Essential Insights
- Major character deaths in Attack on Titan significantly influence the storyline, going beyond mere shock tactics.
- Each character’s fate, including Grisha, Sasha, and Kenny, carries weight and propels the plot in impactful directions.
- From the fatalities of Zeke to Ymir’s selfless act, these pivotal deaths shape the universe and the characters’ journeys throughout the series.
Numerous shonen anime have achieved iconic status, but few possess the depth and meticulous detail found in Attack on Titan. Initially presenting as a struggle against Titans, the narrative ultimately flips to expose humanity as the greatest threat.
Following the evolution of characters like Eren, Armin, and Mikasa is a captivating experience, illustrating the gradual progression of the Attack on Titan world. The series is rife with tragedy, leading to many significant character fatalities. Below, we highlight some of the most consequential deaths within the Attack on Titan narrative.
Updated on October 25, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: As one of the most acclaimed anime series, Attack on Titan mesmerizes audiences with its compelling storytelling, grim landscape, and unforgettable characters that linger in fans’ thoughts long after the finale. The narrative provides no guarantees of safety; death can unexpectedly befall any character. These significant losses add depth to the plot, revealing the profound meanings behind each death instead of relying on shock alone.
Warning: Spoilers follow, read at your own risk.
1 Mike Zacharias
Fell In: Beast Titan (Season 2, Episode 1)
- The shocking revelation of the Beast Titan’s ability to speak shatters his hope before his gruesome end
The moment the Beast Titan is revealed stands as one of the series’ most unsettling scenes, injecting a dose of suspense and intrigue as fans speculate about the Titan’s capabilities. Mike Zacharias unexpectedly finds himself in peril when he encounters this formidable foe.
Although he typically retains a calm demeanor, the realization that the Beast Titan can converse marks the end of his optimism. Zeke, unimpressed by Mike’s fear, orders the other Pure Titans to devour him, showcasing one of the series’ most brutal deaths. The steady build-up of suspense in Attack on Titan is highlighted right here, as Zeke’s strategic cunning comes into play.
2 Frieda Reiss
Fell In: Sin (Season 3, Episode 6)
- Grisha consumes her to acquire the power of the Founding Titan
Although Frieda appears only through flashbacks and posthumous references, her influence on the narrative is substantial. As a royal family member meant to inherit the Founding Titan, her untimely encounter with Grisha drastically alters the Eldians’ future.
Initially perceived as a spontaneous act by Grisha, the truth unfolds later when it’s revealed that Eren influence his father’s decision from the future, compelling him to acquire the Founding Titan’s powers. This shocking twist positions her death as a critical juncture within Attack on Titan.
3 Ymir
Death Referenced In: Midnight Train (Season 4, Episode 2)
- Intentionally allows herself to be consumed to transfer the Jaw Titan’s power to Porco
Before the lore surrounding Ymir’s name became synonymous with the origin of the Titan power, it referred to Christa’s loyal friend, who harbored a painful secret. After her transformation into a Titan, Ymir encounters Marcel Galliard—who initially wielded the Jaw Titan form—allowing her to regain her humanity and integrate into Paradis Island.
After revealing the Jaw’s power to Reiner and Bertholdt, the focus shifts to reclaiming this Titan ability. Ultimately, after a life filled with uncertainty, Ymir willingly sacrifices herself for Marcel’s brother, ensuring the Titan’s might returns to its original oppressors.
4 Zeke Jaeger
Fell In: THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2
- His passing signals the series’ climax, forcing Eren to confront his situation
Zeke stands as one of the series’ most captivating characters. After engaging in relentless conflict with the Survey Corps, he allies with Eren for his own shadowy motives. His antagonistic journey culminates in a riveting conflict with Levi.
Upon acknowledging his impending demise and the consequences of his choices, a determined Levi swiftly beheads Zeke. This climactic moment represents a long-awaited victory for Levi, culminating in a masterful encounter.
