Understanding the Eldians of Attack on Titan: Victims of Oppression or Violent Aggressors?

The saga of Attack on Titan invites a deep dive into questions of historical victimhood, perpetuated violence, and moral ambiguity. Central to this narrative are the Eldian people and their turbulent relationship with the nation of Marley. Understanding their perspective involves delving into historical context, the cycle of oppression, generational trauma, and the quest for freedom.

Historical Context

Within the lore of Attack on Titan, Eldians, originally a powerful empire wielding Titan powers, held dominion over various nations through conquest and oppression. Following their catastrophic defeat, Marley took control, leading to a linguistic and historical shift. Marleyans, painting the Eldians as inborn wicked beings due to their history of tyranny, exemplify what they perceived as an unambiguous line of evil influence.

The Cycle of Oppression

The aftermath of the Eldian Empire's fall resulted in relentless oppression under Marley's rule. Eldians in Marley faced systemic discrimination, internment, and exploitation. They were unjustly branded with the burden of their ancestors' actions, engendering a pervasive sense of victimhood.

Generational Trauma

The weight of generations endured under Marley's reign has instilled a profound experience of trauma. Eldians bear the historical injustice of being marginalized and held responsible for the sins of their forebears. This collective memory shapes their identity and worldview, fueling a deeply ingrained narrative that views them as perpetual victims, regardless of past actions.

Desire for Freedom

The Eldians' struggle for freedom and self-determination resonates throughout the series. Avengers like Zeke and his comrades seek to topple the Marleyan regime. Their actions are often seen as a legitimate response to years of subjugation and systemic oppression, rather than the heroic continuation of historical conquests. This perspective challenges the notion of Eldians as solely perpetrators of ancient aggression.

Moral Ambiguity and Societal Healing

The series regularly culls the line between victim and perpetrator, prompting viewers to confront the complexities of moral judgment in historical injustice. Eldians who commit violence do so in the face of overwhelming adversity, yet critics argue that the current dynamics are not entirely analogous to the unfettered aggression of Eldian history. While the end of systemic oppression should mark a new era, it does not erase the lingering scars of past traumas.

To conclude, while Eldians did engage in acts of aggression, their current narrative of victimhood stems from their historical oppression, the trauma handed down through generations, and their ongoing quest for freedom and recognition. This discussion is pivotal in understanding the nuanced and often conflicting perspectives within this richly detailed fictional universe.

Conclusion

While it is clear that the Eldians in Attack on Titan have experienced immense historical injustice, their portrayal as victims is also shaped by the cycle of oppression that has persisted for generations. The moral ambiguity presented in the series invites reflection on the long-lasting impact of historical trauma and the quest for justice and equality in the face of oppressive systems.

Keywords: Attack on Titan, Eldians, Marleyans, victimhood, historical oppression