Eren Yeager, the protagonist of Attack on Titan, is a character defined by his burning rage, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of freedom. Throughout the series, his words often reflect his internal struggles and his evolution from a naive young boy to a complex anti-hero. Here are 30 of his most impactful quotes:
Early Rage and Determination
Eren’s initial motivation was fueled by the desire for revenge against the Titans that destroyed his home and took his mother’s life. This early rage manifested in many of his iconic declarations.
Fuelled by Anger
“I’m going to destroy them! Every last one of them, that is!” This quote encapsulates Eren’s initial desire for vengeance against the Titans.
“I’ll kill them all! Every last one of them that’s in this world!” – Another declaration of Eren’s all-consuming desire for revenge against the Titans.
“If you don’t fight, you can’t win.” – This simple yet powerful statement reflects Eren’s belief in the necessity of action.
“If you win, you live. If you lose, you die. If you don’t fight, you can’t win!” – A variation of his earlier quote, highlighting the consequences of inaction.
“I want to join the Survey Corps and kill as many titans as I can!” – This reflects Eren’s early ambition and his desire to take the fight to the enemy.
“I’ll eradicate them all from this world!” – A more emphatic declaration of eradicating Titans.
Protecting Loved Ones
Eren’s anger wasn’t solely for revenge; he was deeply protective of those he cared about.
“I’ll protect Mikasa. No matter what, I’ll protect her!” – This quote showcases Eren’s deep commitment to Mikasa Ackerman
“I’m going to join the Scout Regiment and kill titans. And when I’m strong enough, I’m going to protect you too!” – Another quote showing Eren’s desire to protect Mikasa.
“I want to protect them… They’re my family. They are the ones who have given me a home.” – Eren’s quote which shows his protective feeling towards his friends.
The Weight of Responsibility
As Eren learned more about the world and his own powers, his perspective shifted, and his words began to reflect a growing sense of burden and responsibility.
Embracing His Power
“I’ll use this power… to crush every last Titan!” – Eren’s acknowledgment of his Titan powers and his determination to use them for good.
“I am free!” – A declaration of his newfound power and the freedom it brings.
“I don’t care what happens to me as long as I can save them!” – Eren’s willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends.
“We’re not livestock!” – Eren’s defiant cry against being treated as if they are not human.
Understanding the Truth
“We’re not just fighting for survival anymore, we are fighting for freedom!” – Eren’s statement showing his perspective of the fight against Titans.
“I wanted to see this world…I wanted to know about it.” – Eren’s quest for knowledge and understanding.
“That day…humanity remembered the terror of being at their mercy” – Eren’s comment remembering the fear when Titans attacked.
“I can’t leave them as they are. We have to change the world.” – Showing his desire to change the world for the better.
The Path of the Anti-Hero
As the series progressed, Eren’s actions became more morally ambiguous. He adopted a more ruthless mindset as he sought to protect his people, even if it meant committing atrocities.
Questioning Morality
“If you don’t act now, nothing will change.” – A justification for Eren’s more drastic actions.
“My reasons are beyond you.” – A statement that demonstrates Eren’s growing disconnect from his former comrades.
“I’ll keep moving forward… until all of my enemies are destroyed” – Eren’s justification for the path he takes.
“What has to be done, has to be done.” – Shows Eren’s acceptance of necessary actions for his goal.
The Rumbling
Eren’s transformation culminates with The Rumbling, and the following quotes are from this period of chaos.
“I won’t let anyone take their freedom.” – Eren’s twisted justification for The Rumbling, framed as an act of liberation.
“I will not fail. I will not let anyone stop me!” – Eren’s commitment to his plan, despite its consequences.
“This is the only way to guarantee the future of my people!” – Eren’s defense of his actions, claiming they are for the greater good.
“I’m just moving forward. So I will always keep destroying” – Demonstrating Eren’s mindset during the Rumbling.
The Final Confessions
In the series’ conclusion, Eren’s motivations are fully revealed, leading to some of his most introspective and heartbreaking lines.
Reflections
“I’m a slave to my own desire for freedom.” – A confession of Eren’s true nature and motivations.
“I wanted to end this world. So that I can see a world that doesn’t have Titans anymore.” – This reveals Eren’s desire to see a world without Titans.
“I wanted to erase this world because… I was disappointed.” – Eren showing his disappointment with the world.
“I want my friends to live long lives.” – Despite everything, Eren’s wish for his friends to live.
“Sorry, I didn’t want this.” – A final, heart-wrenching expression of regret for the destruction he caused.
Eren Yeager’s journey in Attack on Titan is one of transformation, loss, and ultimately, a tragic pursuit of freedom. His quotes serve as a window into the soul of a complex character, a character who will continue to provoke discussion for years to come.