The world of Attack on Titan is defined by relentless battles, tragic losses, and complex character arcs that leave fans emotionally torn. From Zeke Jaeger’s brutal demise at the hands of Levi in The Final Chapters Special 2 to Eren Jaeger’s transformation from a hero to a tyrant, the series paints a grim picture of war and its consequences. Zeke’s death, which marks a pivotal moment in the anime, highlights the deep rivalry between him and Levi, providing fans a long-awaited conclusion. Similarly, Eren’s death at the hands of Mikasa, following his devastating actions in unleashing the Rumbling, shows how far characters in this anime are willing to go for their vision of freedom, blurring the line between heroism and villainy.
Other significant deaths, like Porco Galliard’s noble sacrifice or Dina Fritz’s tragic transformation, serve to deepen the storyline, offering emotional resonance and highlighting the high stakes of survival. From the deaths of young warriors Udo and Zofia to the ancient Ymir Fritz, each demise is a stepping stone toward shaping the future of the series. These deaths not only define character motivations but also embody the dark themes of Attack on Titan. The title’s ability to weave intricate backstories and gut-wrenching moments keeps fans on edge, which is why Attack on Titan holds such a revered place in anime culture, including among fans on websites like animeking.
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12 Zeke Jaeger: The Beastly Titan’s Final Bow
Died In: The Final Chapters Special 2
Zeke Jaeger, the Beast Titan, played an essential role in Attack on Titan, often leaving fans torn about his motives. Once an enemy of the Survey Corps, Zeke partnered with Eren, pushing his own dark agenda. His rivalry with Levi, however, stole the spotlight. Their animosity culminated in one of the most rewarding moments in the series when Levi finally delivered Zeke’s long-overdue end.
In his last moments, Zeke comes to terms with his actions, but Levi is relentless, beheading him with no hesitation. This scene serves as a massive turning point, marking the beginning of the end of the war and giving fans a long-awaited moment of satisfaction.
11 Eren Jaeger: From Hero to Tyrant
Died In: The Final Chapters Special 2
Eren Jaeger‘s death is nothing short of monumental. What began as a simple revenge quest to avenge his mother’s death spiraled into something far more catastrophic. After unleashing the Rumbling, Eren’s actions became difficult to defend. Genocide, after all, is a hard pill to swallow.
But despite the horrors he orchestrated, Eren’s character remains one of anime’s most complex. His ability to see the future convinced him that his destructive path was necessary. Ultimately, Mikasa brings his reign to an end, leaving fans emotionally conflicted over the hero who became the villain.
10 Udo & Zofia: Sparking Gabi’s Rage
Died In: The War Hammer Titan (Season 4, Episode 6)
The deaths of Udo and Zofia are a brutal reminder of the indiscriminate carnage of war. These two young warriors fell during the battle of Liberio, and their deaths serve a specific narrative purpose—they ignite a fire in Gabi. Her grief and anger lead her to take rash actions, including the fateful killing of Sasha.
Their deaths reverberate throughout the series, setting Gabi on a path of vengeance, confusion, and ultimately, growth. It’s the kind of emotional turmoil that defines Attack on Titan’s relentless storytelling.
9 Lara Tybur: The War Hammer’s Fall
Died In: Assault (Season 4, Episode 7)
Lara Tybur, the War Hammer Titan, proved to be one of Eren’s toughest adversaries. Encased in her crystal shell, she was nearly untouchable until Eren’s cunning prevailed. Using the Jaw Titan’s power, he cracked her defenses and devoured her, absorbing the War Hammer Titan’s ability.
This battle showcased Eren’s tactical brilliance and ruthlessness, setting the stage for his future conquests. It’s a pivotal moment that highlighted just how far Eren was willing to go to gain power and achieve his grim goals.
8 Porco Galliard: A Noble Sacrifice
Died In: Two Brothers (Season 4, Episode 19)
Porco Galliard may have started his journey in the shadow of others, but his final moments were nothing short of heroic. Severely wounded, he makes the ultimate sacrifice, allowing Falco, a fellow warrior, to inherit the Jaw Titan instead of dying without purpose.
This act of selflessness was a rare, honorable gesture amidst the chaos, giving Porco the redemption arc that added depth to his character. It was a moment that fans wouldn’t soon forget, especially given the emotional weight tied to Falco’s fate.
7 Ymir Fritz: The Mother of All Titans
Died In: From You, 2,000 Years Ago (Season 4, Episode 21)
Ymir Fritz’s death is one of the most tragic in Attack on Titan, not for how she died but for the eternal servitude that followed. She was the original Titan, granted immense power yet bound by the cruel will of King Fritz. Her life became a story of endless submission, used as a tool for destruction, and even in death, her soul remained trapped within the Paths for 2,000 years.
