The relationship between Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman in Attack on Titan is one of the most discussed and debated aspects of the entire series. Many fans struggle to understand the true nature of their bond, questioning whether it’s familial, platonic, or romantic. It’s confusing to decipher Eren’s often contradictory actions and words towards Mikasa, leaving many wondering what his real feelings are.
The core of Eren and Mikasa’s relationship lies in their shared traumatic past and Mikasa’s subsequent, unwavering devotion to protecting Eren, stemming from both gratitude and a powerful, instinctual drive. However, it’s revealed through a devastating confession near the story’s conclusion, that Eren harbored deep, unexpressed feelings for Mikasa.
This article will delve deep into the complexities of their relationship. We’ll explore Mikasa’s perspective, analyze Eren’s actions and eventual confession, and examine the creator’s intentions. We’ll also address key moments, alternate realities, and frequently asked questions to clarify their bond.
Key Facts:
* > Eren saved Mikasa’s Life: Before they became family, Eren rescued Mikasa from kidnappers, sparking her lifelong devotion. [➌]
* > Mikasa’s Ackerman Heritage: Mikasa’s Ackerman bloodline plays a significant role in her protective instincts towards those she considers family, including Eren.
* > Eren’s Confession: In Chapter 139 of the manga, Eren confesses to Armin that he has deep feelings for Mikasa and doesn’t want her to move on. [➌]
* > Alternate Reality: Chapter 138 presents an alternate reality where Eren and Mikasa live a quiet life together, hinting at the potential for a romantic relationship.
* > Tragic Love Story: Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan, intentionally crafted their relationship as a tragic love story, complicated by Eren’s mission and internal struggles. [➍]
What is the Nature of Eren and Mikasa’s Relationship in Attack on Titan?
Eren and Mikasa share an incredibly complex bond that defies simple categorization. It begins in their childhood, rooted in a deeply traumatic event: Eren rescuing Mikasa from human traffickers who murdered her parents. This act of bravery and violence forged an instant connection, leading to Mikasa’s adoption into the Yeager family.
Eren and Mikasa’s relationship is complex, developing from a childhood bond formed after Eren saved Mikasa, resulting in her adoption and a deep-seated commitment to protect him. Their connection is further shaped by the Ackerman family’s protective nature.
Mikasa’s Unwavering Devotion to Eren
Mikasa’s devotion to Eren is one of the most consistent aspects of Attack on Titan. From the very beginning, she displays a fierce protectiveness towards him, often intervening in fights and putting herself in harm’s way to ensure his safety. This devotion is multi-faceted:
- Gratitude: Mikasa feels indebted to Eren for saving her life and giving her a home.
- Familial Bond: As adopted siblings, they share a close, albeit unconventional, family tie.
- Ackerman Instinct: Mikasa is a member of the Ackerman clan, a bloodline known for their exceptional combat abilities and an instinctual drive to protect a chosen “host.” This instinct is triggered in Mikasa when Eren awakens her powers during their childhood trauma.
Mikasa’s unwavering dedication to Eren is driven by a combination of her gratitude for him saving her life, her adopted sibling status, and the inherent protective instinct of the Ackerman clan. This instinct is amplified when Eren saves her.
Here are some key moments that highlight Mikasa’s devotion:
- Shielding Eren from bullies in their childhood.
- Joining the Survey Corps solely to protect Eren.
- Countless instances of saving Eren from Titans and human enemies.
- Her constant worry for Eren’s well-being, even when he pushes her away.
Eren’s Perspective on Mikasa
Eren’s feelings towards Mikasa are far more ambiguous and complex than Mikasa’s are towards him. While he clearly cares for her, his expressions of affection are often overshadowed by his intense focus on his mission to eradicate the Titans and, later, his increasingly drastic plans for the world.
Eren’s perspective on Mikasa is multifaceted and often unclear; he demonstrates care but prioritizes his overarching goals, complicating any display of personal emotion towards her. His internal struggles frequently cloud any direct expression of feelings.
