Onionlinks

Onionlinks

Did You Know?

You can create any type of product documentation with Docy

Émile Durkheim

Mikasa Ackermann

Mikasa Ackermann(ミカサ・アッカーマン Mikasa Akkāman) is one of the two deuteragonists ofAttack on Titan. She is the last surviving member of the Shogun clan on Paradis Island, making her a distant relative of the Azumabito family and granting her notable political influence in the nation of Hizuru.

Mikasa’s early life took a tragic turn when her parents were killed by bandits. She was saved by Eren Jaeger, after which she lived with him and his family for a year before the fall of Wall Maria. Although her deepest wish was to live a peaceful life with Eren, Mikasa decided to join the military to stay by his side. Known for her incredible combat skills, Mikasa was recognized as the top soldier of the 104th Cadet Corps and later joined the Scout Regiment to continue protecting Eren.

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Mikasa Ackermann is a tall, physically fit woman known for her well-toned physique, with defined muscles throughout her arms, legs, and abdomen. By the year 854, Mikasa cuts her hair short, keeping it up to the back of her neck while sporting longer bangs. She is of partial Asian descent, with pale skin, gray eyes, and black hair, which she once kept long until cutting it to chin length at Eren’s suggestion. By 857, her hair has grown long again, and she ties it into a ponytail.

Her eye color varies depending on lighting, ranging from shades of gray to blue. Mikasa’s body is well-toned with minimal body fat, giving her a muscular appearance. She also has a small scar under her right eye, a result of an injury sustained when Eren unknowingly attacked her in his Titan form.

As a soldier, Mikasa typically wears the standard Scout Regiment uniform: a short, light-brown jacket with the regiment’s insignia on both shoulders, the front left pocket, and the back, paired with a white shirt, a brown sash around her waist, white pants, and knee-high brown leather boots. She also wears a green Scout Regiment cape. A distinct part of her attire is a red scarf, a treasured gift from Eren after he rescued her from traffickers.

During her mission in Marley, Mikasa dons a black Scout Regiment uniform equipped with a breastplate bearing the regiment’s symbol, belts to hold her gear, and support rods for her gas canisters. She carries various weapons, including guns, thunder spears, and extra gas tanks.

History

Mikasa Ackermann was born to an Ackermann father and an Asian mother. She lived a peaceful life with her parents on the farmlands within Wall Maria. As part of her heritage, her mother performed a painful scarring ritual on Mikasa, cutting the mark of their family into her skin, while also teaching her a unique style of embroidery. Being among the last of their race, Mikasa’s family was targeted by human traffickers, who murdered her parents and attempted to kidnap her to sell as a slave in the capital. Mikasa was only nine years old at the time.

Mikasa was saved by Eren Jaeger, who killed two of the traffickers. However, when Eren was overpowered by the third trafficker, he urged Mikasa to fight back. Initially terrified, Mikasa ultimately realized the harshness of the world and managed to kill the attacker, saving Eren. Afterward, Eren’s father arrived with the Military Police Regiment, and Mikasa was taken in by the Jaeger family. Eren gave her a red scarf, which she would treasure deeply. This traumatic event awakened Mikasa’s fighting instincts and marked the beginning of her journey toward becoming a formidable soldier.

Mikasa lived with the Jaegers in Shiganshina District until the Colossal Titan breached Wall Maria, destroying their home.

Personality

Before her parents’ deaths, Mikasa was a cheerful yet perceptive child, aware of the harsh realities of nature but still able to live happily with her family. This peace was shattered when criminals brutally murdered her parents in an attempt to kidnap her. Rescued by Eren Jaeger, Mikasa, even as a child, overcame her attackers and killed one of them. This traumatic experience shaped her view of the world as a cruel place where only the strong survive, leading to a more cynical and serious personality

After her parents’ murder, Mikasa became emotionally withdrawn, though she remained deeply caring towards her friends, especially Eren and Armin Arlelt, seeing them as the last family she had. Eren’s words about fighting to survive had a lasting impact on her, driving her to become one of the most skilled soldiers among the 104th Cadet Corps. Her primary motivation to join the military and later the Scout Regiment was to protect Eren, whom she loyally follows, despite her personal desire to live peacefully within the Walls.

