Highlights
- Levi Ackerman’s resilience and leadership as humanity’s strongest soldier give Paradis soldiers hope in the battle against Titans.
- As an Ackerman, Levi’s exceptional combat abilities and awakened power make him a formidable force in the Survey Corps.
- Levi’s dedication to protecting humanity is evident in his loyalty to Commander Erwin and relentless pursuit of freedom from his traumatic past.
In Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan, vast arrays of memorable characters will forever be etched on fans’ hearts. Among them is the stoic Levi Ackerman, who is a revered figure in the Survey Corps of Paradis Island.
Like many other characters in Attack on Titan, Levi did not have it easy in the tumultuous life that exists within the Wall. For his underlings in the Survey Corps, he is a beacon of hope. The presence of Levi gives Paradis soldiers hope that the battles against the Titans can still be won. He is humanity’s strongest soldier, with unparalleled abilities and motivations that drive him forward in the series.
A Master of Combat
A Protector Of Humanity
Levi’s resilience in combat is unparalleled as a Captain in the Survey Corp. Beyond his leadership role as a captain of the Survey Corp, he possesses great agility and reflexes. His years of experience on the battlefield fighting Titans and the immeasurable number of comrades he has lost has made him stoic and unfazed even in the most deadly situation.
As an Ackerman, a bloodline of warriors dedicated to protecting the Eldia King in the past, Levi also possesses the grace of becoming a god-like warrior for the people of Paradis. While the Ackerman blood is one of the core elements that made Levi an exceptional soldier, he understands the value of calculated risks and analyzing situations to formulate an effective plan. When Erwin Smith died from the blast of the Beast Titan, Levi and Hange took up the mantle of pushing the Survey Corps forward.
Also, the awakened power of the Ackermans cannot be sidelined. For an Ackerman, it involves knowing exactly what needed to be done in dire situations like fighting against titans. The awakening power of the Ackermans allows them to exhibit exceptional agility and fighting prowess more than an average human. Levi has unlocked and awakened his power as an Ackerman due to his countless years of battle against the titans; it made him the dangerous figure he is in the Survey corp. Also, coupled with their exceptional abilities of the Ackerman, they cannot turn into titans even when they inhale a titan’s spinal fluid.
A Soldier Bound by Duty
Erwin’s Dying Wish
Levi’s ultimate goal is to protect Paradis people and every threat against humanity’s survival. However, his dedication is intertwined with a deep loyalty to Erwin Smith, his former squad leader. Levi respects Erwin’s strategic mind and often acts as his right hand. While Erwin’s plans are often risky, they usually offer humanity the best chance of survival. This respect forms the foundation of their bond. Levi understands that achieving the ultimate goal- humanity’s future− sometimes requires difficult choices, and he shouldered this burden with his Commander.
During the assault to reclaim the district within the Wall and reach Grisha Jaeger’s basement, Erwin gave Levi one last order before he was pushed to death’s door by the Beat Titan. Erwin instructed Levi to kill the Beast Titan, who has proven to be a hindrance to the soldiers’ tactics to reclaim the district. However, the Beast Titan escaped Levi’s assault to kill him in battle. In this vein, Levi felt burdened by the last order from his Commander, and this motivated him to see it through and kill Zeke, the Beast Titan, during the battle to stop the Rumbling. Also, the spinal fluid of the titan that was used to save Armin instead of Erwin was Levi’s choice for humanity’s survival in the Wall. Levi looked beyond his loyalty to his Commander and fulfilled Erwin’s order to use the fluid for the sake of Paradis’s future.
While Erwin has an obsession with uncovering the secrets behind the Walls, Levi believes Erwin wouldn’t have much will to live on. Armin, on the other hand, is brimming with potential and a desire to learn and explore the world beyond the Walls. At this moment, Levi sees Armin as the future leader humanity desperately needs and carries out his Commander’s wish to help humanity.
Trauma Of The Past
The Relentless Pursuit For Freedom
Levi lived his early life in the Underground City, and this moment in his life was steeped in violence. The Underground City, a place filled with poverty, crime, and ruthless gangs, instilled in him a deep desire to escape and live a better life. His maternal uncle, Kenny Ackerman, taught him how to survive the harsh environment of the Underground City. This tough upbringing was one of the many reasons Levi became stoic and ruthless during his time in the Survey Corps.
The horrors of childhood shaped his personality in the series. However, beyond his stoic demeanor, glimpses of his humanity emerge, particularly in his grief over fallen comrades. When Zeke became a prisoner on Paradis Island, Levi and his comrades were his guards. In the pursuit of the Eldian’s freedom, Zeke turned Levi’s comrades into titans, and as Levi slashed their nape to meet up with Zeke and kill him, he remembers his comrades’ titan faces. There have been many moments where Levi’s humane part shows when his comrades die.
Moreover, throughout Levi’s life, he has always been ruthless in his pursuit of freedom. For Levi, freedom isn’t just about physical liberty; it’s breaking free from the constraints of his past, the cycle of violence, and the oppressive nature of life within the titan-ravaged Walls. Joining the Survey Corps gave him a purpose and freed him from the claws of his evil uncle, Kenny. In the end, Levi took charge of his destiny and fought for a future where humanity wouldn’t be subject to such tyranny.
Attack on Titan is available to stream on Prime Video.
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