Her eventual release from this torment sparked a new era in the story, but it came at the cost of countless lives. Ymir’s demise paved the way for the creation of the Nine Titans, forever altering the course of history in the Attack on Titan world.
6 Faye Jaeger: A Tragic Catalyst for Vengeance
Died In: That Day (Season 3, Episode 20)
Faye Jaeger’s death is brutal and disturbing, igniting the flame of revenge in her older brother Grisha. The young girl was murdered in cold blood by Marleyan soldiers, who unleashed a pack of dogs on her for their own twisted amusement. Her death is a stark reminder of the cruelty that existed in Marley and how deeply the Eldians were oppressed.
This loss hardened Grisha’s resolve, driving him to rise against the Marleyan regime. Faye’s tragic end echoes throughout the series as one of the key motivators that set Grisha on his fateful path, which, in turn, shaped Eren’s destiny.
5 Dina Fritz: The Royal Betrayer
Died In: Scream (Season 2, Episode 12)
Dina Fritz’s story is one of heartbreaking betrayal and monstrous transformation. A member of the Eldian royal family, she fought against Marley’s tyranny but was eventually betrayed by her son, Zeke. Turned into a mindless Pure Titan, her tragic form went on to kill Eren’s mother, Carla, in one of the series’ most unforgettable moments.
Her death, however, triggered a major turning point for Eren. By touching Dina’s Titan, he unknowingly activated the Founding Titan’s power, revealing the path to the series’ climax. Dina’s demise is a grim reminder of the tangled web of betrayal and vengeance that defines Attack on Titan.
4 Carla Yeager: A Mother’s Sacrifice
Died In: To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1 (Season 1, Episode 1)
Carla Yeager’s death in the very first episode set the emotional tone for Attack on Titan. Watching Eren’s mother crushed and eaten by a Titan was a horrifying sight, but it also sparked the burning desire for revenge that propelled Eren forward. Her sacrifice wasn’t just a personal loss for Eren; it became the symbol of humanity’s struggle for survival.
What makes Carla’s death so impactful is that it haunts the series for years. Little did we know that it was more than just a random act of violence—it was the result of larger forces at play, making her death a central piece in the greater conspiracy behind the fall of Shiganshina.
3 Grisha Yeager: The Father’s Burden
Died In: Sin (Season 3, Episode 6)
Grisha Yeager was a man carrying the weight of two worlds. Originally from Marley, he sought to use the power of the Titans to liberate his people. But in his quest for revenge and justice, he lost sight of his own morality. His decision to pass the Attack Titan and Founding Titan powers to Eren sealed his fate, both as a father and a revolutionary.
His death, at the hands of the royal family and later through his son Eren’s actions, resonates deeply throughout the series. Grisha’s actions were noble in intent but disastrous in execution, leaving Eren with a tremendous burden and altering the fate of the world.
2 Marco Bott: The Cost of a Conspiracy
Died In: Descent (Season 3, Episode 15)
Marco Bott’s death was one of the most chilling in the series, not for its brutality but for its betrayal. As a loyal member of the Survey Corps, Marco uncovered Reiner and Bertholdt’s secret identities as Titans. For that knowledge, he had to die. Watching Reiner order his friend’s death was a pivotal moment that sent both Reiner and Jean spiraling into guilt and grief.
Marco’s demise symbolized the harsh reality of war: trust can be fatal. His death, although quiet compared to the larger battles, shook the foundation of the Survey Corps and played a key role in Reiner’s psychological unraveling.
1 Hannes: A Hero’s Last Stand
Died In: Scream (Season 2, Episode 12)
Hannes was a beloved character who went from a carefree drunk to a courageous protector. His death, while trying to save Eren and Mikasa from the same Titan that killed Carla Yeager, was nothing short of heroic. Hannes’ bravery in the face of such personal fear made his sacrifice all the more poignant.
His death fills Eren with an overwhelming sense of rage and guilt, pushing him to awaken the Coordinate’s power. In a series filled with tragic losses, Hannes’ death stands out as a powerful example of selflessness, devotion, and the harsh consequences of war.
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Conclusion
“Attack on Titan” masterfully explores the brutal cost of survival through its unflinching depiction of character deaths. Each loss serves to push the narrative forward, forcing both the characters and viewers to confront the devastating realities of war. The series dives deep into themes of sacrifice, morality, and the price of freedom, making every major turning point a pivotal moment that reshapes the story’s direction. For those interested in more in-depth discussions about the show’s major turning points, including these impactful character deaths, anime fans can check out platforms like AnimeKing to stay updated on the latest theories, episode breakdowns, and fan insights.