Did Eren Truly Control All Titans? A Deep Dive into Eren’s Titan Power in Attack on Titan

Introduction

Eren Yeager, the protagonist of *Attack on Titan*, is arguably one of the most complex and controversial characters in anime history. His journey from a vengeful young boy to the wielder of the Attack Titan and, ultimately, the Founding Titan, is a narrative rollercoaster. Central to Eren’s transformation and the apocalyptic event known as the Rumbling is the question of control: to what extent, exactly, *attack on titan was eren able to control all titans*? The ambiguity surrounding this question fuels much of the debate among fans, with some arguing he possessed absolute authority and others suggesting his power was far more limited than it appeared. This article delves into the intricacies of Eren’s Titan powers, analyzing the instances where he exerted control, the times where his influence seemed fractured, and ultimately, exploring the extent to which he could truly command the forces of Titan nature.

While Eren undeniably possessed the power of the Founding Titan, granting him immense control over Titans, the extent of his control was limited by the wills of other Titan shifters and the influence of Ymir Fritz. This article will explore the origins and limitations of the Founding Titan, Eren’s acquisition and use of its power, evidence suggesting incomplete control, and finally, address counterarguments claiming Eren’s near-complete dominion over the Titans.

The Origins of the Founding Titan’s Power

The Founding Titan, the progenitor of all Titan powers, lies at the heart of Eldian history and the conflict within *Attack on Titan*. Its origins are intrinsically linked to Ymir Fritz, the first Titan, who gained her power through contact with a mysterious entity. The Founding Titan’s abilities are vast and terrifying, making it a force capable of reshaping the world. Its core power lies in its capacity to create Titans, transforming Subjects of Ymir into Pure Titans through the power of the Paths.

Beyond creation, the Founding Titan holds the power to control Pure Titans. This control is not merely a suggestion; it is a direct command, allowing the wielder to manipulate these mindless giants as extensions of their own will. Furthermore, the Founding Titan can manipulate the memories of Subjects of Ymir, altering their perceptions of the past and present. This ability, in particular, highlights the immense power and potential for manipulation that comes with the Founding Titan.

However, the Founding Titan’s power is not without limitations. Historically, it could only be fully accessed by someone of royal blood, a direct descendant of the Fritz family. This restriction was initially absolute, preventing anyone without royal blood from utilizing its full potential. Eren, lacking royal blood, faced this barrier. It was only through contact with Dina Fritz, a Titanized member of the royal family, that Eren could initially wield a degree of the Founding Titan’s power. This connection was crucial in unlocking the Founding Titan’s potential, even though it did not grant him unfettered access. Ultimately, his connection with Historia’s family allowed him to finally wield the founding titan.

Eren’s Path to Controlling Titans

Eren’s acquisition of the Founding Titan was a gradual process, marked by initial struggles and limited early uses of its power. Contact with Dina Fritz during the battle against the Smiling Titan was the first glimpse of his latent potential, triggering a subconscious ability to command Titans to attack her. This initial display was largely involuntary, hinting at a power Eren had yet to understand or control.

Later, Eren began to consciously learn to wield the Founding Titan power. The rescue mission in Liberio served as a critical turning point. Though he did not unleash the full extent of the Founding Titan’s power at this time, his growing understanding and command of the Attack Titan served as a crucial stepping stone. The true manifestation of his control came during the Rumbling, the cataclysmic event where Eren unleashed the Wall Titans upon the world.

During the Rumbling, Eren’s control over the Wall Titans was undeniable. He communicated with them through the Paths, directing their movements and ensuring the devastating march across the globe. The scale and coordination of this event suggest a high degree of control, painting a picture of Eren as a puppet master orchestrating a global catastrophe. However, even within the Rumbling, subtle nuances suggest a more complex reality. There were instances where the Titans seemed to act somewhat independently, or where the consequences of their actions deviated slightly from Eren’s apparent intentions. These deviations raise questions about the absoluteness of his control, suggesting that perhaps even the Founding Titan’s power has its limits.

