Hey there! As a fellow Attack on Titan fanatic, I know you‘ll appreciate me diving deep into the complex character that is Eren Jaeger. Specifically, I want to explore the pivotal role his name plays in the overarching story. Grab a cup of coffee and let‘s unravel this together!
The Literal Meaning
First, what does Eren Jaeger‘s name actually mean? Well, Jaeger (or Jäger) translates from German as "hunter". This is a direct reference to Eren‘s membership in the Survey Corps, whose core mission is to hunt and eradicate Titans.
Eren‘s name symbolizes his personal quest to slaughter every last Titan he encounters. It also foreshadows his eventual status as the "Titan hunter". Pretty cool hidden meaning!
Some English translations use "Yeager" instead, which is basically a phonetic spelling variation. Either way, both versions tie Eren closely to the idea of Titan-hunting.
Links to Other Characters
Eren‘s last name also connects him to other pivotal figures in the story:
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He chose the alias "Kruger" to honor Eren Kruger, who enabled Eren Jaeger to be born at all by saving his parents. This is a respectful homage from one "Eren" to another!
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His adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman has a different last name since they aren‘t biologically related. The name "Ackerman" references her Asian heritage instead.
So Eren‘s name marks his own distinct lineage and background as well.
The Yeager Family Bloodline
In fact, Eren‘s family history is really significant. According to in-universe lore:
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The Yeager family are descendants of the ancient Eldians who remained in Marley after the Great Titan War.
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This is why they lived segregated inside the Liberio internment zone like other Eldians.
So Eren has precious Eldian royal blood running through his veins! This rare ancestry allows him to unlock amazing powers, which leads me to…
The Titans Eren Has Possessed
Thanks to his Eldian bloodline, Eren has been able to take on multiple Titan forms:
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He inherited the ultra-rare Founding Titan and Attack Titan from his father Grisha.
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Later in the Marley arc, Eren gained the devastating War Hammer Titan by eating its previous holder.
Titan Shifters Possessed by Eren
| Titan | Former Wielder | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Titan | Grisha Yeager | Coordinate other Titans |
| Attack Titan | Grisha Yeager | See future inheritors‘ memories |
| War Hammer | Tybur family holder | Create weapon constructs from hardening |
This makes Eren the first person in centuries to wield the powers of three separate Titans! His collection keeps expanding.
The Ominous Curse of Ymir
However, mastering these Titan forms comes with a heavy cost. After acquiring the War Hammer power, Eren learns he only has around 8 years left to live.
This is due to the ominous "Curse of Ymir", which states that a Titan Shifter will die 13 years after first gaining their abilities. Since Eren already used up his first 5 years as a Shifter, his remaining lifespan is now greatly reduced.
Or is it? Some fans debate whether the Curse works differently for Eren since he holds multiple Titans. Perhaps absorbing more powers resets the 13-year counter each time. But for now, his time does seem limited.
Names and Backgrounds of Eren‘s Comrades
Eren isn‘t in this alone. His loyal friends and allies also have intriguing backgrounds:
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Levi Ackerman – He may have German Jewish heritage based on his last name. This gives him empathy as an oppressed minority.
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Armin Arlert – His name has German or Dutch origins. Fitting for the intelligent, pragmatic strategist!
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Mikasa Ackerman – She is expressly described as being of Asian ethnicity. We love this diverse cast!
Together, Eren and his comrades make up a capable, if ragtag, force against the Titan scourge. Their names reflect their diverse backgrounds and motivations.
Theories on Deeper Meaning
Eren‘s name is packed with so much juicy significance! Here are some fan theories on what else could be hidden within:
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"Jaeger" resembles the English word "eager". Perhaps foreshadowing Eren‘s intense drive and ambition.
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It may contain a stealth reference to "Jaguar" animals, known for speed and aggressiveness like Eren in Titan form.
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His name could be inspired by the Austrian composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold, linking Eren to creative "Founding" powers.
These are just speculation for now, but it shows how fans analyze every detail! Clearly there are endless layers to unpack within a simple name.
In Conclusion
Digging into Eren Jaeger‘s background gives us so much insight into his motivations and the larger mysteries surrounding the Titans. From his family lineage to his abilities to the very letters of his name, every element seems intricately connected. Keep theorizing, and remember – the truth is out there!