Mikasa possesses a strong sense of justice, but her protective nature towards Eren often drives her actions. She frequently advises him but knows she cannot always influence his decisions, opting instead to follow him wherever he goes to ensure she can protect him. Her stoic and level-headed demeanor allows her to remain calm in most situations, even when facing great danger. However, her deep bond with Eren can cloud her judgment, leading her to act impulsively when he is in harm’s way, as seen when she attacked the Female Titan in a furious attempt to save him.

Despite her calm exterior, Mikasa’s emotions occasionally overwhelm her. She experienced deep despair upon believing Eren had died, briefly losing the will to live. However, memories of Eren revived her resolve, driving her to never give up again. Her bond with Eren defines her, and she has displayed a wide range of emotions for him, including anger, sadness, and tenderness. She continues to wear the red scarf Eren gave her when they first met, using it as a source of strength and comfort.

Alternate Reality: Lost in the Cruel World

Cover of the French edition of The Rules of Sociological Method (1919)

Mikasa Ackermann with Blade: Mikasa Ackermann brandishes her blade with fierce determination, exemplifying her role as a skilled soldier and protector in the battle against Titans

In the year 844, Dr. Jaeger and his son, Eren, visit the Ackermann family for a checkup on Mikasa’s pregnant mother. During the visit, Eren and Mikasa wander into the forest, where Eren tells her of his dream to join the Scout Regiment and explore the outside world. However, their conversation is interrupted by the howling of wild dogs, which had killed a group of travelers. Eren and Mikasa quickly return home and inform their parents of what they witnessed.

Following this, Dr. Jaeger frequently brings Eren with him on his visits to the Ackermann family. The two children avoid the forest, spending their time playing around the house. Eren tells Mikasa about his friend, Armin, and their shared dream of one day exploring the outside world together. Eren also talks to her about the vast ocean and how it is so large that merchants could never sell all of its salt.

Some time later, Mikasa is sent to Shiganshina to return a forgotten item to Dr. Jaeger. Upon arriving, she is greeted by Eren, who eagerly drags her along to watch the Scout Regiment return from a mission. They see the Scouts return in shambles, which leaves Mikasa concerned for Eren’s safety. Despite her worries, Eren remains steadfast in his desire to join the Scouts. When Eren confronts a citizen speaking against the Scouts, he gets into a fight and is badly beaten, but Mikasa watches helplessly.

As winter passes, Eren stops visiting Mikasa, which worries her. Eventually, her family moves to Shiganshina to be closer to Dr. Jaeger, as her mother has fallen ill. Mikasa blames herself for her mother’s sickness and apologizes to her. In Shiganshina, Mikasa asks Eren why he stopped visiting, and he reveals that the Scout Regiment has been disbanded. However, Eren and Armin plan to escape using a hot air balloon. Eren wraps his scarf around Mikasa and tells her to meet him in the forest in three days.

On the day of the escape, as a festival is being held, Mikasa rushes to meet Eren, but is suddenly grabbed by a mysterious masked man. The man cryptically tells her that she is lost in a world she created because she cannot accept Eren’s death. He hands her a knife, urging her to kill him, but Mikasa hesitates. Before she can react, an explosion shakes the district, and the man appears to be mortally wounded, though it turns out to be a trick.

Mikasa rushes to the meeting place, but instead finds Armin, who tearfully informs her that Eren has died saving him from a balloon accident.

Abilities

Cover of the French edition of The Division of Labour in Society

Mikasa Ackermann: Renowned for her exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty, Mikasa Ackermann stands as a formidable warrior in humanity’s struggle against the Titans, driven by her deep bond with Eren Yeager.

Physical Strength

Mikasa, from a young age, developed exceptional physical strength, driven by the need to protect Eren, who often sought trouble. Her strength and combat skills quickly earned her a formidable reputation, as she was able to easily overpower boys much larger than her. This was evident when Armin was being bullied, and the mere sight of Mikasa standing behind Eren made the bullies flee, despite their superior numbers. She also has the strength to lift Eren off the ground with ease.

