Summary
Over the duration ofAttack on Titan’s run, Eren and Mikasa’s relationship was a hot topic. Some felt that she was only an adoptive sister to him, as she had been taken in by his family. However, others felt that due to what little time they actually lived together and how they were perceived by other characters,a romance was in order.
Come the conclusion ofAttack on Titan, it was all but confirmed that Eren had feelings for Mikasa, as she did for him. In an alternate reality that Eren created with the Founding Titan, the two run away together to live out the rest of his life with her. But there is so much more beneath the surface when it comes to their tragic romance.
Becoming The In-Law
One of the more comedic dynamics of Eren and Mikasa’s early relationship is how much she mothers him. Many times, it’s stated by Eren that he’s not her brother or her child, when Mikasa scolds or saves him from something. This behavior comes from his innate desire to be acknowledged as strong and independent. Come the end of season 2, Mikasa affirms to Eren, in his efforts, that he’s made a positive change in her life. After that, he begins tosee her in a different light, even admitting that he was jealous of her. In a past interview, Isayama stated that the two were going to share a kiss during that scene, but wasn’t sure how to incorporate a romantic subplot going forward. However, Eren’s response to Mikasa more than confirms a mutual desire.
InSpoof on Titan, there is a brief conversation between Eren and Armin, where the latter observes the former’s recent hostile behavior towards Mikasa. It’s then revealed that even though Eren saved her, he wanted to continue to be her crutch and savior, leading Armin to conclude that his pride was hurt. Even other characters such as Historia and Ricoplayfully teaseone or the other at one point about their feelings.
A Timeless Promise
Eren’s bond with Mikasa began with a scarf. With good intentions, he clumsily wrapped it around her form when she stated she was cold. Eren has a divisive moral compass, but when he means well, he means well. During his time in Paths with his half-brother, Zeke, Eren lets his gaze linger on this exact memory. Shortly before this, Eren had coldly stated to Mikasa that he hated her. It’s during these scenes of exposition do we begin to realize his inner turmoil. When the two elope in an alternate reality, Eren showed Mikasa thathis feelings towards her were mutual.
Running away from their problems to live together in peace, a world away from fighting in a hopeless attempt, the two lived their subconscious desire, while the world around them burned. But they both knew, despite what they wanted,they could never have that life. During that time, Eren insists that Mikasa discard her scarf so she wouldn’t be lonely without him, and she could live a long life. During his final conversation with Armin, we see Eren finally break down. The weight of his wrongdoings along with Mikasa’s love life as the final straw, makes us wish things had been different. But even so, their love was timeless.
What is Love?
In chapter 123, Eren asks Mikasa how she feels about him. Some fans took this to mean that he was just trying to see if the future could be changed, as he saw this conversation prior. However, sinceAttack on Titanis a fixed timeline, this means thatno matter the intentions, the outcome will be the same. The “future” that Eren saw himself asking, was not necessarily him attempting to change the future, but a genuine question. In other words, had he not seen the future, he was going to ask that question regardless.
This is further backed up whenhe’s visibly unsatisfied with her answer. In chapter 130, we see in Eren’s conversation with Zeke, the former is questioning Mikasa’s loyalty, unable to believe someone would truly love him. It’s at this time, when it becomes a bit clearer, there’s something more going on. Along with his insistence on having the scarf thrown away, Eren also tells Zeke that there’s no point in pursuing a relationship, given his limited time - yet still wishes for his loved ones to live on happily.
In Another Life
Though Eren and Armin believe themselves worthy of being damned to hell for their actions, in their repentance, there’s a silver lining. After the conclusion of Cour 2, an episodic release came out. The ED, “Itterashai”, shows what happened after Mikasa’s death. Some fans speculate, based on the lyrics, that Mikasa is conversing with Eren, as he visits her in her dreams. Come the end,Mikasa wakes up crying, believing herself to be in another dream, but sees Eren there to greet her.
The butterfly should especially be of note,as in Japanese symbolism, it signifies reunion, rebirth, and a departed spirit. The singer, Ai Higuchi sings this ED as well as the previous one, “Akuma no Ko”, which focuses on Eren as he approaches a field of flowers and seemingly disappears. Fans speculate that this is Eren after his own death and on his way to greet Mikasa. Higuchi would also independently write a “sequel” song to “Akuma no Ko”, “Massarana Daichi”, which is Mikasa’s response to Eren; similarly toSiM’s “Under The Tree” and “The Rumbling”.
DuringAttack FES, the voice actors of Mikasa and Eren, Yui Ishikawa, and Yuki Kaji respectively, acted out a scenario where Eren returns to Mikasa. InJapanese, Mikasa’s last wordsto Eren are 「いってらっしゃい」(“itterashai”), which is what’s said to someone leaving home for the day. This phrase is said in response to, 「いってきます 」(“ittekimasu”).
Together, this means “I’m leaving”, “Okay see you later/when you get back”. In Japanese households, these are known phrases. When one returns, the dialogue goes, 「ただいま」(“tadaima”), and 「おかえり」 (“okaeri”); “I’m back/home”, “Welcome back/home”. The latter set up dialogue is reenacted by the two voice actors, making for anemotional reunion between the two. Moreover, an image was taken, resembling official art of Eren attempting to properly wrap a scarf around Mikasa. A similar emotional comparison is the Japanese dialogue of the reunion between Sora and Kairi at the end ofKingdom Hearts II.
A Love Without Regrets
In extra side content,Yuki Kaji has appeared in drama CDsand made comments about Eren’s feelings towards Mikasa. Two of which were Eren lamenting the fact that he never shared Mikasa’s ice cream with her in chapter 123, and a statement that Eren was secretly thinking about how much he loved her, when he pushed her and Armin away during chapter 112. After the finale aired, Kaji confirmed that after his death, Eren continued to watch over Mikasa.
In original drafts by Hajime Isayama, the original scarf scene has Eren thanking Mikasa for saving him. Additionally, shortly before he’s swallowed by the bearded Titan, the last person he thinks of is Mikasa. Since this is an original draft, presumably this is right after he saves Historia, who would later be replaced by Armin in the final draft. Last year, Princess Mako married a commoner, Kei Komuro, and given their resembles to Mikasa and Eren, theJapanese mediahopped on the bandwagon, making the resemblance a popular meme.
Official art and merchandise only pushes the relationship to the front, reiterating the importance of their relationship. What’s more, in an official pamphlet forAttack FES, Marina Inuoe (Armin’s VA) and Shiori Mikami (Historia’s VA) voice their support for the pair, the latter confirming her character’s appreciation for the famous scarf scene in season 2. There’s still a lot of theAttack on Titanfranchise left to adapt, and given how much of the story is centered around Eren and Mikasa,there may be even more in storefor us.
