Armin Arlert, the brilliant strategist and one of the core members of the Survey Corps in Attack on Titan, wasn’t initially envisioned as a Titan shifter. However, fate, circumstance, and a critical decision during the retaking of Wall Maria dramatically altered his destiny, granting him the power of the Colossal Titan. This article delves into the events leading up to Armin’s transformation, exploring the intricacies of the power transfer, the characters involved, and the long-term impact on the narrative.
The Battle of Shiganshina District: A Turning Point
The retaking of Wall Maria, specifically the Shiganshina District, marked a pivotal moment in the series. After years of relentless struggle against the Titans, the Survey Corps finally had a chance to reclaim their homeland and uncover the secrets hidden within Grisha Yeager’s basement. This mission was not only about reclaiming territory but also about unlocking the truth behind the Titans’ existence and humanity’s place in the world.
The Reappearance of the Colossal and Armored Titans
The mission quickly turned into a desperate battle. Reiner Braun, the Armored Titan, and Bertholdt Hoover, the Colossal Titan, reappeared, ready to thwart the Survey Corps’ plans. The confrontation was fierce, with the Survey Corps employing new strategies and weapons to combat the Titans. However, the Colossal Titan’s immense power and devastating steam eruptions posed a significant threat, causing widespread destruction and casualties among the soldiers.
Erwin’s Gamble and the Beast Titan’s Assault
Commander Erwin Smith, knowing the risks, devised a daring strategy to distract the Beast Titan, Zeke Yeager, allowing Levi Ackerman to get close enough for a decisive attack. This plan involved a suicidal charge by the majority of the Survey Corps recruits. The sacrifice, while emotionally devastating, proved crucial in creating an opening for Levi. However, the toll was immense, leaving Erwin critically wounded.
Bertholdt’s Capture and the Dire Situation
During the battle, Eren Yeager managed to defeat Reiner, and Levi eventually subdued Bertholdt. With Bertholdt incapacitated, the Survey Corps faced a critical decision: who would inherit the power of the Colossal Titan? At this point, both Armin and Erwin were near death. Armin had been incinerated by Bertholdt’s colossal transformation, barely clinging to life, while Erwin suffered severe injuries from the Beast Titan’s attack.
The Titan Serum and the Weight of Command
The Survey Corps possessed a single Titan serum, capable of turning a human into a mindless Titan. Injecting this Titan would then allow them to consume a Titan shifter, inheriting their power. The choice of who would receive the serum and become the next Colossal Titan became a point of intense conflict between Levi and Eren. Eren was desperate to save Armin, recognizing his strategic brilliance and value to the mission. Levi, burdened by the responsibility of leading humanity, believed Erwin’s experience and leadership were essential for the future.
The Debate: Brains vs. Leadership
The argument between Eren and Levi highlighted the fundamental question of what humanity needed most to survive: strategic thinking and adaptability, or strong leadership and experience. Eren argued that Armin’s unique perspective and ability to analyze situations were crucial for uncovering the truth about the Titans and developing effective strategies. He saw Armin as the key to unlocking the secrets hidden within Grisha’s basement and leading humanity to a brighter future. Levi, on the other hand, believed that Erwin’s years of experience, tactical prowess, and unwavering resolve made him the better choice to lead humanity against the Titans. He argued that Erwin was the only one capable of making the difficult decisions necessary to ensure humanity’s survival.
Levi’s Decision: A Controversial Choice
Ultimately, Levi made the agonizing decision to inject Armin with the Titan serum. He overruled Eren’s passionate pleas, using his authority as Captain of the Survey Corps.
The Factors Influencing Levi’s Choice
Several factors likely influenced Levi’s decision. While he deeply respected Erwin’s leadership, he also recognized the weight of Erwin’s past sacrifices and the burden he carried. Levi might have felt that Erwin deserved to be released from the constant pressure and responsibility of command. Furthermore, he might have recognized the limitations of Erwin’s perspective, especially in light of the new information they hoped to uncover in Grisha’s basement. He may have also seen Armin’s potential for growth and his unique ability to see things from a different angle as essential for humanity’s future.
