The series brutality of the eponymous titans and the terror they impose on its world. Humans, when staring up at their massive and bizarre oppressors, often experience an immobilizing horror and sense of helplessness. Although of the Eldian military battle against the titans, their greatest soldier—though small in stature—stands head and shoulders above the rest: Levi Ackerman.
Levi's prowess on the battlefield is unmatched as evinced by his ability to slaughter both mindless titans and those piloted by humans. While he is a beacon of light in the darkness of battle, Levi's life has been wrought with tragedy since his childhood.
He Grew Up In Squalor And Poverty
Levi's life began in the slums of the Underground with his mother, Kuchel, who raised her son alone. Although Kuchel struggled to provide financially as a single parent, she clearly loved her son and did what she could to care for him. Despite her efforts, hunger was a constant companion, and, largely due to living beneath a city, grime and dirt were inescapable. Many fans logically conclude that Levi's obsession with cleanliness as an adult stems from the filth of his childhood.
He Sat Alone With His Mother's Corpse
Although it's unclear how long Levi waited alone with his mother's corpse, the ravaged state of her body suggests it was quite some time. This is further ed by Levi's emaciated appearance and the ravenous hunger he exhibits upon finally receiving food. Losing his mother, the only family he has ever known in a cruel world, would be traumatic enough, but Levi's inability to leave her room, whether from a desire to her in death or a dependency that left him without options, punctuates the sadness of his early life.
He Was Raised And Abandoned By A Serial Killer
The man who found and saved Levi, Kenny, was a talented and vicious killer who earned the moniker "Kenny the Ripper" from his preferred method of murder. Kenny is, in fact, Kuchel's brother, but he doesn't reveal this information to Levi when they meet or while he raises him, he merely says he was an acquaintance of Kuchel's.
As a reluctant father figure, Kenny's parenting style is governed by the principle of survival; he prioritizes teaching Levi combat abilities necessary for living among thugs, swindlers, and murderers. Once Kenny is satisfied with Levi's progress and ability, he abandons him—a decision rooted in Kenny's self-doubt as a foster parent.
The Female Titan Killed His Entire Squad
As the captain of the Special Operations Squad (often referred to as "Squad Levi"), Levi leads by example and commands reverent respect earned from his supreme combat abilities. The original iteration of Squad Levi was renowned for its extraordinary teamwork and ability to take down titans with calculated attacks. An integral part of the Survey Corps's strategy for its 57th Expedition, the squad is tasked with protecting Eren Yeager from titans. This plan quickly goes awry when the Female Titan bears down upon the team. Their tactics for titan killing, tested and vetted in their numerous battles, prove ineffective when the Female Titan displays powers previously unseen. The entire squad, aside from Levi, is systematically picked off, and the mission is largely considered a failure.
He Met Petra's Father After Her Death
After the cataclysmic failure of the 57th Expedition, the morale of the Survey Corps is dangerously low, which is exasperated by the mocking and jocular reception they receive upon their return to the city. Levi is approached by a man who identifies himself as Petra's father. Petra, a loyal and capable soldier who served in Squad Levi, had written to him and declared her dedication to Levi. Unaware that his daughter is dead, the man jokes about Petra being too young to marry and that she has more life to experience before making such a big decision; Levi, with a stricken countenance, is only able to stare forward.
He Learnt That Titans Are Actually Humans
Levi's pedigree for titan slaying is legendary, but his drive is predicated on humanitarian beliefs; Levi wants to save as many humans as possible, so much so that the logic he employs to maximize the lives saved, even if some must be sacrificed for the good of the majority, is viewed as cold and unfeeling.
After Hange Zöe presents a believable hypothesis that titans are made from humans, Levi is visibly shaken. He bemoans the fact that, while he thought he was saving humans, he was actually killing them.
He Was Hunted By His Father Figure, Kenny
Once the Survey Corps began to learn too much concerning the history of the walls, the aristocracy sends the anti-personnel division of the Military Police to capture Erin and Historia. Leading the anti-personnel division is none other than Kenny Ackerman, Levi's father figure and mentor. A skirmish between Levi's new squad and Kenny's officers quickly turns personal, and casualties mount during the beautifully chaotic urban battle. Levi's squad manages to flee from Kenny, living to fight another day, and eventually prevails in the fateful battle under the Reiss family chapel.
He Ordered His Closest Comrade To Die
Under the command of Erwin Smith, the Survey Corps launched a full-scale mission to reclaim Wall Maria from the titans who overran it years before. The soldiers are astonished to find the city free of titans, but this proves to be a trap set by Zeeke Yeager. Cornered in the city by the Colossal Titan and the Armored Titan, and being bombarded by the Beast Titan's artillery, Erwin's resolve momentarily falters as he wants to live and learn the secrets of Grisha Yeager's basement. Despite valuing Erwin's life, Levi orders him to give up his dreams and lead a suicidal charge on the Beast Titan. Knowing Erwin will die, Levi promises to give meaning to the deaths of their comrades by killing the Beast Titan.
He Saved Armin Instead Of Erwin
In the aftermath of their costly battle to reclaim Wall Maria, Levi is faced with an impossible choice: he must decide to save either Erwin Smith or Armin Arlert. Initially, he prioritizes Erwin, as he is the commander of the Survey Corps, and claims humanity needs his leadership to survive. Mikasa Ackerman and Erin Yeager are quick to argue in favor of their fallen friend, crediting Armin for many of their victories. A struggle ensues, but Levi ultimately concludes that Erwin has given enough of himself and should be allowed to rest in death.
His Entire Family Line Was Persecuted By The King
During the final conversation between Levi and Kenny, the history of the Ackerman clan is explored. Originally, warriors that defended the king, their familial line was later ruthlessly persecuted because their memories could not be controlled by the Founding Titan's power. Eventually, the Ackermans decided against ing down information of the outside world to their kin in hopes that this decision would end their persecution. Despite their attempts, the mistreatment of the Ackermans continued until Kenny befriended Uri Reiss, the true King, after an assassination attempt. It may be surmised that this heritage of oppression resulted directly in Levi's traumatic childhood and his mother's difficult life.
