When people talk about Attack on Titan Historia , the names that dominate the conversation are usually Eren, Levi, Armin, or Mikasa. These characters are iconic in their own ways—Eren with his relentless drive, Levi with his unmatched skill, and Armin with his sharp intellect. But buried in the shadows of these giants stands Historia Reiss, a character whose arc is one of the most emotionally complex and thematically rich in the entire series. Despite playing a crucial role in the narrative, she’s often overlooked by fans who focus on the more action-heavy characters. Let’s dig into why Historia deserves more recognition and why she might just be the most underrated character in Attack on Titan.
The Complexity of Her Origins
Historia’s backstory is one of the darkest in the series, and yet it rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. Born as the illegitimate daughter of Rod Reiss—the true king of the Walls—she grew up neglected, ignored, and treated as a burden. From the very start, her life was defined by rejection. She wasn’t raised with love or warmth but rather with the constant reminder that she didn’t belong.
This early rejection is key to understanding why she initially crafted the persona of “Krista Lenz.” Under that name, she became the embodiment of kindness and self-sacrifice, always trying to win affection by putting others before herself. At first glance, she seemed like the stereotypical “sweet girl” character, but this was nothing more than a mask built from trauma. Her desire to be seen, loved, and accepted pushed her to extremes, making her one of the most psychologically layered characters in the series.
What’s fascinating is how her origins tie directly into the broader themes of Attack on Titan. The story constantly explores cycles of trauma, manipulation, and the struggle for freedom. Historia’s childhood wasn’t just sad—it was a microcosm of the oppressive system that controlled everyone inside the Walls. Through her, we see how even those with royal blood can be crushed under the weight of expectations and political schemes.
Her Relationship with Ymir
One of the most important turning points in Historia arc is her relationship with Ymir. While many characters in Attack on Titan push Historia toward being a pawn, Ymir is the first person to encourage her to embrace her true self. Ymir sees through the façade of Krista Lenz and calls her out for hiding behind a fake identity. Instead of pushing her to play a role, Ymir wants her to live for herself, not for the expectations of others.
Their bond is deeply emotional and, depending on how you read it, possibly romantic. Regardless of interpretation, it’s clear that Ymir’s influence is transformative. Historia begins to understand that her worth isn’t defined by being selfless to the point of self-destruction. Ymir’s constant reminders—sometimes harsh, sometimes tender—plant the seeds for Historia’s eventual growth into a confident and decisive leader.
What makes this relationship so powerful is the mutual recognition between the two. Ymir, a character who also lived a life defined by rejection and shame, sees herself in Historia. In turn, Historia’s kindness and determination give Ymir something she’s been longing for: someone to protect and fight for. Their dynamic highlights the recurring Attack on Titan theme that true strength doesn’t always come from power, but from being understood by someone else.
Historia’s Evolution into a Queen
Historia’s rise to the throne is arguably one of the most underrated political storylines in anime. Initially, she was nothing more than a pawn for her father, Rod Reiss, who wanted to use her to inherit the Founding Titan. Yet instead of following his orders, Historia makes one of the boldest moves in the series—she rejects her father, kills him, and claims her own agency.
This transformation is monumental. For most of her life, she was passive, controlled by others, and desperate for approval. But in that moment, she breaks the chains that bound her and decides to take control of her own fate. When she slams the killing blow into Rod Reiss’s Titan, it symbolizes the death of “Krista Lenz” and the birth of Historia Reiss, the true queen.
As queen, Historia embodies a very different kind of strength compared to characters like Eren or Levi. She doesn’t fight on the frontlines or dominate battles, but she takes on the immense responsibility of ruling. Her reign isn’t about glory—it’s about survival, stability, and making decisions that others are too afraid to make. In a series where freedom is often linked to brute force, Historia proves that leadership and quiet resilience can be just as powerful.
The Symbolism of Historia’s Choices
Historia’s arc is loaded with symbolism, and it often parallels the struggles faced by other major characters. While Eren fights against destiny with violent rebellion, Historia does it through acceptance and self-definition. She doesn’t run away from her heritage, nor does she let it define her. Instead, she reclaims her identity and decides what it means to be Historia Reiss.
One of the most symbolic moments is her decision to punch Levi after she’s crowned queen. It’s a small act, but it speaks volumes. It shows that she’s no longer the timid Krista, afraid of consequences or desperate for approval. She’s willing to stand up for herself, even against humanity’s strongest soldier. That single punch encapsulates her transformation—it’s defiance, independence, and courage wrapped into one subtle gesture.
Her choices also highlight the moral gray areas of Attack on Titan. For instance, later in the story, she makes decisions about her pregnancy and her role as queen that leave fans divided. Some see her actions as forced compliance with political pressures, while others view them as pragmatic moves to protect humanity. This ambiguity only makes her character more compelling because it reflects the series’ overarching theme: there are no easy answers when survival is at stake.
Why Fans Underrate Historia
So why does Historia often get overlooked by fans? The main reason is that Attack on Titan is packed with loud, dramatic characters who demand attention. Eren’s fiery speeches, Levi’s jaw-dropping fight scenes, and Erwin’s rousing leadership moments dominate discussions. In contrast, Historia’s strength is quieter, subtler, and more political than physical.
Another reason is that many viewers initially dismiss her as the “kind girl trope.” Her early Krista persona made her appear like just another support character, and by the time her real depth is revealed, some fans had already written her off. Unlike Levi’s battles or Eren’s transformations, Historia’s biggest moments require patience and attention to character development, which not everyone invests in.
Finally, there’s the fact that Attack on Titan is an action-heavy series, and political or emotional arcs often get overshadowed. Historia’s significance lies in the undercurrents of the story rather than the flashy surface-level events. But if you look closely, you realize that without her, many of the series’ most pivotal moments wouldn’t even be possible.
Historia’s Lasting Legacy
At the end of the day, Historia’s importance in Attack on Titan cannot be overstated. She represents themes of identity, resilience, and the reclaiming of agency in a world designed to strip people of it. Her journey from neglected child to powerful queen is one of the most inspiring arcs in the series, even if it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
Her legacy is in her quiet defiance. Historia didn’t become strong by wielding swords or transforming into a Titan—she became strong by surviving, by choosing her own path, and by redefining what it means to be a leader. That kind of strength might not get the spotlight, but it’s just as crucial to the story as any epic battle.
So the next time you rewatch Attack on Titan or talk about the best characters in the series, don’t let Historia’s brilliance slip under the radar. She may not scream about freedom like Eren or slice through enemies like Levi, but her impact runs just as deep. Historia Reiss is proof that sometimes, the most underrated characters are the ones who leave the strongest mark when the dust settles.
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