Omni-Directional Mobility Gear

Mikasa’s exceptional skills in using omni-directional mobility gear set her apart from her peers. During her training, Keith Shadis noted that Mikasa excelled in every subject and was a natural talent. Her mastery of the gear allows her to swiftly and efficiently take down Titans, making her a military prodigy. Many consider her prowess equal to that of “a hundred ordinary soldiers.” Her combination of skill, strength, and determination enables her to display lethal force against Titans, a quality rarely seen among even the most seasoned veterans. Her survival in two separate encounters with the Female Titan, who had effortlessly slain numerous experienced soldiers, further showcases her incredible combat ability.

Relationships

Eren Jaeger

Mikasa considers Eren to be her “family,” as she was taken into his home following the death of her parents. Eren gave her a red scarf as a symbol of comfort during her most vulnerable time, and she treasures it deeply. From that moment, Eren became a source of strength and purpose for Mikasa, and she formed an intense emotional attachment to him. When she thought Eren had died, Mikasa almost gave up on life, but she managed to continue living to honor his memory. Her unwavering devotion to Eren often results in her being fiercely protective, to the point of annoyance for Eren, who sometimes pushes back against her protectiveness, telling her not to treat him like a “little brother.” Her deep affection for Eren is so noticeable that others, including Jean and Levi, question the nature of their relationship. Mikasa often blushes when Eren is mentioned, especially when their relationship is mistakenly identified as romantic. During a near-death moment with the Smiling Titan, she expressed her gratitude to Eren for everything he had done for her.

Armin Arlelt

Mikasa is extremely close to Armin, having defended him from bullies when they were children. She trusts his intellect and strategic thinking, relying on his judgment in dire situations. Mikasa’s faith in Armin, alongside Eren’s, has played a significant role in boosting Armin’s confidence, particularly when he had to convince a brigade of soldiers of Eren’s importance.[24] She also experienced great emotional turmoil when deciding whether to save Armin with the Titan injection, breaking down in tears over the difficult choice.[55]

Annie Leonhart

Mikasa and Annie share a rivalry that becomes personal after Annie is revealed to be the Female Titan. Mikasa, who had already sensed Annie’s cold nature, becomes furious upon learning that Annie was responsible for the deaths of their comrades and Eren’s attempted kidnapping. Their animosity culminates in a fierce confrontation, where Mikasa stops Annie from escaping by severing her fingers and forcing her to fall from the Wall.

Jean Kirschtein

Eren held deep respect for Levi, acknowledging his superiority in both combat and leadership. Despite being beaten by Levi during his trial, Eren understood it was necessary and harbored no resentment. Eren admired Levi’s strength and strived to learn from him, following his advice without hesitation. Over time, he grew accustomed to the cleanliness standard demanded by Levi, learning to respect his superior both as a soldier and a mentor.

Annie Leonhart

Jean’s rivalry with Eren often causes tension between him and Mikasa, though it is unclear if Mikasa is aware of Jean’s romantic feelings for her. When Jean criticizes Eren, Mikasa instinctively defends him, sometimes causing friction between the two.

Levi Ackermann

Mikasa and Levi’s relationship initially starts off negatively, as she witnesses him brutally beat Eren during his trial. This angers Mikasa, who vows to make Levi pay for his treatment of Eren. However, over time, their relationship grows more understanding. Levi offers advice to Mikasa, especially when she causes his injury during a mission to rescue Eren. Eventually, Mikasa appears to feel remorse for having caused Levi’s injury and values his guidance during critical moments.

Grisha Jaeger

Grisha took in Mikasa after the murder of her parents, treating her with kindness and raising her as part of his family. Mikasa respected and relied on him as a father figure, grateful for the warmth he and Carla provided after her traumatic experience.[

Carla Jaeger

Carla treated Mikasa as her own daughter, caring for her during her stay with the Jaeger family. Carla entrusted Mikasa with the responsibility of looking after Eren and keeping him out of trouble, a request Mikasa took very seriously. During the fall of Shiganshina, Mikasa desperately tried to save Carla from being devoured by a Titan, refusing to leave her behind despite her pleas.

