Known for its ape-like appearance, this Titan can throw objects with devastating accuracy and power. Its abilities can change depending on its heir.

The Jaw Titan: The smallest of the nine Titans, it makes up for its size with incredible speed, agility, and the strength of its jaws and claws, which can crush almost anything.

The Cart Titan: Distinguished by its quadruped form, this Titan is known for its great endurance and ability to remain in Titan form for long periods of time.

The War Hammer Titan: This Titan can create structures and weapons of any shape from hardened Titan flesh, making it a formidable opponent in battle.

Titans and Humanity: The Impact on Society within the Walls

The presence of the Titans in Attack on Titan has had a profound and transformative effect on humanity, shaping the society, culture, and politics within the walls that protect the remnants of humanity. Their relentless threat has conditioned humanity to live in a state of constant fear and vigilance, affecting every aspect of life within the confines of the Walls.

Society and Culture: The existence of the Titans has led to a deeply stratified society within the Walls, divided into the innermost Wall, Sina, the middle Wall, Rose, and the outermost Wall, Maria. The wealthiest and most influential members of society live in the safety of Wall Sina, farthest from the Titans, while the poor and disenfranchised live closer to danger. This social stratification extends to cultural attitudes, with pervasive fear of the Titans reinforcing conformist behavior and harsh punishment for dissent.

Military and Politics: The constant threat of the Titans has also created a military-focused society. The government structure is intertwined with the military, which is divided into three branches: The Survey Corps, which ventures outside the walls to fight the Titans; the Garrison, which protects the cities and fortifies the walls; and the Military Police, which maintains law and order and protects the monarchy. The threat of the Titans allows the government to exert control over the populace, using fear to justify authoritarian measures.

Technology and Infrastructure: The fear of the Titans has catalyzed the development of unique technologies and infrastructure, most notably the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment, which allows humans to quickly navigate in three dimensions to combat the Titans. The Walls themselves, massive structures of unknown origin and composition, represent humanity's desperate attempt to create a safe haven from the Titans.

Psychology and Philosophy: On a more personal level, the existence of the Titans has raised deep existential and philosophical questions. Characters grapple with the meaning of freedom, the nature of humanity, and the moral complexities of their world. The Titans serve as a mirror, reflecting the best and worst of humanity.

Exploring the Origin of Titans: The Eldian Mythology and Marleyan Propaganda

The origin of the Titans in Attack on Titan is shrouded in layers of myth, history, and propaganda, and becomes a central plot point in the unfolding of the narrative. The differing accounts presented by the Eldians and the Marleyans serve to underscore the complexity of history and the power of narrative control.

Eldian Mythology: According to Eldian lore, the origins of the Titans can be traced to Ymir Fritz, a young girl who gained the power of the Titans when she came into contact with a mysterious being. With her newfound powers, Ymir served the Eldian King, helping him build bridges, cultivate land, and win victories in war. When she died, her body was consumed by her daughters, who inherited her powers, creating the Nine Titans. The Eldians believe that Ymir's powers were a divine gift meant to bring prosperity.

Marleyan Propaganda: The Marleyan narrative paints a very different picture. They claim that Ymir was a diabolical figure who made an evil pact to gain her powers. The Eldian Empire, using the Titans' power, is said to have engaged in large-scale ethnic cleansing against Marley and other nations. In this story, the Titans are monstrous weapons, and their origin is a tale of horror and oppression.

The Truth: Throughout the series, the protagonists grapple with these conflicting narratives, each representing a different perspective on the origins of the Titans. The truth, as is often the case, seems to lie somewhere in between. Ymir Fritz, it turns out, was a slave exploited for her powers, and her descendants, the Eldian people, have been both oppressors and oppressed throughout history.

Exploring the origins of the Titans through the lens of Eldian mythology and Marleyan propaganda enriches the narrative texture of Attack on Titan. It serves to highlight how history can be manipulated by the powerful, how narratives can shape perceptions, and how truth can become a casualty in conflicts of interest.