The earth trembled, the wind roared, and the world watched in horror as a colossal figure materialized, dwarfing the very walls that were meant to protect humanity. This was the debut of the Colossal Titan, an event that reshaped the landscape of Attack on Titan and forever altered the lives of its inhabitants. But behind the terrifying façade of destruction was Bertholdt Hoover, a young man burdened by duty, haunted by his actions, and trapped in a conflict far greater than himself. This article delves into the complex character of Bertholdt, exploring his motivations, his struggles, and the tragic fate that awaited him in the brutal world of Attack on Titan.
Bertholdt is more than just the Colossal Titan; he’s a complex character burdened by duty, internal conflict, and the weight of his actions, making him a tragic figure within the narrative.
The Early Years and the Warrior’s Path
Bertholdt’s story begins not on Paradis Island, but in the nation of Marley, a society steeped in hatred and fueled by a relentless pursuit of power. Born an Eldian, a race demonized and oppressed, Bertholdt saw an opportunity to escape his marginalized existence by joining the Warrior program. This grueling initiative aimed to train young Eldians to become Titan shifters, weapons in Marley’s arsenal against its enemies. Bertholdt, alongside Reiner Braun, Annie Leonhart, and Marcel Galliard, endured rigorous training, pushing their bodies and minds to their limits.
He inherited the power of the Colossal Titan, a responsibility that came with immense power and an even greater burden. The mission assigned to them was clear: infiltrate Paradis Island, locate the Founding Titan, and eliminate any perceived threat to Marley. This task required them to betray their own people, to become instruments of destruction in the name of a nation that despised them. The bond formed between Bertholdt, Reiner, Annie, and Marcel during this time was crucial. They were a team, bound together by a shared goal and the understanding of the sacrifices they would have to make. Marcel’s death protecting Reiner deeply impacted the group, and especially cemented Reiner as their leader.
The Fall of the Wall and the Seeds of Doubt
The plan began with devastating efficiency. Bertholdt, transforming into the Colossal Titan, shattered Wall Maria, creating a breach that allowed mindless Titans to flood into Shiganshina District. The devastation was immense. Homes were destroyed, families were torn apart, and countless lives were lost. This single act set in motion a chain of events that would define the future of Paradis Island.
While Reiner seemed resolute in his mission, a flicker of doubt occasionally surfaced in Bertholdt’s eyes. Though his role was destructive, his quiet demeanor and expressions after the initial destruction hinted at internal conflict. Did he question the morality of his actions? Did he see the faces of the people he was condemning to a horrific fate? These questions lingered in the background, adding layers to his character.
Living Among the Enemy
Following the destruction of Wall Maria, Bertholdt and Reiner infiltrated the ranks of the Paradis Island military, joining the one-hundred-fourth Training Corps alongside Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. This allowed them to gather information, observe their enemies, and await the opportune moment to strike. Bertholdt adopted a reserved persona, often deferring to Reiner’s leadership. While Reiner was the charismatic and outspoken one, Bertholdt remained in the background, carefully observing and calculating.
He developed relationships with his fellow trainees, building a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. He laughed alongside them, trained with them, and even risked his life to protect them. But beneath the surface, he carried a secret, a betrayal that threatened to shatter the bonds he had formed. There were moments when his true identity seemed to almost surface, slips of the tongue or expressions of regret that hinted at the truth.
Revelation and the Shattered Illusion
The façade crumbled during the Battle of Trost District. When the situation became dire, Reiner, driven by a growing instability, revealed their true identities to Eren, shattering the illusion of friendship and loyalty. The revelation was a shock, a brutal awakening for Eren and the others. Bertholdt, transformed into the Colossal Titan once more, engaged in a fierce battle, his immense size and destructive power posing a grave threat.
The clash between the Titans and the Survey Corps was a turning point, exposing the hidden enemies within the walls and forcing humanity to confront a harsh reality. Bertholdt’s role in the capture of Eren and Ymir further solidified his position as an antagonist, but it also highlighted the internal conflict that plagued him. He was fighting against people he had come to know, people he had shared experiences with.
The Decisive Battle and a Sacrificed Life
The Battle of Shiganshina District was the climax of Bertholdt’s journey. With the fate of both Paradis Island and Marley hanging in the balance, the Survey Corps launched a desperate attack to reclaim Wall Maria. Bertholdt, once again transformed into the Colossal Titan, unleashed his devastating power, attempting to obliterate the Survey Corps. This battle was a brutal display of force, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Facing Armin’s strategy and Eren’s unwavering determination, Bertholdt found himself outmaneuvered. In a final, desperate gambit, Armin sacrificed himself to create an opening, allowing Eren to strike a fatal blow. Bertholdt was defeated and captured. His Colossal Titan power was ultimately passed to Armin.
The Weight of Duty and the Shadow of Guilt
Throughout his time on Paradis Island, Bertholdt wrestled with the weight of his duty and the shadow of guilt. He was a soldier, following orders, but he was also a human being, capable of empathy and remorse. The constant deception, the betrayal of his comrades, and the knowledge of the suffering he had caused took a toll on him. His reserved nature may have been a means of protecting himself, of distancing himself from the people he was destined to betray.
The question remains: did Bertholdt believe in what he was doing? Was he truly convinced that the destruction of Paradis Island was justified? Or was he simply a pawn in a larger game, a victim of circumstance, forced to make impossible choices? His relationship with Reiner was a crucial factor. Reiner’s unwavering resolve and strong leadership seemed to provide Bertholdt with a sense of direction and purpose.
A Legacy of Destruction and Regret
Bertholdt’s death had a profound impact on the surviving characters. Reiner, consumed by guilt and regret, was left to grapple with the consequences of their actions. Armin, inheriting the Colossal Titan, gained a deeper understanding of the burden that Bertholdt had carried. The world continued to turn, but the events set in motion by the Colossal Titan’s initial attack cast a long shadow.
Bertholdt’s story serves as a reminder that war is not simply a clash of ideologies but a human tragedy, filled with complex characters forced to make impossible choices. His actions had catastrophic consequences, yet he was not simply a villain. He was a victim, trapped in a cycle of hatred and violence, a pawn in a game he did not fully understand. Bertholdt Hoover was a soldier, a betrayer, and ultimately, a tragic figure, his legacy etched in the destruction he wrought and the burden he carried.
Final Thoughts
Bertholdt Hoover, the quiet warrior and the formidable Colossal Titan, remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of war and the cost of blind allegiance. He embodies the gray areas within Attack on Titan, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths about the nature of conflict. His actions, while devastating, were born from a twisted sense of duty and a desperate desire for a better future for himself and his people. In the end, Bertholdt’s story leaves us with a haunting question: can good ever truly triumph when it is born from such destructive origins?
