Summary
- The oppressive actions of the Royal Family led to widespread animosity towards Eldians, culminating in their suffering after Karl Fritz’s decision to surrender.
- Eren Yeager made a pivotal move to liberate Eldians by seizing control of the Titans from the Royal Family, albeit through a painful choice.
- Historia Reiss eventually ascended to the throne of Eldia, governing effectively until her demise.
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Attack on Titan dives deep into the intricate history of the Royal Family, dating back approximately 2,000 years to the birth of the first Titan. Over generations, this lineage maintained dominion over the Founding Titan, shaping their people and world events alike. From the reign of the initial king to the last, what was the Royal Family’s enduring influence on the saga of Attack on Titan?
The tale begins with Ymir Fritz, the progenitor of the Titans, who married King Fritz, thus establishing the Eldian bloodline. Initially, the Eldian empire was powerful and feared, but over time, it became emblematic of global hatred. This raises the question: did the Royal Family’s actions lead to the suffering of their own people?
The Royal Family’s History and Impact
The Start of the Curse
Ymir attained her Titan abilities and was wed to King Fritz, ensuring the line would inherit her powers. From this union, she bore three daughters: Maria, Rose, and Sheena. Following Ymir’s tragic death while defending Fritz, her body was cannibalized by her daughters to preserve the Titan power. Thus began a dark legacy of cannibalism and dominance that marked the Eldians’ history.
Known Members of the Fritz Royal Family
| King Fritz | The First King of Eldia |
| Ymir Fritz | The Founding Titan |
| Maria Fritz | One of the First Inheritors of the Founding Titan |
| Rose Fritz | One of the First Inheritors of the Founding Titan |
| Sheena Fritz | One of the First Inheritors of the Founding Titan |
| Karl Fritz | The 145th King of Eldia, an Inheritor of the Founding Titan |
| Dina Fritz | Last Royal Blood descendant in Marley |
| Zeke Yeager | Dina Fritz’s son and inheritor of the Beast Titan |
Sins That Weren’t Forgotten
Successive generations continued King Fritz’s quest for perpetual dominance. The cycle of cannibalism perpetuated the Founding Titan’s power, allowing Eldians to rampage against nations like Marley. As the Eldian population grew, so did the global fear surrounding them. Even in a mysterious dimension, Ymir created Titans while observing the course of events unfold through the “Coordinate.”
Karl Fritz’s Betrayal
Karl Fritz, the 145th monarch of Eldia, ultimately decided to forgo the Eldian legacy of tyranny. He conspired with the Tybur family to instigate Eldia’s downfall. Relocating to Paradis Island, he erased the memories of the Eldians, warning the world against interference in their quest for peace. His decision left those remaining in Marley to bear the burdens of their ancestors’ transgressions.
The Rise of the New Royal Family
After securing themselves behind the walls, the Reiss family chose to abandon the Fritz name, opting instead for Reiss. Despite appearing as a lower noble family, they held the true power to govern, masking their influence through a puppet king.
Known Members of the Reiss Royal Family
| Karl Fritz | The 145th King of Eldia, an Inheritor of the Founding Titan |
| Uri Reiss | Eldian King, an Inheritor of the Founding Titan |
| Rod Reiss | Brother of Uri Reiss |
| Frieda Reiss | Successor to Uri Reiss, last known inheritor of the Founding Titan |
| Urklyn Reiss | Oldest son of Rod Reiss |
| Abel Reiss | Third daughter of Rod Reiss |
| Florian Reiss | Fourth daughter of Rod Reiss |
| Dirk Reiss | Youngest son of Rod Reiss |
| Historia Reiss | Second daughter of Rod Reiss, the last known ruler of Eldia |
Karl Fritz’s Forced Peace
Successors inheriting the Founding Titan would acquire knowledge about the outside world, yet also inherit Karl Fritz’s ideology. Like their forebear, they were conditioned to view Eldia’s sins as unforgivable, resigning themselves to punishment without resistance. This ideology inhibited figures like Frieda and Uri Reiss from challenging Fritz’s sinister legacy.
The Loss of the Founding Titan
In a historic turning point, the royal family lost dominance over the Founding Titan when Grisha Yeager launched an attack against Frieda Reiss, claiming the powers for himself. He eventually transferred this crucial power to Eren Yeager, who rejected the fatalistic ideology of Karl Fritz, inciting the Rumbling, and liberating the Eldians from their repetitive cycle of suffering.
Historia Reiss, the Queen of the New World
Following the death of Rod Reiss, his illegitimate daughter, Historia, ascended to power. Initially, she was significantly influenced by military pressures and stood on the brink of becoming the Beast Titan. However, after navigating the emotional turmoil caused by the Rumbling, she emerged as a competent ruler of Eldia. The narrative’s finale implies she governed well until her demise.
The Royal Family undeniably played a crucial role in their people’s suffering. Their oppressive rule incited global disdain towards Eldians, leaving them vulnerable when Karl Fritz chose to capitulate to the dark legacy of their ancestors. Through bold actions, Eren Yeager liberated Eldians from the Royal Family’s tightly held grip on the Titans, sacrificing the world in the process.
For those interested in exploring these events further, Attack on Titan is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.