Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Historia Reiss and Her Mother in 'Attack on Titan'

'Attack on Titan'

'Attack on Titan' is a popular anime and manga series that delves deeply into the life and struggles of its characters. One of the most complex and poignant relationships in the series is that between Historia Reiss and her mother. While the mother's treatment of Historia is indeed a source of great sorrow and confusion, the journey to forgiveness is gradually and thoughtfully explored throughout the story.

The Isolation and Tragic Beginning

Historia Reiss was raised in isolation within one of the Reiss family estates until the fall of Wall Maria. This dark and solitary upbringing had a profound impact on her character, contributing to her complex relationship with her mother. Historia was subjected to strict and perhaps overly protective isolation, which undoubtedly left her with a fundamental sense of detachment and emotional confusion throughout her early years.

The Shattering of Innocence

When she was just 13 years old, Historia witnessed the brutal murder of her mother by the Beast Titan. This traumatic event shattered her world and left a deep, unhealed wound. The sudden loss and the unexplained manner of her mother's death triggered a period of deep confusion and anger within Historia. For a time, she resented her mother, unable to grasp why she was treated with such cruelty and abandonment.

Forced Separation and Trauma

Following her mother's death, Historia was forced to change her name to Krista Lenz and enter military training. This forced separation from her identity and her family's legacy marked another layer of trauma. The young Historia, now cut off from her past, had to navigate the harsh and unforgiving world of military training with little support or understanding from those around her. Her identity was further eroded, leaving her to cope with her trauma alone.

A Growing Sense of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

As Historia matured and gained the strength to face her demons, the stories reveal a nuanced development in her emotional journey. After a few years of military training and the subsequent experiences of war and leadership, Historia began to see her mother's actions through a more complex lens. She starts to understand that her mother's behavior was driven by the same fears and desires that any parent might have, albeit under extreme circumstances.

Historia's progression to becoming Queen of the Walls symbolizes her ability to overcome her past and forge a new identity. In this role, she demonstrates great wisdom and compassion. Over time, she was able to put aside her initial emotions of anger and betrayal to find a place of relative peace and understanding. Historical evidence in the series indicates that by the time she became Queen, Historia had fully forgiven her mother.

Conclusion

The relationship between Historia Reiss and her mother in 'Attack on Titan' is a powerful example of a journey towards forgiveness and understanding. While she was indeed confused and sometimes resentful, the passage of time, combined with her own growth and experiences, eventually led to a profound sense of reconciliation. This narrative arc exemplifies the series' exploration of the human capacity for resilience and empathy.