Updated April 1, 2023 by Ernie
Hail, esteemed followers of AOT! I have heard your call once more, for it has been brought to my attention that among you are those who possess the power to shift into Titans! Today, we shall reveal their identities and showcase their formidable abilities.
Table of Contents
But before we pass our unyielding judgement, let me recommend to you some of our related articles that contain boundless knowledge and unparalleled entertainment! Such as Attack on Titan release date!
THE TITAN SHIFTERS IN ATTACK ON TITAN
Who Made The Nine Titan Shifters?
The Nine Titan Shifters were created from the power of Ymir Fritz, also known as the Founding Titan. According to the story, Ymir fell inside a hollowed tree and stumbled into a strange-looking spine creature while fleeing from her captors. The strength of Ymir was handed down to her daughters Maria, Rose, and Sina, and then to their descendants, giving rise to the Nine Titans, each of whom possessed a special ability. These Titans are known as the ultimate weapons and were once wielded to dominate the world.
Why do Titan Shifters Have to Hurt Themselves?
In the series, Titan shifters have to inflict physical harm on themselves in order to transform into their Titan form. The reason behind this is not explicitly explained in the series, but it is hinted that the transformation requires a certain level of physical pain or injury to trigger it.
But according to a theory, it may be related to the fact that the source of the Titans’ power is located in their spinal fluid, and that the pain or injury is necessary to release the fluid and activate the transformation. Additionally, it is suggested that the pain serves as a sort of trigger for the transformation, possibly due to the intense emotional and physical response it elicits. Aside from that theory, what if we told you that the Rumbling isn’t real? Crazy, right?
Who are the Nine Titan Shifters in AOT?
Colossal Titan
The Colossal Titan made its grand entrance in the series during the fall of Wall Maria, where it showed its sheer power by breaking the wall with a single kick, paving the way for Titans to invade the Shiganshina District.
As the story progresses, it is revealed that the Colossal Titan is actually a human named Bertholdt Hoover, who possesses the ability to transform into the titan. However, during the Battle of Shiganshina District, Armin was given the titan serum and devoured Bertholdt, thus becoming the next Colossal Titan (AOT: Midnight Sun Season 3 Episode 18). Beside from being the new Colossal Titan, Armin has some pretty cool quotes that you should read!
The most notable power of the Colossal Titan is its ability to emit scorching steam and detonate its colossal body. The heat and force of the steam are capable of causing massive destruction, creating diversions, or clearing obstacles.
Despite its immense strength and stature, the Colossal Titan is not invincible. Maintaining its colossal form requires a tremendous amount of energy, limiting the time it can remain transformed. These weaknesses can be exploited in battle, making it vulnerable to attacks.
Aside from Armin and Bertholdt, these are the other forms of Colossal Titans.
Armored Titan
The next Titan shifter introduced in the series was none other than Reiner Braun. His Titan form boasts heavily armored skin that renders him nearly invincible and his immense strength and durability is second to none.
The Armored Titan’s ability to easily destroy structures and overpower other titans in combat with its incredible strength and armor plating is unmatched. It can also generate steam to propel itself forward, giving it the ability to move with great force and speed, making it both the invincible shield and the ultimate spear.
But let’s not forget that even with its immense power, the Armored Titan is not invincible. Like any medieval knight, it has its weaknesses, such as its joints that can be taken down by faster opponents like Mikasa or Levi. Additionally, its armor is vulnerable to explosives, like the Thunder Spear. (Thunder Spear S3 EP14). Speaking of knights, you should check out some of our anime knights that you’ll love!
We have also seen various armored titans in the manga, each with their own unique armor style. One of them even appears to be made of rock.
Female Titan
Later in the series, it was revealed that the Female Titan was actually Annie Leonheart. However, the first time we saw this titan was during the 57th Exterior Scouting Mission (Season 1 Episode 17). During this mission, Annie demonstrated exceptional strength, speed, and agility, resulting in a significant loss for the Scout Regiment. This is one of the best Attack on Titan episodes by the way!
In addition to its physical abilities, the Female Titan has the unique power to selectively control the hardening of its skin. This allows it to use its hardened skin for both defensive and offensive purposes. When Annie was ultimately captured, she used this ability to create a protective shell around herself that resembled a crystallized cocoon. (Mercy: Raid on Stohess District, Part 2)
You can see that some of the former bearers of the Female Titan have different physical traits, such as longer hair, and another one appeared to be flayed and had a lot of exposed tissues.
Jaw Titan
It is characterized by its small size, muscular build, and sharp teeth. The Jaw Titan’s most notable ability is its powerful jaws, which allow it to bite through almost anything, including the hardened skin of other titans. (Assault: AOT Final season part 1 Episode 7).
Marcel was the previous holder of the Jaw Titan, but he was consumed by the Dancing Titan (Ymir’s titan form) for protecting Reiner. Afterward, Ymir inherited the Jaw Titan, but eventually confessed herself and gave her power to Porco, who became the next Jaw Titan holder.
