It's a question that lingers in the minds of many fans grappling with the intricate narrative of Attack on Titan: Why did Reiner and Bertholdt wait 5 years before enacting their most devastating attacks within the Walls? This isn't a simple question with a straightforward answer. Instead, it delves into the core of strategic planning, intelligence gathering, and the sheer weight of their mission as warriors from Marley. Imagine being a spy, embedded deep within enemy territory, tasked with a monumental objective. The pressure would be immense. The slightest misstep could jeopardize everything. For Reiner Braun, the Armored Titan, and Bertholdt Hoover, the Colossal Titan, this wasn't a hypothetical scenario; it was their reality for half a decade.
Their prolonged infiltration wasn't a sign of indecision or weakness. On the contrary, it was a testament to a meticulously crafted strategy, designed to maximize the chances of success and minimize their own exposure. This extended period allowed them to build trust, gather vital intelligence, and, perhaps most crucially, understand the enemy from within before unleashing their true power. It’s easy to get caught up in the explosive moments of their reveals, but the true genius, and indeed the terror, lies in the years of patient, calculated waiting.
My own journey through the lore of Attack on Titan often brought me back to this specific period. I'd rewatch scenes, scrutinize dialogue, and piece together the subtle clues left by Hajime Isayama. It became clear that this five-year wait was not an empty void but a fertile ground for the development of their mission, the gathering of essential information, and the psychological conditioning necessary for their ultimate objective: to reclaim the Founding Titan and bring Eldians on Paradis Island back under Marleyan control.
So, let's dive deep into the strategic intricacies and the compelling reasons behind why Reiner and Bertholdt waited a full five years before revealing themselves as the titans they truly were, initiating the catastrophic events that would forever alter the lives within the Walls.
The Long Game: Marley's Strategic Imperative
To truly understand why Reiner and Bertholdt waited five years, we must first step into the boots of Marleyan strategists. Their primary objective wasn't just to destroy Paradis Island; it was to reclaim the Founding Titan. This artifact, rumored to be in the possession of the Eldians within the Walls, represented the ultimate weapon for Marley. Without it, their own dominance was precarious, and the potential for Paradis to become a threat loomed large. Therefore, the mission was not about a hasty strike but a calculated acquisition.
Marley, as a nation, had a history of utilizing Titan Shifters for military dominance. However, Paradis Island represented a unique challenge. The Eldians there, descendants of Ymir Fritz, had been isolated for over a century, shrouded in mystery and propaganda. Marley needed to understand the capabilities, the defenses, and, most importantly, the leadership structure within the Walls before launching a full-scale assault. The presence of Reiner and Bertholdt, alongside Annie Leonhart, as child soldiers, was a direct response to this need for deep reconnaissance.
Their waiting period was, in essence, an extended intelligence-gathering phase. It allowed them to:
Map the Internal Landscape: Understanding the political, social, and military structures of the Eldians was paramount. Who were the key players? What were their strengths and weaknesses? How did the military operate? The five years provided ample time to observe and analyze these elements firsthand. Assess Titan Shifter Threat: While Marley possessed seven Titan Shifters, they were aware that the Eldians on Paradis might possess others. Identifying and understanding any potential threats from other Eldian Titan Shifters was crucial for their operational planning. Locate the Founding Titan: The ultimate prize. Without knowing who held the Founding Titan or where it was, any aggressive action would be largely unproductive. The waiting period was a silent, continuous search. Prepare for Resistance: Marley knew that Eldians on Paradis were not defenseless. They had developed advanced technology, including the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear (ODM Gear), and possessed a formidable military. The longer they waited, the more they could understand and anticipate this resistance.This wasn't just about brute force; it was about psychological warfare and strategic positioning. By infiltrating as refugees, Reiner and Bertholdt could build a semblance of normalcy, understand the daily lives and anxieties of the Eldians, and crucially, gain the trust of those who would eventually become their victims. This long-term approach, though agonizing to watch unfold on screen, speaks volumes about Marley's calculated, almost ruthless, approach to achieving its objectives.
