“Attack on Titan” has gained fame for its incredible foreshadowing and flawless reveals. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most memorable moments where hidden clues came full circle, presented in a ranking format.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: If you haven’t read the series, proceed with caution!
#10: The Meaning Behind “To You, 2,000 Years From Now”
The title of Chapter 1, “To You, 2,000 Years From Now,” is stunningly revisited in Chapter 122, titled “From You, 2,000 Years Ago.”
In Chapter 122, the past of Ymir Fritz, the original Titan, is revealed. This revelation shows that the title of the first chapter reflects Ymir’s perspective.
The significance of the “2,000 years” becomes clear when considering the timeline in the story. It aligns with the rules about the lifespan of the Nine Titans’ inheritors, who live for only 13 years after acquiring their powers. This number connects the time when Ymir gained the Titan powers to the year when Eren, the final inheritor, meets his end.
If you’re curious about the details, leave a comment! I’ll create a detailed explainer.
#9: The Truth Behind Mikasa’s Headaches
Mikasa’s recurring headaches were a mystery throughout the series until they were explained in the extra pages of Volume 34.
In these additional pages, Mikasa confronts the apparition of Ymir and says, “It was you… watching inside my head.” This confirms that her headaches were caused by Ymir’s interference in her mind.
Ymir, once a slave bound by her love for King Fritz, was finally freed when Mikasa chose to kill the one she loved, Eren. This revelation not only explains the headaches but also highlights the profound connection between the two women.
#8: Eren’s Declaration, “Armin Will Save the World”
During the battle to reclaim Wall Maria, Eren fiercely argued with Levi over whether to save the dying Armin or Commander Erwin. Eren declared, “It’s not me or the Commander who’s going to save humanity! It’s Armin!!”
At first, this seemed like a desperate attempt to save Armin’s life. However, this statement turned out to be foreshadowing for the series finale.
In Chapter 139, Eren uses the Founding Titan’s power to communicate with a past version of Armin, revealing that his ultimate goal for initiating the Rumbling was to make Armin and his friends into the world’s heroes.
Armin later takes responsibility for killing Eren, cementing his status as the savior of humanity. This extraordinary payoff stunned readers and brought the story full circle.
#7: The Interwoven Fates of Sasha, Gabi, and Kaya
The relationship between Sasha, Gabi, and Kaya might encapsulate one of the most profound messages of the series.
In Chapter 36, Sasha rescues a stranded Kaya from a Titan in her village, showcasing her bravery. Years later, in Chapter 105, Sasha is tragically killed by Gabi, a young warrior from Marley, during an ambush.
After her imprisonment on Paradis Island, Gabi escapes and finds refuge with Kaya, the very girl Sasha had saved. This creates a tragic irony: Sasha saved Kaya’s life, Gabi took Sasha’s life, and Kaya ends up helping Gabi, Sasha’s killer.
When Kaya eventually learns that Gabi killed Sasha, she tries to take revenge but is stopped by Mikasa. This complex web of relationships delivers one of the series’ core messages: the destructive cycle of hatred.
Sasha’s father reinforces this theme when he says, “Sasha died because she was lost in the forest. If we don’t get the children out of the forest, they’ll just keep going in circles. It’s our responsibility as adults to carry the burden of past sins and hatred.”
#6: The Significance of the Number 13
The number 13 holds a special meaning in “Attack on Titan,” representing the curse of Ymir, which limits the lifespan of the Nine Titans’ inheritors to 13 years.
The number first appears in Chapter 1, where the only explicitly numbered page in the entire manga is Page 13. This anomaly immediately caught readers’ attention.
Interestingly, the subsequent pages introduce the year “845,” which, when combined with 13, forms the number 13845. Fans discovered that in Chapter 138, Page 45, Mikasa bids farewell to Eren with the words, “See you later, Eren,” linking the events of Chapter 1 to the series’ climax.
In the digital version on Magazine Pocket (Manga Pocket), the page number “13” for Chapter 1 was removed after the series ended, leading to speculation that this change symbolizes the erasure of Ymir’s curse.
Let me know your thoughts! Did you notice these clues on your first read? Or did they surprise you during the reveals? Stay tuned for Part 2 of this ranking!
©Hajime Isayama / Kodansha / Attack on Titan: Production Committee
Comment