Was Eren Truly Able to Control *All* Titans in Attack on Titan? A Deep Dive

Introduction

Eren Yeager’s actions in *Attack on Titan* redefined the concept of power, unleashing a cataclysmic event that shook the world. The Rumbling, a terrifying display of colossal power, remains etched in the minds of fans and characters alike. Eren, fueled by a desperate desire for freedom and armed with the power of the Founding Titan, seemed to command an unstoppable force. But did his control over the Titans extend as far as many believe? Was he truly the master puppeteer, dictating the actions of every Titan on Paradis Island and beyond?

This article delves into the complex and often debated topic of Eren Yeager’s abilities. We will examine the extent and limitations of his control over Titans, particularly focusing on the key distinction between different types of Titans and the nuances of his influence. We will explore the powers he possessed, the evidence supporting his dominion, and the compelling arguments that suggest his reach was not absolute.

While Eren possessed immense power and influence over many Titans, evidence suggests his control was not absolute and was subject to limitations based on Titan type, individual will, and the influence of others. The story of *Attack on Titan* is far too nuanced to simply attribute every Titan action to Eren’s direct command.

The Powers of the Founding Titan and Eren’s Acquisition

The Founding Titan, the linchpin of Eldian history and the source of much conflict, holds immense power. Its established abilities are legendary, capable of reshaping history and altering the very fabric of reality within the world of *Attack on Titan*. This titan grants its wielder the power of titan creation and transformation, memory manipulation, and, most importantly for our discussion, titan control or coordination. It is the ability to influence or command other titans that forms the core of our inquiry.

Eren’s acquisition of the Founding Titan was a long and arduous journey, fraught with peril and moral compromise. It required him to come into contact with royal blood – specifically through Historia Reiss and, more critically, Zeke Yeager. This contact unlocked the true potential of the Founding Titan within him, granting him access to the Paths, a mysterious dimension connecting all Eldians.

The Paths are a metaphysical realm that serve as the infrastructure for the Founding Titan’s abilities. It allows for communication and manipulation of Eldians, alive and dead. The powers are tied to the royal bloodline and within the Paths, Ymir Fritz is toiling away to make titans. It is through this realm that Eren could exert influence and potentially control the actions of titans.

It is essential to remember that there are conditions and restrictions on the Founding Titan’s power. It requires contact with someone of royal blood, which initially limited Eren’s ability to fully utilize its potential. Overcoming this restriction was central to Eren’s plan and the unfolding of the Rumbling.

Evidence Supporting Eren’s Control of Titans

The most compelling evidence supporting Eren’s control over Titans is, without a doubt, the Rumbling. This apocalyptic event saw Eren unleash millions of Colossal Titans from within the Walls of Paradis Island, directing them to march across the world, eradicating everything in their path. The sheer scale of this operation suggests a significant degree of control. He was able to orchestrate the movement of these colossal beings, guiding them towards his intended targets with chilling precision.

Beyond the Rumbling, there are instances throughout the series where Eren appears to influence Titan behavior, even before fully acquiring the Founding Titan. Consider the incident with Dina Fritz, the Smiling Titan. Eren seems to have consciously influenced her actions, leading her to ignore Bertholdt Hoover and instead target his mother, Carla Yeager. This seemingly purposeful redirection indicates a level of control beyond mere coincidence.

The Coordinate, a central concept in *Attack on Titan*, is essentially a nexus point linking all Eldians. Since most titans are transformed Eldians, this suggests a potential connection between Eren and all titans. The Coordinate could have served as a conduit for Eren’s will, allowing him to exert influence over their actions, even if that influence wasn’t always absolute.

These instances, coupled with the sheer power demonstrated during the Rumbling, paint a picture of Eren wielding considerable authority over the Titan population. But this picture is far from complete.

Limitations and Counter-Arguments: Why Eren’s Control Wasn’t Absolute

While the evidence for Eren’s control is compelling, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations and counter-arguments that suggest his power was not absolute. This is especially true when considering the diverse types of Titans within the *Attack on Titan* universe.

