Why Didn’t Eren Consume the Colossal Titan and Could He Have Gained His Powers?

Eren Yeager, the prominent protagonist of the acclaimed anime series Attack on Titan, did not consume the Colossal Titan for several critical reasons. This article delves into these reasons and explores a hypothetical scenario where Eren did consume the Colossal Titan.

Reasons for Not Consuming the Colossal Titan

Titan Powers Transfer: In the series, Titan powers are typically transferred through the consumption of a Titan shifter by another Titan. While theoretically, Eren could have consumed the Colossal Titan shifter Bertolt Hoover to gain his powers, he was not in a strategic position to do so. Eren’s primary objective was to defeat the Titans and protect his friends, not to seek more Titan powers for personal gain.

Strategic Focus: As the narrative progressed, Eren’s main goal shifted towards achieving freedom for himself and his people. Consuming the Colossal Titan would not have aligned with his broader objectives. Specifically, as the series delved into more complex and dangerous situations, Eren’s focus remained on dismantling oppressive systems, rather than simply accumulating Titan powers.

Bertolt's Role: Bertolt as the Colossal Titan was a strategic weapon for Marley and a key player in the conflict. Eren’s focus was on dismantling the systems that oppressed Eldians, rather than simply accumulating Titan powers for personal gain.

Narrative and Character Development: From a storytelling perspective, Eren’s journey is about growth, understanding, and the moral complexities of power. Consuming the Colossal Titan would have simplified his arc in a way that might not have served the deeper themes of the series. Eren’s character development is central to the series, and his choices reflect the series’ thematic depth.

What Would Have Happened if Eren Had Consumed the Colossal Titan?

If Eren had been digested immediately once he was consumed by the Colossal Titan, the situation would have been quite different. The Titan Who Ate Eren would likely have inherited Eren’s Attack Titan and Founding Titan abilities. This is due to the fact that Eren possesses significant Titan powers, allowing him to withstand tremendous pain and shock far more effectively than an ordinary human.

Even if Eren was half-conscious inside the Titan’s stomach, his will to eradicate all Titans would remain strong. This determination would have enabled him to transform into the Attack Titan form. As Hange stated, for a titan shifter to transform, in addition to a self-inflicted wound, a clear goal must be in mind.

Conclusion

While Eren could have theoretically gained the Colossal Titan’s powers by consuming Bertolt, his broader goals, the narrative direction, and the complexities of his character development influenced his decision not to pursue that path. The consequences of such a decision would have dramatically altered the series, making it a less dynamic and fulfilling viewing experience.

The journey of Eren Yeager is one of personal growth and profound ethical dilemmas, and these elements are integral to the appeal of the series. Consuming the Colossal Titan would have simplified much of this, which is why Eren chose to remain focused on his larger, more strategic objectives.