Why Did The Smiling Titan Ignore Bertholdt

Okay, let's talk about that awkward moment. You know, the one where the Smiling Titan, that terrifyingly cheerful giant, just breezes right past Bertholdt? The guy screaming his head off, conveniently located lunch – ignored! It's like being stood up on a date, but with a side of existential horror.

We’ve all seen it. Bertholdt, poor guy, dangling from the wall. Ready to be devoured. And then, the Smiling Titan, with her unsettling grin, just… keeps walking. Straight for Eren's mom.

The Big Question: Why the Cold Shoulder?

Seriously, what gives? Was it a personal vendetta? Did the Smiling Titan have some beef with Bertholdt's fashion choices? Okay, probably not, but the mystery is definitely intriguing.

Some theories get super complicated. Talking about Coordinate powers and Titan instincts and royal bloodlines. But let’s be honest, sometimes the simplest answer is the most satisfying, right?

Imagine the Smiling Titan as a very hungry, very single-minded diner patron. She has a craving, a specific dish in mind. And Bertholdt, bless his heart, just wasn't on the menu. Maybe she was on a special diet. Exclusively "Jaeger" flavored titans.

The "Mommy Issues" Theory

This theory suggests the Smiling Titan (aka, Dina Fritz) was subconsciously drawn to members of the Reiss family. Dina had royal blood. And her Titan form, it is argued, was compelled to seek out and consume those of royal descent.

Think of it like a homing beacon, but instead of leading to a phone, it leads to tragedy. Carla Jaeger, Eren’s mom, was conveniently (or inconveniently, depending on your perspective) there. Near Eren. And Eren possessed the Founding Titan. Boom. Target acquired.

So, Bertholdt was just… collateral damage. Unlucky? Absolutely. But the Smiling Titan’s actions weren't necessarily about him. It was about a deeper, darker connection to royal blood and the power it held.

The "Dramatic Timing" Explanation

Let's be real, the Attack on Titan story is all about dramatic impact. Ignoring Bertholdt added a layer of shock and horror to Carla's death.

Imagine if the Smiling Titan had munched on Bertholdt first. It would have been sad, sure, but would it have had the same gut-wrenching impact? Probably not.

Sometimes, the story demands a specific sequence of events. Even if it means a giant, grinning Titan makes some seemingly questionable choices. The writers needed Carla's death to fuel Eren's rage and drive the plot forward.

So, in the grand scheme of things, Bertholdt's near-death experience was a plot device. Harsh, but true. He was just a pawn in a much larger, much more tragic game.

The Takeaway: It's Complicated (and Tragic)

Ultimately, the Smiling Titan's decision to ignore Bertholdt is a mix of messed-up genetics, tragic backstories, and good old-fashioned dramatic timing. It's a reminder that in the world of Attack on Titan, nothing is ever simple.

Whether it was a primal instinct, a predetermined fate, or just plain bad luck, Bertholdt's rejection by the Smiling Titan remains one of the series' most haunting and unforgettable moments. And a great reminder that sometimes, the universe just has it in for you. Even if you're a giant, screaming teenager.