Building Credibility: The Infiltration and Integration Process
The initial phase of Reiner and Bertholdt's mission was to blend in. Arriving as refugees from a ravaged Shiganshina district, they presented themselves as ordinary civilians seeking sanctuary within the Walls. This strategy was incredibly effective, allowing them to:
Gain Proximity to Power: By joining the military, specifically the Training Corps, they placed themselves in direct proximity to individuals who would eventually become key figures in Paradis's defense, such as Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert. This proximity was vital for observing their development and understanding their potential. Understand Military Doctrine: The training and subsequent service within the Walls provided an intimate understanding of the Survey Corps, Garrison Regiment, and Military Police's operational procedures, tactics, and vulnerabilities. They learned how the Eldians fought, how they coordinated, and what their priorities were. Develop Personal Connections: While their primary objective was strategic, the long period of integration inevitably led to the formation of some level of camaraderie. Reiner, in particular, seemed to develop genuine bonds with his comrades, which later complicated his psychological state. This human element, though perhaps unintentional from Marley’s perspective, added a layer of tragic irony to their mission.The five-year wait was crucial for establishing this deep-rooted integration. It wasn't enough to simply be present; they needed to be accepted, to become part of the fabric of Eldian society. This allowed them to gather information that would be impossible to obtain from the outside. They witnessed firsthand the fear of the Titans, the political machinations within the government, and the unwavering resolve of the military. This firsthand knowledge was invaluable for Marley's long-term strategic planning.
Consider the sheer amount of data they must have collected: troop movements, defensive fortifications, technological advancements (like the ODM gear), and the psychological disposition of the population. This wasn't information that could be gleaned from a brief reconnaissance. It required sustained presence, observation, and interaction. The five-year waiting period, therefore, was a period of intense, passive intelligence acquisition, laying the groundwork for the eventual activation of their Titan powers.
The Psychological Toll: A Burden of Deception
While the strategic advantages of waiting are clear, it's crucial to acknowledge the immense psychological toll this prolonged deception must have taken on Reiner and Bertholdt. Living a lie for five years, constantly suppressing their true identities and the horrific purpose of their mission, while forging what appeared to be genuine relationships, would be an unbearable burden for anyone.
This period forced them into a dual existence:
The Soldier Persona: They had to be exemplary soldiers, earning the respect and trust of their peers and superiors. This meant participating in missions, enduring hardships, and appearing to be as dedicated to defending the Walls as anyone else. The Warrior's Duty: All the while, they were acutely aware of their true mission as warriors from Marley. This internal conflict, the constant dissonance between their perceived identity and their assigned role, likely led to significant mental anguish.Reiner's later struggles with his dissociative identity disorder are a direct manifestation of this prolonged psychological strain. He developed a "soldier" persona as a coping mechanism, a way to compartmentalize the guilt and trauma. Bertholdt, though more reserved, also displayed signs of emotional weariness, his quiet demeanor often masking a deep-seated unease and the weight of his responsibilities.
This waiting period wasn't just about gathering intel; it was also about psychological conditioning. Marley understood that the direct transformation and attack might be met with immediate, overwhelming retaliation. By waiting, they allowed the Eldians within the Walls to become complacent, to believe they were safe, making the eventual reveal and attack all the more devastating. This delayed strike was a strategic choice, designed to maximize shock and minimize the immediate counter-offensive capabilities of the Paradis forces.
The human cost of this strategy is undeniable. The emotional and psychological scarring inflicted upon Reiner and Bertholdt, and by extension, their victims, highlights the grim realities of war and the lengths to which nations will go to achieve their objectives. Their five-year wait, therefore, was not just a strategic delay but also a prolonged period of intense personal suffering.
Strategic Timing: The Eve of the Fall of Shiganshina
The timing of their initial, devastating attack – the breach of Wall Maria and the subsequent fall of Shiganshina – was not arbitrary. It was the culmination of their five-year wait and a carefully chosen moment to strike.
Several factors likely contributed to this strategic timing:
Weakening of Defenses: By this point, Reiner and Bertholdt had gained intimate knowledge of the Walls' defenses and the military's deployment. They would have had a good understanding of troop rotations, patrol patterns, and potential weaknesses. Gaining Proximity to the Founding Titan: While they didn't know its exact location, their integration allowed them to observe and potentially identify individuals who might possess or be close to the Founding Titan. Their attack was designed to sow chaos and create an opportunity to seize it. The Rise of Eren Yeager: While perhaps not fully anticipated in its magnitude, the emergence of Eren Yeager's Titan ability was a significant development. Marley was aware of the existence of Titan Shifters on Paradis, and Eren's uncontrolled transformations would have been a point of keen interest and concern. Their attack might have been timed to neutralize this emerging threat or to use the ensuing chaos to their advantage in locating the Founding Titan. Psychological Impact: The fall of Shiganshina was designed to be a catastrophic event, instilling widespread fear and panic. This would weaken the resolve of the Eldians and make them more susceptible to Marley's eventual demands. The sheer destruction and loss of life served as a brutal demonstration of their power and the futility of resistance.The waiting period allowed them to observe the progression of technology and military strategy within the Walls. They saw the development and widespread adoption of ODM gear, a significant defensive advantage for the Eldians. By waiting, they could also better assess the overall military strength and readiness of the Paradis forces, ensuring that their initial assault would be as impactful as possible.