Injecting Armin and the Consumption of Bertholdt
With the serum administered, Armin transformed into a mindless Titan. Driven by instinct, he devoured Bertholdt, inheriting the power of the Colossal Titan. This marked a dramatic shift in Armin’s role within the Survey Corps. He went from being a skilled strategist to a powerful Titan shifter, capable of unleashing immense destructive force.
Armin’s Transformation and its Implications
Armin’s transformation into the Colossal Titan had profound implications for the future of the Survey Corps and the ongoing conflict with Marley.
The Burden of Power
Inheriting the Colossal Titan came with immense responsibility and burden. Armin had to grapple with the destructive potential of his Titan form and the memories of Bertholdt, which subtly influenced his thoughts and actions. He struggled to reconcile his compassionate nature with the power to obliterate entire cities.
Strategic Advantage and New Responsibilities
Despite the challenges, Armin’s Titan powers provided the Survey Corps with a significant strategic advantage. The Colossal Titan’s immense size and destructive capabilities were invaluable in battles against other Titans and Marleyan forces. Armin had to learn to control his Titan form and use his powers effectively while minimizing collateral damage. He also had to grapple with the moral implications of using such devastating power.
Impact on Armin’s Character Development
Armin’s transformation significantly impacted his character development. He became more confident and assertive, taking on a greater leadership role within the Survey Corps. He also developed a deeper understanding of the complexities of the world and the sacrifices required to achieve peace.
Armin’s Role in the Rumbling and the Final Conflict
In the final arc of Attack on Titan, Armin played a crucial role in stopping Eren’s Rumbling and ending the cycle of hatred. He used his strategic brilliance and Titan powers to help the alliance of Eldians and Marleyans confront Eren and his Founding Titan. He understood Eren’s motivations and was able to empathize with his desire to protect Paradis Island, even as he opposed his extreme methods.
Negotiation and Sacrifice
Armin’s ability to negotiate and find common ground proved essential in bringing together the diverse factions necessary to stop the Rumbling. He recognized the importance of understanding the perspectives of others and finding solutions that addressed the needs of all parties involved. He was also willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good, putting himself in harm’s way to protect his friends and end the cycle of violence.
The Final Confrontation with Eren
The final confrontation between Armin and Eren was a deeply emotional and symbolic moment. Armin, using the power of the Colossal Titan, engaged Eren in a final battle, ultimately leading to Eren’s defeat. In the aftermath, Armin played a crucial role in establishing a truce between Eldia and the rest of the world, laying the foundation for a lasting peace.
Conclusion: Armin’s Legacy
Armin’s journey from a timid and bookish boy to a powerful Titan shifter and a key figure in ending the Titan conflict is a testament to his intelligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his friends and humanity. His inheritance of the Colossal Titan, though initially a controversial decision, proved to be essential in shaping the course of the war and ultimately bringing about a new era of peace. He embodied the hope for a better future, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, understanding, empathy, and strategic thinking can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. His story serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies not only in physical power but also in the ability to connect with others, understand their perspectives, and find solutions that benefit all. Armin’s legacy is one of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the power of humanity to overcome even the most insurmountable challenges.
How did Armin Arlert inherit the Colossal Titan?
Armin Arlert inherited the Colossal Titan from Bertholdt Hoover after a near-death experience during the retaking of Wall Maria. In the battle against the Armored and Colossal Titans, Armin devised a crucial strategy to expose Bertholdt, but it left him severely burned and on the brink of death. Simultaneously, Commander Erwin Smith also suffered fatal injuries fighting the Beast Titan.
With both Armin and Erwin facing imminent death, Levi Ackerman, faced with a difficult decision, chose to use the Titan serum recovered from Kenny Ackerman’s squad to inject Armin, transforming him into a Pure Titan. Armin subsequently devoured Bertholdt Hoover, the then-current Colossal Titan holder, thereby inheriting the Titan’s power and abilities. This decision, though controversial, secured Armin’s survival and granted humanity a powerful weapon against the Titans.