The question of whether Eren truly controlled all Pure Titans is a complex one. While he may have exerted a general influence over their behavior, particularly during the Rumbling, it is questionable whether he issued direct commands to each individual Pure Titan. It is more likely that their actions were driven by a combination of Eren’s influence and their own ingrained instincts as mindless Titans, driven by hunger and a desire to consume humans.

Furthermore, the Nine Titans, the inheritable Titan powers wielded by individuals such as Reiner Braun (Armored Titan), Annie Leonhart (Female Titan), and Armin Arlert (Colossal Titan), presented a significant challenge to Eren’s authority. These Titan shifters retained their individual will and consciousness, making them far more resistant to direct control.

The numerous conflicts between Eren and the other Titan shifters highlight the limitations of his influence. Reiner, Annie, and Armin frequently resisted Eren’s plans, acting according to their own motivations and loyalties. Even when seemingly compliant, their actions were often tinged with doubt and internal conflict, suggesting they were not simply puppets on Eren’s strings. Consider Annie’s actions. Was she fully controlled or was she trying to accomplish her own agenda.

The influence of Ymir Fritz, the progenitor of all Titans, also casts doubt on Eren’s absolute control. Some theories suggest that Ymir, even after Eren acquired the Founding Titan, retained a degree of influence over the Titans, particularly their creation and fundamental behavior. This would mean that Eren was not the sole architect of Titan actions but rather a co-conspirator, sharing power with the spectral presence of Ymir.

The Ackerman clan, known for their unique abilities and immunity to Titan powers, further complicates the issue. The Ackermans are resistant to memory manipulation, a key power of the Founding Titan. It is logical to believe that this immunity extended to protection from Eren’s direct control. Levi Ackerman, for example, consistently acted according to his own judgment and moral compass, showing no signs of being influenced by Eren’s will.

Finally, Zeke’s influence within the Paths cannot be ignored. Zeke, with his royal blood, had his own agenda. Eren had to manipulate Zeke in order to gain the full power of the Founding Titan and start the Rumbling, but Zeke was not entirely passive. Zeke, a royal bloodline, was able to impact Eren’s control.

Eren’s Motivations and Manipulation vs. Control

It is critical to recognize that Eren’s actions were fueled by a complex mix of control, manipulation, and a sense of predetermined fate. He believed he was acting to secure the freedom of Paradis Island, even if it meant committing unspeakable atrocities. This unwavering conviction drove him to manipulate situations and individuals to achieve his goals.

Eren strategically manipulated events to achieve his desired outcomes, even if it meant not directly controlling every Titan’s action. He understood the personalities and motivations of those around him, using this knowledge to steer them toward his ultimate purpose. His ability to foresee future events through the Attack Titan’s power further enabled him to anticipate and influence the unfolding of events.

Eren’s own limitations and internal conflicts are also crucial to consider. Was he a puppet of fate, bound by the memories of past and future inheritors of the Attack Titan, or did he truly possess free will? The series grapples with this question, leaving the audience to ponder the extent to which Eren’s actions were his own or dictated by forces beyond his control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Eren Yeager wielded immense power over Titans, particularly through the Founding Titan and the Rumbling, his control was not absolute. It was subject to limitations based on Titan type, individual will, the influence of others, and Eren’s own internal struggles. Pure Titans may have been influenced but not directly controlled, while the Nine Titans retained their individual agency. The potential influence of Ymir Fritz and the immunity of the Ackerman clan further restricted Eren’s dominion.

The story of *Attack on Titan* is about more than simply control; it is a story about freedom, choice, and the consequences of seeking power at any cost. Eren’s journey highlights the dangerous allure of absolute power and the enduring strength of individual will in the face of overwhelming force. It is a reminder that even the most seemingly powerful individuals are often constrained by forces beyond their control, and that true freedom lies not in domination but in the ability to choose one’s own path. The question of whether Eren truly controlled *all* titans remains a central point of debate within the *Attack on Titan* fandom, but it is clear that his power, while immense, was ultimately limited and inextricably linked to the complex web of relationships and motivations that defined the series.