Are Eren and Mikasa Siblings in ‘Attack on Titan’

Let me be frank and start by saying I’m still watching Attack on Titan as I write this. Therefore, there will be no major spoilers in this. This may be a relief for folks who are just getting into the series. For those who don’t know, Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime series across the board. Of course, the manga is popular as well. It makes sense, it has compelling characters, an intense story, and the animation style is captivating. AoT is set in 845 CE and explores a post-apocalyptic world overrun by humanoids who are called Titans. And survivors are forced to live in cities surrounded by high walls. 

A relationship that’s very important in the series is the one between Eren (Bryce Papenbrook) and Mikasa (Trina Nishimura). The big question, in this case, is whether or not they’re biological siblings. And to answer that question: no they are not. Eren’s parents took Mikasa in after her biological parents were murdered by human traffickers. Ever since they were children, Mikasa has felt compelled to protect Eren. And does consider him her family, which is something very common in post-apocalyptic series. Chosen family becomes just as, if not more, important than the family you were born into. 

The kind of care that Mikasa has for Eren has yet to register as more than platonic. She would do anything for him and protects him when she’s able to. And at its heart, the series is about more than just the Titans and the threat they are to everyone. AoT focuses just as much on the relationship dynamics between the characters. Which is something of a relief because in series like these, you need that. Otherwise, it’s hollow to watch and you find yourself less compelled to care about the characters. Certainly not the case for Eren or Mikasa. 

(featured image: Funimation)