However, when Porco uncovered a shocking truth about Marcel and Reiner, and Reiner was about to be consumed by the transformed Falco, Porco stepped in and saved him. Unfortunately, Falco ended up devouring Porco, making him the current holder of the Jaw Titan.
In addition to its speed and strong jaws, Falco Grice’s titan form, the Jaw Titan, now has avian characteristics that enable Falco to soar into the skies. If you’re looking for more anime with monsters, we’ve got you covered! With all this talk of devouring and possessing new powers, you might be interested in checking out some of our other monster-themed anime.
Cart Titan
Pieck Finger is the only known character to have possessed the Cart Titan. Her Titan form is portrayed by its long, quadrupedal body, which gives it the ability to carry heavy objects and equipment on its back. Pieck has used this ability to transport weapons, supplies, and even other people during her missions.
In addition to her unique Titan abilities, Pieck has had several badass moments, particularly when she wears armor and wields a gigantic sniper gun aka anti-titan cannon. (AOT S4 Part 2 Episode 3)
Former bearers of the Cart Titan have also been shown in the manga, each with unique variations of the titan form. One appears to resemble a wolf, while another has the appearance of a cattle.
Beast Titan
The previous holder of the Beast Titan is Tom Ksaver, but the current holder of the Beast Titan is Zeke Yeager. His Titan form is notable for its animalistic appearance, resembling a primate. The Beast Titan has a muscular and furry body, and it possesses high intelligence as well as the ability to speak. Well, that is quite true because he has some badass quotes!
Thanks to its long muscular arm, the Beast Titan is capable of throwing objects with great accuracy and force. It has been shown to hurl rocks and even titans at its enemies. One of its most frightening abilities is to transform people into titans by having them consume some of its spinal fluid. Upon hearing its scream, the person will immediately transform into a man-eating monstrosity under the Beast Titan’s control, compelled to follow its orders. (AOT: Two Brothers Season 4 Episode 19)
Former holders of the Beast Titan have exhibited various animalistic traits, including those of a ram and a reptile.
Warhammer Titan
The current holder of the Warhammer Titan is Lara Tybur, who utilized its power to create and manipulate structures made of hardened Titan flesh. The titan is also recognized for its long-range attack capabilities, as it can create spears and other weapons out of its hardened flesh and launch them at its enemies.
What distinguishes the Warhammer Titan is that its human form is not situated on the nape of the neck like other titans but can be located elsewhere, such as underground. Later, Eren Yeager managed to defeat Lara by cracking her crystallized cocoon using the Jaw Titan’s form and took possession of the Warhammer Titan. (Assault: AOT Final season part 1 Episode 7)
The previous holders of the Warhammer Titan also utilized different types of weapons, such as bows, hammers, spears, and maces.
Attack Titan
The previous known holder of the Attack Titan was Eren Kruger, also known as “The Owl,” who was the founder of the “Restorationists.” After Marleyan soldiers discovered the group and turned its members into titans, Kruger appeared and saved Grisha. (AOT Season 3 Part 2 Episode 20)
Kruger revealed the true power of the Attack Titan, which grants its user the ability to see and influence the future. Kruger chose Grisha to be his successor, and when Grisha left Marley and began living within the walled world of Paradis, he obtained the Founding Titan by massacring the Reiss family. After that, he passed down the power of the Attack Titan to his son, Eren Yeager. (AOT Season 3 Episode 6)
Eren Yeager discovered his powers during the first mission at Trost, and since then, we have seen him master his abilities. He successfully obtained the Warhammer Titan during his invasion of Marley, and after that, he pretended to ally with his half-brother Zeke to achieve his ultimate goal of meeting the Founder Ymir, which he eventually accomplished. To learn more details, you can read our blog about the ending of Attack on Titan.
Images of the previous Attack Titan which include Grisha and Eren Kruger.
Founding Titan
The Founding Titan is a unique and powerful titan that grants its user the ability to manipulate memories and control other titans. It is believed to be the source of all titans and the key to unlocking the secrets of the world.
The Founding Titan was initially held by the royal family of Eldia, who used its power to dominate other nations. However, the Founding Titan’s power also caused a curse that limited the lifespan of its users to only thirteen years after they inherited it.
One of the most significant holders of the Founding Titan was Eren Yeager, who gained its power after his father, Grisha Yeager, killed the royal family and passed down the Titan to him. Eren used the Founding Titan’s power to pave his path towards genocide which is to annihilate the eighty percent of population, leaving Paradis alone to obtain the freedom that they dream. (AOT: Dawn of Humanity Season 4 Episode 28).
Previous holders of the Founding Titan, which involves The Founder Ymir, King Carl Fritz, Uri Reiss, and Frida Reiss.
Conclusion
That concludes our discussion of the Nine Titans aka Titan shifters, but if you have any additional thoughts or information to share, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. And if you’re still hungry for more Attack on Titan content, be sure to check out some of our other interesting articles, such as our guide on where to start reading the Attack on Titan manga. Thanks for joining us, and we’ll see you next time!
