Why Did Eren Fight Alongside Zeke

Why Did Eren Fight Alongside Zeke? A Deep Dive into the Attack on Titan Alliance

This article explores the complex motivations behind Eren Yeager's controversial alliance with Zeke Yeager in Attack on Titan. Understanding this partnership requires delving into their individual goals, their shared trauma, and the ultimately tragic consequences of their actions. While seemingly contradictory, their collaboration stemmed from a twisted sense of shared purpose, fueled by a desperate desire – albeit a morally questionable one – to liberate Eldia.

Eren and Zeke, half-brothers bound by blood and burdened by a legacy of hatred, initially appeared to be on opposing sides. Eren, driven by a burning desire for freedom and revenge against the world that persecuted his people, pursued a path of relentless aggression. Zeke, on the other hand, initially advocated for a more subtle, albeit equally brutal, approach: the eradication of Eldians' ability to reproduce, effectively ending the cycle of violence and suffering.

So, why the alliance? The answer lies in their converging objectives, albeit with differing interpretations of how to achieve them. While their methods differed drastically, both brothers shared the overarching goal of securing freedom for Eldia, albeit through vastly different means. This shared goal, however twisted, provided the foundation for their uneasy partnership.

Shared Trauma and the Weight of History

The foundation of their alliance was built on shared trauma. Both brothers witnessed firsthand the horrors inflicted upon Eldians, experiencing the brutality of Marleyan oppression and the constant threat of annihilation. This shared pain, the weight of their inherited history, and the atrocities they witnessed created a bond, however fragile and ultimately destructive. Their experiences fostered a deep understanding, a shared sense of injustice that transcended their ideological differences.

Zeke's Plan: The Euthanasia Plan

Zeke's plan, known as the "Euthanasia Plan," was a radical solution to Eldian suffering. He aimed to sterilize all Eldians, preventing future generations from inheriting the burden of their ancestors' sins and eliminating the threat they posed to the rest of the world. While seemingly cruel, Zeke believed this was the only way to prevent further bloodshed and suffering. He saw it as an act of mercy, freeing future generations from the cycle of violence.

Eren's Manipulation and the True Goal

While initially seeming to cooperate with Zeke's plan, Eren's true intentions remained hidden. He manipulated Zeke, using the alliance to further his own agenda: the complete annihilation of the world outside Paradis Island. Eren cleverly used Zeke's plan as a means to an end, exploiting the Euthanasia Plan's mechanisms for his own objectives. He viewed the alliance as a necessary evil, a strategic move to gain access to the Founding Titan's power and unleash the Rumbling.

The Paradox of Their Alliance: Shared Goal, Divergent Paths

The paradox of Eren and Zeke's alliance lies in the contrast between their shared goal and their wildly different approaches. While both desired freedom for Eldia, their definition of "freedom" differed dramatically. Zeke sought freedom from suffering through eradication, while Eren pursued freedom through total domination and destruction. This divergence ultimately led to their conflict and the tragic events that unfolded.

The Consequences: A Legacy of Destruction

Their alliance, however brief, had devastating consequences. The Rumbling, unleashed by Eren, resulted in unimaginable destruction and loss of life. The alliance, born from shared trauma and a warped sense of purpose, ultimately resulted in the deaths of millions and the destruction of much of the world.

In conclusion, Eren and Zeke's alliance, born from shared trauma and a twisted desire for Eldian liberation, was a complex and ultimately destructive partnership. While their shared goal provided the foundation for their cooperation, the vast differences in their methods and true intentions ensured their alliance was doomed from the start, leaving a legacy of destruction in its wake.