Were Zeke's actions in Attack on Titan born of pure malice or a deeply troubled childhood? Explored

Zeke Jaeger stands out as one of Attack on Titan's most debated figures due to his role as the Beast Titan in a morally complex world. Although numerous fans view him as a mere manipulative villain, his story becomes profoundly tragic upon examination because his behavior originates from a childhood filled with neglect and exploitation rather than any intrinsic malice.

The narrative of Zeke portrays an intense depiction within the story of how generational trauma transforms even noble intentions for peace into destructive actions. Zeke viewed his drastic euthanasia plan as a necessary measure because he believed it would prevent future Eldians from suffering through the same hatred that plagued his life.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.

---

Zeke Jaeger’s tragic upbringing and the emotional roots of his euthanasia in Attack on Titan

Grisha, Dina, and Zeke as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Zeke's early life demonstrates profound lessons in emotional neglect and instrumentalization. His parents, Grisha Jaeger and Dina Fritz, used him exclusively as a political tool for the Eldian Restorationist movement instead of loving him as their son.

Zeke's parents devoted themselves entirely to their revolutionary objectives, which restricted any authentic parental love or attention towards their child's needs. The boy spent many evenings in his grandparents' company while his parents were at meetings, as he heard stories about Eldian crimes that intensified his feelings of inherited guilt.

Zeke's father displayed visible frustration and disappointment instead of supportive guidance when Zeke faced difficulties in the Warrior program. Zeke experienced the peak of his childhood trauma when he begged his parents to stop their risky mission, but Grisha rejected and scolded him. This scene crystallizes the fundamental failure of his upbringing.

His parents put their political mission ahead of both his personal safety and emotional requirements. Zeke's statement, "Faye only died because you took her outside Liberio," shows how a child tries to introduce logic into the minds of adults driven by their beliefs but faces anger instead of contemplation. Zeke's worldview was significantly shaped by Tom Xaver's influence.

Zeke as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Xaver showed Zeke true care and attention, becoming his surrogate father, while his personal tragedy of losing his Marleyan family to suicide after his Eldian background became known deeply shaped Zeke's view on Eldian life. By suggesting that his non-existence would improve the world, Xaver established the basis for the euthanasia plan, which framed death as a merciful act instead of mass murder.

Zeke's tragedy goes deep because he truly believed his euthanasia plan symbolized compassionate action. He never witnessed unconditional love or Eldians living without oppression, which meant his people couldn't achieve happiness.

Zeke decided to hand his parents over to Marleyan authorities because his desperate need to survive his hopeless circumstances as a child drove him rather than any intentional cruelty. Zeke believed his adult manipulation on a global scale made him humanity's protector, who ended suffering instead of causing it.

---

Conclusion

Zeke as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

The narrative journey of Zeke Jaeger in Attack on Titan illustrates the destructive power of ideologies that originate from authentic pain coupled with flawed empathy. The emotional neglect and exploitation Zeke faced during his childhood led him to see extinction as a better alternative to living under persecution.

Despite his unacceptable behavior, we discover that trauma rather than intentional harm motivates his character when we examine the origins of his actions. Zeke's tale shows how hatred continues through generations via inherited parental wounds, which transform children into monsters who view themselves as saviors.

---