The question of why Zeke Yeager, the formidable Beast Titan, chose to betray Marley in “Attack on Titan” is a complex one, riddled with layers of deception, personal trauma, and a warped sense of salvation. It’s a question that has plagued fans, sparking endless debates and theories. The core conflict isn’t just about switching sides; it’s a deep dive into conflicting ideologies and a desperate attempt to end a cycle of hatred and violence. Many struggle to reconcile Zeke’s actions, feeling lost in a maze of shifting alliances and hidden agendas. Is he a savior or a destroyer?
Why did Zeke betray Marley? Zeke betrayed Marley because he fundamentally disagreed with their oppressive tactics and genocidal goals towards Eldians, ultimately choosing to pursue his own twisted plan for Eldian “salvation” through euthanasia. He aimed to break the cycle of Titan warfare.
I’ve spent countless hours analyzing “Attack on Titan,” poring over every detail of the manga and anime, and immersing myself in the fan community’s discussions. With this in-depth knowledge, I can unravel the truth behind Zeke’s shocking defection. Ready to delve into the intricate web of Zeke’s motivations and understand his ultimate, devastating plan? We’ll explore his upbringing, his relationship with Eren, and the philosophical clashes that fueled his betrayal, so you won’t feel lost any longer.
Key Facts:
* Childhood Indoctrination: Zeke’s parents, Grisha Yeager and Dina Fritz, were Eldian Restorationists who forced their political beliefs onto him from a young age.
* Betrayal of Parents: At the age of seven, Zeke betrayed his parents to the Marleyan authorities, exposing their restorationist plot.
* The Euthanasia Plan: Zeke’s ultimate goal was the “euthanization” of all Eldians, believing it was the only way to end the cycle of suffering caused by the power of the Titans.
* Collaboration with Eren: Zeke collaborated with his half-brother, Eren Yeager, although their true intentions and ultimate goals diverged significantly.
* Master Manipulator: Zeke is depicted as a highly intelligent and manipulative character, deceiving both Marley and Paradis to achieve his objectives.
Why Did Zeke Betray Marley and Side With Eldia?
Zeke’s betrayal of Marley was not a sudden decision but the culmination of a lifetime of trauma, manipulation, and a deeply ingrained belief in a twisted solution to the Eldian problem. To truly understand his actions, we must examine the key influences that shaped his worldview.
Zeke sided with Eldia, specifically with Eren and the Survey Corps, not out of a newfound love for his heritage, but to implement his euthanasia plan. He viewed Eldia as a necessary tool.
Zeke’s upbringing was far from ordinary. His parents, Grisha Yeager and Dina Fritz, were fervent Eldian Restorationists, secretly plotting to overthrow the Marleyan government and restore Eldia to its former glory. They saw Zeke as a weapon, a child of royal blood who could inherit the Beast Titan and become a leader in their rebellion. This relentless pressure and indoctrination created a deep resentment within Zeke. He felt used, a pawn in his parents’ political game, devoid of genuine love and affection.
According to Animehunch, Zeke’s betrayal stemmed from his disagreement with Marley’s atrocities against Eldians. This is a simplification, but points to the initial seed of dissent.
What Was Zeke Yeager’s Master Plan?
Zeke’s “master plan” was deceptively simple yet profoundly disturbing: the euthanasia of all Subjects of Ymir. He believed that the only way to truly end the suffering caused by the power of the Titans was to prevent future generations of Eldians from being born.
Zeke’s master plan was the Eldian Euthanasia plan: to use the Founding Titan’s power to sterilize all Subjects of Ymir, preventing future births and ending the Titan threat. This was his twisted solution.
This wasn’t a plan born out of hatred for his own people, but rather a warped sense of compassion. Zeke witnessed firsthand the horrors of war and the endless cycle of violence perpetuated by the existence of Titans. He believed that Eldians were doomed to a life of suffering, both as victims of Marleyan oppression and as potential weapons of mass destruction. His solution, however extreme, was presented as a way to liberate Eldians from this perpetual torment.
As stated by Epic Dope, Zeke was never truly on Marley’s side; his actions were always calculated. This highlights the long-term nature of his পরিকল্পনা (Bengali for ‘plan’).
How Did Tom Ksaver Influence Zeke’s Euthanasia Plan?
Tom Ksaver, the previous holder of the Beast Titan, played a pivotal role in shaping Zeke’s ideology. Ksaver was a researcher studying the Titans, and he shared his findings with Zeke, including the potential to use the Founding Titan’s power to alter the bodies of Eldians.
Tom Ksaver, a Titan researcher and the previous Beast Titan, heavily influenced Zeke’s plan by sharing his research and expressing his own wish to have never been born. He acted as a father figure.
Ksaver, burdened by the guilt of his own Eldian heritage and the suffering it had caused his family, expressed a wish that he had never been born. This resonated deeply with Zeke, who had already developed a cynical view of the world and the plight of Eldians. Ksaver’s research and his nihilistic philosophy provided Zeke with the intellectual and emotional framework for his euthanasia plan. It was a twisted form of mentorship, solidifying Zeke’s belief that eliminating the Eldian race was the only path to true peace.
Why Did Zeke Betray His Parents, Grisha and Dina?
