Summary
- Isayama chose a realistic and bleak ending to reflect the perpetual cycle of war and violence.
- The series' exploration of dark themes like corruption and war made a happy ending unfitting.
- The conclusion implies that humanity's curiosity and pursuit of power will always lead to conflict.
Hajime Isayama's legendary shonen manga, "Final Chapter: Toward the Tree on That Hill." The ending sparked controversy among some fans, as it explored the perpetuation of violence and the cyclical nature of war. Some fans felt the conclusion was bleak and unresolved, leaving lingering questions about the true cost of freedom Eren fought for.
In an interview with The New York Times, Isayama was asked about the ending of Paradis still at war in the future and if there was no end to the conflict and cycle presented in the story.
He shared he felt he couldn't finish the series with a happy ending because "It kind of seems like it’s not even believable. It’s just not plausible in the world we’re living in right now. And so, sadly, I had to give up on that kind of happy ending." See what Isayama says below:
"I guess there could have been an ending where it was a happy ending and the war ended and everything was fine and dandy. I guess that could have been possible. At the same time, the end of fighting and the end of contention itself kind of seems hokey." - Hajime Isayama, The New York Times
Attack on Titan's Controversial, Yet Realistic Ending
Isayama's ending may have been controversial due to it perpetuating the ongoing cycle of war and violence, but ultimately the ending's intention is clearly to be more realistic. As Isayma argues, there can never be a permanent happy ending for humanity at large. So long as people disagree with one another and abuse their strengths to get what they want, whether it be freedom or power, there will always be war.
The decision to avoid a happy ending in Attack on Titan was fitting, given the series' exploration of humanity's darker aspects. A happy ending would have clashed with the themes of corruption, revenge, tragedy, and war that define the story. By opting for a more realistic ending that insinuates that war will never truly end, Isayama stayed true to the series' themes.
10 Best Plot Twists in Attack on Titan
AoT has some of the most shocking plot twists in anime, where each one redefines what the viewers thought they knew about its complex world.
Attack on Titan Ending Implies The Cycle of Titan Powers and Inevitable Wars to Follow
In the final scenes of Attack on Titan, a boy and his dog come across the tree where Ymir Fritz became the Founding Titan, hinting that the Titan cycle, and war with it, will continue. It’s a fitting implication, as human curiosity and the drive for power have always fueled conflict in this world. Isayama’s ending emphasizes the tragic inevitability that humanity's relentless curiosity ultimately leads to its own downfall.
The ending of Attack on Titan presents a challenging conclusion to accept, but it compels fans to confront the harsh realities of the world
Attack on Titan may not be what fans wanted, but Isayama shows that the saying that "war never changes" is true, even within the realm of fiction. His conclusion reflects a deep realism about human nature, showing that the bad aspects of humanity can sometimes prevail over the good. The ending of Attack on Titan presents a challenging conclusion to accept, but it compels fans to confront the harsh realities of the world.
Attack On Titan
- Release Date
- 2013 - 2023
Cast
Matthew Mercer-
Josh Grelle
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on the manga, Attack on Titan is a dark-action fantasy series set in a world where humanity has been corralled into walled cities from fear of monstrous human-eating Titans that exist outside of them. When protagonist Eren Yeager's mother is killed in front of his eyes at a young age, his thirst for vengeance leads him to an elite group of soldiers created to fight back against the Titan menace.
- Seasons
- 4
- Main Genre
- Action
- Franchise
- Attack on Titan
- Production Company
- Wit Studio, MAPPA
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