Erwin Smith was the leader of the Scouts up until the conclusion of the battle for Shiganshina in the Attack On Titan universe. He provided steady leadership and a firm hand for those under his care, frequently exemplifying heroism and charisma.
His influence is pervasive throughout the series and palpable even after his death. Through assessing the ways Erwin has altered the course of the story, we can better appreciate his life and the composite results of his actions throughout the anime.
10 He Resolved The Tension Between Mikasa & Levi
After the battle for Shiganshina's conclusion, there was vociferous debate as to who should inherit the colossal titan. Mikasa and Eren both advocated for Armin because he directly contributed to Bertholdt's defeat, whereas Levi insisted on picking Erwin since he made for a strong leader.
This inevitably resulted in the two parties coming to blows, with Mikasa unable to stand by as the captain dismissed the life of her close friend. Ultimately, only Erwin himself was able to diffuse the tension, convincing Levi to choose Armin over himself and preventing any further strife in the Scouts.
9 He Introduced The Notion That The Present History Might Not Be Accurate
Even as a child, Erwin was profoundly intelligent. He understood the inconsistencies taught in Paradis' classrooms and confronted his father about the truth. Ultimately, he would receive an inkling of the knowledge he sought - enough to verify his suspicions.
This resulted in his father's disappearance at the hand of the military police. Nonetheless, Erwin would not be cowed from his mission, and after his death, the truth would be unveiled through the discovery of Marley and the world beyond.
8 He Saved Eren's Life By Replacing Him With Jean
Eren's passing resemblance to Jean allowed Erwin to use him as a replacement during the several instances he was demanded by the then-leaders of Paradis. Smith's strategy got him arrested though nonetheless produced tremendously positive results. His genius would later emancipate him after his plan to save the interior became clear.
Since Eren accompanied Armin alongside Annie, he was able to defend him from her wrath after she was exposed as the Female Titan. The battle inside the walls was devastating, though if not for Eren's presence - facilitated by Erwin - there would have been countless casualties including Armin himself.
7 He Gave The Best Monologues Of The Entire Series
Erwin's unmatched charisma lent to his ability in leading others. As gifted of a scout as he was a speaker, he was responsible for rallying his men on a number of occasions.
Smith's best speeches were during the Survey Corps' introduction as well as his preparation for the battle against Zeke. In the instance of the latter, he mounted an aggressive assault against unfathomable odds, able to convince his soldiers to ride with him regardless of the fact that they were charging into certain death.
6 He Volunteered To Take Eren In At Trial
After Eren's titan nature had come to light, he was brought before a court under the purview of Dhalis Zachary. His corrupt detractors clamored for his death, stating that a titan behind the walls could portend disaster.
However, Erwin saw the value in preserving his life and testified on his behalf. He volunteered to take him under the Scouts and assume full responsibility for his actions. If not for his foresight, Paradis would have been doomed to a pernicious decline as the Warriors continued to weaken it from within.
5 He Provided The Ideal Image Of A Scout
Erwin was more than a strong leader; he provided the model image of what a scout should be. He was tenacious, loyal, and devoted to Paradis' preservation, even if it ultimately meant sacrificing his life to see it through.
Though Erwin had flaws, they were difficult to scrutinize and mostly existed in the confines of his own mind. The man was fully aware that his aggressive actions destabilized the nation's current order and had the potential to cause massive civil unrest. He would not live to see his fears realized.
4 His Death Served As A Strong Conclusion Of The Shiganshina Arc
Erwin's death was tragic, but it was a necessary reminder of the looming sense of mortality prevalent in the Attack On Titan universe. Though many of the named heroes were able to last into the Marley arc unscathed, his passing served as a poignant reminder that they were not able to achieve what they did without sacrifices.
Additionally, it generated a source of tension between Levi and Zeke even after the latter had allegedly betrayed Marley for the sake of his Eldian ancestors.
3 He Helped To Rehabilitate Levi
When Erwin found Levi, he was a cutthroat ruffian living in Paradis' underbelly. Through discipline, courage, and patience, he was able to transform him into the intrepid captain seen through the majority of the anime.
In spite of the role Erwin played in his rehabilitation, Levi would not regard him with any semblance of seniority. When preparing for the reclamation of Shiganshina, Levi threatened to break his limbs if the commander joined the fight since he knew he was in no condition to accompany the Scouts.
2 He Assisted In Overthrowing Reiss' Government
Rod Reiss and the corrupt nobles of Paradis were not concerned with the safety of their denizens. After Dot Pyxis arranged a fake warning that the titans had broken through the second wall, they were more than willing to allow their own people to die.
Abhorred by what he heard, Pyxis agreed to join Erwin's coup, turning his men against the country's leadership and supplanting Historia in their stead. Erwin's bold act in the usurping would have permanent ramifications for the rest of the series and allow Paradis to thrive more than it ever could have otherwise.
1 He Appointed Hange As His Replacement
One of Erwin's most important decisions was to appoint a successor after his death. Through careful deliberation, he chose Hange Zoe to follow in his footsteps and continue his mission.
This was a decent choice since Hange was a seasoned scout and brilliant inventor. However, Hange does not possess Erwin's same charisma and failed to contain Eren's aggressive foray into Marley. The Yeagerist movement thrived during Hange's tenure as leader, though it's difficult to speculate whether or not Erwin could have staunched it if he were still alive.
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