Ymir Fritz, the Founding Titan and progenitor of all Titans, is a character shrouded in mystery and complexity in Attack on Titan. Her enduring loyalty to the Eldian royal family despite a life of enslavement and abuse has left fans both confound and fascinated. In this article, we will unravel the layers of her loyalty and explore the factors that bound her to her oppressors.
Ymir Fritz’s harrowing childhood
Understanding Ymir’s loyalty begins with her heart-wrenching past. Born into a slave tribe, her early years were marred by cruelty and hardship. Forced into grueling labor and under constant threat of violence, Ymir’s childhood was far from idyllic.
One fateful day, her life took a dramatic turn when she was falsely accused of releasing pigs from her tribe’s enclosure. Pursued by the tribe’s warriors and dogs, Ymir stumbled upon a mysterious tree concealing a sinkhole with a strange lake at its bottom. Her descent into that lake brought her into contact with the source of all organic matter, transforming her into the very first Titan.
Ymir’s twisted bond with King Fritz
Following her transformation, Ymir’s path intersected with King Fritz, the leader of the Eldian tribe. Fritz was immediately captured by Ymir’s newfound power and coerced her into a life of servitude. Ymir became a weapon of war, aiding Fritz in conquering and subjugating other tribes. She was also subjected to bearing his progeny.
Despite the relentless abuse, Ymir’s emotions toward King Fritz grew complex. She viewed him as her protector and savior, entangled in a web of twisted affection. She believed that her loyalty was an unpayable debt for being born into slavery.
Ymir’s unwavering loyalty to the Eldian Royal Family
Ymir’s loyalty to the Eldian royal family was unshakable. She dutifully served King Fritz and his descendants for more than two millennia, even beyond her death. She became the creator of the Paths, a dimension connecting the consciousness of all Titans.Â
Several factors contributed to Ymir’s unwavering loyalty:
- She was indoctrinated by King Fritz, instilled with the belief that she owed him everything.Â
- She lived in constant fear of King Fritz’s retribution.Â
- She held the conviction that the Eldian empire was superior to all other nations.
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Ymir’s devotion to the Eldian people
Ymir’s loyalty extended to the entire Eldian populace. She ardently believed in their destiny to rule the world and was willing to make any sacrifice to safeguard them. Her connection to her own descendants ran deep, and she was resolute in ensuring their welfare.
This dedication to the Eldian people manifested most notably in Ymir’s ultimate act of selflessness. Following King Fritz’s assassination, she harnessed her powers to create the Wall Titans, who shielded the Eldian empire from external threats for centuries.
Ymir’s liberation
Ymir’s unswerving allegiance to the Eldian royal family and people finally shattered when confronted by Eren Jaeger. Eren revealed to Ymir that she was not a slave and that she possessed the agency to make her own choices. He unveiled the grim reality that the Eldian empire was built upon oppression and violence.
With Eren’s guidance, Ymir found the strength to shatter the chains of loyalty that had bound her for so long. She joined forces with Eren to dismantle the Wall Titans and, in doing so, liberated the Eldians from their self-imposed isolation.
Conclusion
The story of Ymir Fritz in Attack on Titan is one that showcases the power of transformation. As we reflect on Ymir’s journey, it becomes clear that her loyalty was not a simple matter of blind obedience. It was a product of her traumatic past, her longing for a sense of belonging, and her belief in the destiny of the Eldian people. Her story serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of oppression and the potential for redemption.