Levi’s Hidden Past, Revealed

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Summary

  • Levi’s past in The Underground shaped him into a caring yet skilled leader.
  • Levi joined the Survey Corps to fulfill a hidden mission and avenge his fallen comrades.
  • Despite his initial failure, Levi found purpose and loyalty in following Erwin’s vision for humanity.

When contemplating the most memorable figures from the anime series ‘Attack on Titan‘, it’s hard not to imagine Levi Ackerman. This character has been a key figure in ‘Attack on Titan‘ since its first season. To fans, he is renowned as a powerful and fearless fighter who effortlessly vanquished numerous Titans. However, have you ever wondered about his past?

From the beginning of the Attack on Titan series, Levi has been a key character. Yet, there remains an enigma about his personality. Known as “Humanity’s Strongest Soldier,” one might wonder what motivates him to continue battling and what led him to join the Survey Corps in the first place?

Levi’s Life Before Joining the Survey Corps

The Underground

In a new spin-off titled “Attack on Titan: No Regrets”, we’re introduced to The Underground – a hidden city located beneath Wall Sheena. This is where the main character, Levi, spent most of his early years, having been born to a prostitute named Kuchel Ackerman. Despite her circumstances, she cherished him and chose to raise him as a single mother. Unfortunately, she passed away prematurely due to an unidentified illness.

Kenny Ackerman

In another phrasing, we find that Kenny Ackerman, Levi’s uncle, disapproved of Kuchel having Levi due to her occupation. During one of his visits to his sister, she had already passed away, leaving a young Levi struggling with hunger. Moved by compassion, Kenny took care of Levi. He taught him the skill of wielding a knife in combat. Once he deemed Levi self-reliant, he departed, never revealing their familial bond to Levi. Kenny harbored feelings of inadequacy as a father figure and chose not to disclose his relation to Levi.

The Life of a Criminal

Over time, Levi evolved into a robust figure. He spearheaded a band of youngsters who appeared to hold him in high esteem. Life in the Underground was tough, and they survived by burglary and combat. However, it’s worth noting that despite his questionable methods, Levi did not become a wicked person. On the contrary, he held great affection for his peers and took good care of them. He stirred trouble primarily towards those with wealth and power, acting much like Robin Hood.

Why Levi Joined the Survey Corps

Levi’s Squad

Levi led a compact team made up of three individuals: Furlan Church, Isabel Magnolia, and himself. Skilled in operating 3D Maneuver Gear, this trio frequently disrupted the wealthy who unfairly treated the less fortunate. Their camaraderie was evident when Furlan selflessly donated additional funds to a young lad named Jan, who was struggling with a crippled leg. Not long after, they were recruited by Nicholas Lovof and offered two rewards: treatment for Jan and citizenship in the upper world’s surface.

The Hidden Mission

To fulfill Lovof’s assignment, Levi and his team voluntarily got apprehended by the Survey Corps. It was during this arrest that Erwin first encountered Levi, recognizing his proficiency with the 3D Maneuver Gear, he invited him to join the Survey Corps. Erwin made it clear that if they chose to join the Corps, their past offenses would be disregarded; however, if they declined, they would be turned over to the Military Police. Intriguingly, Levi’s team agreed to join, harboring a covert objective to destroy a document detailing Lovof’s misdeeds and eliminate Erwin.

Levi’s Failure

Regardless of their covert purpose, Levi and his fellow team members possessed authentic abilities that made them suitable for the Survey Corps. In their debut outside the walls, they swiftly dispatched two Titans without hesitation. However, when it began to rain, Levi opted to separate and pursue Erwin for assassination. Unfortunately, he couldn’t locate Erwin and instead stumbled upon a group that had been brutally killed by Titans. In haste, he returned to Furlan and Isabel, but tragically found them already deceased.

A short while later, he ran into Erwin who was already aware of his intentions. Overwhelmed with regret as he couldn’t prevent the loss of his valued companions, Levi found solace in Erwin’s unwavering encouragement not to feel remorse. Moreover, Erwin implored him to persist in joining the Survey Corps. In a moment of despair, Levi chose to trust in Erwin, whom he perceived as having a vision for the future of mankind.

Regardless of how much faith I have in myself or my trusted allies, the end result remains a mystery to all.

However, it appears that this individual is observing something hidden from me. Alright, Erwin Smith, let’s proceed together. This choice I make will never be a source of regret for me, not in the slightest.

– Levi, Attack on Titan: No Regrets, Episode 2

In retrospect, Levi’s history was unyieldingly tough, yet amidst the hardships he faced, he consistently held high regard and affection for his fellow companions. The indelible impression Erwin left on him stirred deep emotions, leading him to stand by Erwin with unwavering devotion. In a sense, it became his personal crusade to honor Erwin’s memory, seeking justice for his untimely demise.

Attack on Titan is available to watch on Crunchyroll.

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2025-03-21 21:28