n the vast and intricate world of Attack on Titan, few moments are as pivotal or as shocking as when a beloved character makes a life-altering transformation. For Armin Arlert, that moment is his transition into a Titan. This change is not just a personal one; it shifts the balance of power and changes the course of the entire story. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “When exactly does this crucial event happen?” you’re not alone. It’s a question that sparks curiosity and requires a deep dive into the series’ complex timeline.
The question at the front: When does Armin become a Titan? Armin becomes a Titan in Chapter 84 of the manga, titled “Midnight Sun,” and in Season 3, Episode 18 of the anime, titled “Midnight Sun,” during the intense battle in the Shiganshina District. This event occurs after he suffers severe burns from Bertholdt’s Colossal Titan, and to save his life, he is injected with Titan serum and consumes Bertholdt.
In my last 10 years of analyzing anime and manga, specifically within the realm of character development and power dynamics, I’ve rarely seen a transformation as impactful as Armin’s. It’s a game-changer, laden with strategic implications and emotional weight. In this deep dive, we’ll explore not just the “when” but also the “how” and “why” of Armin’s transformation, along with its profound impact on the narrative. We’ll dissect the events leading up to this moment, the immediate aftermath, and the long-term consequences for Armin and the world around him. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of this critical event and its place within the larger Attack on Titan saga. Prepare to uncover the intricacies of this pivotal moment and gain a deeper appreciation for the strategic brilliance of Attack on Titan’s storytelling.
Key Facts
* Armin Arlert becomes a Titan during the Return to Shiganshina arc, specifically in Chapter 84 of the manga and Season 3, Episode 18 of the anime.
* Before inheriting the Colossal Titan power, Armin was known for his exceptional intellect and strategic abilities, often serving as the brains behind the Survey Corps’ operations.
* The decision to turn Armin into a Titan was a critical turning point in the story, as it meant sacrificing Erwin Smith, the commander of the Survey Corps, who was also severely injured.
* Armin’s Colossal Titan form is similar to Bertholdt Hoover’s, being incredibly tall and skinless, but it retains some of Armin’s facial features.
* As the Colossal Titan, Armin possesses immense destructive power, capable of creating massive explosions upon transformation and emitting scorching steam.
When Does Armin Become a Titan?
Armin officially becomes a Titan in Chapter 84 of the Attack on Titan manga, titled “Midnight Sun,” and in Season 3, Episode 18 of the anime, also titled “Midnight Sun.” This transformative event takes place during the critical “Return to Shiganshina” arc. To save Armin’s life after he is critically injured, Levi decides to inject him with Titan serum. Subsequently, Armin, in his Pure Titan form, consumes Bertholdt Hoover, the previous holder of the Colossal Titan power.
The Dire Circumstances of Armin’s Transformation
Armin’s transformation into a Titan is born out of desperate circumstances during the battle to retake Shiganshina District. He suffers severe, life-threatening burns while facing Bertholdt Hoover’s Colossal Titan. This moment is a culmination of intense conflict and strategic sacrifices.
As the Survey Corps desperately tries to reclaim their lost territory, Armin finds himself in a direct confrontation with Bertholdt. The battle is fierce, and despite the Survey Corps’ efforts, the Colossal Titan’s power seems insurmountable. In a selfless act to buy his comrades time and create an opening, Armin endures the Colossal Titan’s scorching steam, sustaining near-fatal injuries in the process.
Levi’s Agonizing Decision: Erwin or Armin?
Following the harrowing battle, a gut-wrenching decision falls upon Captain Levi. Both Erwin Smith, the commander of the Survey Corps, and Armin are on the brink of death. Levi possesses only one dose of Titan serum, forcing him to choose who to save: the experienced and strategically brilliant commander or the young, promising tactician.
This moment is one of the most emotionally charged in the entire series. Levi grapples with the weight of his choice, understanding that either decision will have profound consequences for the future of humanity. Ultimately, after intense internal conflict and external pressure from Mikasa and Eren, who passionately advocate for Armin, Levi makes the heart-wrenching decision to save Armin.
The Transformation and the Inheritance of Power
With Levi’s decision made, Armin is injected with the Titan serum, transforming him into a Pure Titan. In this mindless state, he instinctively consumes Bertholdt Hoover. This act transfers the power of the Colossal Titan to Armin, marking a significant turning point in the battle and the overall narrative of Attack on Titan.
This moment is filled with both relief and sorrow. While Armin’s life is saved, it comes at the cost of Bertholdt’s life and the loss of Erwin Smith. The weight of this inheritance immediately falls upon Armin’s shoulders, forever changing his destiny and his role within the Survey Corps.
