The colossal walls in “Attack on Titan” are more than mere fortifications; they are central characters in a tale of survival, mystery, and hidden truths.
This guide delves deep into the history, construction, and significance of these monumental structures that have captivated fans worldwide.
Introduction to Attack on Titan Walls
In the world of “Attack on Titan,” humanity’s last refuge lies behind three concentric walls: Maria, Rose, and Sheena. These immense structures, each standing approximately 50 meters tall, were supposedly built to protect the remnants of humanity from the man-eating Titans that roam outside. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that these walls harbor secrets far more complex than anyone could have imagined.
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The Three Walls: Maria, Rose, and Sheena
Wall Maria: The Fallen Frontier
Wall Maria, the outermost wall, was the first line of defense against the Titans. With a radius of about 480 km, it enclosed vast agricultural lands crucial for sustaining the population.
In 845, Wall Maria fell to the Colossal and Armored Titans, leading to a catastrophic loss of territory and life. This event set the stage for the entire series, driving the main characters’ motivations and the plot’s direction.
Wall Rose: The Middle Ground
Standing as the second line of defense, Wall Rose became humanity’s outer wall after Maria’s fall. It has faced several threats throughout the series, including a breach by the Colossal Titan in 850. The area between Wall Rose and Wall Sheena houses most of the human population and is crucial to the military’s operations.
Wall Sheena: The Inner Sanctum
The innermost wall, Sheena (also known as Sina), protects the capital and the seat of the government. It’s home to the nobility and the most privileged members of society. The stark contrast between life inside Wall Sheena and the outer territories highlights the social inequality that plagues this world.
To fully appreciate the dialogue and nuances in the series, especially regarding the walls, consider using anime subtitles downloads for a more immersive viewing experience.
Construction and Hidden Secrets
The true nature of the walls is one of the most shocking revelations in “Attack on Titan.” Far from being simple stone structures, they are composed of millions of Colossal Titans, their hardened bodies interlocked to form an impenetrable barrier.
This secret, known only to a select few, including the royal family and the Church of the Walls, adds a layer of horror and complexity to the story’s lore.
The walls were constructed by the 145th King of Eldia, Karl Fritz, using the power of the Founding Titan. This incredible feat of engineering and Titan manipulation stands as a testament to the power wielded by the royal family.
Historical Context and Purpose
King Fritz’s decision to build the walls was not merely a defensive measure but a complex political and philosophical choice. Burdened by the sins of the Eldian Empire, Fritz sought to create a “paradise” within the walls, where a portion of his people could live in ignorant peace. The walls served as both a physical barrier against Titans and a metaphorical cage to contain the truths of the outside world.
The king also used the threat of “unleashing the wall titans” as a deterrent against external attacks, a bluff that managed to buy a century of relative peace for the island of Paradis.
Geographic Layout and Security Measures
The concentric design of the walls creates a tiered system of defense and habitation. Each wall has four districts located at the cardinal points, which serve as the military and economic centers for their regions. These districts, with their more sophisticated gate mechanisms, are both the strongest and most vulnerable points in the walls’ defenses.
The tops of the walls are equipped with cannons, and the military maintains a constant watch for Titan activity. However, the true strength of the walls lies in their hidden Titan composition, a fact that becomes crucial in later parts of the story.
The Walls’ Role in Attack on Titan’s Plot
The walls are more than a setting; they’re a driving force in the narrative. They symbolize the limited knowledge of the characters, the secrets kept by those in power, and the barriers (both physical and metaphorical) that the protagonists must overcome. Key events in the series, from the fall of Wall Maria to the revelations about the walls’ true nature, pivot around these structures.
Impact on Society and Characters
Life within the walls has shaped every aspect of the society depicted in “Attack on Titan.” The concentric layout has led to a clear social stratification, with those living in the interior generally enjoying more privilege and safety than those near the outer walls. This disparity drives much of the political conflict in the series.
For characters like Eren Yeager, the walls represent a cage to be broken free from. For others, they’re the last bastion of safety in a hostile world. This tension between security and freedom is a central theme explored throughout the series.
For viewers who prefer dubbed versions, many streaming platforms offer anime with English subtitles, allowing you to fully grasp the complex social dynamics within the walls.
The Fall of the Walls
The destruction of the walls marks a pivotal moment in the series. When Eren Yeager gains control of the Founding Titan’s power, he unleashes the Colossal Titans within the walls, setting them on a destructive march across the world.
This event, known as “The Rumbling,” represents the culmination of centuries of history and the breaking of the delicate balance that had been maintained since the walls’ creation.
FAQs about Attack on Titan Walls
- How tall are the walls in Attack on Titan? Each wall is approximately 50 meters tall.
- What are the walls made of in Attack on Titan? The walls are composed of millions of Colossal Titans, their bodies hardened to form an impenetrable barrier.
- Who built the walls in Attack on Titan? The walls were built by the 145th King of Eldia, Karl Fritz, using the power of the Founding Titan.
- Why were the walls built in Attack on Titan? The walls were built to protect a portion of the Eldian people from both Titans and the outside world, while also serving as a deterrent against external attacks.
- How many walls are there in Attack on Titan? There are three main walls: Wall Maria (outermost), Wall Rose (middle), and Wall Sheena/Sina (innermost).
Conclusion
The walls in “Attack on Titan” are masterfully crafted elements that serve multiple narrative purposes. They are physical structures that drive the plot, symbols that represent the themes of the story, and mysteries that keep viewers engaged.
As the series progresses, our understanding of the walls evolves, mirroring the characters’ journey of discovery and highlighting the complex moral questions at the heart of the story.
From their awe-inspiring presence in the opening scenes to their earth-shattering fall, the walls of “Attack on Titan” stand as a testament to the series’ intricate world-building and thought-provoking storytelling.
They remind us that in the face of overwhelming threats, humanity’s greatest strengths—and most terrible weaknesses—often lie hidden behind the barriers we build to protect ourselves.