The Significance of the Fritz Family in Attack on Titan

The Fritz family plays a crucial role in the lore of Attack on Titan, particularly in relation to the history of the Titans and the conflict between Eldians and Marleyans.

At the heart of the complex narrative of Attack on Titan is the Fritz family, whose influence and actions have shaped the destiny of the Eldians and the broader conflict between their society and Marley.

Founding Titan and Ymir Fritz

The Fritz family is directly connected to the Founding Titan, one of the Nine Titans. Ymir Fritz, the progenitor of all Titans, was the first to possess this power. Her actions and choices set the stage for the Titan curse and the subsequent history of the Eldian people. As the founder of the Eldian Empire, Ymir's legacy is pivotal in understanding the deep-seated animosity between Eldians and Marleyans.

Imperial Expansion and Oppression

The Fritz family ruled the Eldian Empire, which used the power of the Titans to conquer and oppress other nations. This imperial history is crucial in understanding the ongoing conflict between Eldians and Marleyans. The empire's expansion and the subsequent suffering of the conquered peoples laid the groundwork for the hatred and mistrust that continues to define the conflict.

Ymir Fritz's Legacy and the Nine Titans

After Ymir's death, her powers were split among her daughters Maria Rose and Sheena, leading to the creation of the Nine Titans. The legacy of the Fritz family is thus intertwined with the ongoing conflict over the Titan powers. The subsequent holders of the Nine Titans have continued to use and abuse their powers, perpetuating the cycle of suffering and conflict.

Reiner, Historia, and the Fritz Lineage

The family becomes significant in the later arcs, particularly through characters like Historia Reiss, the true heir to the Fritz lineage, and Reiner Braun, who grapple with their identities and the weight of their family histories.

Themes of Power and Oppression

The story explores themes of power, oppression, and the moral implications of wielding such power. The Fritz family's history embodies these themes as their rule led to suffering for many and their legacy continues to impact the world of Attack on Titan. The ongoing battle for control of the Nine Titans and the struggle against the Big Lie reflect the conflict between those who seek power and those who fight against it.

It is worth noting that the Fritz family is a direct descendant of Ymir Fritz, the original Founder and first Titan. Karl Fritz was the one who created the three Walls on Paradis Island and manufactured the "Big Lie"—the fabricated story that humanity beyond the Walls had gone extinct. As of now, Historia (Historia Reiss), her baby, and Zeke (Zeke Yeager) are the family's only remaining members.

Ultimately, the series is about the battle of ideas between Eren and the Fritz family, with both sides representing different ideologies regarding the use of power. Eren, for example, fights for a future where humanity is free from the fear and oppression caused by the Titans, while the Fritz family's actions further their own ends, often at the expense of others.