Eren Yeager’s journey in Attack on Titan marks one of the most compelling character transformations in anime history. Starting as a hopeful, vengeful young man, his arc takes him through intense emotional and psychological shifts, revealing how vengeance and idealism can lead to darker paths. Eren’s descent from a symbol of hope to a genocidal antihero is central to the series’ emotional impact and leaves viewers grappling with the complexities of morality.
From the beginning, Eren was driven by a singular mission: to avenge his mother’s death and destroy the Titans. His early years were filled with rage and vengeance as he joined the Scouts to fight the creatures that stole his freedom. His idealism framed his worldview as black-and-white, with Titans as the enemy and himself as humanity’s savior. But as Attack on Titan progressed, his character slowly evolved, and the layers of complexity began to emerge. By the final season, Eren was no longer the idealistic hero—he had become a monster willing to sacrifice everything to ensure his people’s survival, even if it meant becoming the villain.
Eren’s Heroic Beginnings
Yuki Kaji (Credits: Kodansha)
Eren’s early character in Attack on Titan was defined by his intense hatred of the Titans. After witnessing the tragic death of his mother, he made it his mission to rid the world of these creatures. This personal vendetta led him to join the Scouts, a group dedicated to fighting the Titans. Seasons 1 and 2 painted him as a symbol of hope and defiance, fighting not just for survival but for vengeance. His fiery personality and impulsiveness hinted at the darker, more complex journey ahead.
As the series progressed, Eren started facing deeper existential questions about identity and responsibility. The discovery of his Titan-shifting ability only made him more crucial to humanity’s battle, and he slowly realized that the Titans were not as mindless as they seemed. However, it was during this time that Eren began to question the black-and-white morals he had clung to. The loss of simplicity in his worldview foreshadowed the difficult decisions ahead.
The World Beyond the Walls
Eren (Credits: Mappa)
By Season 3, Eren’s understanding of his enemies expanded beyond the Titans. He learned that the Titans were once humans themselves, manipulated by a larger political plot. The introduction of Marley and the Eldians, and the truth about the world’s system, shook Eren to his core. This revelation marked a significant turning point for Eren. He was no longer just fighting for humanity’s survival but now had to confront the complexities of the world outside the walls, particularly the oppressive system created by Marley.
In the later parts of Season 3, Eren’s growing disillusionment with the system and his guilt over the violence between Marley and Eldia began to shape his worldview. Though still focused on protecting his people, his methods were beginning to change. This shift in his ideals signaled the beginning of the villainous path that Eren would eventually walk, setting the stage for the ultimate tragedy of his character arc.
Eren’s Darkest Path: The Rumbling
Eren (Credits: Mappa)
The fourth season marked Eren’s complete transformation into the antagonist of Attack on Titan. Now an adult, he carried the weight of the world’s truths and a brutal decision to make. The plan known as “The Rumbling,” designed to eradicate Marley and the rest of the world, was born from Eren’s belief that only by exterminating all threats to Eldia could he secure freedom for his people. This plan, which involved genocide, was a direct contrast to the young man who once fought for justice and revenge.
Eren’s willingness to sacrifice his humanity for his people placed him in direct opposition to his former allies, including Mikasa and Armin. As Eren isolated himself and carried out his devastating plan, the former Scouts were forced to confront their old friend-turned-enemy. The emotional impact of this shift was significant, as Eren’s journey came full circle, from hero to villain in a tragic twist.
Eren’s story in Attack on Titan is not just one of a fall from grace, but a gradual transformation driven by the harsh realities of the world around him. His desire to protect his people and secure freedom for future generations led him down a path of destruction, making him one of anime’s most tragic figures. Whether Eren is remembered as a hero or a villain depends on perspective, and this ambiguity is what makes his arc unforgettable.
Attack on Titan is set in a dystopian world where humanity lives behind massive walls to protect itself from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, who devour humans seemingly without reason. The story begins when a colossal Titan breaches one of the walls, destroying protagonist Eren Yeager’s home and triggering a violent chain of events.
