Would Erwin support Eren's rumbling plan?

Key things

• Erwin's calculated ruthlessness may have furthered Eren's Rumbling plan as a strategic deterrent against Marley.
• Erwin's pragmatism and strategic mind could have led to diplomatic solutions rather than the complete destruction of Eren.
• Erwin's legacy as a leader suggests that he would support a toned down Rumbling and use it as a deterrent rather than an apocalyptic measure.

IN Attack on Titanleadership and morality are deeply intertwined themes in which characters must make impossible choices in order to survive. After discovering Marley and the outside world, the story tests the characters' resolve by asking how far they would go to protect humanity. While the method is different, leaders like Eren and Erwin have ideals pitted against each other; they have one aspect in common: giving up everything for an idea. The search for what drives these characters reveals a twist in the personal and moral impasses they find themselves in.

One of the most interesting “what ifs” in Attack on Titan must be: if Erwin Smith had survived, whether he would have supported Eren's questionable Rumbling plan or not. Much of his calculated ruthlessness was integral to his many victories within the walls. The question is, does this pragmatism apply to a cataclysmic move like Rumbling? Anyone can guess that. Of course, speculation will lead one to explore the character of Erwin, his motivations, and what reactions might occur in light of the threat Marley poses.

Erwin's ideal and ruthlessness

A dream enlightened by the death of his father

His journey began with the death of his father, who came up with the theory that beyond the walls is a place where humanity exists. This view was rejected by both society and the government. It instilled in Erwin a deep-seated conviction to know if it was true, even if it cost him his life. Unlike most people within the walls, he knew that somewhere in this world there could be life outside of him, shaping his view of the world to reveal secrets hidden from public view. The mysterious circumstances of his father's death only further strengthened his determination to defy the odds and ultimately prove his father right.

Because of his quest to find the truth, he often found himself in a moral gray area. He is known for his sacrifices, and Erwin weighed the greater good against his personal ambitions at every turn, just like Eren. In Erwin's case, any risk worth taking was fair game, even if it meant hurting his comrades. This beastly ambition transcending ethics later drew parallels to Eren's thinking against the Marleyan threat.

Erwin and Eren's thinking

Know that sacrifice is necessary for success

Both Erwin and Eren convey a certain level of single-minded determination that makes them tireless in pursuing their visions. For Erwin it meant getting the answers he believed were behind the walls, while for Eren it was about ensuring the safety and freedom of the Eldians at all costs. In pursuing their plans, each took morally complex actions that were accessible to them and appeared extreme to others.

In many ways, Erwin's mentality matches Eren's determination in the latter parts of the series. Erwin had never done anything as drastic as mass murder, but many of his plans consisted of sacrifices that most people's moral code deemed forbidden. With Erwin's pragmatic nature, he would probably see Rumbling as the lesser of two evils, but how far he would go in apologizing is anyone's guess.

Would Erwin support the rumble?

Total War face-to-face leaderboard calculations

Had Erwin lived to learn of Marley's involvement and oppression of the Eldians, he might have adopted a more strategic approach to this new threat. His curiosity was finally quenched upon the revelation of Marley's existence; Perhaps Erwin's ambitions would shift towards the safety of the Eldians without the need for total destruction. Instead of Rumbling, he had a chance to create some diplomacy or other method because he had a great ability to overlook situations.

But at the same time, Erwin was a realist and knew that the Marleyans had nurtured and passed down their hatred of the Eldians for generations. As such, he may have agreed with Rumbling as a deterrent against further attacks, but not with Eren's proposed course of action to wipe out most of humanity. So Erwin probably made a balancing argument where Rumbling would be used more as leverage instead of an actual plan.

Erwin's reaction to Eren's actions

Leading or confronting a former comrade

Eren's actions in Rumbling, an extreme measure based on his desire to defend Paradis, may have gained Erwin some empathy. Perhaps he appreciated the usefulness of Eren's abilities in getting Marley and the rest of the world to negotiate their positions. On the contrary, as a tactician he would be decidedly opposed to the scope of Eren's plan, and so would instead lean towards using it in a controlled manner for the purpose of balance rather than genocide.

If Erwin was deeply opposed to Eren's methods, he could have tried to stop him by proposing another solution, since we already know how desperate Eren was when he tried to force Hanji, if she knew a better way, she knew the moral consequences and at what cost total destruction could bring paradise. Alternatively, he could negotiate with Eren and offer him a vision that would protect the Eldians without destroying the entire world. Such guidance could change the course of Eren's plans and perhaps soften the wounds of the conflict.

How the result could have changed

Paradis and Eldia took a different route.

If Erwin influenced Eren, the course of events in Attack on Titan it would be different. While Eren decided to go all-out war, Erwin would steer the story towards a negotiation approach that appealed to the interests of Paradis and the outside world. Perhaps with his strategic mind, Erwin could have solved the problem and saved Eldia without dragging the world into chaos, thus tracing a new path to peace.

Another example of this parallel universe would be if Paradis needs to co-exist in a state of tension where neither Marley nor the world ends up being completely devastated. With Erwin at the helm to lead the Paradis, the defense might as well have been prepared to make limited shows of force to dissuade them from their diplomatic hiccups and leave room for further alliances or understandings.

Potential impact on the Rumbling plan

A leader torn between ideals and realities

Erwin's legacy as a calculating yet idealistic leader speaks to his approach being different from Eren's approach to the Marleyan threat. While he shared Eren's willingness to do whatever was necessary, Erwin's strategic nature and pursuit of knowledge may have led him to a solution that was not nearly as destructive. If Erwin were to support Eren, it would likely be a toned down support focused on using Rumbling as a deterrent rather than an apocalyptic ending.

The question of whether Erwin hypothetically participates in Rumbling is complicated: would his belief in realistic approaches be willing to accept the course of Eren's plan, or would his ideal lead him to a more balanced approach? A thing fans can only speculate about, one thing still remains clear: Erwin's presence would leave an indelible mark on the story Attack on Titan and perhaps led him to a fate far removed from what actually befell him.