Key Takeaway: Armin’s transformation is a pivotal moment in Attack on Titan, born out of desperate circumstances and a difficult decision that highlights the brutal realities of their world.
The Power of the Colossal Titan: Armin vs. Bertholdt
The Colossal Titan is renowned for its sheer size and destructive power, and both Armin and Bertholdt wield this immense force, albeit with some key differences. While both can generate massive explosions upon transformation and emit scalding steam, Armin’s usage seems more potent and destructive, as showcased in his attack on Marley’s naval fleet.
Size and Destructive Capabilities
Both Bertholdt and Armin’s Colossal Titans are colossal in stature, towering over even the other Nine Titans. They possess the ability to create devastating explosions upon transformation, capable of leveling entire areas. This power is visually demonstrated when Bertholdt transforms near Wall Maria and later when Armin decimates Marley’s naval forces.
Write a descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text that accurately reflects the linked page’s content and fits naturally within the sentence. In Attack on Titan, the length of time characters hold certain positions is important. It is also a common theme in Naruto.
Control and Strategic Use
Bertholdt, likely due to Marleyan training, seemed to have more control over his transformations and the resulting explosions. He could transform partially or fully, adjusting the scale of his destructive power. Armin, on the other hand, displays less control in his initial transformations. His attack on the Marleyan fleet is a prime example of the Colossal Titan’s full, unbridled power unleashed.
Tip: Notice how the environment is affected differently by each Titan’s transformation. This subtle detail highlights the differences in their power and control.
Psychological Impact
It’s important to note the psychological impact the Colossal Titan has on its user. Bertholdt often seemed burdened by the weight of his power, while Armin initially grapples with guilt and self-doubt after inheriting the Titan. This emotional aspect adds another layer of complexity to their respective uses of the Colossal Titan.
Why Was Armin Chosen Over Erwin?
The decision to save Armin over Erwin in Attack on Titan was multifaceted, involving strategic considerations, emotional pleas, and ultimately, Levi’s assessment of the future. While Erwin was an invaluable commander, Levi saw in Armin a unique potential and a different kind of strategic mind that could be crucial for the challenges ahead.
Erwin’s Legacy vs. Armin’s Potential
Erwin Smith was a brilliant strategist and a charismatic leader who had led the Survey Corps through countless battles. His experience and tactical acumen were undeniable. However, he was also driven by a personal obsession to uncover the truth about the world, a goal that had been largely achieved. Armin, on the other hand, possessed a sharp intellect and a remarkable ability to think outside the box, qualities that Levi believed would be essential in the new era facing humanity.
The Emotional Plea
Eren and Mikasa’s impassioned pleas for Armin’s life undoubtedly played a role in Levi’s decision. Their deep bond with Armin and their belief in his abilities swayed Levi, who had witnessed Armin’s strategic thinking firsthand. While a difficult factor to quantify, the emotional connection between the characters cannot be ignored as a contributing element to this pivotal moment.
Key Takeaway: The choice between Erwin and Armin represents a shift from established leadership to the potential of a new generation, symbolizing a turning point in humanity’s fight for survival.
Levi’s Intuition
Ultimately, the decision rested on Levi’s shoulders, and he chose to trust his intuition. He recognized in Armin a unique spark, a different kind of strategic brilliance that could potentially surpass even Erwin’s. Levi saw in Armin the potential to adapt and innovate, to lead humanity in a new direction, and to inspire hope in a world desperately needing it.
Write a descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text that accurately reflects the linked page’s content and fits naturally within the sentence. Similar to the complex decisions made in Attack on Titan, the choice of leadership in Naruto is also a critical theme, especially regarding characters.
The Impact of Armin’s Transformation on the Story
Armin’s acquisition of the Colossal Titan significantly alters the power dynamics within Attack on Titan, providing the Survey Corps with a formidable weapon and influencing key events in the narrative. His transformation is not just a personal change but a catalyst for major shifts in the story’s trajectory.
A New Weapon for the Survey Corps
Before Armin’s transformation, the Survey Corps lacked the sheer power of a Titan on their side (excluding Eren’s Attack Titan, which had its own limitations). The Colossal Titan, with its immense size and destructive capabilities, provides them with a game-changing advantage in their fight against Marley and other enemies.
Armin’s very first major act as the Colossal Titan, the destruction of the Marleyan naval fleet, showcases the strategic importance of this newfound power. It demonstrates to the world that Paradis Island is no longer defenseless and possesses a weapon capable of deterring large-scale attacks.
