#snk chapter 12

[momtaku]

Hi! I am a recent follower of yours and i love your aot analyses! I actually have a question from something very early on in the story, sorry if you've discussed it before. I wanted to know more about the Reclamation Expedition, or the Culling, as the wikia puts it? I want to write a canon fanfic based on that and i am astounded at how little info/fanfiction there is on that subject. To me, it always sounded terrible. Killing 250000 people like that without people rebelling is incredible (contd)

What also really saddens me is that the survey corps is supposed to have led this expedition. We see the SC soldiers in the art relating to this. As per the timeline, this happens in 846, which is just after Erwin became Commander so this is probably the first expedition he had to plan? Basically i have a lot of feels about this horrid “Culling” and just wanted to know if you had any input/info to share about it? Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and have a nice day!

As a fan fiction writer, I can assure you that your thoughts and feelings about this event are already more profound than anything I could share. It’s not something I’ve talked about because like you, I find it almost too terrible to contemplate. 

Your timeline is right. Erwin was in command and I’m fairly certain he and those serving in the Survey Corps at that time would’ve participated.

Not all 250,000 died. There were some survivors.  I’d like to think that maybe the handful who re-entered the gate at the end of the day were alive because of the Survey Corps. Maybe the Survey Corps coped with the pain and guilt by focusing on those few.

Speaking of guilt, I’ve always loved that Pixis refers to the dead civilians as “brothers and sisters in arms”. Even though they were ordinary people with no military training, he gave them that respect. And he was brutally honest about his guilt. Reminding the Garrison soldiers assembled of their sacrifice staved off the Garrison rebellion prior to the battle of Trost. And that ultimately led to humanity’s first victory over the Titans.

There are so many interesting details in this. There’s so much that could be said on the topic. Please, if you write your fic, anon, send me link. I’d love to read it.

[momtaku]

SNK Readthrough: Volume 3, Part 5

Dot Pixis and Eren are walking along the wall engaged in conversation. Pixis is trying to appear casual, but I think what he says is really important. He shares a simple legend with Eren.

Remember, these people have had their memories erased. They supposedly have no oral histories, no books, no past. Yet Dot Pixis has just that - history.

"It is said that before the Titans took over the land, humans were constantly murdering each other over tribal disputes and ideaologies. Back then someone supposedly said, "If a powerful nonhuman enemy appeared, humanity would probably unite and stop fighting itself. - Dot Pixis"

It's possible this legend was planted by the government, but I think a better solution is that someone who knows the truth about the wall is responsible for spreading it.

Pixis and Eren both laugh it off. They claim it is because they know that mankind is far from united and that Titan's are not the only enemy.

But I suspect Pixis is actually floating this idea to Eren to get an idea of how much he knows. We see Erwin do the exact same thing in a later chapter.

It's safe to say the Erwin and Pixis know the big picture. But at this point, we don't know where Pixis's loyalties lie.

This chapter showcases Pixis's skill as a leader. And let me say, I AM IMPRESSED!

He's can easily lie Pixis cleverly passes Eren's abilities off as a top secret government experiment of Titan Transformation

He isn't close minded Armin devises a plan that save lives. His senior officers are quick to accept it.

He trusts his team The next readthrough will discuss this

He's a great orator The soldier who are asked to re-enter Trost start to rebel. Pixis's speech to them is simply brilliant. If you want to read it, it's below the cut.

Pixis invites any soldiers to who are afraid to leave. He will pardon the deserters. But Pixis reminds the soldiers that four years ago, 20% of the population was sacrificed after the fall of Wall Maria. They were sent to their deaths because the government couldn't feed them. It's a sin they all share. If Wall Rose falls, the situation will be much worse. Mankind will ultimately annihilate each other because of famine.

If you have given in to your fear of the Titans, you will never be able to stand against them! Anyone who has succumbed to the terror of the Titans should leave here!

As Pixis begins his speak, many soldier begin to walk away from the battle.

Anyone who wants their parents, siblings and loved ones to feel that same terror for themselves  should leave as well.

But by the time he finishes, they understand they have no option than to stay and fight. They are fighting for the safety of their families and for all of humankind.

Mankind needs a hero. They need a victory. For the first time, there will be an Attack on the Titans.

The chapter closes with Eren assuming his Titan form, and attacking Mikasa!