Mikasa’s Scarf Proves Eren Was Lying In Attack On Titan Season 4

Does Mikasa’s scarf prove Eren is lying about the Ackerman bloodline in Attack on Titan season 4? Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman entered each other’s lives when they were children, growing up together in Shiganshina after Mikasa’s parents were murdered by rogue criminals. The attackers would’ve kidnapped Mikasa were it not for Eren’s courageous intervention. Not only did he tackle the young girl’s assailants head-on, Eren yelled at Mikasa to defend herself. That command awakened her biology as an Ackerman – a rare Attack on Titan clan bred exclusively for combat. Mikasa has been hopelessly devoted to Eren – and ruthlessly formidable to her enemies – ever since.

After sticking by each other for so many years, Eren dropped a bombshell in Attack on Titan season 4. Already guilty of killing innocent Marleyans and overthrowing Paradis Island’s government, Eren met his closest friends in a restaurant, where he shockingly told Mikasa how much he hated her. According to Eren, members of the Ackerman clan are genetically programmed to protect Eldia’s royalty. Mikasa’s biology has (allegedly) mistaken Eren for a royal descendant because he ordered her to fight and awakened her true strength. Mikasa is now compelled to loyally protect him forever, suffering headaches as a side effect… or so Eren says.

In Attack on Titan season 4, part 2’s “Judgement” episode, Armin speculates that Eren lied about the Ackerman clan. He can’t quite prove Eren’s account was false, nor figure out a better explanation for Mikasa’s headaches, but something isn’t adding up inside Armin’s big ol’ brain. Should he require proof of Eren’s deception, however, it’s right there in Mikasa’s hand…

After Eren helped save Mikasa from the would-be kidnappers, he wrapped a scarf around her neck and promised life would get better. Mikasa has treasured that burgundy piece of knitwear ever since, not even taking it off to shower in the morning (probably). Mikasa was still wearing the scarf when Eren delivered his withering speech in Attack on Titan season 4, part 1, but having reflected upon his words, the scarf is officially off. Since their backstory was shown way back in Attack on Titan season 1, that scarf has come to symbolize Eren and Mikasa’s relationship – a warm embrace that’s always there, even if feelings aren’t always spoken aloud. It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of Mikasa consciously removing her scarf. Her faith and trust in Eren is shaken, and when Armin asks Mikasa whether she thinks Eren should be helped, she questions herself, wondering whether her answer would be the Ackerman blood talking.

These small acts of rebellion surely prove Mikasa isn’t being controlled by her biology in Attack on Titan. If Eren’s accusations had merit, it wouldn’t matter whether Mikasa knew about the Ackerman secret or not, she’d be bound by the clan’s genetics. Mikasa’s body would still force her to protect Eren Jaeger at all costs. She wouldn’t remove his scarf, and wouldn’t have second thoughts when Armin asked if they should keep faith in Eren. By doing both, Mikasa proves she’s free to make her own choices, and is devoting herself to Eren for no other reason than love.

If Eren’s story about the mysterious Ackerman clan is pure fabrication, why concoct such a devastating lie? The obvious explanation is that Eren doesn’t want Mikasa and Armin following him down such a dark, dangerous path. He’d rather they hate him and stick with the Survey Corps than make themselves enemies of the entire world by his side. On the other hand, maybe Eren knows his journey ends in death, but wants his closest friends to do the honors – pushing Mikasa and Armin away so they can fight him without holding back in Attack on Titan‘s climax.

About The Author

Craig Elvy
(3622 Articles Published)

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Craig first began contributing to Screen Rant in 2016, several years after graduating college, and has been ranting ever since, mostly to himself in a darkened room. Having previously written for various sports and music outlets, Craig’s interest soon turned to TV and film, where a steady upbringing of science fiction and comic books finally came into its own.
Craig has previously been published on sites such as Den of Geek, and after many coffee-drenched hours hunched over a laptop, part-time evening work eventually turned into a full-time career covering everything from the zombie apocalypse to the Starship Enterprise via the TARDIS.

Since joining the Screen Rant fold, Craig has been involved in breaking news stories and mildly controversial ranking lists, but now works predominantly as a features writer.
Jim Carrey is Craig’s top acting pick and favorite topics include superheroes, anime and the unrecognized genius of the High School Musical trilogy.

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