The strategic advantage of waiting for five years to make their initial move was multifaceted. It wasn't just about being patient; it was about being prepared. It allowed them to build a comprehensive understanding of their enemy, to sow seeds of trust that would be shattered later, and to choose a moment when their devastating power could have the maximum psychological and strategic impact. This deliberate delay underscores the calculated nature of Marley's war against Paradis, turning what might seem like a simple infiltration into a complex, long-term strategic operation.
The Unforeseen Consequences of the Wait
While the five-year wait was undoubtedly a strategic masterstroke from Marley's perspective, it also led to a series of unforeseen consequences that significantly impacted Reiner, Bertholdt, and the overall trajectory of the conflict.
Development of Relationships and Internal Conflict
During their prolonged stay within the Walls, Reiner and Bertholdt, particularly Reiner, formed genuine connections with their comrades. They trained alongside them, fought alongside them, and even experienced moments of shared camaraderie. This integration, while crucial for their mission, created a deep internal conflict for Reiner. He began to develop a split personality, struggling to reconcile his identity as a Marleyan warrior with his role as a soldier of the Survey Corps. The "soldier" persona became a coping mechanism to deal with the immense guilt and trauma of his deception and the horrific actions he was preparing to commit.
Bertholdt, while more stoic, also experienced the psychological weight of their prolonged deception. Their shared experiences, their mutual reliance on each other for survival, and the constant fear of exposure forged a unique bond between them, a bond that was tested by the immense pressure of their mission.
Evolving Understanding of the Enemy
The five-year period allowed Reiner and Bertholdt to gain a much deeper and more nuanced understanding of the Eldians within the Walls than Marley could have ever anticipated. They witnessed the humanity, the resilience, and the desire for freedom that motivated their comrades. They saw firsthand the suffering caused by the Titans and the deep-seated fear that permeated their society. This evolving understanding likely contributed to their internal turmoil and, for Reiner, fueled his mental breakdown.
They realized that the Eldians were not just monsters or the "devils" of Eldia that Marley propaganda had painted them to be. They were people fighting for survival, just as they themselves were fighting for their perceived duty to Marley. This realization complicated their mission and blurred the lines between enemy and ally.
The Rise of Eren Yeager and His Titan Ability
Perhaps one of the most significant unforeseen consequences was the emergence of Eren Yeager's Titan abilities and his subsequent role in the Paradis military. When Reiner and Bertholdt first infiltrated, their primary objective was to locate the Founding Titan. However, Eren's unexpected Titan transformation during the Battle of Trost provided a new, critical variable. Marley had been seeking the Founding Titan for centuries, and the appearance of a new, powerful Titan shifter on Paradis was a development that demanded immediate attention and reassessment of their original strategy. This event, occurring *after* their initial five-year infiltration, forced them to adapt and accelerated their timeline for revealing themselves, not just to obtain the Founding Titan but also to neutralize this emerging threat.
Missed Opportunities for Intelligence on the Founding Titan
While their infiltration allowed for general intelligence gathering, the prolonged wait might have also led to missed opportunities. The precise location and wielder of the Founding Titan remained elusive throughout much of their time within the Walls. Had they revealed themselves earlier, perhaps during a moment of heightened vulnerability or during a specific operation, they might have had a more direct opportunity to seize the Founding Titan before its full potential and the extent of its power were understood by the Paradis leadership. The uncertainty surrounding the Founding Titan's whereabouts continued to be a major driver for their eventual actions.
The five-year delay, while strategically sound from Marley's perspective, created a complex web of unintended consequences. It fostered humanity within the warriors, deepened their understanding of the enemy, and ultimately positioned them in a way that their actions would have profound and far-reaching impacts, not just on the Eldians but on themselves as well.
The Moment of Truth: Why the Attack on Shiganshina?
