While manga readers knew what to expect from Attack on Titan’s grand finale, anime fans were in for an unexpected treat. The last installment, running for about ninety minutes, delivered a post credit scene that has set the fandom abuzz with the possibility of a sequel.
Soo did no one peep the end credits? Cause isn’t that how the whole thing started with Ymir walking into the tree? #AttackOnTitan #AttackonTitanFinalSeason pic.twitter.com/DGs2FbM2H8
— honey (@bb_ygirll) November 5, 2023
For those of us who grew up with Attack on Titan, the idea of an AoT sequel is a thrilling yet somewhat nerve-wracking prospect. However, before we dive headfirst into excitement and speculation, let’s take a closer look at the likelihood of an Attack on Titan sequel becoming a reality.
Caution: The following article will contain significant spoilers for the finale of the Attack on Titan anime. If you wish to experience the finale without prior knowledge, you may want to skip reading this.
Attack on Titan post credit scene explained:
The AoT finale gave us a glimpse of Mikasa’s funeral. She passed away as a veteran soldier, having lived a long life and succumbed to old age. Her resting place appeared to be beside Eren, still wearing the iconic scarf, beneath the same tree where Eren, Armin, and Mikasa played as children.
Following Mikasa’s death, we witnessed the passage of years, perhaps even centuries. The small village in the background evolved into a sprawling metropolis, only to be ultimately ravaged by war. Throughout all this change, the tree under which Eren was laid to rest endured.
- In the final credit scene, a young child, accompanied by a dog, explores the ruins of the once-great city. The child stumbles upon the same tree that gave Ymir with her Titan powers many years ago, hinting at a potentially recurring cycle.
- Many have speculated that this scene may allude to a possible sequel for Attack on Titan. In this scenario, Eren could find himself in a role similar to Ymir’s. Eren, like Ymir, passed away without having the chance to spend his life with Mikasa, eternally in love with her. He’s now trapped in the past, just as Ymir was. After Ymir’s death, she was imprisoned within the paths. So, a potential Attack on Titan sequel might feature Eren in a similar position, opening up new possibilities for the story.
Does the Attack on Titan ending hint at a sequel?
If we were to witness an Attack on Titan sequel, it wouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. The series was a colossal asset for Kodansha, and the giants of the industry would undoubtedly welcome its return, even if it were for financial gain.
- However, the series’ creator, Hajime Isayama, has not given any indication of plans to continue the story of Attack on Titan. In fact, Isayama has stated that he has no immediate intention of crafting a sequel series. While a new short story is slated for release next year as part of an Attack on Titan art book, the details surrounding it remain shrouded in mystery.
So, what exactly does the post credit scene signify?
- It’s plausible that the message here isn’t a tease of a new series but rather Isayama’s attempt to convey an enduring truth: no matter what we do, conflict and war are destined to resurface. Despite Eren’s sacrifice, humanity would inevitably rediscover the Titans, and war and bloodshed would ensue once more. As Peter Pan famously states, “All this has happened before, and all this will happen again.”
This idea is reinforced by the fact that the ending song literally says “Geschichte wiederholt sich,” which means “history repeats itself.” Isayama wanted the ending to be open to interpretation, but one of the main themes in the final episode is that “war never changes,” and “the cycle continues.”
The significance of Eren’s sacrifice in AoT Finale:
But does this mean Eren’s sacrifice was pointless? Not entirely. You can’t save everyone, and Eren had two goals.
- He wanted to end the cycle of violence, but he also wanted to ensure the survival of his friends in the new world. His heartfelt wish was for Mikasa to live a long life, and she did. So, in a way, Eren did what he set out to do. His sacrifice had a purpose.
Eren's only wish was for Mikasa to die of old age and that's how it happened, I'm tears 😭#ShingekiNoKyojin #shingeki #AttackOnTitan #AttackonTitanFinalSeason pic.twitter.com/GIsEiD6Kr3
— mar ★! (@mittsuyuu) November 4, 2023
- Humanity may be doomed to repeat history, and there might be other Erens and Ymirs in the future. But there’s a key difference this time: the child in the credits wasn’t seeking refuge from torture or impending death; they were just exploring out of curiosity.
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Conclusion:
The post-credits scene in the Attack on Titan finale has ignited discussions about a possible sequel. While the prospect is exciting, creator Hajime Isayama hasn’t confirmed any immediate sequel plans. The scene hints at a recurring cycle of conflict and war, emphasizing the message that “history repeats itself.”
Eren’s sacrifice, however, is not without meaning; his wish for his friends’ survival was fulfilled. Whether a sequel materializes or not, Attack on Titan has left an indelible mark on fans worldwide.
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