Evidence Suggesting Limited or Incomplete Control Over the Titans

Despite the clear displays of power during the Rumbling, there is substantial evidence suggesting Eren’s control over all Titans was ultimately limited. The wills of other Titan shifters, the influence of Ymir Fritz, and instances of apparent Titan anarchy all contribute to a picture of a power that, while immense, was not absolute.

Wills of Titan Shifters

The will of other Titan shifters proved to be a significant obstacle. Reiner Braun, Annie Leonhart, Pieck Finger, and other shifters repeatedly acted against Eren’s plans. Their ability to resist his influence highlights the fact that Titan Shifters were not simply puppets to be controlled. They possessed their own motivations, their own loyalties, and their own willpower. The conflict between Eren and these other Shifters was not simply a battle of Titans; it was a clash of ideologies, loyalties, and individual wills.

The Influence of Ymir Fritz

The influence of Ymir Fritz in the Paths is another critical factor. Ymir’s millennia-long servitude and her yearning for connection and freedom raise profound questions about who was truly in control. Was Eren simply a vessel for Ymir’s desires, a tool through which she could finally find release? Or was Eren the master of his own destiny, bending the power of the Founding Titan to his will? The ambiguity surrounding Ymir’s role suggests that Eren’s control was, at best, shared, and at worst, a facade concealing a deeper, more complex manipulation.

Instances of Apparent Titan Anarchy

Finally, instances of apparent Titan anarchy cannot be ignored. While the Rumbling was largely coordinated, there were reports and visual evidence of Titans acting erratically. Some Titans deviated from the main path, while others seemed to attack without specific targets. These inconsistencies suggest that the Founding Titan’s control was not all-encompassing. The sheer scale of the Rumbling, coupled with the inherent chaos of Titan nature, may have resulted in pockets of autonomy, moments where the individual Titan’s will, however diminished, reasserted itself.

Counterarguments: Arguments for Eren’s Near-Complete Control

It is important to acknowledge the opposing viewpoint: some argue that *attack on titan was eren able to control all titans* and Eren did indeed have near-complete control, using the Rumbling as the ultimate demonstration. They point to the vast scale and coordination of the Rumbling itself as evidence. Eren’s ability to communicate with and guide the Wall Titans across vast distances supports the notion of a powerful, centralized control. Furthermore, some interpretations of the narrative suggest that Eren manipulated events from the beginning, guiding the world towards a preordained outcome. This interpretation implies a level of control that extends beyond mere Titan manipulation, suggesting a mastery over fate itself.

However, these counterarguments do not fully address the evidence presented earlier. The resistance of other Titan Shifters, the influence of Ymir, and the instances of Titan anarchy all point to limitations in Eren’s control. While the Rumbling was undeniably a display of immense power, it was not necessarily a display of absolute control. The chaos and inconsistencies within the Rumbling suggest that Eren’s grasp on the Titan forces was, at best, tenuous.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of whether *attack on titan was eren able to control all titans* remains a complex one. While Eren undeniably possessed the immense power of the Founding Titan, granting him unprecedented influence over Pure Titans and even some Titan Shifters, his control was ultimately incomplete. The wills of other Titan Shifters, the lingering influence of Ymir Fritz, and instances of apparent Titan anarchy all contributed to a reality where Eren’s power was not absolute.

Eren’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the limitations of even the most formidable abilities. While he sought to control the world to protect his friends, his pursuit of control ultimately led to destruction and sacrifice. The true tragedy lies in the fact that even with such immense power, he was unable to achieve lasting peace without immense personal and global cost. The nuances of his limited control highlights the overarching theme of the story: freedom cannot be seized through force.

What does it say about the nature of freedom, control, and the cyclical nature of violence in *Attack on Titan* that even with the ultimate power, Eren was not able to achieve his ultimate goal? Did he fail because absolute control is impossible, or because his vision of peace was inherently flawed? These questions remain long after the dust of the Rumbling settles, prompting reflection on the complexities of power and the enduring struggle for freedom.