Why Do Marleyans Hate Eldians? The Dark History Behind It

Honestly, when I first started watching Attack on Titan, I couldn't help but wonder why there was such intense hatred between Marleyans and Eldians. I mean, it’s not just a casual dislike – it’s deep-rooted, historical, and brutal. If you’re curious like I was, let’s dive into the reasons behind this complex and tragic relationship, because it goes way beyond simple prejudice.

A Historical Grudge: The Origins of Marleyan-Eldian Conflict

To understand why Marleyans hate Eldians, you really have to go back in history. The entire conflict is built on the remnants of a war that lasted for generations and left deep scars on both sides.

The Eldian Empire and its Rise to Power

A long time ago, the Eldians were a dominant empire that used the power of the Titans, especially the "Founding Titan," to control much of the world. The Eldians were not exactly kind rulers, and their oppression of other nations, especially the Marleyans, fueled a massive resentment.

I remember one scene where an older Marleyan character explains how Eldians used to treat Marleyans as inferior beings, exploiting them and even treating them as mere tools to wage war. This history, full of cruelty, left an indelible mark on the Marleyan psyche.

The Fall of the Eldian Empire

Eventually, the Eldian Empire fell, thanks to the efforts of the Marleyans and their allies. The Marleyans, who had suffered under Eldian rule, sought revenge. They overthrew the Eldians and took control of their homeland, leading to the internment of Eldians in concentration camps. This act of oppression would last for centuries, reinforcing the hatred and fear that the Marleyans had for Eldians.

The Role of the Titans in the Hatred

Okay, but here’s where things get even more complicated. Titans are central to the reason Marleyans despise Eldians, and it’s not just about the war or past injustice. The power of the Titans is intertwined with the very fabric of this animosity.

The Curse of Ymir and the Titans

In Attack on Titan, we learn that the Eldian people are able to transform into Titans thanks to the power of Ymir Fritz, the progenitor of all Titans. This ability was a gift—and a curse. While the Eldians used this power to expand their empire, it also became a symbol of fear and hatred after their fall.

The Marleyans, over time, came to see Eldians not as humans but as "devils" because of their ability to turn into destructive Titans. The “devil” narrative is key here. Honestly, I think this is one of the saddest elements of the story. The Marleyans used fear to justify their hatred, calling Eldians “monsters” even when they were simply people with a tragic history.

Titans as Tools of Oppression

One of the most chilling elements of the story is how Marley used the power of Eldians to maintain control. Eldian children are forced to become warriors and are sent to fight in the wars as Titans. They're treated as expendable weapons, even though many of them are just trying to survive.

I had a moment of realization when I watched the first episode where the Marleyans are shown using Eldians as cannon fodder, and it struck me how deeply ingrained the hatred is. It's not just about history or revenge; it’s a cycle of abuse that’s hard to break.

Marley’s Propaganda and Dehumanization

Let’s talk about how the Marleyans have kept the hatred alive. It’s not enough to just oppress Eldians—they've also made sure to dehumanize them through constant propaganda.

The Education System: Teaching Hatred

In Marley, Eldians are taught from a young age that they are "devils" and that their existence is a curse. This propaganda is essential to maintain control and keep the population from questioning the status quo. The more I learned about how Marleyans raise their children to view Eldians as less than human, the more I understood why there’s such deep hatred between the two groups. It’s not something that happened overnight—it’s a systemic issue passed down through generations.

The Influence of Marleyan Leaders

Marleyan leaders, especially those in power, have used fear to keep the population in line. They constantly reinforce the idea that the Eldians are a threat, even though they’ve been kept under strict control in internment zones. This sense of fear and the idea of Eldians as a “dangerous race” makes it much easier to justify their mistreatment.

The Cycle of Hatred: Can It Ever End?

So here’s the big question: can this cycle of hatred ever end? Honestly, that’s the tragedy of it all. The Marleyans hate the Eldians because of their past, their power, and the propaganda they’ve been fed. But what happens when you are raised in an environment that teaches you to fear and despise an entire group of people?

Can Eldians Break the Cycle?

The Eldians, on the other hand, have been victims of this cycle. Over time, they’ve internalized the hatred and fear that the Marleyans imposed on them. However, in Attack on Titan, we see glimpses of hope when Eldians begin to question this cycle of hatred and oppression. The story challenges us to ask: Can there be redemption? Can the future be different from the past?

Is There Hope for Reconciliation?

I remember a conversation I had with a friend about whether any side could truly forgive the other. It's a complex issue, but I think the key lies in breaking the cycle of violence and propaganda. Both groups need to acknowledge their shared humanity, but this is going to take time and immense effort from both sides.

Conclusion: Understanding the Hatred Between Marleyans and Eldians

Honestly, the relationship between Marleyans and Eldians is one of the most heart-wrenching parts of Attack on Titan. It’s not just a simple story of one side hating the other—it’s a story of historical trauma, fear, and manipulation. The hate is rooted in generations of suffering and oppression, fueled by fear and propaganda.

So, why do Marleyans hate Eldians? It’s a combination of history, power, and fear. And perhaps, if there’s any hope, it’s in breaking the cycle of hatred and learning to see each other not as enemies, but as people.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.