The Colossal Titan is one of the most fearsome and unforgettable Titans in Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan. Towering over walls and entire cities, its sheer size and destructive capabilities make it a symbol of overwhelming power and despair. Yet, beneath this monstrous exterior lies a story filled with conflict, sacrifice, and the burdens of war.
This article will delve into the Colossal Titan’s origins, abilities, the humans behind the titan, its pivotal moments in the story, and why it continues to fascinate fans around the world.
The Origins of the Colossal Titan
From the very first episode of Attack on Titan, the Colossal Titan made an unforgettable impression. Standing nearly 60 meters tall—about as tall as a 20-story building—this titan is the largest among the known Nine Titans.
What makes the Colossal Titan stand out visually is its skinless appearance, exposing muscles, tendons, and veins. This raw, anatomical look emphasizes its unnatural and terrifying nature.
Unlike mindless Titans, the Colossal Titan is a “Titan Shifter” — meaning it is controlled by a human who can transform at will. This makes it a tactical weapon rather than a mere monster.
The Bearers of the Colossal Titan Power
Bertholdt Hoover: The First Shifter
Bertholdt Hoover is the initial wielder of the Colossal Titan seen in the series. He is a Warrior from Marley, sent undercover within the Walls to aid in their destruction. Despite his role as an antagonist, Bertholdt is portrayed as conflicted and reluctant, carrying the weight of his mission with a heavy conscience.
His first transformation and the breach of Wall Maria dramatically set the stage for the entire series, marking the beginning of humanity’s desperate fight for survival.
Armin Arlert: The Successor
Later, Armin Arlert, one of Eren Yeager’s closest friends, inherits the Colossal Titan after a desperate battle. Unlike Bertholdt, Armin is a strategic thinker, valuing intellect over brute force. His possession of the Colossal Titan power symbolizes a shift from destructive might to calculated warfare and sacrifice.
Armin’s struggle with the responsibilities of holding such a destructive force highlights the emotional and ethical themes that run through the story.
The Unique Powers of the Colossal Titan
Gigantic Size
The most obvious trait of the Colossal Titan is its enormous height, roughly 60 meters tall. This massive scale allows it to destroy walls and structures with ease, giving it unmatched physical power.
Explosive Transformations
The Colossal Titan’s transformation releases an enormous explosion, generating a blast powerful enough to obliterate nearby enemies and infrastructure. This ability makes transforming into the Colossal Titan itself a weapon, capable of changing the course of battle.
Steam Emission
The Titan constantly emits hot steam from its body, which can burn and repel attackers. This steam emission acts as a defensive barrier and can obscure the battlefield, preventing enemies from closing in.
Slowness and High Energy Consumption
Because of its size, the Colossal Titan moves slowly and cannot sustain its Titan form for long. The explosive nature of its transformation and continuous steam release drain its energy quickly, limiting how long it can remain active.
Key Battles and Moments
- The Fall of Wall Maria: The Colossal Titan’s first attack breaches the outer wall, unleashing Titans into human territory and setting the entire series in motion.
- Battle of Trost: The Colossal Titan’s reappearance challenges Eren and his comrades, forcing them to face the scale of the enemy.
- Reveal of Bertholdt: The shocking revelation of Bertholdt as the Colossal Titan adds a layer of emotional complexity, showing the human side behind the terrifying power.
- Battle of Shiganshina: In a brutal showdown, Bertholdt’s final stand as the Colossal Titan nearly crushes the Survey Corps, pushing Armin to risk everything and inherit the power.
Symbolism and Themes
The Colossal Titan represents far more than destruction:
- The Power of War: Its overwhelming strength symbolizes the destructive forces unleashed during conflict.
- Fear and Hopelessness: Its terrifying appearance embodies the paralyzing fear that oppression and war instill in people.
- The Weight of Responsibility: Through Bertholdt and Armin, the Titan power illustrates the moral burdens of those who wield great power.
- Transformation and Identity: It raises questions about what it means to be human when one must take on a monstrous form to survive or fight.
Impact on Popular Culture
The Colossal Titan has become a cultural icon within the anime community. Its image is instantly recognizable and has inspired countless artworks, merchandise, and cosplay. It also serves as a symbol of the broader themes of Attack on Titan—struggle, survival, and the clash between freedom and oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How tall is the Colossal Titan?
The Colossal Titan is approximately 60 meters (about 197 feet) tall.
2. Who controls the Colossal Titan?
Initially, Bertholdt Hoover controls it. Later, Armin Arlert inherits the power.
3. What are the Colossal Titan’s special abilities?
Its immense size, explosive transformation, and steam emission are its key powers.
4. Can the Colossal Titan move quickly?
No, it moves slowly due to its size but uses its explosive abilities to compensate.
5. How does the steam emission work?
The Titan emits scalding steam to burn attackers and create a defensive barrier.
6. Why is the Colossal Titan so important to the story?
It represents the beginning of the series’ conflict and the immense power struggles between factions.
7. How did Armin become the Colossal Titan?
Armin was saved by a Titan injection and ate Bertholdt to inherit the power after the battle of Shiganshina.
Conclusion
The Colossal Titan is not only a symbol of massive physical power but also a complex representation of the themes of Attack on Titan. Its role in shaping the story, its unforgettable design, and the human stories behind the Titan make it a powerful figure that resonates with fans worldwide.
Whether seen as a harbinger of doom or a tragic weapon in the hands of conflicted warriors, the Colossal Titan’s legacy is undeniable, towering over anime history much like it towers over the Walls.
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