Attack on Titan: Analyzing Whether Erwin Would Have Backed Eren’s Rumbling Strategy

Key Insights

Erwin’s calculated ruthlessness likely shaped his perspective on Eren’s Rumbling plan as a tactical deterrent against Marley.
Erwin’s practical approach and strategic thinking could have led to diplomatic resolutions rather than Eren’s vision of total annihilation.
As a leader, Erwin’s legacy hints at his possible endorsement of a moderated Rumbling, intended more as a threat than a means of widespread destruction.

Attack on Titan intricately weaves themes of leadership and morality, compelling characters into complex decisions in the name of survival. The revelation of Marley and the broader world presents profound challenges, forcing characters to contemplate how far they are willing to go to safeguard humanity. Although Erwin and Eren pursue different methods, both are driven by the relentless desire to sacrifice everything for their visions. Examining their motivations exposes the moral dilemmas they face, illuminating their personal journeys.

A prominent “what if”scenario in Attack on Titan revolves around whether Erwin Smith, had he survived, would have backed Eren’s controversial Rumbling strategy. Erwin’s historically strategic ruthlessness has been a driving force behind numerous successes within the walls. The crucial question arises: would his pragmatic approach extend to endorsing a cataclysmic event like the Rumbling? Speculation invites a deeper look into Erwin’s character, his motivations, and potential reactions to Marley’s looming threat.

Erwin’s Ideals and Ruthlessness

A Vision Shaped by Personal Tragedy

Erwin’s journey commenced with the tragic death of his father, who proposed the possibility of a world beyond the walls. This idea was met with skepticism and denial, both from society and the government, igniting a resolve in Erwin to uncover the truth, even at great personal risk. Unlike many of his peers, he was driven by the possibility that life existed outside their confined existence, further motivating his quest to unveil the concealed truths of their world. The enigmatic circumstances surrounding his father’s death deepened Erwin’s determination to challenge society’s beliefs and validate his father’s theory.

In pursuit of the truth, Erwin often navigated moral gray areas. Renowned for his willingness to make significant sacrifices, he consistently weighed the collective benefit against his personal aspirations, mirroring Eren’s mindset. For Erwin, no risk was too great in the quest for truth, even if it meant jeopardizing his comrades. This ambitious outlook, occasionally at odds with ethical considerations, draws notable parallels with Eren’s mindset when facing the threat posed by Marley.

Converging Mindsets: Erwin and Eren

Understanding the Necessity of Sacrifice

Both Erwin and Eren exhibit a fierce single-mindedness in chasing their visions. For Erwin, it was about discovering truths hidden beyond the walls; for Eren, it centered on ensuring the survival and freedom of the Eldians. To further their respective aims, both characters undertook morally intricate actions, embracing choices that might seem extreme to others.

While Erwin refrained from resorting to mass violence, his plans required sacrifices that defied conventional morality. Given his realist attitude, he may have considered the Rumbling a necessary evil. However, how far he would endorse such a devastating plan remains uncertain.

Hypothetical Support for the Rumbling

Calculating Strategy Amidst Total War

Had Erwin survived and discovered Marley’s role in oppressing the Eldians, he may have sought a strategic alternative to Eren’s drastic measures. Instead of resorting to Rumbling, he might have advocated for diplomacy, leveraging his astute observational ability to uncover overlooked solutions that fostered the safety of the Eldians.

Nevertheless, as a pragmatic leader, Erwin understood the deep-seated animosity existing between the Marleyans and Eldians, potentially leading to a cautious acceptance of the Rumbling as a necessary deterrent. However, he would probably have opposed Eren’s extreme approach of total annihilation, advocating instead for a more controlled, utilitarian use of Rumbling as leverage in negotiations.

Erwin’s Perspective on Eren’s Decisions

Mentorship versus Confrontation

If confronted with Eren’s drastic Rumbling strategy, Erwin might have expressed understanding of Eren’s instincts to protect Paradis, possibly recognizing the effectiveness of his abilities in negotiating with Marley. However, as a tactical thinker, he would have likely opposed the sheer scale of Eren’s plan, favoring a nuanced approach focused on calculated and restrained use of power.

Should Erwin have strongly disagreed with Eren’s methods, he might have initiated dialogue to propose alternative solutions. The emotional state of Eren is evident when he sought Hanji’s opinions, acutely aware of the ethical ramifications and potential consequences of devastation. Alternatively, Erwin might have negotiated with Eren, presenting a vision of safeguarding Eldians without necessitating global destruction, potentially altering Eren’s trajectory and lessening the degree of conflict.

Altered Outcomes of Leadership

Envisioning a Unique Path for Paradis and Eldia

Had Erwin influenced Eren, the events in Attack on Titan would have unfolded dramatically differently. Rather than descending into total warfare, Erwin’s leadership might have fostered negotiations aimed at reconciling the interests of Paradis and the outside world. His strategic insight could have enabled a peaceful resolution, preventing chaos and forging a new pathway towards stability.

In this altered reality, Paradis could seek coexistence amidst tensions while respecting the boundaries of Marley and the world, maintaining a careful balance of power. With Erwin’s leadership, there would be greater preparation for defensive strategies, coupled with calculated demonstrations of force that preserved opportunities for diplomatic dialogues and alliances.

Potential Ramifications for the Rumbling Strategy

Navigating Between Ideals and Realities

Erwin’s legacy as a complex leader, balancing pragmatism with idealism, underscores a divergence from Eren’s approach to the Marleyan threat. While he understood the necessity for decisive action, Erwin’s strategic inclinations and thirst for knowledge might have directed him toward solutions far less annihilative in nature. If he aligned with Eren, it likely would have been a conditional agreement, perceiving the Rumbling as a means of deterrence rather than an endgame.

The inquiry into whether Erwin would hypothetically endorse the Rumbling raises intricate considerations: would his realistic disposition lead him to accept Eren’s destructive plan, or induce him to champion a more balanced approach? Fans can ponder various scenarios; one undeniable truth remains: Erwin’s presence could have profoundly influenced the narrative of Attack on Titan, potentially steering it toward a fate vastly different from the one encountered.

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