Eren Jaeger, the main protagonist of the popular anime Attack on Titan, is often referred to by fans and characters as a “bird.” This strange nickname stems from a few key moments and themes in the anime series. While Eren’s Titan powers allow him to take on the form of a 15-meter tall giant, his tendency to be “caged” and his desire for freedom evoke comparisons to a bird struggling to escape captivity. Over the course of the anime, the bird metaphor becomes a recurring symbol for Eren’s character arc and the fight for liberation.
Eren’s Titan Powers
Eren’s ability to transform into a Titan lies at the heart of the bird comparisons. Early in the anime, it is revealed that Eren possesses the power of the Attack Titan, allowing him to morph into a 15-meter tall Titan with incredible strength and regeneration abilities. When transforming, Eren erupts from the nape of the Attack Titan’s neck, almost like a bird hatching from an egg.
The Attack Titan has a distinctly avian appearance with lean muscles, a defined jawline, and a shock of dark hair at the back of its head resembling feathers. In his Titan form, Eren is able to take flight, using ODM gear to skillfully maneuver through the air. As a Titan, Eren exhibits bird-like qualities in the sense that he is no longer constrained by his human form.
Eren’s Caged Existence
A major factor in the bird comparisons is Eren’s caged existence within the walls of Paradis Island. The remaining humans live confined within three massive circular walls after the Titans drove them to the brink of extinction. Eren yearns to join the Survey Corps and explore the outside world, to break free of this cage.
Early in season 1, there is a scene where Eren outstretches his arms between the bars of a jail cell, longing for the freedom of a bird. This imagery evokes the idea of Eren as a bird struggling against the confines of a cage. Even when he gains the power of the Titans, Eren remains trapped, first by his own inabilities and later by the military which sees him as a threat.
The Desire to Fly Free
Eren’s deepest desire is to explore beyond the walls, to discover the truth of the world. He dreams of spreading his wings and experiencing the freedom that only a bird can know. This passion for flight comes up repeatedly in the anime.
In season 2, there is a scene where Eren stares longingly at a bird flying overhead, wishing that he could join it in the open sky. He whispers “If only I could spread my wings and fly away.” This reinforces how Eren identifies with the unconstrained freedom of a bird.
Later in season 3, during a battle with the Armored Titan, Eren unleashes a primal scream of rage as he laments being unable to transform into his Titan form. He yells “It was supposed to be my turn to soar!” Once again, the imagery of flight and soaring represents Eren’s desire for liberation.
Declaration of War as a Caged Bird
A pivotal scene that cements the bird metaphor comes in episode 6 of season 4, titled “Declaration of War.” Inside a crowded banquet hall, Eren fakes drinking poisoned wine and then transforms into his Titan form within the building. Bursting forth from the Attack Titan’s neck, Eren declares his intention to destroy the entire world beyond the walls.
In this moment, Eren resembles an angry bird erupting from captivity and enacting his revenge. His dialogue highlights this, as he proclaims, “I may have been born powerless, but I will keep moving forward until my enemies are destroyed.” Eren spreads his metaphorical wings as a bird that can no longer be contained or caged.
Longing for Freedom Through the Ocean
Eren’s fascination with the ocean also hints at his connection to birds. In season 3, he recalls Armin’s book about the wonders of the ocean and burning desire grips him. Like a migratory bird innately driven towards warmer climates for the winter, Eren feels a primal longing to experience the freedom of the ocean.
When he finally reaches the ocean in season 4, Eren is awestruck by its vastness. For a brief moment, he is reminded of the joy that comes with freedom. The ocean serves as a symbol of the uncontained world Eren wishes to explore. In a sense, it represents the endless sky that a bird can travel freely.
Parallels to Falco’s Namesake
An interesting clue comes from another character – Falco Grice. He is named after the falcon, reflecting his own dreams of gaining the power to fly. As a fellow cadet, Falco parallels Eren’s desire for freedom, likening it to a bird in flight.
Isayama even draws visual connections between Eren and Falco, depicting Eren wrapped in bandages like a bird with a broken wing. Later, Falco cares for an injured bird, which strengthens the symbolism of their shared goal. Just as Falco is named for the falcon, Eren earns the nickname “bird” for exhibiting similar traits.
Kiyomi’s Kindness Philosophy
When the Survey Corps travels to Hizuru and meets Kiyomi Azumabito, she mentions an old Hizuru folk tale about showing kindness to birds. The story goes that if you help an injured bird, it will remember your kindness and repay the favor one day.
This parallels how Falco shows compassion for an injured Eren, helping to bandage his wounds. Later, Eren returns the favor by protecting Falco. Their relationship reinforces the bird metaphor. Just as the folk tale foretold, Eren rewards Falco’s kindness like a bird repaying its debt.
Longing for Wings of Freedom
The Survey Corps emblem, known as the Wings of Freedom, represents Eren’s deepest aspirations. The logo features a pair of wings spread outward, symbolizing the longing for freedom beyond the walls.
As a member of the Survey Corps, Eren fights under the Wings of Freedom crest. More than anything else, he yearns for the liberation portrayed by the emblem. Eren aligns himself with birds through his ambition to experience the freedom of flight.
Conclusion
In summary, Eren Jaeger earns the nickname “bird” through his bird-like Titan form, his caged existence within Paradis, and his desperate longing for the freedom of flight. Imagery and dialogue repeatedly evoke comparisons between Eren and a bird struggling to spread its wings. His pursuit of the open sky parallels fellow cadet Falco’s namesake. For Eren, the freedom of a bird becomes a guiding aspiration in his fight against Titans and the forces that wish to contain him.