Why Did Eren Allow the Titans to Attack Paradis After Releasing the Rumbling?

Eren Yeager's decision to allow the Titans to attack Paradis, even after releasing a rumor of the rumbling, is a complex and often debated plot point in the anime series Attack on Titan. Many viewers and even the characters themselves question his motives, which range from a selfish desire for freedom to a broader strategic plan.

Context of the Decision

It is evident that the defunct walls of Paradis made it vulnerable to Titan attacks. Eren seemed to foresee this, stating, 'He did not allow them there; it was obvious that some Titans would infiltrate because the walls were all gone.' This foresight underscores the impending threat and the practicality of his actions.

Plot Holes and Puzzles

Another layer of complexity comes from the plot holes that arise from Eren's inaction. For instance, Armin's question, 'Why didn’t Eren stop the Titans?' hints at a potential contradiction in the storyline. However, the mythic line 'ONLY YMIR KNOWS!' suggests a mystery that only the goddess can unravel, leaving the viewers to speculate.

Strategic and Personal Motives

Eren's decision was likely driven by both strategic and personal motives. He sought to end the cycle of suffering for all who remained outside the walls, even those who would rebuild and possibly face the same fate. His ultimate goal seemed to transcend the protection of Paradis; instead, it was about enabling everyone a life of relative peace.

From a broader perspective, Eren's actions were not just about Paradis but about his own sense of freedom. He urged Eldians, including the mainland ones, to seek shelter, which can be seen as a token gesture rather than a practical solution. The reality is that not everyone could evacuate to the underground and not every nation had a sanctuary like the underground.

Impact on His Friends and the World

Eren's friends were the primary beneficiaries of his decision. By delaying the inevitable and allowing his friends to live out their lives in relative peace, he gave them a chance to enjoy their twilight years. He also provided the rest of the world enough problems to deal with, giving Paradis time to catch up technologically without fearing further attacks.

Towards the end, Eren arguably evened out the playing field by dismantling the Titans, a move that many characters discuss in stark terms. However, Eren's cult viewed the Titans as a strategic asset, which is why they saw his actions as removing the Titans as an interconnected part of his broader plan.

Plausible Explanations

There are two plausible explanations for Eren's inaction: one, he was simply too engrossed in the rumbling (a term indicating the rumbling of the walls, which may be a critical event in the series), and thus too preoccupied to direct the smaller Titans. Two, he may have trusted his friends to handle the situation themselves, believing in their resilience and strategic acumen.

In summary, Eren's decision to allow the Titans to attack Paradis was multifaceted and imbued with a deep sense of pragmatism and personal sacrifice. His actions, while open to interpretation, indicate a broader vision of peace and survival for all.

Keywords: Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager, Titans, Paradis, Rumbling