If you've landed here searching for "How old is Askeladd in Attack on Titan," you're likely a fan of epic, dark fantasy anime, and that's fantastic! However, let's clear up a common mix-up right from the start: Askeladd is not a character in Attack on Titan.
Askeladd is a legendary figure from Makoto Yukimura's acclaimed manga and anime series, Vinland Saga, a gripping historical epic about Vikings, revenge, and the search for a true warrior's paradise. While both Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga share themes of war, survival, and complex characters, they exist in entirely separate universes.
So, now that we've set the record straight about Askeladd, let's dive into what you might truly be curious about: the fascinating and often tragic ages of the beloved characters within the world of Attack on Titan. Understanding their ages helps us grasp their motivations, the weight of their experiences, and how much they sacrifice for humanity's freedom.
Unpacking the Ages of Attack on Titan's Key Players
The passage of time in Attack on Titan is crucial to its narrative, with characters growing and evolving through immense challenges. We witness them transform from naive recruits into hardened soldiers, burdened by war and loss. From the determined core trio to the formidable Survey Corps veterans and even the complex Marleyan warriors, everyone's age tells a part of the grand story.
The Heart of Humanity's Struggle: Eren, Mikasa, and Armin
The journey of Attack on Titan truly begins with Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, three friends from Shiganshina whose lives were irrevocably changed by the Titan attack in year 845. Their ages anchor many of the series' major events, showcasing their rapid growth amidst unimaginable adversity.
Eren Yeager, the fiery protagonist, starts the series at just 10 years old. He's a naive boy fueled by a desperate desire for freedom. By the time he joins the Survey Corps, he's 15, and in Season 4, following a significant time skip, he reaches 19. His age reflects his rapid, often brutal, development. For a deeper look into his journey, explore .
Armin Arlert, Eren's intellectual counterpart and later a strategic genius, shares the same age milestones as Eren. He's 10 at the series' outset, 15 when he commits to the Survey Corps, and 19 by Season 4. Armin's transformation from a timid boy to a decisive commander is profoundly influenced by the experiences he endures alongside his friends. Discover .
Mikasa Ackerman, fiercely loyal and an unparalleled warrior, also mirrors Eren and Armin's ages: 10 during the Shiganshina attack, 15 upon joining the Survey Corps, and 19 in Season 4. Her unwavering dedication to protecting Eren is a defining aspect of her character, and her development is marked by an increasing sense of agency beyond her protective instincts. Uncover more about .
The Veteran Titanslayers: Levi, Hange, and Erwin
Beyond the core trio, the seasoned veterans of the Survey Corps carry the heaviest burdens and make the most difficult sacrifices. Their advanced ages (compared to the younger recruits) underscore their experience and the toll years of combat have taken.
Levi Ackerman, known as "Humanity's Strongest Soldier," commands respect and fear in equal measure. While his exact age is never officially confirmed, he is estimated to be in his early 30s when Eren is 15, placing him around 35-38 by Season 4. His stoic demeanor hides years of pain and an unwavering commitment to his comrades. Dive into .
Hange Zoë, the brilliant and eccentric squad leader turned commander, dedicates their life to understanding Titans. Hange’s age, like Levi's, isn't explicitly stated but is estimated to be around 29-32 in Season 1, making them roughly 34-36 by Season 4. Their insatiable curiosity and strategic mind are invaluable to the Survey Corps. Learn more about .
Erwin Smith, the charismatic and calculating 13th Commander of the Survey Corps, was a visionary leader whose sacrifices propelled humanity forward. He was estimated to be older than Levi, likely in his mid-to-late 30s (around 35-39) in Season 1, before his tragic death in Season 3. His age signified a lifetime of unwavering dedication to his dream of unveiling the world's truth. Understand .
The 104th Training Corps: Growth and Sacrifice
The 104th Training Corps class provided many key characters who joined the Survey Corps alongside Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. They entered military training as teenagers, quickly thrust into a brutal reality that forced them to mature at an accelerated pace.
Jean Kirstein, initially a cynical realist, grew into a capable and respected leader. He was 15 when he joined the Training Corps and, like his peers, was 19 in Season 4. His evolution from a self-serving individual to someone willing to sacrifice for the greater good is a testament to the harsh lessons of war. Discover .
Conny Springer, who started as a lighthearted recruit, endured profound emotional trauma. He was also 15 when he began his military career and 19 in Season 4. His personal losses deepened his resolve and added layers to his character. Explore .
Sasha Braus, affectionately known as the "Potato Girl," brought a touch of levity and an incredible sense of loyalty to the Survey Corps. She was 15 at the start of her service and tragically met her end at 19 in Season 4, a moment that deeply impacted her comrades and the audience. Reflect on .
The Marleyan Warriors: A Different Perspective on Age
The conflict extends beyond the walls, introducing us to characters from Marley, many of whom are child soldiers carrying immense burdens. Their ages highlight the cyclical nature of war and the indoctrination they face from a young age.
Zeke Yeager, Eren's older half-brother and the Beast Titan, plays a pivotal role in the latter half of the series. He was 25 years old during the events of Season 1-3 and 29 by the time Season 4 unfolds, making him a seasoned warrior with a complex, often devastating, agenda. Unpack .
Reiner Braun, the Armored Titan, bore unimaginable guilt and psychological trauma. He was just 12 years old when he participated in the attack on Shiganshina, making him 17 when he infiltrated the Survey Corps. His youth at the start of his mission emphasizes the tragedy of his indoctrination. Examine .
Bertolt Hoover, the Colossus Titan, shared a similar tragic path with Reiner. He was also 12 during the initial attack and 17 when he joined the Survey Corps, playing a critical, albeit often silent, role in the early events. Understand .
Annie Leonhart, the enigmatic Female Titan, was a year younger than Reiner and Bertolt, making her 16 when she joined the Survey Corps. Her quiet strength and complex motivations made her a formidable opponent and a deeply interesting character. Delve into .
Later, new generations of Marleyan warrior candidates are introduced. Gabi Braun and Falco Grice, both 12 years old in Season 4, represent the next wave of child soldiers, their youth underscoring the ongoing cycle of hatred and conflict. Explore and uncover .
The Enduring Impact of Age in Attack on Titan
While Askeladd from Vinland Saga won't be found among the ranks of the Survey Corps, the ages of Attack on Titan's characters are fundamental to understanding their journeys, their sacrifices, and the profound human drama that unfolds throughout the series. Each character's age, whether a young recruit or a battle-hardened veteran, contributes to the rich tapestry of a story that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. As you continue your journey through the world of Attack on Titan, paying attention to these details will only deepen your appreciation for its intricate narrative.