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The destruction of Paradis Island in the conclusion of Attack on Titan has left fans with various interpretations, and there isn’t a clear-cut justification provided in the material. One interpretation suggests that the bombing of Paradis Island was retribution for the Rumbling, indicating that the outside world never forgave the Eldians for the destruction caused by Eren. Despite the question of whether an entire nation should be blamed for the actions of an individual, this interpretation suggests that the conflict persisted even decades after Eren’s demise, with the Jaegerist faction in control of Eldia’s military.
For some, this retaliation against Paradis Island might be seen as evidence that Eren’s genocidal plan was not the answer. On the other hand, others may argue that Eren’s goal was achieved—he wanted his friends to live long, fulfilling lives, and they did experience peace until old age before the retaliation came. This creates a dichotomy in how the ending is perceived.
Another interpretation proposes that the destruction of Paradis Island may not be directly linked to retaliation for the Rumbling. The time that has passed since the Rumbling is unspecified, leaving room for the possibility that the world’s hostility toward Eldia is not connected to Eren’s plan. This perspective suggests that the destruction could be the result of a new conflict unrelated to the power of the Titans or the Rumbling. In this interpretation, it becomes a commentary on the cyclical nature of violence, hatred, and humanity itself.
Ultimately, the open-ended nature of the ending invites viewers to form their own interpretations, contributing to the impact and thought-provoking nature of Attack on Titan’s conclusion. If there were a clear-cut answer, the ending might not have resonated as deeply with the audience.