Attack on Titan and the references to Norse mythology that you hadn't noticed

The story of ' Attack on Titan' stands out not only for its rawness and emotional depth, but also for the multiple symbolic layers that comprise it. Among those layers, Norse mythology shines brightly as one of the main influences behind the universe created by Hajime Isayama . If you thought it was only about human-devouring titans, prepare to discover the ancient secrets that connect this story with Scandinavian legends.

Ymir: From the primordial giant to the origin of the Titans in 'Attack on Titan'

In Norse mythology , Ymir is a primordial being. The first giants were born from him, and his body was used by the gods to form the universe: his flesh became the earth, his blood the seas, and his skull the sky.

This mythological figure is directly echoed in Attack on Titan with Ymir Fritz, the first human to attain the power of the Titans. According to the anime and manga , Ymir acquired this power after coming into contact with a mysterious entity within an enormous tree, and after her death, her strength fragmented into the so-called Nine Titans. This parallel with Ymir's dismemberment in mythology is more than evident and serves as a mythological pillar of the entire saga.

Norse mythology divides its cosmos into nine worlds united by the tree Yggdrasil. Attack on Titan doesn't say so directly, but the fact that Ymir Fritz's original power is divided into nine titans can be interpreted as a nod to this structure. Each titan represents a portion of the original power, with unique abilities and a distinct role in the narrative, similar to the worlds of mythology, each with its own purpose.

One of the most symbolic moments in the series is when Ymir enters a gigantic tree where she acquires her power. This element clearly recalls Yggdrasil, the mythical tree that connects the nine worlds in the Norse worldview. Just as Yggdrasil is the axis of the universe, the tree in Attack on Titan is the axis of titanic power and the story's central mystery.

Furthermore, this tree reappears visually in the final arc of the series, strengthening its connection to the divine and the eternal, just as it does in the Scandinavian sagas.

In Norse legend, Ginnungagap is the great void from which the world is born, a space that separates the fire of Muspelheim and the ice of Niflheim. In Attack on Titan , the world within the walls (seemingly isolated and limited) functions as a metaphor for emptiness, for not knowing what lies beyond, and for the fear of the unknown. The discovery of the outside world completely changes the characters' perceptions, as if they have crossed their own Ginnungagap.

While series creator Hajime Isayama hasn't confirmed every detail of these references, he has spoken in interviews about his fascination with diverse cultures, religions, and mythologies when constructing his narrative universe. In an interview published on Mangabrog, he acknowledged that he was interested in developing a story where humanity is trapped without knowing what lies beyond, an idea that aligns with the Norse vision of the world as an interconnected web of destinies.

The series not only captivates with its fights and plot twists; it also fascinates with the philosophical, political, and spiritual reflections that emerge from its world. The references to Norse mythology are not mere embellishments: they are key elements that elevate the story to a more symbolic and universal level.

Attack on Titan draws on Norse mythology to create a universe where power, sacrifice, and destiny are inextricably linked. From Ymir to the mysterious Tree of Origins, Isayama reminds us that, even in fantasy worlds, roots are deeply connected to our most ancient stories.