If you've landed on this page seeking information about Near's age within the epic saga of Attack on Titan, it’s important to clarify a common misconception right from the start. While the world of anime and manga is vast and interconnected, Near, the brilliant successor to L and key figure in the pursuit of Kira, is actually a prominent character from Death Note, not Attack on Titan.
Attack on Titan (or Shingeki no Kyojin) presents a completely different universe, one dominated by colossal humanoid creatures known as Titans and humanity's desperate struggle for survival within massive walled cities. It's easy to get beloved characters from different series mixed up, especially given the popularity of both franchises! So, if you were hoping to uncover details about a character named Near in the context of Eren Yeager's journey, that character doesn't exist within the Walls of Paradis or the lands of Marley.
However, perhaps your real curiosity lies in the ages of the actual compelling characters from Attack on Titan, or the intricate timeline and lore that defines their existence. You've come to the right place to explore the depths of this incredible story!
Unraveling the Ages of Attack on Titan's True Heroes and Villains
Attack on Titan is renowned for its complex narrative, character development, and a timeline that spans generations. Characters age, evolve, and face unimaginable challenges, often leading to significant changes in their perspectives and roles. Understanding their approximate ages at various critical junctures helps illustrate their growth and the weight of their decisions.
For instance, at the story's inception, Eren Yeager, the fiercely determined protagonist, is around 10 years old when his hometown of Shiganshina is breached and his mother is devoured by a Titan. His childhood friends, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, are roughly the same age, sharing in the trauma that shapes their future paths. Their training days with the 104th Training Corps begin when they are approximately 12 years old, and by the time they graduate and face the true horrors outside the walls, they are around 15 years old. The story then undergoes a significant time skip, fast-forwarding four years, placing them in their late teens/early twenties as the final, most devastating acts of the narrative unfold.
Characters like Captain Levi Ackerman, often hailed as "humanity's strongest soldier," are typically depicted as being in their early to mid-30s during the main events, a seasoned veteran bearing the scars of countless battles. Similarly, Erwin Smith, the charismatic 13th commander of the Survey Corps, commands respect with an age that suggests vast experience and strategic genius. The younger generation of Marleyan Warriors like Gabi Braun and Falco Grice are mere children, highlighting the tragic cycle of war that forces them into brutal roles at a tender age.
To truly grasp the motivations and transformations of these pivotal figures, it's essential to look at their complete journeys. We dive deep into the individuals who defined their era and how their experiences shaped their destinies. Explore the full story of the How Old Is Eren in Attack on Titan?, from his naive beginnings to his controversial end, to understand his pivotal role.
The World of Paradis and Marley: A Deep Dive
The core conflict of Attack on Titan revolves around two opposing factions: the Eldians living on Paradis Island and the Marleyan Empire across the sea. For centuries, Marley has demonized Eldians, portraying them as devils and forcing those within their territories into internment zones, while simultaneously exploiting their ability to become Titans in warfare.
Paradis Island, the last bastion of Eldia, is shielded by three concentric walls – Maria, Rose, and Sina – believed to be humanity's final refuge. Within these walls, society is structured with various military branches like the Garrison Regiment, the Military Police Brigade, and the courageous Survey Corps. The Survey Corps, identifiable by their iconic "Wings of Freedom" emblem, are the scouts who venture beyond the walls, facing unimaginable dangers to reclaim territory and uncover the truth about the Titans.
The complex history between these two nations, fueled by propaganda, inherited memories, and a desperate fight for survival, forms the backbone of the series. The revelations about the outside world fundamentally alter the characters' understanding of their past and future. To better understand the historical grievances and the political landscape, take a closer look at and uncover the roots of this global conflict.
The Titans: Harbingers of Destruction and Sources of Power
At the heart of Attack on Titan are the Titans themselves. These colossal, man-eating humanoids range from mindless Pure Titans, which indiscriminately consume humans, to the highly intelligent and powerful Nine Titans, each possessing unique abilities passed down through generations.
The Nine Titans—the Founding Titan, Attack Titan, Colossal Titan, Armored Titan, Female Titan, Beast Titan, Jaw Titan, Cart Titan, and War Hammer Titan—are central to the story's mythology and power dynamics. Each Titan Shifter, an Eldian capable of transforming into one of these Nine, lives for only 13 years due to "Ymir's Curse," a grim reminder of their power's origin. These powers are not merely for destruction; they are strategic weapons, keys to ancient secrets, and symbols of a cursed lineage.
From the Founding Titan's ability to control other Titans and manipulate Eldian memories, to the Colossal Titan's immense size and devastating steam, and the Armored Titan's impervious skin, each holds a crucial role in the narrative. Their existence drives the plot, sparks incredible battles, and forces characters to confront the true nature of their world. Delve deeper into the unique attributes and history of these monstrous entities by exploring .
Key Factions and Their Ideologies
Beyond the main protagonists, a diverse array of factions and characters shape the narrative's direction. The military structure within Paradis features the Garrison, Survey Corps, and Military Police, each with distinct roles and sometimes clashing philosophies. The 104th Training Corps, which produced many of the story's main characters, served as a melting pot for future heroes and antagonists alike.
On the Marleyan side, the Warrior Unit comprises Eldian children trained from a young age to inherit the powers of the Nine Titans and fight Marley's wars, hoping to earn "honorary Marleyan" status. Characters like Reiner Braun, Zeke Yeager, and Annie Leonhart are products of this system, their loyalties and moral compasses constantly tested by their dual identities.
As the story progresses, new factions emerge, such as the Yeagerists, who rally behind Eren's radical plans for Eldian supremacy. These groups highlight the escalating ideological warfare and the desperate measures people take when pushed to their limits. Understanding the complex web of allegiances and betrayals is crucial to appreciating the full scope of Attack on Titan's genius. Uncover the various alliances, betrayals, and the tragic cycle of conflict that defines this world when you read .
The Legacy of Ymir Fritz and the Curse of History
The entire conflict traces back 2,000 years to Ymir Fritz, the first being to gain the power of the Titans. Her legacy, twisted and manipulated over centuries, becomes the driving force behind the Eldian Empire's rise and fall, and Marley's subsequent global dominance. King Karl Fritz, the 145th King of Eldia, made a pact with the Tybur family to orchestrate his own empire's downfall, retreating to Paradis and erecting the colossal Walls, erasing the memories of his people, and vowing to unleash the Rumbling if peace was ever threatened.
This historical backdrop, gradually revealed through memories and hidden truths, provides context for every character's struggle. Grisha Yeager, Eren's father, played a critical role as an Eldian Restorationist from Marley, eventually bringing the Attack Titan and Founding Titan to Paradis and passing them onto his son. The weight of this history and the "Curse of Ymir" (the 13-year lifespan of Titan Shifters) force characters to make impossible choices, constantly battling inherited burdens and the specter of their ancestors' actions. For a detailed breakdown of the characters who made history and reshaped their world, refer to .
Ultimately, Attack on Titan is a masterful story about freedom, sacrifice, and the enduring cycles of hatred and prejudice. While Near may not be part of this particular universe, the saga offers a vast and captivating world filled with its own unique characters, profound mysteries, and unforgettable moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. To fully immerse yourself in the rich narratives and understand the sacrifices made, be sure to explore .
Whether you're looking for answers about the fate of humanity or the intricate details of Titan powers, this hub is your gateway to understanding the profound depths of Attack on Titan. Dive in and uncover the true ages, motivations, and legacies of the characters who truly belong to this extraordinary tale.