The question remains: why specifically the attack on Shiganshina, and why then? Several factors likely converged to make this the opportune moment for Reiner and Bertholdt to finally reveal their true nature.
Culmination of Reconnaissance
After five years of observation, they would have had an unparalleled understanding of the Walls' defenses, military structure, and the psychological state of the Eldians. This detailed intelligence allowed them to identify the most vulnerable point – the outer Wall – and the most effective method to breach it.
The Need to Sow Chaos and Create an Opening
Their primary objective was to retrieve the Founding Titan. This would require a significant disruption of the established order within the Walls. The fall of Shiganshina would achieve this by:
Causing Mass Panic: Instilling widespread fear and chaos would cripple the Eldians' ability to mount an organized defense. Forcing a Tactical Response: The breach would compel the Survey Corps and other military branches to mobilize, potentially drawing them away from key strategic locations or exposing their vulnerabilities. Creating a Diversion: The devastation in Shiganshina would serve as a massive diversion, allowing Reiner and Bertholdt to potentially maneuver and search for the Founding Titan amidst the ensuing pandemonium.The Presence of the Colossal Titan
Bertholdt's Colossal Titan form was the perfect instrument for breaching the Wall. Its immense size and destructive power were capable of creating a catastrophic opening that no other Titan could replicate. The strategic advantage of having such a powerful asset ready for deployment at the precise moment of need was immense. The five-year wait ensured that this weapon was deployed at a time calculated to cause maximum strategic damage.
The Appearance of Eren's Titan Power
While not initially the primary target, the emergence of Eren Yeager’s Attack Titan ability during the Battle of Trost, which occurred shortly before the fall of Shiganshina, presented a new, critical development. Marley had been hunting for the Founding Titan for centuries, and the appearance of a powerful new Titan Shifter on Paradis was a monumental event. This likely accelerated Reiner and Bertholdt's timeline. They needed to assess this new threat, understand its capabilities, and potentially secure the Founding Titan before Eren could fully master his powers or before Marley could devise a plan to deal with this unexpected development.
Psychological Warfare and Deterrence
The sheer destructive power displayed in the fall of Shiganshina served as a potent psychological weapon. It demonstrated to the Eldians within the Walls the overwhelming might of the Titans and the futility of their resistance. This was a clear message from Marley: they were not to be trifled with, and their power was absolute. The five-year wait meant that when they finally struck, the impact was not just physical but deeply psychological, designed to break the spirit of the Eldians.
The fall of Shiganshina was the perfect storm of strategic planning, intelligence gathering, and the calculated deployment of overwhelming force. The five years of waiting provided the necessary foundation for this devastating attack, transforming it from a mere invasion into a pivotal turning point in the history of Attack on Titan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reiner and Bertholdt's Five-Year Wait
Why did Reiner and Bertholdt take so long to reveal themselves as Titan Shifters?
Reiner and Bertholdt waited five years to reveal themselves as Titan Shifters primarily due to Marley's strategic imperatives. Their mission was not simply to destroy but to locate and retrieve the Founding Titan, which was believed to be on Paradis Island. This required a lengthy period of deep reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. They needed to:
Understand the enemy: Assess the military strength, technological advancements (like ODM gear), and political structure of the Eldians within the Walls. Gather information about the Founding Titan: Determine its location and who possessed it. Integrate and build trust: Blend in as refugees and soldiers to gain proximity to key individuals and information without raising immediate suspicion. Minimize risk: A prolonged infiltration allowed them to understand the best possible moment to strike for maximum impact and to avoid immediate, overwhelming retaliation.This extended period was a deliberate strategic choice by Marley to ensure the success of their ultimate objective, rather than a sign of hesitation or inability to act.
What was the main objective of Reiner and Bertholdt's mission on Paradis Island?
The paramount objective of Reiner and Bertholdt's mission on Paradis Island, orchestrated by Marley, was to locate and retrieve the Founding Titan. This artifact was believed to hold immense power, capable of controlling all Eldians and potentially destabilizing Marley's global dominance. Beyond this primary goal, their mission also involved:
Neutralizing the threat of Paradis Island: Marley viewed the Eldians on Paradis as a potential future threat due to their ability to produce Titan Shifters. Gathering intelligence: Understanding the Eldians' capabilities, technology, and societal structure was crucial for Marley's long-term strategic planning. Disrupting the Eldian population: Creating chaos and fear was a means to weaken their resolve and make them more amenable to Marley's control.Their five-year wait was intrinsically linked to the complex and multifaceted nature of this overarching mission.
