Why Did Zeke Side With Eldia

Why Did Zeke Yeager Side With Eldia? A Deep Dive into His Twisted Logic

Zeke Yeager's motivations in Attack on Titan are complex and far from straightforward. While he presented himself as a savior of the Eldians, his methods were brutal and his ultimate goals deeply flawed. Understanding his allegiance to Eldia requires examining his traumatic past, his twisted philosophy, and his strategic calculations. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind Zeke's actions, exploring the nuances of his character and the horrifying consequences of his plan for "Euthanasia."

A Childhood Marked by Trauma and Hatred: Zeke's unwavering dedication to Eldia stems from his profoundly painful childhood experiences. Witnessing the brutal oppression and discrimination faced by Eldians within Marley, coupled with his own experiences of prejudice and the constant fear of being deemed a "devil," fueled his intense hatred for the world outside Paradis Island. This resentment formed the bedrock of his belief that Eldians deserved freedom, even if it meant resorting to extreme measures. This shaped his worldview and informed his strategic decisions, even if those decisions ultimately contradicted his stated goal.

The "Euthanasia Plan": A Twisted Path to Freedom? Zeke's central plan, the "Euthanasia Plan," aimed to sterilize all Eldians, preventing future generations from suffering the same atrocities he experienced. He saw this as the only way to break the cycle of hatred and violence, believing that eliminating the ability to reproduce would ultimately lead to peace. This seemingly altruistic goal, however, masks a darker reality. His methods were inherently violent and dismissive of individual Eldian lives, highlighting the moral complexities of his actions. Many viewed it not as liberation, but as a horrific genocide perpetrated in the name of freedom.

Strategic Calculations and Manipulation: Beyond his personal trauma, Zeke was a shrewd strategist. He understood the political landscape of Marley and the power dynamics between nations. He expertly manipulated individuals, including Eren Yeager, to further his goals. His alliances, while seemingly dedicated to Eldian liberation, were often contingent on furthering his own agenda. He exploited the vulnerabilities and desires of others to achieve his objectives, showcasing a ruthlessness that belied his stated motivations.

The Influence of Grisha Yeager: Zeke's father, Grisha Yeager, also played a significant role in shaping his worldview. Grisha, burdened by his own experiences within Marley, instilled in Zeke a deep-seated resentment towards Marleyans and a desire for Eldian liberation. However, Grisha's own methods were often questionable, adding another layer of complexity to Zeke's motivations. This intergenerational trauma and the inheritance of conflicting ideals contributed to Zeke's convoluted and ultimately destructive path.

The Paradox of Zeke's Actions: Zeke's actions represent a paradox. He aimed for freedom for his people, yet his methods were arguably more oppressive and destructive than the very system he sought to overthrow. This inherent contradiction underscores the moral ambiguity of his character and the complexities of his motivations. His actions, though driven by a desire for peace and freedom for his people, ultimately led to widespread suffering and devastation. His journey highlights the dangers of extremism and the potential for well-intentioned actions to lead to catastrophic consequences. The question of whether his actions were justified, or merely a twisted manifestation of his own pain and trauma, remains a topic of intense debate among fans.