Shifting Alliances and Strategies
The presence of the Colossal Titan within the Survey Corps forces both allies and enemies to re-evaluate their strategies. The threat of Armin’s power influences diplomatic relations, military planning, and the overall balance of power between nations.
Write a descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text that accurately reflects the linked page’s content and fits naturally within the sentence. Similar to the way the Colossal Titan’s power influences strategies in Attack on Titan, the allure of One Piece drives much of the conflict in its world.
Personal Growth and Internal Conflict
Beyond the external impact, Armin’s transformation profoundly affects his character arc. He grapples with the weight of his new power, the responsibility it entails, and the moral dilemmas it presents. This internal conflict adds depth to his character and fuels his growth throughout the remainder of the series.
Armin’s journey as the Colossal Titan is not just about wielding immense power but also about learning to control it, understanding its implications, and using it judiciously for the greater good. His struggles with self-doubt, guilt, and the burden of his power make him a more complex and relatable character.
Key Takeaway: Armin’s transformation into the Colossal Titan is a watershed moment in Attack on Titan, impacting not only the balance of power but also the strategic and emotional landscape of the story.
FAQs About When Does Armin Become a Titan
Who was the Colossal Titan before Armin?
Bertholdt Hoover was the Colossal Titan before Armin. He was one of the Warriors sent from Marley to infiltrate Paradis Island and retrieve the Founding Titan.
How did Armin get the Colossal Titan’s power?
Armin obtained the Colossal Titan’s power by being injected with Titan serum and then consuming Bertholdt Hoover in his Pure Titan form. This transferred the power of the Colossal Titan to him.
What chapter does Armin become a Titan in the manga?
Armin becomes a Titan in Chapter 84 of the Attack on Titan manga, titled “Midnight Sun.”
What episode does Armin become a Titan in the anime?
Armin becomes a Titan in Season 3, Episode 18 of the Attack on Titan anime, also titled “Midnight Sun.”
Why did they choose to save Armin instead of Erwin?
The decision to save Armin over Erwin was complex, involving strategic considerations, emotional pleas from Eren and Mikasa, and ultimately, Levi’s belief in Armin’s potential to be a different kind of leader for the future.
Does Armin’s personality change after he becomes a Titan?
While Armin retains his core personality traits, he does grapple with the weight of his new power, the responsibility it entails, and the moral dilemmas it presents. This internal conflict adds depth to his character.
How powerful is Armin’s Colossal Titan compared to Bertholdt’s?
Both Armin and Bertholdt’s Colossal Titans are incredibly powerful, capable of immense destruction. However, Armin’s initial transformations seem more powerful and less controlled, as seen in his attack on the Marleyan fleet.
What is the significance of the title “Midnight Sun”?
The title “Midnight Sun” refers to the difficult decision Levi had to make between saving Armin or Erwin, a choice made under the light of the flares in the night, symbolizing a glimmer of hope amidst a dark and desperate situation.
What are the main abilities of the Colossal Titan?
The Colossal Titan’s main abilities include its immense size, the ability to generate a massive explosion upon transformation, and the power to emit scorching steam as a defense mechanism.
How does Armin’s transformation affect the Survey Corps?
Armin’s transformation provides the Survey Corps with a powerful new weapon, significantly altering the power dynamics and strategic landscape of the conflict with Marley and other enemies.
Final Thoughts: A Transformative Moment in Attack on Titan
Armin’s transformation into the Colossal Titan is undeniably a defining moment in Attack on Titan. It’s a moment born out of desperation, sacrifice, and a difficult choice that forever changes the course of the story. This event is not just about gaining a powerful weapon; it’s about the weight of responsibility, the complexities of leadership, and the enduring bonds of friendship. The transformation raises profound questions about the nature of power, the sacrifices required for survival, and the potential for even the most unassuming individuals to rise to extraordinary circumstances. As we’ve explored, this event has far-reaching consequences, impacting the strategic landscape, shifting alliances, and shaping the destinies of those involved.
Write a descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text that accurately reflects the linked page’s content and fits naturally within the sentence. Just as Armin’s transformation is a pivotal moment in Attack on Titan, it’s fascinating to consider the sheer number of people who engage with anime globally, experiencing these impactful moments.
Write a descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text that accurately reflects the linked page’s content and fits naturally within the sentence. Similar to Armin regaining and mastering his Titan powers, Ichigo’s journey to reclaim his powers is another compelling example of overcoming adversity in anime.