How did their prolonged infiltration affect Reiner and Bertholdt psychologically?
The prolonged infiltration had a profound and devastating psychological impact on both Reiner and Bertholdt, though it manifested differently in each of them. For Reiner, the constant deception and the moral conflict between his duty as a Marleyan warrior and his bonds with his comrades led to severe mental distress. He developed dissociative identity disorder, creating a "soldier" persona as a coping mechanism to compartmentalize the guilt, trauma, and the atrocities he committed or was complicit in. This internal struggle was a direct consequence of living a lie for an extended period while forging what appeared to be genuine friendships.
Bertholdt, while more reserved and less outwardly affected, also bore the immense weight of their mission. His quiet demeanor often concealed a deep-seated weariness and the burden of his responsibilities. The constant threat of exposure, the moral compromises, and the sheer duration of their deception undoubtedly took a significant toll on his mental state, contributing to his eventual passive acceptance of his fate.
What were the unforeseen consequences of Reiner and Bertholdt waiting five years?
The five-year waiting period, while strategically beneficial for Marley, led to several unforeseen consequences that significantly altered the course of events:
Development of genuine relationships: Reiner, in particular, formed strong bonds with his fellow soldiers, leading to immense psychological distress and internal conflict. Deeper understanding of the enemy: The prolonged observation allowed Reiner and Bertholdt to see the humanity and resilience of the Eldians, complicating their view of them as mere "devils." Emergence of Eren Yeager's power: The development of Eren's Attack Titan abilities during their infiltration period became a critical, unanticipated factor, forcing them to reassess their timeline and objectives. Missed opportunities: The prolonged uncertainty about the Founding Titan's location might have led to missed opportunities to seize it earlier. Psychological breakdown: The cumulative stress of deception and duty culminated in Reiner's mental breakdown, a direct consequence of the extended mission.These unintended outcomes highlight the complex interplay of strategy, human psychology, and unpredictable events in the narrative of Attack on Titan.
Why was the Attack on Shiganshina the chosen moment for their reveal?
The attack on Shiganshina was chosen as the moment for Reiner and Bertholdt to reveal themselves due to a confluence of strategic factors that culminated after their five-year wait:
Culmination of intelligence: They had gathered sufficient intelligence on the Walls' defenses and weaknesses to identify Shiganshina as a vulnerable target. Need for chaos and a diversion: The fall of Shiganshina would create mass panic, disrupt Eldian military operations, and provide an opportunity to potentially locate and seize the Founding Titan amidst the chaos. Deployment of the Colossal Titan: Bertholdt's Colossal Titan form was the perfect tool to breach Wall Maria, an action that required immense power and a strategic opening. Response to Eren's power: The emergence of Eren Yeager's Attack Titan presented a new, critical variable that likely accelerated their timeline, necessitating a swift action to assess and potentially neutralize this threat while pursuing the Founding Titan. Psychological impact: The devastating nature of the attack was designed to instill fear and break the Eldians' will to resist, serving as a powerful deterrent.This timing was meticulously calculated to maximize the strategic impact of their revealed powers and to advance Marley's overarching objectives.
Conclusion: The Weight of Waiting
The question of why Reiner and Bertholdt waited 5 years is not just a minor plot detail; it's a cornerstone of the strategic depth and psychological complexity that defines Attack on Titan. Their prolonged infiltration was a masterful display of patience, intelligence gathering, and calculated risk-taking by Marley. It allowed them to understand their enemy intimately, to build a foundation of trust that would later be shattered, and to choose a moment of maximum impact for their devastating reveal. The fall of Shiganshina was not a spontaneous act of destruction but the culmination of half a decade of strategic planning and quiet observation.
However, this strategic necessity came at a profound personal cost. The psychological toll on Reiner and Bertholdt was immense, leading to fractured identities, internal conflict, and the immense burden of guilt. The unintended consequences of their long wait, including the development of genuine relationships and the emergence of Eren Yeager's power, further complicated their mission and ultimately shaped the narrative in unexpected ways.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder that in the brutal world of Attack on Titan, every action, and every moment of inaction, is driven by complex motives and carries significant weight. The five years Reiner and Bertholdt spent waiting were not idle moments but crucial periods of preparation, observation, and psychological endurance, transforming them from mere invaders into tragic figures caught between duty and the crushing weight of their deceptive existence.