Can the Founding Titan Control Titan Shifters in Attack on Titan?

One of the most intriguing aspects of Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) is the complexity of the Founding Titan's capabilities. As the series delves into the myriad intricacies of Eldian society and their relationship with titans, one key question arises: How far does the Founding Titan's control extend over other titan shifters besides the Ackerman family?

The Extent of the Founding Titan’s Control

The Founding Titan, also known as the Yaagami Titan, holds a significant level of power over all Eldians, with the notable exception of the Ackerman family. This unique relationship between the Founding Titan and the Eldian royal family sets the stage for numerous plot developments in the series. However, the question of whether it can control other titan shifters is a complex one that requires a deeper exploration of the series’ lore.

The Limitations of the Founding Titan’s Control

While the Founding Titan can influence the thoughts and biology of almost all Eldians, it raises the intriguing possibility of whether it can control other titan shifters who are part of the Eldian royal lineage but not the Ackerman family. This inquiry is further complicated by the unique characteristics of the Attack Titan, another titanic entity with its own set of controls and abilities.

Grisha Yeager, in Chapter 121, sheds light on the unique resistance displayed by the Attack Titan during the Great Titan War. This resistance suggests that the Founding Titan's control does not extend to all aspects of the Attack Titan's operation. When Eren activates the Rumbling, the attack sequence reveals a level of autonomy within the titan's behavior. This autonomy raises questions about the limits of the Founding Titan's control over different titans, particularly those not directly aligned with the royal family.

Factors Influencing Control

The control exerted by the Founding Titan is multifaceted and influenced by several factors, including the bloodline, the current possession of the titanic entity, and the emotional and mental state of the user. The Ackerman family's unique connection to the Founding Titan, established long ago by Annie Leonarius, suggests a more profound relationship and control. However, the resistance shown by the Attack Titan during the Great Titan War hints at an inherent autonomy that defies the Founding Titan's direct control.

Moreover, the series often explores the idea of emotional and psychological connections as key components of a titan shifters' abilities. This suggests that while the Founding Titan can influence thoughts, it may not be able to override intense emotional responses or deeply ingrained psychological traits, especially in individuals not directly related to the royal lineage.

Implications for the Plot

The limitations and extent of the Founding Titan's control over titan shifters play a pivotal role in the series' overarching narrative. They inform the strategic decisions of the characters and influence the plot's progression. The autonomy of the Attack Titan, for example, raises questions about potential betrayals or unexpected alliances within the Eldian royal family, further complicating the interplay of power and control.

The search for the Founding Titan's true purpose and its relationship to the current titans is a driving force throughout the series. The mystery surrounding the Founding Titan's control over the Eldian population, particularly its limitations, adds depth to the overarching themes of power, freedom, and destiny.

Conclusion

While the Founding Titan exerts a formidable degree of control over most Eldians and, by extension, many titan shifters, the specific limits of its influence remain unclear. The unique resistance shown by the Attack Titan during the Great Titan War suggests that the Founding Titan's power is not absolute and may have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the specific titan in question and its current user. This uncertainty leaves room for further exploration and mystery, enhancing the narrative richness of Shingeki no Kyojin.