The Rumbling Unstopped: Exploring Eren's Fate if Gabi Didn't Fire

13 Jun 2024

Imagine a world where the thunderous footsteps of the Colossal Titans continue unabated. A world where the earth trembles not just from their might, but from the unanswered question: what if Gabi Braun hadn’t pulled the trigger? This pivotal moment in the climax of Attack on Titan has captivated fans, sparking endless debates and fan theories. The act, fueled by a cycle of vengeance, dramatically altered the course of the story. But what if that cycle had been broken before it reached Eren Yeager’s nape?

Gabi’s action, though born from trauma and indoctrination, became the catalyst for Eren's decapitation and the ultimate stopping of the Rumbling. This single act sent ripples through the narrative, shifting alliances and forcing characters to confront the devastating consequences of their choices. But had she hesitated, had she faltered, the landscape of the Attack on Titan world would be drastically different. This explores the possible outcomes of a world where Eren’s head remains attached, where the Rumbling continues its destructive march across the globe.

The implications of Gabi not shooting Eren are enormous. Eren, driven by his perceived duty to protect Paradis Island, initiated the Rumbling as a final act of desperation. Without Gabi's intervention, his plan would have continued its course, potentially eradicating the world beyond the island’s shores. This scenario throws the morality of his actions into stark relief. Was his genocide justified? Would any survivors find justification in his reasoning? These are the questions that plague fans and fuel the "what if" discussions.

The narrative impact of Gabi’s choice extends far beyond Eren’s immediate fate. It affects every character's trajectory. Would Armin, Mikasa, and the Survey Corps have been able to find another way to stop him? Would the alliance between Marleyan and Eldian forces have held together in the face of continued global annihilation? The delicate balance of power, precariously established amidst the chaos, would have been shattered, leading to an entirely unpredictable future.

Exploring this alternate timeline provides a powerful lens through which to examine the core themes of Attack on Titan. Themes of freedom, vengeance, and the cyclical nature of violence are all thrown into sharp focus when we consider the implications of Gabi’s hesitation. By removing this single action, we unravel the carefully crafted narrative and open up a realm of possibilities, both terrifying and compelling.

Had Eren survived, the immediate consequence would be the continued destruction wrought by the Rumbling. Potentially, the entire world beyond Paradis Island would be flattened, leaving only the Eldians as survivors. This would have presented a bleak and morally complex ending. The "devils of Paradis" would have become the sole inheritors of a desolate earth, forever burdened by the weight of their actions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Eren Surviving

Advantages (from Eren's perspective)	Disadvantages
Ensuring Paradis Island's survival (at a terrible cost).	Global genocide and the destruction of human civilization.
Breaking the cycle of hatred (by eliminating those who perpetuate it).	Isolating Paradis Island and condemning its inhabitants to a bleak future.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Could anyone else have stopped Eren if Gabi hadn't? Possibly, but it would have been significantly more difficult.

2. Would the alliance have held? Unlikely, as the continued Rumbling would likely fracture the fragile trust.

3. What would life on Paradis Island be like after the Rumbling? Potentially isolated and burdened by guilt.

4. Would Eren have any regrets? This is a complex question that depends on interpretation of his character.

5. Could the world ever forgive the Eldians? Highly improbable given the scale of destruction.

6. What would the political landscape look like? A world dominated by Paradis Island, with no other nations remaining.

7. What would be the long-term consequences of the Rumbling? Ecological devastation and a drastically altered world.

8. Would this be a "good" ending? Highly debatable and depends on individual perspective.

In conclusion, the hypothetical scenario where Gabi doesn’t shoot Eren paints a grim picture of a world ravaged by the Rumbling. While Eren might have achieved his objective of protecting Paradis Island, the cost would have been the near-complete annihilation of humanity. This scenario underscores the complexities of his character and the devastating consequences of his choices. It forces us to confront the difficult questions at the heart of Attack on Titan and consider the true meaning of freedom and the price of vengeance. Considering what would happen if Gabi didn’t shoot Eren provides a fascinating thought experiment that further deepens our understanding of this complex and compelling narrative. It highlights the precariousness of peace and the devastating power of unchecked ambition. While the actual ending offers a glimmer of hope for a future free from the cycle of violence, this alternate timeline serves as a stark reminder of the path not taken, a path paved with destruction and despair.