One of the most shocking aspects of Zeke’s past is his betrayal of his own parents. At the tender age of seven, he reported Grisha and Dina’s Eldian Restorationist activities to the Marleyan authorities, leading to their capture and subsequent transformation into Titans.
Zeke betrayed his parents, Grisha and Dina, to protect himself and his grandparents from the Marleyan authorities, and because he resented their forced political indoctrination. He felt used by them.
This act was driven by a combination of factors. Firstly, Zeke felt immense pressure and fear under the constant threat of discovery. He was a child forced to live a double life, constantly aware that any slip-up could lead to his family’s demise. Secondly, he resented his parents for prioritizing their political goals over his well-being. He felt neglected and used, a mere tool in their grand scheme. According to Animehunch, Zeke betrayed his parents to save himself and his grandparents. This highlights the survival aspect of his decision.
Tip: Understanding Zeke’s childhood trauma is crucial to grasping his motivations. His betrayal of his parents wasn’t simply an act of evil; it was a desperate attempt to survive and escape a life he never chose.
What Role Did Eren Yeager Play in Zeke’s Plan?
Eren Yeager, Zeke’s half-brother, was a crucial component of Zeke’s plan. Zeke needed Eren, who possessed the Founding Titan, to access the Coordinate and enact the euthanasia plan. However, their relationship was complex and fraught with deception.
Eren Yeager was essential to Zeke’s plan because he possessed the Founding Titan, the key to activating the power to sterilize Eldians. However, their goals ultimately diverged.
Zeke initially believed that Eren shared his views and would willingly cooperate. He saw Eren as a victim of Grisha’s manipulation, just like himself. However, Eren had his own agenda, driven by a fierce determination to protect Paradis Island and its people, even if it meant resorting to extreme measures. While they formed a temporary alliance, their fundamental ideologies clashed, leading to a dramatic confrontation in the Paths. According to Fandom, Zeke manipulated both sides of the war to achieve his agenda. This underscores his deceptive nature and complex plans.
Key Takeaway: The relationship between Zeke and Eren is a masterclass in deception and shifting alliances. While they initially appeared to be working together, their ultimate goals were vastly different.
How Did Zeke’s Royal Blood Factor into His Plans?
Zeke’s royal blood, inherited from his mother, Dina Fritz, was another critical element in his plan. Only a Titan with royal blood could fully utilize the power of the Founding Titan.
Zeke’s royal blood, inherited from his mother, Dina Fritz, was crucial because only someone of royal blood could unlock the full potential of the Founding Titan. This made him indispensable.
This made Zeke a valuable asset, both to Marley and to his own ambitions. Marley saw him as a powerful weapon, a controllable Titan shifter with royal blood. Zeke, however, saw his royal blood as a means to an end, the key to unlocking the Founding Titan’s power and enacting his euthanasia plan. He was willing to exploit his heritage to achieve his ultimate goal, even if it meant betraying both Marley and Eldia.
FAQs About Why Did Zeke Betray Marley
What is the Eldian Euthanasia plan?
The Eldian Euthanasia plan was Zeke Yeager’s strategy to sterilize all Subjects of Ymir, preventing future births and effectively ending the threat of Titans.
Who is Tom Ksaver?
Tom Ksaver was the previous holder of the Beast Titan and a researcher who significantly influenced Zeke’s worldview and his euthanasia plan.
Why did Zeke betray his parents?
Zeke betrayed his parents to protect himself and his grandparents from the Marleyan authorities and due to resentment over their forced political beliefs.
What is Zeke’s Titan form called?
Zeke’s Titan form is called the Beast Titan.
Did Zeke really care about Eldians?
Zeke’s concern for Eldians was twisted; he believed he was saving them from suffering by preventing their future existence.
What was Zeke’s relationship with Eren like?
Zeke and Eren’s relationship was complex, marked by temporary alliance and deep-seated ideological differences.
Why was Zeke’s royal blood important?
Zeke’s royal blood was essential to fully utilize the power of the Founding Titan.
Did Zeke succeed in his plan?
Ultimately, Zeke did not succeed in his euthanasia plan. He was stopped by Eren.
What happened to Zeke Yeager in the end?
Zeke Yeager allows himself to be killed, understanding his role, he is ultimately killed by Levi Ackerman in the final battle.
How did Marley discover Zeke’s betrayal?
Marley discovered Zeke’s betrayal through circumstantial evidence and the actions of Yelena and the Yeagerists. As noted by Villains Wiki, the Marleyan government viewed the entire Yeager family as guilty after Zeke’s betrayal was discovered.
Summary of Zeke’s Betrayal
Zeke Yeager’s betrayal of Marley was a multifaceted decision driven by a complex interplay of personal trauma, ideological convictions, and a desperate desire to end the cycle of suffering caused by the power of the Titans. His upbringing under the oppressive shadow of Marley and the manipulative influence of his parents and Tom Ksaver shaped his belief that the euthanasia of all Eldians was the only path to true peace. While his methods were extreme and his motivations twisted, his actions were rooted in a deeply ingrained, albeit misguided, sense of compassion. His alliance with Eren, fueled by deception and conflicting goals, ultimately led to a dramatic confrontation that sealed his fate. The story of Zeke Yeager serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, oppression, and the desperate search for salvation in a world consumed by conflict. Did Zeke’s actions ultimately bring about a better future, or did they further perpetuate the cycle of violence he sought to end?