Why was Armin chosen over Erwin to inherit the Colossal Titan?
The decision to save Armin over Erwin was a hotly debated topic among the characters and the fanbase. Levi initially intended to save Erwin, believing his strategic brilliance was essential for humanity’s survival. However, Armin’s crucial role in exposing Bertholdt, coupled with his unwavering dedication and strategic mind, swayed Levi’s decision at the last moment.
Furthermore, Eren and Mikasa vehemently pleaded for Armin’s life, arguing that he was their childhood friend and had a unique perspective necessary for their mission. Levi ultimately realized that Erwin, having fulfilled his dream of seeing the basement, could finally rest, while Armin still had much to contribute to the fight against the Titans, particularly with the power of the Colossal Titan at his disposal.
What abilities did Armin gain after inheriting the Colossal Titan?
Upon inheriting the Colossal Titan, Armin gained the characteristic ability to transform into a massive Titan, reaching approximately 60 meters in height. This transformation also grants him immense physical strength, allowing him to cause significant destruction with his sheer size and brute force. He could also emit intense steam from his body, a defensive mechanism that prevented enemies from approaching.
Beyond the raw power, Armin also inherited Bertholdt’s memories and experiences as the Colossal Titan. While not a complete transfer of personality, these memories likely provided Armin with insights into Bertholdt’s motivations and strategies, possibly giving him an edge in understanding the enemy’s perspective. This ability to empathize with his adversaries became a defining characteristic of Armin’s approach in later conflicts.
How did Armin use the Colossal Titan’s power?
Armin primarily used the Colossal Titan’s power strategically, focusing on defensive roles and intimidation tactics. During the battle for Paradis Island against Marley, Armin’s Colossal Titan served as a crucial deterrent, preventing Marleyan ships from landing troops and reinforcing the island’s defenses. His transformation acted as a symbolic display of power, showcasing Paradis’s ability to retaliate.
He rarely engaged in direct combat, recognizing the devastating consequences of the Colossal Titan’s power and the potential for collateral damage. Instead, Armin prioritized negotiation and diplomacy, hoping to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Paradis and the outside world. The threat of the Colossal Titan served as leverage in these negotiations, albeit a controversial one.
What were the drawbacks of Armin inheriting the Colossal Titan?
One significant drawback of inheriting the Colossal Titan was the shortened lifespan that comes with being a Titan shifter. Armin was destined to live only 13 years after inheriting the power, leaving him with a limited time to contribute to humanity’s cause. This knowledge likely weighed heavily on him, influencing his decisions and actions.
Furthermore, the immense power of the Colossal Titan placed a considerable burden on Armin’s conscience. He struggled with the responsibility of wielding such destructive force and the knowledge that he had taken Bertholdt’s life to acquire it. This internal conflict added another layer of complexity to his character and shaped his approach to resolving conflicts.
Did inheriting the Colossal Titan change Armin’s personality?
While Armin retained his core personality traits – his intelligence, empathy, and strategic thinking – inheriting the Colossal Titan undoubtedly influenced his character. The experience of becoming a Titan shifter and witnessing the devastation he could cause instilled in him a greater sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of the complexities of war.
He became more assertive and confident in his leadership, stepping up to make difficult decisions in the face of overwhelming odds. The burden of wielding such immense power forced him to confront his own vulnerabilities and develop a stronger resolve, ultimately solidifying his role as a key figure in shaping the future of Paradis Island and the world beyond.
What eventually happened to the Colossal Titan’s power after Armin inherited it?
After the Rumbling was stopped and the cycle of Titan powers was effectively ended, the Colossal Titan power, along with all other Titan abilities, vanished from existence. This occurred after Ymir Fritz, the original Titan, was finally freed from her suffering, causing the Source of All Living Matter to disappear and thus ceasing the existence of Titans.
As a result, Armin was freed from the 13-year curse and could live out a normal lifespan. He dedicated himself to working towards peace between Paradis Island and the rest of the world, using his understanding of both sides to facilitate dialogue and build bridges between different cultures and ideologies.