Attack On Titan Season 1 Episode 1 EXPLAINED

Introduction

An atmosphere of fear, despair, and the Titans' overwhelming power is established right away in Attack on Titan's first episode. Humanity has been residing inside the enormous Walls for a century since their first appearance, thinking they are safe—until the day everything changes. The narrative, emotional impact, and deft tension-building of the episode will all be examined in this analysis. However, since some things are best experienced firsthand, we won't give away the entire conclusion just yet.

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The World Before the Fall

An enormous Titan hand looms over Wall Maria in the eerie opening scene of the episode. This foreboding picture marks the start of the worst nightmare in human history. The voice of the narrator reverberates throughout the scene, reminding us that humans, who were once the dominant species, are now merely caged prey. The tension starts right away, leaving viewers to ponder how such a tranquil life could end so abruptly.

On the other hand, the Scout Regiment is depicted fighting a Titan after breaking through the Walls. They can move around thanks to the omnidirectional mobility gear, but their attempts appear desperate. Despite giving it their all in battle, the soldiers return home to grief rather than victory. When a mother asks the commander if her son's death helped humanity survive, and the commander responds with silence, it's one of the most heartbreaking scenes.

Eren Jaeger’s Dreams of Freedom

Inside the Walls, life is routine despite the terrifying outside world. Unable to recall why, young Eren Jaeger wakes up from a dream sobbing. His wish to venture outside the Walls runs counter to society's perception of their security. He compares the people to animals in cages and considers their complacency to be stupid.

Here, the episode deftly predicts what will happen next. A recurring theme in the series is Eren's longing for freedom, which is the source of his frustration with the world. Fearful of what is beyond, his mother Carla begs him not to join the Scouts. Eren's father, however, makes a mysterious promise to show him something—something concealed in their basement—when he gets back.

A noise that trembles the ground beneath Eren and his friends Mikasa and Armin as they sit by the river talking about the outside world suddenly breaks up their conversation. Then they spot it—the person who will make all the difference.

The Colossal Titan Appears

The city is suddenly overshadowed. Above the Wall, a monstrous figure—a Titan unlike any other—stands as civilians assemble in stunned silence. The Titan's immense size and strength are displayed in this scene, which is performed with amazing pacing. In order to give the audience the same sense of dread as the characters, the episode allows the fear to fully develop rather than hurrying through this scene.

The Titan demonstrates that the Walls are not the impenetrable barriers that everyone thought they were with a single, devastating action. The city is plunged into turmoil, and chaos breaks out. The once-comfortable life inside the Walls literally collapses, people run for their lives, and homes are destroyed.

In the heartbreaking and emotional scene that follows, Eren and Mikasa race through the rubble in an attempt to get home. Their lives are forever altered by what they discover there.

What follows, though? You're going to have to see that for yourself, my friends. Additionally, if you want to delve deeply into the meaning behind these moments, the hidden symbolism, and the foreshadowing that many may have overlooked, be sure to visit EndKami on Patreon, where we analyze episodes in ways that will give you a completely different perspective.

Exclusive Content for Attack on Titan Fans!

Don't miss our Attack on Titan Season 1 eBook, where we thoroughly analyze every episode, if you're a true fan of the show. Behind-the-scenes information, exclusive anime digital goods, and professional explanations of the series' most perplexing moments are all included in this eBook. You'll also have access to unique video analyses that go beyond the cursory examinations you'll find elsewhere!

Purchase it right away to become a part of the expanding fan base that seeks a deeper understanding of Attack on Titan. To obtain your copy and access additional anime-related content, visit EndKami on Patreon!