Overview
- In Attack on Titan, royal blood is a vital element linked to the extraordinary powers of the Founding Titan.
- Zeke Jeager, although not in possession of the Founding Titan, harnesses its powers due to his royal heritage.
- Zeke’s royal lineage connects to Eldian rebels in Marley, impacting his decisions throughout the series.
The concept of royal blood is a central theme in Attack on Titan, often surfacing in unexpected contexts. Initially, it seems confined to a mysterious family within the walled society. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that Zeke Jeager—an outsider and titan shifter—also possesses this special lineage.
The narrative of Attack on Titan is deeply rooted in historical conflicts that transcend generations. Zeke’s royal bloodline illustrates the ongoing struggle for freedom and the tumultuous relationships between nations that have been at war long before characters like Eren emerged.
The Significance of Royal Blood in Attack on Titan
The notion of royal blood first surfaces in the Attack on Titan series during its second season. It is revealed that Krista Lenz, born Historia, is the illegitimate child of the Reiss Royal family. However, the full implications of royal blood only become apparent in the introspective third and fourth seasons.
This lineage can be traced back to Ymir, the progenitor of all Titans, and King Fritz, whom she wed. Being part of this bloodline is essential to unlocking the true potential of Ymir’s Founding Titan.
The Founding Titan is arguably the most powerful of all Titans, granting its user significant authority over the Subjects of Ymir. This includes abilities like:
- Transforming individuals into Titans
- Commanding pure Titans
- Modifying the memories of people
However, to fully harness the Founding Titan’s capabilities, possessing royal blood is imperative. For instance, Eren utilizes its powers in the finale of season two, showcasing his ability to command surrounding Titans. Yet, with royal blood, one could exert significantly greater control over Titans worldwide.
Zeke’s Use of Royal Blood Without the Founding Titan
Watch Zeke's Usage of Royal Blood
A fascinating aspect of royal blood in Attack on Titan is its capacity to enable individuals to access certain powers of the Founding Titan, even without direct possession of it. During the fourth season, Zeke, as the Beast Titan, is able to convert Subjects of Ymir who have ingested wine laced with his spinal fluid into pure Titans. This demonstrates a limited manifestation of the Founding Titan’s abilities, highlighting the significance of the familial bond to Ymir beyond mere possession of her Titan.
Exploration of Zeke’s Family History and Royal Lineage
Zeke Jeager inherits his royal lineage from his mother, Dina Fritz, the last scion of the original Fritz bloodline. To unravel this narrative, one must delve into the events of the Great Titan War, a pivotal era in the universe of Attack on Titan.
This war significantly shapes the world depicted in the series. Marley is shown as the hero rising against the oppressive Eldians, while King Fritz relocates Eldians to Paradis Island, using the Founding Titan to erect massive walls and manipulate the memories of those within them.
After establishing the walls, King Fritz adopts the name Reiss, thereby forming a clandestine royal family that eventually encompasses Historia. However, his actions were met with dissent from factions within the royal family.
Zeke’s Connection to Eldian Rebels
Upon King Fritz’s retreat to Paradis, a faction of the royal family was incensed enough to remain in Marley, resulting in the bifurcation of the royal bloodline: the Reiss line within the walls and the Fritz line outside.
King Fritz’s vow against warfare leads the Reiss lineage to uphold a narrative that they are the final bastion of humanity while believing there are no other people outside the walls. Conversely, the Fritz lineage in Marley nurtures a contrasting perspective, feeling that Eldia has dreadfully relinquished its dominion and must strive to reclaim it.
Dina Fritz represents the last vestige of the royal bloodline in Marley. When she allies with Grisha Jeager’s Eldian Restorationists and alludes to the Founding Titan’s potential, her royal blood becomes pivotal to their aspirations.
“Since I was a child, my true loyalty has been to my father’s dream. I am the true Eldian Restorationist.”— Zeke
Zeke’s royal lineage significantly impacts his upbringing, as he faces immense pressure from both Grisha and Dina to become a soldier capable of wielding the Founding Titan. Despite ultimately betraying his parents and playing a vital role in Marley’s military, he retains a yearning to liberate Eldians from their plight, ultimately leading him to navigate both sides of the conflict that unfolds as Eren’s scouts confront the broader world.