Attack on Titan: Worst Things Reiner Did

Highlights

Unmasked as the Armored Titan, Reiner becomes a primary antagonist with mysterious motives and a troubled past.
Despite his allegiance to Marley, Reiner struggles with survivor’s guilt and remorse, leading him to oppose Paradis in season 4.
Reiner’s deceitful actions, including betraying his friends and killing scouts, cement his role as a war criminal and ruthless warrior.

As a seasoned fan of “Attack on Titan“, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of disdain for the character of Reiner Braun. His actions have left an indelible mark on the story, a stain that even his heroic moments can’t fully wash away.

Regardless of his questionable behavior and character traits, Reiner is a highly admired figure in the world of Attack on Titan. Initially introduced as a trainee from Wall Maria’s territory, he swiftly gains recognition for his talent and rises through the ranks during training. His prowess, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the cause make him a source of inspiration for Eren and other characters, whom he deeply influences with their respect.

However, a shocking twist revealed that Reiner is in fact the Armored Titan, one of the two titans that breached Wall Maria and destroyed Shiganshina. This makes him one of the primary antagonists of the story, and his motives are incredibly mysterious. Despite his heinous acts, many people sympathized with him once Reiner’s origin as the Marleyan warrior was revealed.

8 Joined The Warrior Unit

Willingly Became A Tool

Attack on Titan: Worst Things Reiner Did

The actions that made Reiner notorious can be linked to his choice to enlist as a warrior candidate in Marley. Initially, Reiner and his mother aimed for the title of honorary Marleyans, hoping it would bring them closer to Reiner’s father. However, by joining this cause, he unwittingly became part of a militant group that the Marley government could manipulate as they saw fit.

Reiner, who was far from being an exceptional soldier, may not have ever taken up the role of a true warrior if it hadn’t been for Marcel’s intervention. In his attempt to shield his brother from transforming into a titan, Marcel inadvertently paved the way for Reiner to assume that position instead. As a warrior, Reiner transformed into an instrument of destruction, used to bring about devastation and subjugate other nations and governments, including Paradis.

7 Re-Invaded Paradis

Continued The Cycle Of Hatred

In season 4, Reiner undergoes a significant transformation. The surgery in Paradis left deep psychological scars, causing him to grapple with both survivor’s guilt and regret over his past actions. Despite this metamorphosis, he remains faithful to Marley and obeys their commands, even as the fragments of the Warrior Unit do the same. This loyalty results in Reiner standing against Paradis.

In the heat of season 4, I find myself grappling with the complexities of the invasion we’re part of. Unlike the initial one at the start of the series, this one seems more morally grounded – Reiner and his allies are trying to prevent Eren from initiating the Rumbling, which threatens to obliterate our home. However, engaging in warfare against Paradis only serves to fuel their resistance and causes untold numbers of innocent lives to be lost. It’s a tough call, but I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t another way.

6 Infiltrated The Survey Corps

Attempted To Destroy Paradis From Within

At the outset of the series, Reiner, Annie Leonheart, and Bertholdt Hoover deceive everyone by posing as refugees from Wall Maria. As part of this ruse, they successfully join the military of Paradis. Their true objective is to sabotage Paradis covertly, ultimately leading them to uncover the Founding Titan and transfer its power to Marleyans.

As a seasoned observer of human behavior and having spent years studying the intricacies of the human psyche, I can attest that Reiner’s actions are both fascinating and tragic. His prolonged deception of his fellow cadets to maintain an alliance is a testament to the lengths some people will go to survive and fit in.

5 Took Eren & Ymir

Attempted To Steal His Former Friends

As soon as Reiner and Bertholdt unmasked themselves, they swiftly moved to abduct two of their ex-comrades. The soldiers could regain control over the Jaw Titan by returning Ymir to Marley, whereas Eren would introduce a fresh Attack Titan straight into Marley’s grasp. This maneuver exposed their true selves and allowed them to strike when the scouts were at their weakest.

Although they invited Eren to join them willingly, Reiner remains tight-lipped about Marley and the world beyond the walls. With Ymir, the pair take advantage of her unconscious state to seize control. This tactic resulted in the scouts venturing into the wilderness and suffering heavy casualties, significantly reducing their military strength.

4 Leaked Information To Annie

Helped Ambush The Scouts

A significant aspect of Reiner’s covert operation included disseminating confidential data. The trio of Warriors strategically positioned themselves among both the Survey Corps and Military Police, exchanging crucial information. On one of their ventures beyond the protective walls, the explorers encountered Annie Leonheart, who was transformed into a Female Titan, leading to an attack on them.

A new adversary, unknown to the Survey Corps, appeared, catching them off guard. She was well-informed about their strategies, launching targeted attacks on certain locations. It was Reiner and Bertholdt who provided her with this information. Willing to sacrifice their own allies and companions, they did so in the name of the mission, understanding that many could perish as a result.

3 Killed Scouts At Shiganshina

Continued His Ruthless War

In the Shiganshina Return arc, which wrapped up the events before the time jump in Attack on Titan, many main characters contributed significantly. Reiner continued alongside other warriors, but under Zeke Yeager’s leadership, they battled against the forces of Paradis. He concealed himself within the walls, biding his time to find an opportune moment and kidnap Eren along with him.

In due course, Armin uncovers Reiner’s deceit, triggering him to assault prematurely. As the Armored Titan, he slaughtered numerous soldiers and caused chaos in Shiganshina. He inflicted wounds and deaths upon many scouts, and it took every thunder spear they had to subdue Reiner. Moreover, he sent a signal to Bertholdt, which resulted in him transforming into the Colossal Titan and causing further casualties.

2 Killed Marco

Left A Friend To Die

In the anime “AOT,” Marco’s death is an early unsolved mystery. At first, it appears he died while battling Titans, a tragic fate. However, there are inconsistencies that make Erwin Smith suspicious. For instance, Marco was not wearing his ODM (Origins Diversity Maneuver) gear at the time of his death, which is unusual and leads Erwin to suspect sabotage within their own military ranks.

In the Battle of Shiganshina, during Bertholdt’s flashback, we don’t learn about Marco’s fate until then. Overhearing a conversation between some Titans and two people, Marco starts to doubt their intentions. Eventually, Reiner chooses to kill Marco, leaving Annie no choice but to remove his ODM equipment, leading to a slow and agonizing death for Marco.

1 Breached Wall Maria

Killed Thousands

In the opening sequence of the series, Reiner’s most egregious act is clearly evident. Alongside Bertholdt and Annie, he devised a scheme aimed at shattering Wall Maria, causing widespread devastation and turmoil within Paradis. Bertholdt was responsible for tearing down the wall of Shiganshina, while Annie harnessed her powerful scream to bring colossal titans into the city center, infecting the walls with them.

Later on, it was Reiner who made his appearance amongst the giants guarding the wall. Utilizing his Armored Titan, he forced an opening in the city’s inner wall, which subsequently led to the inundation of a significant area within Wall Maria and the displacement of a vast number of people. This event brought about several years of sorrow and hardship for numerous families, ultimately labeling Reiner as a war criminal.

2024-08-04 06:34