Fans of Attack on Titan are still reflecting on a notable moment from Season 1, Episode 6, which aired in 2013, concerning Eren’s father and Mikasa. However, the time travel aspect of the narrative makes this moment relevant 12 years later, serving as a testament to the brilliant foreshadowing and attention to detail by Hajime Isayama.
Attack on Titan concluded its broadcast in 2023, and while the ending may not have pleased everyone, fans of the series actively engaged in discussions about theories, fan art, and even the release of a special finale.
Up until Episode 6, fans primarily knew Mikasa Ackerman as Eren’s overprotective adoptive sister, with no information regarding her relationship with Eren Yeager. However, this changed in Episode 6 when Mikasa recalled her past, revealing that Eren’s father, Grisha Yeager, was once a guardian figure for Mikasa’s family.
When Grisha brought Eren to visit Mikasa’s family home, he intended to explore the area. However, he was found dead shortly thereafter, with no sign of Mikasa. The girl was abducted, and subsequently, Eren’s rescue mission was set in motion. Later on, when Mikasa returned home, Eren presented her with a scarf, signifying a bond between them and acknowledging Grisha’s promise to protect her. This moment illustrates the deep connection and sense of duty that Mikasa feels towards Eren, alongside the significant emotional weight of her character.
Years later, another event captured the attention of fans. In Season 3, Episode 21, Titan Shifter Eren Kruger spoke to Grisha Yeager, urging him to fulfill his mission if he wanted to save Mikasa and Armin before passing on the Titan’s powers. Given that this occurred many years before Mikasa and Armin were born, Reddit user u/krishm97 speculated that Grisha meeting Mikasa in Attack on Titan might not have been a mere coincidence.
Attack on Titan Theory: Grisha Brought His Son to Meet Mikasa Due to Eren Kruger’s Mission
We cannot be entirely sure if Grisha was aware of Kruger’s motivations. However, considering how Titan Shifters can access memories from previous inheritors and how Grisha named his son after Kruger, it is quite likely that he was aware. If that’s the case, when Eren befriends Armin, Grisha may have had hints that Armin and Mikasa were important figures in his son’s life.
Despite this, it seems Grisha did not seek out Mikasa immediately after his death. However, if he had any knowledge about the Ackerman family, searching for the remaining members would have been a logical move. This search likely led Grisha to the Ackerman residence in the lands beyond Wall Maria. Moreover, since Mikasa and her mother were the only survivors of the Ackerman family, it is highly probable that Grisha identified Mikasa as that significant girl mentioned by Kruger.
Even if Grisha only intended to meet the Ackermans, it is highly probable that he would have recognized Mikasa’s name. This raises the question of why he chose to bring his son Eren, who is known for his volatile temperament, to meet Mikasa when they had no common ground other than their age. Even when Grisha discovered that Mikasa’s mother had passed away, he still believed that she was alive, particularly because Eren noticed a girl around them.
When Eren returned home, he couldn’t help but express his wish to “rescue that girl quickly.” This revelation startled Grisha, leading him to consider the implications of Mikasa’s potential presence, even after the two had not crossed paths since her childhood.
Fan Theory in Attack on Titan Suggests Grisha Brought Mikasa Home Due to Eren’s Future Memories
This raises a significant question: Could it be that Grisha is recalling Kruger’s words and viewing events from a new perspective, especially after Eren exhibits interest in a girl he had not previously encountered? This could mark the moment when “Grisha realizes the significance of Kruger’s words,” potentially leading him to conclude that the person he had been tasked to save was Mikasa.
Thus, when Eren presented Mikasa with his scarf, Grisha may have sensed a connection and decided to bring Mikasa into his family. This is just one of many theories that fans of Attack on Titan have proposed over the years, and with the series’ time travel narrative, this may not be the final interpretation.
