The Year 845: A Turning Point in Attack on Titan
For fans of the anime and manga series Attack on Titan (often abbreviated as AoT), the year 845 isn't just another date; it's a pivotal moment that sets in motion the entire narrative. This year marks a catastrophic event that shatters the fragile peace within the Walls and forever changes the lives of the characters, particularly our protagonist, Eren Yeager. So, why is the year 845 in AoT so incredibly important?
The Fall of Shiganshina: The Cataclysm of 845
The year 845 is primarily remembered for the devastating event known as the Fall of Shiganshina. This is the day the colossal outer Wall, Wall Maria, was breached by two unprecedentedly large Titans: the Colossal Titan and the Armored Titan.
- The Colossal Titan: This Titan, towering over 60 meters, appeared seemingly out of nowhere above Wall Maria. Its sheer size and strength were unlike anything the inhabitants had witnessed before, and it kicked a massive hole in the Wall.
- The Armored Titan: Following the breach created by the Colossal Titan, the Armored Titan charged directly into the Wall, its hardened skin shattering a section and allowing Titans to pour into the district.
This invasion was a brutal shock to the system for the people of Paradis Island. For over a century, humanity had lived in relative safety behind the three massive Walls: Maria, Rose, and Sina. The existence of Titans was a known threat, but the Walls had proven to be an insurmountable barrier. The breach of Wall Maria in 845 proved this assumption tragically wrong.
Eren Yeager's Traumatic Experience
The Fall of Shiganshina is deeply personal for Eren Yeager. During the invasion, he witnessed firsthand the horrors of Titans devouring humans. Most significantly, he saw his own mother, Carla Yeager, being eaten by a smiling Titan. This horrific event is the catalyst for Eren's burning desire for revenge and his oath to eradicate every single Titan from the face of the Earth. This trauma shapes his entire personality and drives his actions throughout the series.
The Beginning of the End for Humanity's Sanctuary
The breach of Wall Maria in 845 wasn't just a localized disaster; it was the beginning of a steady decline for humanity's fortified existence. The loss of the outermost Wall meant that a significant portion of Paradis Island's territory was now exposed and overrun by Titans. This forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the inner Walls. The subsequent loss of resources and the constant fear of further breaches put immense strain on the remaining districts.
The Mystery of the Titans' Arrival
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding the year 845 is the sudden and seemingly orchestrated appearance of the Colossal and Armored Titans. Before this event, no Titan had ever been observed to possess the intelligence or strength to breach the Walls. Their arrival signifies a new era of threat, hinting at a hidden intelligence and purpose behind the Titan attacks, a revelation that would unravel much later in the story.
Impact on the Military and Society
The Fall of Shiganshina forced a drastic re-evaluation of Paradis Island's defenses and military strategies. The Survey Corps, the branch dedicated to fighting Titans outside the Walls, faced immense casualties and questioned their ability to protect humanity. The government, and the people, were plunged into a state of despair and uncertainty. This event spurred a renewed focus on military recruitment and development of new strategies, although the fundamental understanding of the Titans and their origins remained elusive.
In essence, the year 845 in Attack on Titan represents:
- The catastrophic breach of Wall Maria.
- The traumatic origin of Eren Yeager's hatred for Titans.
- The beginning of humanity's struggle for survival within the remaining Walls.
- The introduction of intelligent, purposeful Titans.
- A turning point that fundamentally reshapes the world and its inhabitants.
Without the events of 845, the Attack on Titan we know and love wouldn't exist. It's the day the world was irrevocably changed, setting the stage for all the battles, discoveries, and sacrifices that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Year 845 in AoT
How did the Titans breach Wall Maria in 845?
The breach was orchestrated by two uniquely powerful Titans: the Colossal Titan, which kicked a massive hole in the Wall, and the Armored Titan, which charged through a section, allowing hordes of other Titans to flood into the district.
What was the immediate consequence of the Fall of Shiganshina?
The immediate consequence was the evacuation of over 100,000 people from the district of Shiganshina and surrounding areas into Wall Rose, leading to overcrowding and resource scarcity. It also resulted in immense psychological trauma for the survivors, particularly Eren Yeager.
Why is the year 845 so significant to Eren Yeager?
The year 845 is significant to Eren Yeager because it was the year he witnessed his mother, Carla Yeager, being eaten by a Titan. This traumatic event fueled his lifelong vow to exterminate all Titans and drove his ambition to join the Survey Corps.
Were there any other major Titan attacks before 845?
While Titans were a constant threat to humanity outside the Walls, the event in 845 was the first time a Wall had ever been breached by Titans in over a century. The Titans that attacked in 845, the Colossal and Armored Titans, were also significantly larger and more powerful than the standard Titans previously encountered.
Did the inhabitants of Paradis Island know about the Colossal and Armored Titans before 845?
No, the Colossal and Armored Titans were unknown entities before the events of 845. Their sudden appearance and immense power shocked everyone, leading to a period of immense fear and uncertainty about the true nature of the Titan threat.