Throughout much of the series, Eren seems to view Mikasa primarily as a protector and a source of strength. He relies on her abilities, but he also occasionally resents her protectiveness, feeling stifled by it. This is particularly evident in Season 4, where Eren becomes increasingly distant and even cruel towards Mikasa, claiming he “hates” her. However, this is later revealed to be a calculated act to distance her from him and his destructive plans. He does it to try and protect her.
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Was Eren Actually in Love with Mikasa?
This is the central question surrounding their relationship, and the answer is, ultimately, yes, although it’s complicated by the circumstances of the story. For much of the series, Eren’s romantic feelings, if any, are heavily suppressed or masked by his other priorities. He rarely expresses affection openly, and his actions often contradict any potential romantic interpretation.
Despite the ambiguity throughout much of the series, Eren’s final conversation with Armin unveils his deep, complex love for Mikasa, a love burdened by his mission and self-imposed burdens. This love includes an element of possessiveness, and regret.
Key Moments Suggesting Eren’s Feelings
Several key moments throughout the series provide hints, albeit often subtle, of Eren’s deeper feelings for Mikasa:
- Chapter 123 (Anime Season 4, Part 1): During a quiet moment in Marley, Eren asks Mikasa, “What am I to you?” This question, seemingly out of the blue, suggests Eren is grappling with his own feelings and seeking validation from Mikasa.
- Chapter 112 (Anime Season 4, Part 1): Eren says hurtful things to Mikasa, claiming he hates her and that she’s been enslaved by her Ackerman bloodline. While cruel, this is later revealed to be a calculated attempt to distance her from him and his plans.
- Chapter 50 (Anime Season 2, Episode 12): While facing seemingly certain death against the Smiling Titan, Eren and Mikasa share a tender moment. Eren thanks Mikasa for wrapping the scarf around him. According to this Reddit thread, some believe this is one of a few instances of him showing feelings for Mikasa.
- Chapter 139 (Manga): This is the definitive moment. In his final conversation with Armin, Eren breaks down and confesses his true feelings. He admits he doesn’t want Mikasa to find another man, and he wants her to remember him for a long time.
Crucial moments that hint at Eren’s feelings include his introspective question to Mikasa in Marley, the emotionally charged confrontation where he pushes her away, and his ultimate confession of love to Armin. These instances expose the depth of his emotions.
The Alternate Reality Vision
Chapter 138 of the manga presents a significant, albeit non-canon, glimpse into a possible alternate reality. In this vision, experienced by Mikasa, she and Eren are living a quiet, secluded life together in the mountains. They appear to be a couple, sharing intimate moments and expressing affection for each other.
The alternate reality depicted in Chapter 138 offers a glimpse of a romantic potential between Eren and Mikasa, though this scenario remains separate from the main storyline. This scene highlights the “what if” of their relationship.
This vision, however, is revealed to be a “what if” scenario, a product of the Paths, and not the actual reality of their world. It represents Mikasa’s deepest desires and a possible future that could have been, had Eren chosen a different path.
Eren’s Confession to Armin
The most explicit confirmation of Eren’s love for Mikasa comes in Chapter 139, during his final conversation with Armin. This conversation takes place within the Paths, a metaphysical realm where time and space are fluid. Eren, knowing his death is imminent, finally reveals his true feelings.
Eren’s heartfelt admission to Armin in Chapter 139 solidifies his deep affection for Mikasa, confessing he wishes for her to remember him and expressing his reluctance for her to move on.
He confesses that he doesn’t want Mikasa to be with anyone else, expressing a possessive and deeply emotional attachment to her. He wants her to mourn him, to remember him for “at least ten years.” This raw, vulnerable confession reveals the depth of his love, a love that he felt unable to express fully due to his self-imposed burden and his chosen path of destruction. Research from Game Rant supports the claim that Eren was in love with Mikasa.
How Did Hajime Isayama Intend Their Relationship to be Interpreted?
Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan, intentionally crafted a complex and often ambiguous relationship between Eren and Mikasa. He deliberately avoided a straightforward romance, choosing instead to focus on the tragic circumstances of their world and Eren’s internal struggles.
Hajime Isayama deliberately designed Eren and Mikasa’s relationship to be intricate, highlighting the tragic elements and Eren’s inner turmoil rather than a conventional romance. This ambiguity served to amplify the story’s themes.