Hannes

Mikasa is grateful to Hannes for saving her and Eren from the Titan that devoured Carla. Despite Hannes’ admission of cowardice, Mikasa does not hold it against him. She values him as one of the few people with whom she shares memories of her peaceful life before the fall of Wall Maria.

Grisha Jaeger

Eren had a complicated relationship with his father, Grisha, who was often away due to his duties. Though Grisha deeply cared for his son, Eren was left frustrated and confused by his father’s disappearance after Wall Maria’s fall. Despite his frustration, Eren clung to the belief that Grisha was alive and working towards their shared goal.

Carla Jaeger

Eren loved his mother deeply, though he often ignored her warnings about joining the Scouts. After her tragic death during the fall of Shiganshina, Eren was left traumatized and filled with guilt for disobeying her. Her loss fueled his hatred for the Titans and his determination to avenge her.

Hannes

Before the fall of Wall Maria, Eren was often frustrated by Hannes’ laid-back attitude. However, after Hannes sacrificed himself to protect Eren and Mikasa, Eren’s respect for him grew. His death deeply affected Eren, who viewed him as a close family friend.

Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover

Although Mikasa initially considered Reiner and Bertholdt to be comrades, her feelings changed once their true identities as the Armored and Colossal Titans were revealed. Despite her connection to them, she fails to kill them when she has the chance, but remains resolute in her desire to bring Eren back.

Louise

After Mikasa saved a young Louise and her mother during the Battle of Trost, Louise developed an intense admiration for her, which later inspired her to join the Scout Regiment. Years later, when Louise reunites with Mikasa, she expresses her continued idolization, though Mikasa is slightly uncomfortable with her hero-worship. Despite Mikasa’s disapproval of Louise’s allegiance to the Jaegerists, Louise continues to look up to her.

Trivia

  • Character Design Inspiration: Hajime Isayama based Mikasa’s physical appearance on a woman he encountered while working a part-time job. He specifically modeled her scarf, hairstyle, eyes, and eyebrows after the woman. Initially, Isayama intended for Mikasa to be a Westerner, like the rest of the cast, but decided to make her part-Asian after being inspired by this woman .

  • Name Origin: Mikasa’s name is derived from theMikasa, a historic pre-dreadnought battleship of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which served as a flagship during the Russo-Japanese War. Isayama believed that naming a character after a famous warship would bring success to the series.

  • Surname Meaning: Her surname, “Ackermann,” means “one who works the fields” in German .

  • Scarf Preference: In an interview, Isayama mentioned that Mikasa would opt not to wear her scarf if the weather is too hot .

  • Strength: According to Isayama, if the 104th Cadet Corps had an arm wrestling competition, Mikasa would come in first place .

  • Merchandise: Mikasa is one of theAttack on Titancharacters to be made into a Nendoroid figure, alongside Eren, Levi, and the Colossal Titan. Additionally, a Nendoroid playset of theAttack on Titanworld was created.

  • Video Game Appearance: In the gameAge of Gunslingers Online, a special Titan Mode was made as a tribute toAttack on Titan, featuring Elsa, an NPC modeled after Mikasa and voiced by Yui Ishikawa. A special skin for the Blade Class is also available.

  • Pop Culture Reference: InThe Simpsonsepisode “Treehouse of Horror XXV,” Lisa Simpson is portrayed as Mikasa, wearing her hairstyle and military outfit, and using the omni-directional mobility gear in the anime-themed segment.

  • Character Song: Mikasa is one of eight characters inAttack on Titanto have her own character song. Her song, “No Matter Where You Are,” stands out as she is the only female character with a song among the eight. The other characters with songs include Eren, Armin, Jean, Levi, Erwin, Reiner, and Bertholdt.

  • Music Tribute: The metalcore bandVeil of Mayahas a song titled “Mikasa,” inspired by her character.