Eren's Hatred vs. Thorfinn's Forgiveness: The Choice of Freedom

Key Takeaways

• Eren's journey in Attack on Titan reflects the price freedom pays as he descends into darkness.
• Thorfinn in the Vinland Saga switches from revenge to forgiveness in favor of a peaceful resolution.
• Fans are divided between Eren's methods and Thorfinn's growth, reflecting their contrasting views on freedom and justice.

attack on titan and Vinland Saga They appear as two main elements of the anime, each telling a story of survival, freedom, and transformation. Set in a dystopian world overflowing with titans, attack on titan It plunges viewers into a vicious society struggling to survive, asking questions about sacrifice, loyalty, and the price of freedom. Through Eren Yeager's journey, audiences are immersed in a despairing story of what happens when a person's desire for liberation becomes an all-consuming force. Vinland SagaMeanwhile, takes inspiration from Norse history, following the story of Thorfinn Karlsefni, a young Viking warrior, as he navigates his way through a difficult world of revenge and Viking raids.

The series is not only epic, but also deep and reflective, considering Thorfinn's cycle of violence and redemption as he searches for peace and meaning. Both series excel at showing how extreme circumstances and the struggle for self-determination shape the protagonists in ways that lead them on different moral journeys. Eren and Thorfinn seem like two sides of the same coin at first, but as the story progresses they develop in opposite directions. While Eren's obsession with freedom becomes a path of endless destruction, Thorfinn's path, born of a desire for revenge, slowly turns into a path of forgiveness and personal peace. But both speak powerfully about human resilience, morality, and reflection on the choices that define our sense of freedom.

opposite start

Seeds of Hatred and Forgiveness

Where their story begins, Eren and Thorfinn are motivated by feelings of loss and a desire for freedom. Eren's story began with the trauma associated with his family and friends falling victim to monstrous Titans. This anger built and drove his desire to destroy this creature. That's why he hates the giants and wants to eradicate them. Humanity will finally be protected and free only by destroying its enemies. In these opening moments, Eren's anger and his determination to free the Eldians from their oppressors leave little room for anything else.

Thorfinn, on the other hand, was originally set on a very personal vendetta. After his father's murder, he became obsessed with revenge against Askeladd, who murdered him. For all his rage and thirst for revenge, Thorfinn's journey is always intertwined with the hope of finding meaning beyond violence. His father plants the seeds for a peaceful life in him, and this slowly develops in Thorfinn as he begins to realize the futility of revenge. With the exception of Eren, Thorfinn's storyline begins with anger but is eventually balanced by moments of reflection that lay the foundation for a change of heart.

Massive role transition

Eren's destruction and Thorfinn's salvation

Both characters undergo significant changes as they evolve, leading to polar opposites. Once a symbol of humanity's struggle for freedom, Eren gradually descended into darker ideologies, believing that true liberation would be a world without those who opposed him. His fight for freedom becomes more and more radical, ultimately leading him to annihilation and destruction. Eren's transformation as he strives to destroy his enemies reflects his conviction that survival depends on absolute dominance, to the point where he becomes the monster he once feared.

If someone tries to take away my freedom, I will not hesitate to take their freedom away. – Eren Jaeger

Thorfinn, on the other hand, shifts from hatred to forgiveness. In the aftermath of years of bloodshed and personal suffering, he became disillusioned with his turn for revenge. Thorfinn finally realizes that peace and freedom cannot be achieved through revenge. He adopted his father's philosophy. He forgives his enemies and tries to find a non-violent path. Essentially, at this point Thorfinn's philosophy is the exact opposite of Eren's. Because he discovers that true power lies not in destruction, but in building a world without hate.

What fans feel

Differing perspectives on growth and ideology

The character development of Eren and Thorfinn has been highly debated in the anime community recently. Eren's supporters cite the fact that he dared pursue his own ideas of freedom, and that his descent into becoming the very demon he swore to destroy was simply a thematic expression of how cruel the world is. Some fans believe his character's realism adds a layer to the show. His suspicious behavior really highlights how complex the setting is. However, others are uneasy about how far Eren goes and cannot wholeheartedly support his methods. Eren's path has become one of controversial morality, testing viewers on how much they are willing to risk in the name of freedom.

Thorfinn's transformation was mainly praised. How he came to his peaceful resolution earned respect from fans for his inspiring personal redemption arc. Vinland Saga fell. Thorfinn's journey toward forgiveness has much more to say to fans who appreciate the themes of growth and emotional healing. Although some criticized his rejection of violence as being somewhat naive in the world. Vinland SagaMost fans praise his transformation as one of hope in a world filled with violence. The two fan reactions contrast in the different messages each character's journey finally sends about the nature of freedom and justice.

virtual meeting

Eren and Thorfinn face to face

If Eren and Thorfinn meet, their reactions will likely depend on their strongly conflicting ideologies. In this case, Eren strongly believes that threats must be eliminated to ensure freedom. He would therefore regard Thorfinn's pacifist beliefs as weak or perhaps meaningless. Eren's constant efforts to eradicate his enemies would make Thorfinn's philosophy of forgiveness unworkable in a world as cruel as theirs. To Eren, Thorfinn's ideals can be seen as naive, in direct contrast to the way he perceives strength and survival.

Listen to me, Thorfinn. You have no enemies. No one has enemies. No one needs to be hurt. – Thors Snoreson

Thorfinn will likely respond with a sympathetic ear to Eren's pain and trauma, which fuels the hatred within him. Thorfinn, well aware of the price of revenge, may have wanted to contact Eren and urge him to reconsider his actions toward the path of peace. This meeting brought together two opposing philosophies: Eren's relentless quest for freedom through destruction and Thorfinn's quest to break the cycle of violence. Perhaps Thorfinn would feel pity for Eren rather than anger. Because in Eren, he sees himself as he was when he hadn't found peace yet.

freedom to choose

Eren and Thorfinn's journey details 'choice', an important step on the journey to freedom. The story begins in a world where both characters are stripped of their autonomy, reacting in similar ways to their personal values, and setting the circumstances in which they find themselves. Eren chose the path of destruction, the only way he could be free. It was to annihilate all his enemies. Thorfinn, on the other hand, realizes that freedom means letting go of hatred and embracing forgiveness, even in a world rife with violence.

Ultimately, Eren and Thorfinn's story proves to be a powerful quest in the name of freedom, revenge, and personal growth. As they walk down different paths, fans are reminded that freedom is not only a matter of choice, but also of the courage to face and redefine one's beliefs. for fans attack on titan and Vinland SagaThe two title leads each personify something from the broad spectrum of human emotion and resilience, providing an interesting look at how the will to freedom can lead individuals down very different paths.