
“Attack on Titan” is filled with interesting characters in a very unique way. Set in a world where humankind is forced to reside in cities three towering walls surround, protecting them from ferocious, gigantic man-eating humanoids called Titans, this anime features a story revolving around Eren Yeager, who vows to defeat and eradicate the Titans after they destroy his hometown and kill his mother.
With this dark storyline, of course, the roster of characters will also reflect this nature. One of the most mysterious and darkest characters in “Attack on Titan” – whose looks will remind you of the characters in horror flicks – is Ymir Fritz. Who is Fritz? Here are some things you didn’t know yet about her.
Who Is Ymir Fritz? What’s Her Backstory?
Fritz was the very first person to obtain the Titans’ power. Her story begins with her being a slave to the Eldian king. This king abused her power, using it to bring prosperity to Eldia while destroying Marley and the rest of the world.
Thirteen full years after awakening her power, Fritz died protecting this king. Their daughters – Maria, Sheena, and Rose – forcibly cannibalized her corpse. Thus, her powers were split into the Nine Titans.
Upon Fritz’s death, she was brought to the Coordinate (channels that connected all Titans and Fritz’s subjects), where she created Titans out of sand and adhered to the royal family’s commands each time they sought the Founder’s power.
Fun Facts About The Ever-Mysterious Fritz
Here is some trivia about her.
1. She Was The Only Person Who Had Total Control Of Her Titan Powers
Being the original Founding Titan, Fritz was the sole person who had total control of Titan powers. Every time she transformed into her Titan form, she had complete dominance over its capabilities, making her a formidable and an unstoppable force in this form.
Her powers enabled her to obliterate the Marleyan army with no sweat, even if she just used a fraction of her powers.
2. She Unleashed A Curse Capable Of Reducing The Life Expectancies Of Titan Users
Thirteen long years following her acquisition of her powers, Fritz passed away serving the empire. Thus, her death became known as a phenomenon called “the Curse of Ymir.” Each time a person inherited a Titan’s power, they just had 13 years (symbolizing those 13 years after she acquired her powers) before their body deteriorated and died.
Any other Titan user wouldn’t live beyond those years, which was a curse throughout the rest of their lives. This also explained why Yeager, Uri Reiss, and Tom Ksaver ended up sick and deteriorated quickly during their last years.
3. She Was Worshipped As A Goddess
Because of her tremendous powers, Fritz was never really considered a human being. Also, the story of how she got her powers varied depending on the region. For instance, she was a goddess for the Eldians.
However, for the Marleyans, she was an evil goddess. They believed she obtained her powers from the devil to obliterate Marley.
As a side note, there’s also a story that told how Fritz received her power from “a source of all living matter.” But, regardless of these tales, she would remain an average girl cursed with insurmountable superpowers.
4. The Eldians Slaughtered Her Village
It is also compelling to know that even if the Eldians revered Fritz as a goddess, these people actually captured her and destroyed her entire village. Also, her parents were murdered, and her tongue was cut just like those of the other captured enslaved people from the town.
Nevertheless, these events led to Fritz developing her Titan powers. This cruelty and wrath of the Eldian race from the past forced her to tread this dark pathway.
5. After She Died, Her Soul Roams ‘The Path’
After Fritz’s death, her soul ended up living in an empty land known as “the Path.” This place in the afterlife is a vast, barren land where a pillar is the only thing keeping this place, which connects her and the Titans she molded. Here, Fritz is the younger version of herself.
6. Her Story Changes Depending On The Region
Just like how there are different Buddha stories and beliefs depending on the region, Fritz’s story varies in each region in the “Attack on Titans” story. But, perhaps the most interesting is that story of her told by the royal family.
Frieda Reiss told her half-sister History about Fritz’s story but used the name “Christa” instead of “Ymir.” Frieda described Christa as a kind-hearted girl who was always concerned about the well-being of others. But Frieda also said Christa signed a deal with the devil to acquire the Founding Titan.
Yet she told her half-sister to emulate and be like Christa, suggesting she must look at her as a role model. Interesting, isn’t it?
7. She Has Some Similarities To Norse Mythology
Likewise interestingly enough, aside from her name, Fritz’s powers may be related to Norse mythology. Yes, where you can find Thor, Odin, and Loki.
According to Norse mythology, the name “Ymir” is the ruler of the giants. It also loosely translates to “the scream.”
How she gained her powers also can be attributed to Norse mythology. As you know, she got her superpowers after coming into contact with “a source of all living matters,” which, in Norse myth, she was born from Eitr, a liquid from which all living matters came.
Now You Know Fritz Better
Fritz, deemed as the progenitor of all Titans in “Attack on Titan,” is a pivotal character whose very legacy molds the series’ mystical lore. From her mysterious origins to her enduring influence upon the Eldians, her story blends myth and tragedy, further enriching the anime’s narrative with depth and complexity, leaving an indelible mark upon every viewer and fan of this anime.
Those were some fascinating facts about this character. If you liked this story, feel free to share this online with your friends and family.