Isayama has stated in interviews that he found writing romance “embarrassing,” which is reflected in the way he portrays Eren and Mikasa’s relationship. He focuses more on the themes of duty, sacrifice, and the complexities of human connection in a world ravaged by conflict. IMDb News provides an article that supports Isayama purposefully making Eren and Mikasa’s love story a tragic tale.
FAQs About Eren and Mikasa’s Relationship:
What about some of the questions that fans frequently ask?
Was Eren actually in love with Mikasa?
Yes, as confirmed in Chapter 139 of the manga, Eren was in love with Mikasa. His feelings were complex and often hidden, but his confession to Armin reveals the depth of his affection.
Who is Eren’s girlfriend?
Eren does not have a girlfriend in the traditional sense. While his feelings for Mikasa are romantic, their relationship never fully develops into a typical romantic partnership due to the circumstances of the story.
Why did Mikasa kiss Eren?
Mikasa kisses Eren’s severed head after she kills him in Chapter 138. This act is a complex mixture of love, grief, and a final farewell to the person she loved most. It’s a tragic and symbolic moment, representing the culmination of their complex relationship.
Do Mikasa and Eren end up together?
No, they do not end up together. Eren dies, and Mikasa is left to mourn him and move on with her life.
Does Eren love Historia?
Eren and Historia share a connection based on their shared understanding of being used as tools. However, there is no canonical evidence of romantic feelings between them. Eren’s romantic feelings are reserved for Mikasa.
Are Eren and Mikasa siblings?
They are not blood-related siblings. Mikasa was adopted into the Yeager family after her parents were murdered. They share a close familial bond, but it’s not a biological one.
When did Eren fall in love with Mikasa?
It’s not explicitly stated when Eren’s feelings for Mikasa developed into romantic love. It’s likely that his feelings grew gradually over time, starting with their childhood bond and deepening as they faced hardships together. It’s also possible that Eren himself didn’t fully realize the nature of his feelings until much later in the story.
Does Mikasa love Jean?
The manga and anime suggest that Jean has romantic feelings for Mikasa. Mikasa’s feelings towards Jean are less clear, though she clearly cares for him as a comrade and friend. The epilogue of the manga hints at Mikasa possibly starting a family, and many fans speculate that the father is Jean, but it is never definitively confirmed.
What did Eren mean when he said he hated Mikasa?
This was a lie, a deliberate attempt to distance Mikasa from him and his destructive plans. He believed that if she hated him, it would be easier for her to move on after his death.
Why did Eren ask Mikasa what he was to her?
This question, posed in Marley, reveals Eren’s inner turmoil and his desire for validation from Mikasa. He’s grappling with his own feelings and seeking to understand how she perceives him.
Did Eren’s feelings change in season 4?
Eren’s feelings for Mikasa don’t fundamentally change, but his behavior does. He becomes more distant and cruel, but this is a strategic move to push her away, not a reflection of his true feelings.
Is there an Eren and Mikasa kiss scene?
There is a kiss scene in Chapter 138, but it’s a tragic one. Mikasa kisses Eren’s severed head after she kills him. There are no romantic kiss scenes between them while Eren is alive.
Summary:
The relationship between Eren and Mikasa in Attack on Titan is one of profound complexity, characterized by deep affection, unspoken love, and ultimately, a tragic and unfulfilled potential. While Mikasa’s devotion is clear from the beginning, Eren’s feelings are shrouded in ambiguity for much of the story, complicated by his mission and internal conflicts.
Eren and Mikasa’s story is a blend of deep affection, unspoken emotions, and an unfortunate destiny influenced by Eren’s actions and the world’s harsh realities. It leaves the audience pondering the might-have-beens.
The creator’s choices, including the focus on tragedy and Eren’s internal struggles, leave their relationship unresolved. The reader can reflect on their bond and what it might have been, had circumstances been different. The complexities between them are a defining part of Attack on Titan.
What are your thoughts on Eren and Mikasa’s relationship? Did you find their bond complicated or tragic? Feel free to add to the discussion in the comments.