5 Eren Jaeger
Fell In: THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2
- His demise concludes the Rumbling, enabling humanity to rebuild without the Titan powers
Eren is heralded as one of the most complex characters in shonen anime. Initially appearing as a typical protagonist, he undergoes one of the most significant character transformations in the fourth season.
After sparking the Rumbling and causing widespread devastation, justifying Eren’s actions proves challenging. Yet, his foresight enabled him to strategize perfectly leading up to such drastic measures. Although his actions can’t overshadow the catastrophic impact, the moment Mikasa ends his life elicits a blend of emotions from viewers as it signals a stop to his reign of terror.
6 Udo & Zofia
Fell In: The War Hammer Titan (Season 4, Episode 6)
- The tragic loss of Gabi’s companions ignites her fury, leading her to kill Sasha and get captured with Falco
It may seem like a stretch to include two characters at once, but the deaths of Udo and Zofia serve a singular purpose. Their loss intensifies Gabi’s desire for retaliation, propelling her toward impulsive actions.
Fueled by her hatred of the Paradis islanders, Gabi shoots Sasha without hesitation and subsequently finds herself captured alongside Falco. These series of events eventually awaken her to the futility of their ongoing conflict.
7 Lara Tybur
Fell In: Assault (Season 4, Episode 7)
- The War Hammer Titan is consumed by Eren after he shatters her crystal enclosure with the Jaw Titan’s mouth
As the inheritor of the War Hammer Titan, Lara presents a formidable challenge for Eren during his raid on Liberio. Despite being an impressive adversary, shattering her crystalline barrier proves difficult.
Eventually, Eren seizes the opportunity by using the Jaw Titan’s immense bite strength to break through, successfully consuming her and claiming the War Hammer Titan’s abilities for himself.
8 Galliard Pig
Fell In: Two Brothers (Season 4, Episode 19)
- Porco selflessly sacrifices himself to save Falco after being transformed into a Titan by Zeke, transferring the Jaw Titan to him
As the younger Galliard sibling, Porco inherits the Jaw Titan after Ymir’s time comes to an end. Although a capable successor, he suffers severe injuries during the battle against Eren and Zeke.
Aware that healing is no longer an option, Porco heroically chooses to offer his life to save Falco, marking a poignant moment of redemption for a character repeatedly oppressed.
9 Ymir Fritz
Fell In: From You, 2,000 Years Ago (Season 4, Episode 21)
- Her demise leads to the emergence of the Nine Titans, binding her eternally to King Fritz’s manipulations
The origin of Titan powers rests with Ymir Fritz, a figure who, tragically, lacks autonomy. Rather than being a revered entity, she is subjected to the will of the Eldian king repeatedly.
By sacrificing herself for this despotic ruler, Ymir’s end inadvertently facilitates the creation of the Nine Titans while enshrining her essence within the Paths.
10 Faye Yeager
Fell In: That Day (Season 3, Episode 20)
- The horrific murder of Faye by Marleyans sparks Grisha’s vengeful journey against Marley
The tragic fate of Grisha’s younger sister catalyzes his transformation into a rebel opposing Marley. After the siblings venture beyond their internment zone to witness a blimp, Marleyan officials seize them.
While Grisha escapes, Faye becomes victim to the brutal entertainment of Marleyan captors, hunted down by feral dogs—a chilling portrayal of Eldian suffering at the hands of Marley.
11 Dina Fritz
Fell In: Scream (Season 2, Episode 12)
- Transformed into a mindless Titan following betrayal by her son, ultimately falling to Eren, who unintentionally activated the coordinate
Dina, a member of royalty, yearned to resist Marley’s oppression, but the betrayal by her child leads to her tragic end. Yet, her parenting choices also contributed to their dire circumstances.
Her transformation into a Pure Titan initiates the sequence of events that instills a deep-seated hatred of Titans within Eren. The encounter opens Eren to the Founding Titan’s potential to combat the forces threatening humanity.
12 Carla Yeager
Fell In: To You, In 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1 (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Encouraged Eren to join the Survey Corps in his battle against the Titans
Eren’s mother represents one of the most compassionate figures in the series, undeserving of her tragic fate, which unfolds in the very first episode.
