Are Titans Real or Fake?
As an avid gamer and anime fan, I‘m here to definitively state that the man-eating humanoid giants known as "titans" in the popular anime Attack on Titan are fictional – they do not exist in our real world.
However, what does ring true are the struggles of humanity portrayed in this post-apocalyptic fantasy series through its rich worldbuilding and complex characters. Let‘s explore the nature of titans and why this epic battle for survival continues to capture imaginations across the globe.
An In-Depth Overview of Titans in Attack on Titan
In the walled city of Paradis, what remains of the human race lives in constant fear of the titular titans – towering, grotesque figures usually between 5 and 15 meters tall that consume humans, seemingly without reason. While their origins are unclear, we eventually learn that titans were once humans themselves, transformed through special serums.
There are various classifications of titans:
| Type | Height | Abilities | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Titan | 4-15m | Regeneration, varying levels of intellect | Mindless consumers of humans |
| Colossal Titan | 50m+ | High strength, emits steam | Breach Walls |
| Armored Titan | 15m | Nearly impenetrable armor | Breach Walls |
| Beast Titan | 17m | Throwing ability, commands Pure Titans | Battles |
With their hulking size, extreme regenerative abilities, and insatiable hunger for humans, titans serve as horrifying yet compelling antagonists that drive much of the plot as humanity fights to learn their secrets in order to survive.
My Titan Theory as an Anime Fan
While their origins remain murky, we know that those with the power of the Titans can transform humans into Pure Titans. As a fan, my theory is that the first Titan was created as an experimental biological weapon gone wrong. The mythology surrounding Ymir Fritz could have been fabricated propaganda. I believe the truth may involve forbidden science meddling with forces they didn‘t understand, unleashing the Titan scourge in the process.
Connections to Mythology and Reality
There are certainly shades of ancient myths in Attack on Titan‘s origins. In Greek mythology, the Titans were an elder race of powerful proto-gods that ruled before Zeus and the Olympians overthrew them. The Japanese anime also features a race of god-like beings with mysterious, divine origins.
While there are accounts of giants and mythical titans across various cultures, evidence points to these legends being more allegory than fact. For example, it was once theorized that fossils of dinosaurs and large mammals influenced dragon and giant myths. There are no scientific findings indicating a real-life equivalent to the show‘s cannibalistic humanoids.
By contrast, Saturn‘s icy moon of Titan is very real with evidence gathered by spacecraft like Cassini showing a methane-rich world with lakes and rivers of liquid ethane and methane. However, with surface temperatures around -290°F/-179°C, Titan is unable support life as we know it.
Size of Real-Life Titan Moon Compared to Titans
| Object | Diameter |
|---|---|
| Titan Moon | 3,200 miles |
| Colossal Titan | 164 feet (~50 meters) |
As the data shows, Saturn‘s Titan is astronomically larger, while the fantastical Colossal Titan remains firmly in fiction rather than fact.
The Power Behind the Titan Fiction
While titans themselves may not be real, their impact certainly resonates. Attack on Titan excels at worldbuilding, making viewers feel immersed in the mysteries surrounding titan origins, their powers, and their connection to humanity.
We intrinsically cheer on the underdog, and idolize the brave Survey Corps risking their lives to uncover vital secrets that could save their people, despite the ruthless odds stacked against them. The exciting action sequencies brings us to the edge of our seats, while the ever-present threat makes our hearts pound as we witness the heroes endure devastating losses.
On a deeper level, the horror of the titans serves as an allegory for destructive facets of human nature like greed, cruelty, hatred and conflict that persist throughout history. By using fantastical giants as an exaggeration of real societal ills, the story allows thoughtful social commentary, while also exploring complex themes of trauma, morality and redemption.
Why Titans Captivate Fans and Non-Fans Alike
While I personally love theorizing and analyzing from a fan perspective, Attack on Titan offers layers that anyone can appreciate. At its core there are timeless stories – courageous underdogs fighting monsters,dark tales of horror and survival, militaristic coming-of-age adventures, along with mystery and political intrigue.
Add to that compelling characters you root for, bombastic action sequences, along with a thrilling, fast-paced narrative. The phenomenal animation realizes an imaginative world that feels real despite its fantastical nature.
It‘s this potent combination of elements that explains why fans and non-fans alike find themselves swept away by the epic saga of humanity‘s struggle against their titanic oppressors.
