Eren Yeager, the hotheaded protagonist of Attack on Titan, has undergone a significant transformation throughout the series. From a young boy vowing revenge against the Titans to a determined soldier seeking answers beyond the Walls, Eren’s journey is marked by both physical and emotional growth. But how old is Eren exactly in Season 4? This seemingly simple question has sparked discussions among fans online, and this article delves into the details to settle the age debate.
Unveiling Eren’s Age: A Timeline Through the Seasons
Attack on Titan follows a well-defined timeline, allowing us to pinpoint Eren’s age in each season. Here’s a breakdown:
Season 1: The series begins in the year 845, and Eren is a mere 10 years old. Witnessing the horrific Titan attack on his hometown, Shiganshina, becomes a defining moment, igniting his burning desire to eradicate the Titans.
Season 2: Three years pass after the fall of Shiganshina, placing Eren at 13 years old. He undergoes rigorous training to join the Survey Corps, the elite military unit venturing outside the Walls.
Season 3: Following the Battle of Trost District and the revelation about Annie Leonhart, another two years transpire. Eren is now 15 years old and a full-fledged member of the Survey Corps, participating in missions to reclaim Wall Maria.
Season 4: A significant time skip of four years occurs before Season 4. This jump puts Eren at the age of 19 years old. The world outside the Walls and the Marleyan perspective are introduced, drastically altering Eren’s perception of the conflict.
Therefore, Eren embarks on the events of Season 4 as a young adult, shaped by years of training, loss, and the constant threat of Titans.
Age Confusion: Separating Fact from Fan Theories
While Eren’s age in Season 4 is definitively 19, some confusion might arise due to the following factors:
Time Skip Impact: The substantial time skip between Season 3 and 4 can be surprising for viewers who haven’t kept track of the timeline. The sudden growth spurt in the characters’ appearances might lead some to believe Eren is older than 19.
Flashback Sequences: Season 4 incorporates flashbacks that revisit events from previous seasons. In these scenes, Eren appears younger, which is accurate for the depicted timeframe.
It’s crucial to distinguish between the present timeline of Season 4 and the flashbacks to maintain clarity about Eren’s age.
Beyond the Numbers: Eren’s Transformation Goes Beyond Age
While Eren’s age is a point of interest, it’s only one aspect of his character development. Season 4 focuses on a more profound transformation:
Shifting Ideals: Eren’s initial goal of eliminating all Titans evolves into a complex desire for freedom. He questions the established narrative and seeks answers beyond the Walls, even if it means defying authority and former comrades.
Psychological Shift: The horrors of war and the weight of responsibility take their toll on Eren. His determination borders on obsession, raising concerns about his mental state.
Power Dynamics: Eren’s possession of the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan grants him immense power, altering his role within the narrative.
These transformations are central to the plot of Season 4, making Eren a much more multifaceted character than simply his age suggests.
The Significance of Eren’s Age in Season 4
Eren’s age of 19 in Season 4 holds significance in several ways:
The Curse of the Titans: Subjects of Ymir Fritz, those who inherit the power of the Titans, have a lifespan shortened to 13 years. Eren’s remaining time becomes a ticking clock, adding urgency to his actions.
Coming of Age in a Brutal World: At 19, Eren is no longer a naive child. He has experienced the harsh realities of war and the complexities of the world beyond the Walls. This maturity, however warped it may seem, shapes his decisions.
Leadership and Responsibility: Eren emerges as a leader figure for some, particularly the Yeagerists who support his radical methods. The weight of this responsibility, coupled with his own ambitions, propels the narrative forward.
Eren’s age in Season 4 serves as a marker for his growth and the immense pressure he faces. It’s a testament to the brutal world of Attack on Titan, where even young adults are forced to make life-altering decisions.
FAQ’S
How old is Eren at the beginning of Season 4?
Eren is 19 years old at the start of Season 4. This is because there’s a four-year time skip between Season 3 and Season 4. We can confirm this by considering his age in previous seasons:
Season 1: Eren is 10 years old when the story begins.
Season 2: Eren remains 10 years old throughout Season 2.
Season 3: After a five-year time skip within Season 3, Eren becomes 15 years old and joins the Survey Corps.
How do we know there’s a four-year time skip before Season 4?
The time skip is explicitly shown in Season 3. In Episode 53, titled “The Basement,” there’s a scene where Eren discovers a letter written by his father. The letter is dated four years after Wall Maria’s fall, which is the event that unfolded in Season 1. This chronologically places the events of Season 4 four years after Season 3.
Are there any clues in the anime that confirm Eren’s age?
While there’s no direct mention of Eren’s age in Season 4, some subtle hints support the four-year time skip. The characters appear noticeably older, and the conversation topics reflect a passage of time. For instance, there’s a discussion about technological advancements that wouldn’t have been possible within a year.
Does Eren’s age play a role in Season 4’s plot?
Eren’s age and the time skip are crucial aspects of the story. The additional four years allow him to further develop his fighting skills and solidify his determination to achieve his goals. It also portrays the lasting impact of the events from previous seasons on him and his comrades.
What about Eren’s birthday? Does that affect his age in Season 4?
Eren’s birthday is March 30th. Since Season 4 most likely begins sometime in the summer, he would have already turned 19 by that point.
Are there any other characters whose ages change significantly in Season 4?
The time skip affects all the main characters. Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, Eren’s close companions, are also 19 years old at the beginning of Season 4. Similarly, other characters like Reiner Braun and Jean Kirstein would also be four years older than their Season 3 counterparts.
Are there any additional details about the aging of characters in Attack on Titan?
The Attack on Titan universe follows a real-time passage of time. This means that as the story progresses, the characters age alongside the narrative. This adds a layer of realism and reflects the characters’ growth and experiences.
So, how old is Eren by the end of Season 4?
Due to the ongoing nature of the story in Season 4, Eren’s exact age at the very end is uncertain. However, considering there isn’t another significant time skip within the season, it’s safe to assume he remains 19 years old throughout.
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