Anime has long been a medium known for its emotional weight and bold character decisions. One trope that has persisted across many series is the “fridging” of characters, a narrative choice that often results in the sudden and dramatic death of a beloved figure. This trope not only serves to push the protagonist’s emotional development but also highlights the brutal reality that no character, regardless of their strength, is safe in an unforgiving world.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a prime example where this trope has been used effectively to create personal stakes for its characters, particularly in the death of Kyojuro Rengoku. Known as the Flame Hashira, Rengoku’s death in the Mugen Train arc is an emotional turning point in the series, leaving a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience. Demon Slayer’s approach to fridging goes beyond the trope’s usual connotation, presenting it in a way that not only drives the plot forward but also offers a deeper exploration of the characters’ motivations.
Why Heroes Like Kyojuro Rengoku Meet Their End
Rengoku (Credits: Ufotable)
In many anime, character deaths are carefully planned to either highlight the strength of an antagonist or create emotional stakes that deepen the narrative. Kyojuro Rengoku’s death is a perfect example of how the fridging trope can be used to great effect. Rather than being a random casualty, Rengoku’s demise showcases his unwavering will to remain human, even when faced with the chance of eternal life as a demon. This act of nobility is crucial in motivating Tanjiro and his team, pushing them to grow stronger in the face of overwhelming odds.
Rengoku’s heroic death also serves a larger thematic purpose: it reinforces the idea that even the most powerful figures, such as the Hashira, are not immune to the dangers posed by Muzan Kibutsuji’s demonic forces. The series is not shy about killing off characters who may seem invincible, proving that no one is truly safe. This unpredictability is what makes Demon Slayer stand out, as it keeps viewers on edge, never knowing who will be next.
The Impact of Fridging on the Story and Audience
Rengoku (Credits: Ufotable)
The death of a character like Rengoku is not only tragic but also serves as a catalyst for change within the narrative. It shifts the tone of the story, creating an environment where stakes feel high and the heroes’ journey becomes even more challenging. This death, while heartbreaking, also opens the door for the growth of other characters, particularly Tanjiro, who takes on the responsibility of continuing Rengoku’s fight against the demons.
Moreover, Rengoku’s death resonates because it’s not just about his role as a powerful warrior but also about his personality. He is a lovable, charismatic figure who embodies courage and selflessness, making his loss even more impactful. The audience is not only mourning the loss of a skilled fighter but also the loss of a character who represented hope and determination. This emotional connection heightens the tragedy, creating a sense of personal loss for viewers.
Fridging in Other Anime: Heartbreaking Moments of Sacrifice
Rengoku (Credits: Ufotable)
While Demon Slayer is a standout example of using the fridging trope, it is far from the only anime that utilizes this narrative device. In One Piece, the death of Portgas D. Ace serves a similar function, pushing Luffy’s emotional arc forward and solidifying his motivations for the rest of the series. Similarly, in Bleach, Kaien Shiba’s death serves to deepen Ichigo’s character development, while Jiraiya’s death in Naruto Shippuden is a turning point that pushes Naruto to evolve into a more determined hero.
These moments of fridging create a lasting emotional impact, not only for the protagonists but also for the audience. When a character is killed off, it is often done to highlight their importance within the story. Whether it’s through a noble sacrifice or a sudden, unexpected death, the consequences of these losses ripple throughout the narrative, shifting the direction of the story and adding emotional weight to every decision the characters make moving forward.
The Fridging Trope and Its Societal Implications
Shinjurō Rengoku (Credits: Ufotable)
While fridging has proven to be a potent narrative tool in anime, it’s not without controversy. Critics of the trope argue that it can sometimes carry sexist undertones, especially when it involves the death of female characters. The term “women in refrigerators” was coined to describe a trend in comic books where women were often killed off to serve as a plot device for the male protagonist. This criticism is not exclusive to anime but extends across various forms of media, highlighting the broader societal issues that can influence storytelling.
However, the fridging trope is not inherently problematic. It’s the way in which it is used that can lead to criticism. If executed thoughtfully, a character’s death can serve a meaningful purpose within the narrative, driving character growth and advancing the plot. In fact, some stories go as far as flipping the script, featuring female characters who face the ultimate sacrifice or male characters whose deaths push the narrative in a new direction. Demon Slayer, for example, showcases Tanjiro’s entire family being fridged, not just his mother or a female character, emphasizing that anyone can become a victim of this tragic trope.
