Marleyan Warriors

Lore & Background

The Warrior program relies on Eldian children from Marley's colonies, such as Liberio, who are chosen to inherit the powers of the Nine Titans. These candidates undergo rigorous training to prepare for missions against Paradis Island, the last territory of Eldia. The source notes that the story later reveals Paradis is an island where humanity lives behind enormous walls to defend against Titans. Marley, a nation on the mainland, declared war on Paradis and utilizes these Warriors as its primary offensive force. The system creates a cycle of violence; the children are told they atone for their ancestors' crimes by serving Marley, yet they remain second-class citizens. This duality is central to their identity, as they are celebrated as heroes while being treated with suspicion. The source highlights that Eren Yeager lies to Mikasa about hating her for being a 'slave to her Ackermann blood,' reflecting the deep-seated prejudice against Eldians even within Paradis.

In Their Own Story

During the story's progression, the Warriors' mission shifts from stealth infiltration to open conflict. In Shiganshina, Armin Arlert devises a plan to capture Bertholdt but suffers severe burns and is saved by Levi, who injects him with Titan serum instead of Erwin. Armin then acquires the Colossal Titan's power by eating Bertholdt. Later, as Eren Yeager reveals his intent to unleash millions of Colossal Titans in a genocidal crusade wiping out 80% of humanity, the dynamic changes drastically. The Survey Corps and Marleyan Warriors unite to stop him. This alliance forms after Armin learns of Eren's intentions and overcomes survivor's guilt. In the final arc, Mikasa is forced to kill Eren after he explains his motivations in Paths, where they hug before she returns his head to Shiganshina.

Reader's Guide

Their strategic goal involves using Titan powers to breach Paradis Island's walls, a mission that initially succeeds with the fall of Wall Maria but later faces opposition from Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps. The guide to their actions is defined by the turning point where they join forces with former enemies to stop Eren's Rumbling. Key moments include Armin convincing Zeke to surrender his life in Paths, which allows past Titan shifters to cooperate against the Colossal Titans. The Warriors' role evolves from Marleyan assets to essential allies in a desperate bid to save humanity, highlighting the complex relationships between characters like Reiner, Bertholdt (posthumously via Armin), and their former comrades.

Did You Know?

• Armin Arlert acquired the Colossal Titan's power by eating Bertholdt after being mortally wounded by severe burns.
• Mikasa Ackerman is the last known person of Asian descent residing in the Walls, descended from the Azumabito family of Hizuru.
• Eren Yeager's Titan form was modeled by author Hajime Isayama after middleweight mixed martial artist Yushin Okami.
• The tree under which Eren is buried eventually grew to resemble the one where Ymir received her Titan power.
• Armin Arlert became the 15th commander of the Survey Corps after Hange's death.