A Warrior’s Path Forged in Marley
The piercing shriek and earth-shattering collapse – the fall of Wall Maria. This single event, etched forever in the minds of those who survived, marks not only the beginning of humanity’s renewed struggle against the Titans but also the unleashing of Bertholdt Hoover onto the world stage. Initially appearing as a seemingly unremarkable soldier within the 104th Training Corps, Bertholdt concealed a terrifying secret: he was the Colossal Titan, the very being who initiated the horrific chain of events. While often overshadowed by his more assertive companion, Reiner Braun, Bertholdt’s presence and actions irrevocably shaped the trajectory of Attack on Titan. Bertholdt Hoover is far more than a giant monster. His character is a complex exploration of duty, trauma, and the devastating impact of war on young individuals, making him a tragic figure burdened by an impossible mission.
Before the rumble of crumbling walls and the screams of terrified civilians, Bertholdt’s story began in Marley, a nation steeped in militarism and prejudice. As an Eldian, a descendant of the people who once ruled the world with the power of the Titans, Bertholdt was born into a life of oppression. The only path to redemption, to earning a place within Marleyan society, was through service, through proving their loyalty by becoming Warriors.
Bertholdt, alongside Reiner, Annie Leonhart, and Marcel Galliard, underwent rigorous training, honing their physical and combat skills in preparation for the mission to infiltrate Paradis Island and retrieve the Founding Titan. He possessed above-average abilities, yet his reserved nature often led him to defer to Reiner’s leadership. He was always the quiet one.
The selection process was brutal, instilling a sense of duty and loyalty to Marley. Bertholdt’s initial motivations, like those of his comrades, likely stemmed from a desire to improve his and his family’s standing within Marleyan society, to escape the confines of internment zones, and to be recognized as a hero. However, the events that transpired during their mission would forever alter their perceptions and burden them with an immense weight.
The mission to Paradis Island was straightforward: infiltrate the walls, locate the Founding Titan, and return it to Marley. However, disaster struck early when Marcel was devoured by a seemingly mindless Titan – Ymir. This unexpected loss shattered the team’s morale and forced Reiner to assume a leadership role he was ill-equipped to handle. This event was critical. It forced the shy Bertholdt to be more reliant on Reiner than ever. The death of Marcel was the loss of their protector, someone to guide them through the difficult mission.
Life Behind the Walls: A Soldier in Disguise
For years, Bertholdt lived a double life. He was a soldier of Paradis, training alongside Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlert, and the other members of the 104th Training Corps. He learned their names, their dreams, and their fears. The life within the walls presented a stark contrast to the propaganda he had been taught in Marley. He witnessed firsthand the humanity of the people he was tasked to destroy.
Bertholdt’s interactions with his fellow trainees were characterized by his quiet and observant nature. While he formed bonds with them, a constant undercurrent of guilt and conflict simmered beneath the surface. He couldn’t shake the thought that he was lying to the only people who had ever accepted him for who he was. His skills were valuable to the group, although he never became the top of the class. He never stood out, so that he wouldn’t bring attention to himself.
The dynamic between Bertholdt and Reiner became even more critical during this period. Reiner, struggling with the psychological strain of their mission, developed a “split personality,” oscillating between his role as a loyal soldier and his persona as a dependable older brother figure within the Survey Corps. Bertholdt, already reliant on Reiner, became increasingly dependent on his stability, mirroring Reiner’s confusion and anxiety. Reiner used his “soldier” personality to make the more brutal decisions to keep Bertholdt on track, even though Bertholdt hesitated.
The Truth Revealed: Betrayal and Devastation
The carefully constructed facade began to crumble during the Female Titan arc. Annie’s capture and subsequent reveal as the Female Titan brought the conflict into sharp focus, forcing Bertholdt and Reiner to confront the consequences of their actions. Bertholdt knew he was just a step away from being revealed himself.
The revelation of Bertholdt and Reiner as the Colossal and Armored Titans, respectively, marked a turning point in the series. In a moment of shocking betrayal, they attacked Wall Rose, shattering the fragile peace and unleashing a new wave of Titan attacks upon humanity.
Bertholdt’s transformation into the Colossal Titan, the sheer scale of his power, was terrifying. The resulting battle was devastating. Eren, driven by rage and a thirst for revenge, confronted Bertholdt, but ultimately failed to stop him from abducting him. Bertholdt justified his actions by clinging to the belief that he was acting in the best interests of Marley, that he was fulfilling his duty, and that he was preventing a greater catastrophe.
Bertholdt’s reasons for his actions, however, are not just a simple acceptance of blind obedience. Having lived among the people of Paradis, Bertholdt witnessed their humanity firsthand. He was forced to confront the reality that his actions caused immense suffering and loss. He was not some distant commander safe from the consequences of his orders. The war for him was intimate.
A Tormented Soul: Regret and Desperation
Following the reveal, Bertholdt’s internal conflict became more apparent. He displayed moments of regret and remorse, hinting at the burden he carried. His interactions with Armin, in particular, revealed the depth of his inner turmoil. He saw Armin as someone who was innocent, and he was horrified to have to kill someone like him. He longed to be free of his duty.
During the Battle of Shiganshina, Bertholdt faced his ultimate reckoning. As the Survey Corps launched a desperate attack to reclaim Wall Maria, Bertholdt transformed into the Colossal Titan once more, unleashing his devastating power upon them. He was doing what he was told to, even though he didn’t want to.
In his final moments, Bertholdt displayed a desperate resolve. He unleashed a massive explosion of heat and steam in an attempt to wipe out the Survey Corps, showcasing the full extent of the Colossal Titan’s destructive capabilities. He was tired of fighting, and he just wanted it to be over. He was killed by Armin, with Eren’s help, and eaten by Armin to give him the Colossal Titan’s power. The way Bertholdt went out was tragic, as he died clinging to the idea that he was doing the right thing.
A Legacy of Destruction and Remorse
Bertholdt’s death did not mark the end of his influence. Armin’s inheritance of the Colossal Titan’s power meant that he also inherited Bertholdt’s memories and a portion of his consciousness. Armin struggled to reconcile his own ideals with the memories of the boy he had been forced to kill. It was difficult for him to hold such a terrible power, knowing where it came from.
Bertholdt Hoover’s story resonates with the broader themes of war, trauma, and the cyclical nature of violence that permeate Attack on Titan. His character serves as a stark reminder that war rarely offers easy answers or clear-cut distinctions between good and evil. He shows that monsters aren’t born, they’re made.
Bertholdt’s role in the narrative is significant. As the Colossal Titan, he served as a catalyst for the story, setting in motion the events that would ultimately lead to the uncovering of the world’s dark secrets. He was a cog in the machine that Eren would eventually break. His actions had lasting consequences for all those involved, shaping their destinies and forcing them to confront the harsh realities of their world. His story emphasizes the complexities of moral decision-making in times of conflict and the enduring scars that war leaves on individuals.
Bertholdt Hoover was not merely a villain. He was a victim of circumstance, a young man forced to bear an unbearable burden. His story stands as a poignant exploration of the human cost of war and the enduring struggle to reconcile duty with conscience. He wasn’t a simple monster.
The tragedy of Bertholdt Hoover lies not only in the destruction he wrought but also in the potential that was lost. He could have been a friend, an ally, a force for good. Instead, he was consumed by the gears of war, a tragic figure trapped in a cycle of violence. What does it mean to be truly free when duty and desire are at constant war?
