Why Did Eren Hug Ymir? An In-Depth Analysis

Eren hugging Ymir is one of the most pivotal moments in Attack on Titan. As a long-time fan and expert on all things AoT, let me walk you through the significance of this scene and why it‘s so meaningful.

The Lead-Up To The Hug

First, some context. Eren and Zeke had entered the Path dimension with the goal of unlocking the Founding Titan‘s full powers. But they ran into a major roadblock – Ymir Fritz, the original Founding Titan.

For 2,000 years, Ymir had been building Titans for the royal family. She was essentially a slave with no free will. But Eren realized that in order to gain control of the Founder, he needed Ymir on his side.

So what does he do? He makes a beeline for Ymir and embraces her. This was no ordinary hug…it was Eren trying to free Ymir from her enslavement.

Eren‘s Pleas To Ymir

During the hug, Eren begs Ymir to lend him her strength so that he can "end this world." This was a shocker – Eren wants to unleash the Rumbling and flatten the earth!

But it made sense from Eren‘s perspective. He saw this as the only way to protect his home and gain freedom for his people. Eren appealed to Ymir‘s desire for freedom, asking her to help him instead of commanding her.

Ymir‘s Reaction

Ymir was moved to tears by Eren‘s gesture. For 2,000 years, she had been a slave with no autonomy. Eren recognized her humanity and spoke to her as an equal. He understood that she had a choice and appealed to her innermost desires.

This was in stark contrast to King Fritz who abused and enslaved her. Eren saw Ymir as a person – he didn‘t want to control her, he wanted to free her. This finally gave Ymir a purpose beyond servitude.

Why It Worked

Eren and Ymir were able to connect because they both valued freedom above all else. Eren wanted freedom for Eldia, Ymir wanted personal freedom. This aligned their interests.

Also, they both knew what it felt like to be backed into a corner. Eren saw genocide as the only path left, just as Ymir saw servitude as her only choice. Eren gave Ymir a way out, just as she gave him access to the Founder.

The Hug‘s Significance

This hug between Eren and Ymir was the catalyst for the story‘s climax. It kicked off the Rumbling and set up the final arc.

But more importantly, it represented Ymir being freed from slavery and making her own choice. She sided with Eren because he understood her and promised her freedom.

For Ymir, it was 2,000 years overdue. This powerful moment will be remembered as a highlight of the entire series.

Additional Analysis

• The hug scene parallels a moment earlier in the series when Ymir is rescued by Historia. Both times, Ymir finds herself embraced by someone trying to free her from enslavement.

• Some fans theorize that Eren manipulated Ymir‘s feelings to further his goals. However, I believe his desire to free her was genuine based on his ideals.

• Ymir crying shows just how deeply Eren‘s words resonated with her. This formed an instant emotional bond between them that convinced Ymir to lend Eren her strength.

• Eren and Ymir continue to influence the story after this scene through the power of the Founding Titan. This hug was the starting point that made it all possible.

• Isayama‘s framing of this scene – with Eren facing away from the viewer as he hugs Ymir – makes it feel more intimate and personal. We‘re witnessing a private moment between them.

The Takeaway

Eren‘s hug of Ymir was about more than advancing the plot. It represented freedom from slavery, understanding between two isolated souls, and the forging of a deep personal bond. This poignant scene will leave a lasting impact on any Attack on Titan fan.

Let me know if you have any other thoughts about this moment! I could talk about AoT all day long. This hug gives me chills every time I think about it. Isayama is truly a master storyteller.