Levi & Erwin
A visual breakdown of their relationship. For all Attack on Titan fans out there.
For context, I am currently at my third rewatch of the show. I am astounded by the fact that every rewatch I come out of, I have a different opinion on the story. I think that is a remarkable sign of exceptional art.
On my first watch I fell in love with Levi as a character and as his arc throughout the show. I think Hajime Isayama wrote him sooo well and gave his character many layers, some that served as punchline entertainment and some that go way deeper.
Today I want to focus on Levi & Erwin. Because, mirroring real life, some key relationships in the show teach us more about their individual character’s traits and motivations than they alone ever will.
There were two visual queues that I looked out for when understanding this relationship:
height - looking at when one is depicted higher or lower than the other
facial expressions - specifically smiling
4th & 5th OVA - A choice with no Regrets
(release dates December 9, 2014 & April 9, 2015)
In this origin story of Levi Ackerman, we see Erwin Smith’s first encounter with Levi as they engage in combat. What do we see there?
Erwin smiling as he is witnessing Levi’s prowess.
Mind you, these are not characters known for showing any emotion on their face. That’s exactly why this is important. As Levi is outnumbered by Erwin’s crew and restrained, we watch Erwin try to know more about Levi. He is intrigued to say the least:
Erwin towers above Levi, who is made to kneel by force.
At the end of the second part of Levi’s OVA, we watch him discover that his only two friends are dead, a consequence of a decision he made.
Levi is kneeling in despair as Erwin approaches and tells him:
Levi looks up and listens.
This is where we witness the reason why Levi chooses to stay alive and continue living with a new purpose. He chooses to come with Erwin. He chooses to follow him and move forward.
Episode 53 - Perfect Game
(release date May 20, 2019)
Fast forward to Episode 53, many years after Levi chose to follow Erwin and join the scouts.
The scouts are engaging in a battle that seems more hopeless by the minute. Faced with that fact, Erwin and Levi discuss their strategy. The tables have turned. Erwin is full of doubts and confesses this to Levi.
Notice that Levi is now towering above Erwin.
Levi is more in control than Erwin in this situation. That’s why he is depicted higher. After Levi listens to Erwin’s confession, he chooses to kneel before him and say:
This is the ending of Levi and Erwin’s arc together. Coming to a full circle moment from the time Levi decided that the only thing he can do is move forward and not regret any choice he has made in the past.
“Give up your dream and die”
Erwin smiles again. He understands that this is the culmination of his choice to tell Levi to follow him.
He thanks Levi and chooses to follow him now.
Their relationship is the embodiment of true love expressed through a perfect balance of submission and domination which can only be achieved by characters powerful enough to choose to be vulnerable!
No wonder fans like to ship them so much. It makes total sense to me, this is a very homoerotic relationship.
