Who Kills the Pure Titans in Attack on Titan? A Deep Dive

The grim reality of Attack on Titan revolves around the constant struggle for survival against monstrous, often mindless, beings known as Pure Titans. These Titans are former humans transformed into grotesque giants, driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh. So, the central question: Who kills the Pure Titans? The simple answer is that anyone with the means and training can kill a Pure Titan, but the most effective and frequent killers are members of the Survey Corps, particularly skilled soldiers like Levi Ackerman and Mikasa Ackerman. The key is targeting their nape, the only vulnerable spot on their bodies. Destroying the nape, which houses the vestigial human spine, effectively kills the Titan.

The Mechanics of Titan Killing

Understanding the Weakness

Pure Titans are remarkably resilient creatures. Bullets and conventional weapons are essentially useless against their thick hides. The lore of Attack on Titan established that the only way to defeat them is by severing a specific point: the nape of the neck. This area, roughly one meter in width and ten centimeters in depth, is where the remnant of the human spine resides. Slicing or completely destroying this spinal region renders the Titan lifeless.

The Role of the Survey Corps

The Survey Corps is the branch of the military dedicated to venturing beyond the walls and fighting the Titans directly. They employ specialized equipment known as Vertical Maneuvering Equipment (VME), also referred to as Omni-Directional Mobility (ODM) gear. This intricate device allows soldiers to grapple onto structures and propel themselves through the air, achieving the speed and maneuverability necessary to target the Titans’ vulnerable napes.

Key Titan Killers

While many soldiers contribute to the fight against the Titans, certain individuals stand out due to their exceptional skill and dedication:

• Levi Ackerman: Arguably the strongest soldier in the series, Levi possesses unparalleled skill with the VME and has the highest recorded number of Titan kills (58+). His speed, precision, and ruthless efficiency make him a terrifying force against the Titans.
• Mikasa Ackerman: Another incredibly talented soldier, Mikasa is known for her calm demeanor, unwavering loyalty to Eren, and exceptional combat abilities. She boasts approximately twenty-one on-screen Titan kills, a testament to her deadly effectiveness.
• Eren Yeager: Though he eventually becomes a complex and controversial figure, Eren initially joins the Survey Corps driven by a burning desire to eradicate all Titans. His ability to transform into the Attack Titan makes him a powerful weapon against his own kind, though this is a fundamentally different category of “killing” titans with its own set of consequences.

The Cost of Victory

Even with skilled soldiers and specialized equipment, fighting Titans is an incredibly dangerous endeavor. The death rate among Survey Corps members is tragically high, reflecting the sheer power and relentless nature of the Titans. Each victory comes at a significant cost, highlighting the sacrifices made in the name of humanity’s survival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Killing Pure Titans

1. Can ordinary citizens kill Pure Titans?

While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely. Ordinary citizens lack the training, equipment (VME gear), and combat experience necessary to effectively target the nape. Their chances of survival in a direct encounter with a Titan are extremely low.

2. What is the significance of the nape?

The nape contains the only remaining vestige of the human that was transformed into a Titan: the spine. Destroying the spine effectively severs the connection between the Titan’s physical body and whatever rudimentary consciousness remains, resulting in its death.

3. Why do Titans eat humans?

Titans eat humans in the hope of regaining their humanity. The theory is that consuming a Titan Shifter (one of the Nine Titans) will allow them to revert back to human form. This hunger is what drives their seemingly mindless pursuit of humans.

4. Are all Titans the same?

No. There are two primary categories of Titans: Pure Titans and Titan Shifters. Pure Titans are the mindless giants that roam the world, driven by instinct. Titan Shifters are humans who can transform into powerful Titans at will, retaining their human intelligence and abilities.

5. How does the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment (VME) work?

The VME is a complex device that uses gas-powered propulsion and grappling hooks to allow soldiers to maneuver in three dimensions. It requires extensive training to master and is crucial for effectively targeting the Titans’ napes.

6. What happens to a Titan after it is killed?

After a Titan is killed, its body rapidly evaporates, leaving behind only the individual who was inside of it, if there was one. This is a grim reminder of the human cost of the Titan’s existence.

7. Is it possible to turn a Titan back into a human?

Yes, according to the lore. The only known way to turn a Pure Titan back into a human is for them to consume the spinal fluid of a Titan Shifter. This is the driving force behind their relentless hunger for humans.

8. What is the average size of a Pure Titan?

Pure Titans vary greatly in size, ranging from a few meters tall to colossal giants exceeding 15 meters. Their size doesn’t necessarily correlate with their strength or danger.

9. Who is the strongest Titan Shifter?

The Founding Titan is considered the strongest of the Nine Titans, possessing the power to control other Titans and alter the memories of Eldians. However, its power is limited by the user’s royal bloodline and their intentions.

10. What is the story behind the creation of the Titans?

The origin of the Titans is deeply rooted in the history of the Eldian people and the power of Ymir Fritz, the first Titan. The specifics are complex and tied to themes of oppression, revenge, and the cycle of hatred.

11. What are the Wall Titans?

The Wall Titans are colossal Titans that were used to construct the three walls (Maria, Rose, and Sina) protecting humanity. They are incredibly massive and are revealed to be a potential weapon of mass destruction.

12. Who is the Cart Titan, and what are its abilities?

The Cart Titan, wielded by Pieck Finger, is one of the Nine Titans known for its exceptional endurance and utility. It walks on all fours, making it an excellent transport and support unit. It can carry heavy loads and deploy weaponry, playing a crucial role in logistical operations.

13. What role does the Games Learning Society play in understanding narratives like Attack on Titan?

The Games Learning Society and sites like GamesLearningSociety.org can play a vital role in deconstructing and understanding complex narratives like Attack on Titan through the lens of game design and interactive storytelling. The series explores themes of strategy, resource management, and the consequences of choices, all of which are central to game design principles.

14. How does Eren’s Attack Titan ability differ from other Titans?

The Attack Titan is unique in its ability to see glimpses of the future. This ability is passed down through generations and allows the wielder to make choices based on future knowledge, although the full implications of this power are only revealed later in the series.

15. How does the story of Attack on Titan end?

The ending of Attack on Titan is complex and controversial, with Eren ultimately becoming the enemy he swore to destroy in order to end the cycle of hatred and Titan existence. Mikasa is forced to kill Eren, ending the Titan curse but leaving her deeply affected by her actions. The world slowly moves towards peace, but the scars of the conflict remain.