Series & First Appearance
Bertolt Hoover is a character from the acclaimed anime and manga series Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan), created by Hajime Isayama. He made his first appearance in Chapter 1 of the manga and Episode 1 of the anime.
Profile at a Glance
Bertolt Hoover is a 16-year-old soldier and a key character who initially serves as a member of the Scouting Legion. He stands tall at 192 cm (6’3") and weighs 81 kg (179 lbs). Despite his stature and combat potential, he grapples with deep-seated feelings of cowardice. Notably, he is later revealed to be the Colossal Titan, the formidable force that breached Wall Maria, showcasing a crucial duality in his character—a soldier and a hidden antagonist.
Personality & Motivations
Bertolt is often characterized as reserved, introspective, and deeply conflicted. Initially aspiring to join the Military Police for a safer life, he shifts his ambition upon witnessing the unyielding determination of his peers, particularly Eren Yeager. This leads him to question his own courage and motivations. He yearns for acceptance and loyalty, demonstrated in his friendships with Reiner Braun and Annie Leonhart. Despite being part of the enemy faction, he often shows a reluctant and contemplative nature, particularly when discussing the consequences of their actions.
Abilities / Powers
As the Colossal Titan, Bertolt possesses extraordinary abilities, including a massive size and strength, capable of causing widespread destruction within moments. His transformation allows him to generate heat, resulting in a steam explosion that can incapacitate those nearby. He displays significant combat skills as a soldier, ranking third in his class during training. However, he is often reluctant to engage directly in combat, favoring strategic manipulation over face-to-face confrontation. This duality in his powers showcases his internal struggle and eventual acceptance of his role within the Titan shifter hierarchy.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Bertolt’s character is pivotal throughout several key arcs.
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Graduation and Joining the Scouting Legion: Initially desiring a safe life, Bertolt’s shift towards a combat role is catalyzed by witnessing Eren’s fervor.
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The Attack on Shiganshina: In a critical moment during the plan to retake Wall Maria, Bertolt transforms into the Colossal Titan, unleashing devastation upon the Survey Corps. This event marks a significant turning point, where he is confronted by Eren and Armin, revealing the full extent of his powers.
- Final Confrontation: His demise occurs in a climactic dual against Eren, where he is ultimately defeated and consumed by Armin, who undergoes a significant transformation of his own through Bertolt’s Titan powers. This act symbolizes not only the end of Bertolt’s journey but also the intertwining fates of the characters and highlights themes of regret, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Notable Relationships
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Reiner Braun: Bertolt shares a deep bond with Reiner, both serving alongside each other as warriors. Their camaraderie is instrumental to each other’s motivations and decisions, influencing Bertolt’s actions throughout the series.
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Annie Leonhart: As fellow infiltrators, Bertolt harbors strong feelings for Annie, adding layers to his character and showcasing his ability to form emotional connections despite his overarching mission.
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Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the most memorable scenes occurs during the Siege of Shiganshina, where Bertolt’s transformation into the Colossal Titan leads to mass destruction. The moment embodies the tragic implications of his dual existence as both a soldier and a monster.
A striking line from Bertolt is: "I don’t want to fight… But I will if I have to." This encapsulates his internal conflict, illustrating the tension between duty and desire for safety; a theme prevalent throughout his arc.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Bertolt’s name has a German origin, meaning "bright strength," which is ironically reflective of his character’s hidden potential contrasted against his cowardice.
- He is voiced by Yūki Kaji in Japanese and Zach Aguilar in English, both bringing nuance to the character’s complex emotional landscape.
- In popularity polls, Bertolt has garnered attention, reflecting his relatable struggles and the depth of his character arc, ranking 3rd among fan favorites in certain surveys.
Bertolt Hoover emerges as a deeply nuanced character within the Attack on Titan narrative, embodying themes of internal conflict, loyalty, and the haunting legacy of one’s choices—an enigma whose duality resonates strongly with fans and fuels extensive fan theories and discussions.