Her legacy of motivation pivotal for Eren throughout the series highlights that her death was merely a part of the larger, complex conspiracy unfolding on Paradis Island for years.
13 Grisha Yeager
Fell In: Sin (Season 3, Episode 6)
- Bestowed the powers of the Attack and Founding Titan onto Eren
Grisha emerges as a cornerstone character in Attack on Titan. His backstory as a Marleyan rebel offers insight into his motivations, which, regrettably, lead to moral degradation over time.
After starting afresh in Paradis, he transfers the Founding Titan’s abilities to Eren, ensuring that his influence permeates throughout the storyline even posthumously.
14 Marco Bott
Fell In: Descent (Season 3, Episode 15)
- Marco’s tragic death contributes to Reiner’s gradual descent into chaos
Initially self-serving, Jean experiences a transformative realization after a monumental event in the series.
Marco’s unfortunate fate, stemming from overhearing Reiner and Bertholdt’s schemes, becomes a pivotal moment that ultimately impels Jean into action against the Titans for humanity’s sake rather than seeking comfort.
15 Hannes
Fell In: Scream (Season 2, Episode 12)
- His noble sacrifice to protect Eren and Mikasa ignites Eren’s rage, activating the Coordinate’s powers
Among the series’ most likable figures, Hannes initially lacks a strong introduction but redeems himself following the Shiganshina assault.
Tragically, he perishes while attempting to rescue Eren and Mikasa from the Titan responsible for Carla Yeager’s death, wielding a significant emotional impact that triggers Eren’s rage and activates his latent powers.
16 Rod Reiss
Fell In: Ruler Of The Walls (Season 3, Episode 9)
- Ended the oppressive royal family’s reign, revealing the harsh reality to the populace
The royal family maintained a veneer of control over Paradis, perpetuating ignorance among the citizens. Rod Reiss, the family patriarch, sought to reclaim the Founding Titan’s powers.
Ultimately, as he transforms into a massive Titan in desperation, he meets his end at the hands of his daughter, who rises to power as Historia Reiss.
17 Kenny Ackerman
Fell In: Friends (Season 3, Episode 10)
- Provides Levi with vital Titan spinal fluid and shares insights into the Ackerman lineage
Kenny Ackerman plays a notable role in shaping Levi’s path; his unique fighting style resurfaces during the Marley conflict.
Fatally injured after Rod Reiss transforms into a Titan, Kenny ensures Levi receives crucial Pure Titan fluid, pivotal in saving Armin’s life.
18 Bertholdt Hoover
Fell In: Midnight Sun (Season 3, Episode 18)
- Forced into a fate where Armin consumes him, granting Armin the powers of the Colossal Titan
Bertholdt, a gentle soul among the Marleyan Warriors tasked with reclaiming the Founding Titan, presents an unexpectedly complex character arc as he becomes a target for capture following his betrayal.
Ultimately, to save Armin and Erwin, a decision is made to sacrifice him for the greater good—his death serves a dual purpose, allowing Armin to inherit the Colossal Titan’s might.
19 Erwin Smith
Fell In: Midnight Sun (Season 3, Episode 18)
- Led a daring brazen charge against the Beast Titan
Determined to assist Levi’s mission, Erwin spearheads an audacious offensive against the Beast Titan, drawing its fire as part of a tactical maneuver.
Sadly, he loses his life when struck by a rock mid-charge. Although Levi could have saved him, he abstains upon recognizing Erwin’s desire to escape his tumultuous existence through death.
20 Sasha Braus
Fell In: Assassin’s Bullet (Season 4, Episode 8)
- Gabi kills her in a moment of fury, igniting a series of events leading Gabi to question her indoctrination
Sasha’s tragic death stands as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the entire series. The resulting backlash from fans towards Gabi reflects Sasha’s endearing quality and the strong connections she forged.
Her demise illustrates how senseless the deep-seated animosity between the Eldians and Marleyans became, alongside revealing Eren’s detachment from the emotional gravity of the situation when he learns of her passing.
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