“Because I was Born into this World” – Eren Yeager and the Concept of Freedom

Concept of Freedom

The concept of freedom has been the underlying theme of Attack on Titan since its very first scene, in which 2 birds are seen flying gracefully across the sky as Eren Yeager gazes upon them. The series has come a long way since then, and many characters are almost unrecognizable since the start of Season 4, but the one theme that has stood the test of time up till now is indeed that concept of freedom.

The Origin of Eren Yeager

The name Eren Yeager is literally derived from the Turkish word “Eren” meaning saint or holy man, and the German word “Yeager” meaning hunter. There is an immediate symbolism we can extract from the protagonist’s name, as Eren Yeager takes on the role of the “holy hunter” throughout the series, as his Titan powers are a miracle for mankind’s fight against the titans, and for humanity’s freedom.

Eren Yeager’s Own Concept of Freedom

The way Hajime Iseyama, creator of AoT, has intertwined the concept of fighting for freedom together with the character of Eren Yeager is nothing short of pure genius. From as early as Season 1, Eren can be seen uttering the words “I am free”, as he uses his Titan powers to tear apart the Female Titan, demonstrating his crystal clear motivation to “destroy my enemies” until there are none left.

In what is perhaps one of the greatest showcases of character development in the history of anime, Eren Yeager has undergone drastic changes from Season 1 through to the Final Season, and yet, still retains his core values of fighting for freedom and moving forward. Eren’s stone-cold, unshakable belief in the notion that “everyone is born free” is what drives him to keep fighting for the freedom he desires for himself and the people of Paradis Island.

Eren does not care that he and his people of the Island make up such a small part of the Marleyan-dominant world, nor does he care that it would be more convenient for everyone if the people of the Island were wiped out for the sake of world peace. In the end, Eren truly believes that by being born into this world, everybody has the freedom to dream, explore the world and just exist in peace, regardless of one’s birth circumstances.

Because I was Born into this World

Arguably the most powerful line in this series, and one which resonates strongly with viewers of the show, is the original quote by Eren Yeager in Episode 12: “Because I was born into this world.” The scene for this quote takes place as Eren is in his Titan form, completely worn down by battle and struggling to remember what he is fighting for.

As we get a glimpse into Eren’s thoughts, we are given somewhat of a flashback vision in which Eren is peacefully at home with Mikasa and his parents, simply enjoying the peace with no recollection of what is truly going. Armin is seen through the window, attempting to remind him of what he is fighting for, and his dream to see the outside world.

Armin asks Eren rhetorically, “why did you want to go beyond the walls, knowing that you could die?” in which Eren replies “Isn’t it obvious? Because I was born into this world!” symbolising his resurgence and reignited will to live as the backdrop of his fake dream world is set ablaze and his fighting spirit is returned stronger than ever.

More impressively still, is that this quote and its meaning has stayed with Eren throughout the entirety of the series, being alluded to once again in the Final Season of Attack on Titan. In the episode “Declaration of War”, Eren is deep in Marley territory, listening in on Willy Tybur’s speech to declare war on Paradis Island, stating “I do not wish to die. Because I was born into this world.”

Hajime Iseyama very cleverly linked up this quote to when Eren first says it, by showing a subtle yet noticeable reaction to the stone-faced Eren upon hearing his own words, 5 years later, by Willy Tybur. However, Eren knows that the true meaning behind this line is what should empower people to seek freedom by going beyond their own trapped lives, and not be used to fuel a mindless, fear-based attack on innocent people, and this drives Eren to make the first move, transforming into a Titan and devouring Willy Tybur.

Eren becomes the Symbol of Freedom

Time and time again, Eren’s freedom is constantly stripped from him, from the Titans keeping him trapped within the walls, to constantly being forced to adhere to commands from superiors at the Survey Corps which Eren often deems too passive and submissive to the enemy. Nevertheless, as Eren learns more about his Titan powers throughout the series, and gains clearer insight on what is truly going on in the world around him, he is driven to take more independent action in Season 4, realizing that there are some things that only he can and must do, as he carves the path towards freedom for Paradis Island, ultimately becoming a symbol of that freedom.