Two of the series most popular male characters, Eren for his obsessive resolve and Levi for his rugged good looks, have a relationship that has peaked some considerable interest— or, at least, their lack of a relationship has. However, there are times when there seems to be some form of a friendship between these two. Being both skilled fighters, physically and tactfully, these two have worked with one another for quite some time against the Titans that threaten humanity. Their similarities help to gain some mutual grounds between them, regardless of their difference in rank and oftentimes bring them together or forces them to trust one another when otherwise they would clash.

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Through analysis and fans theories, there have been many speculations on if these two have a friendship or not. Some could say it is definitely a 'love/hate' situation, or an ordained one, given Levi's Ackerman lineage. Either way, both Eren and Levi need one another and some believe that this thrilling series will end in a heated and emotional battle between them both.

10 They Have A Mutual Respect For One Another

attack on titan levi eren

Looking past their many arguments and fistfights, it appears that both Eren and Levi have a certain mutual respect for one another. From Eren's Founding Titan powers to Levi's mastery of the 3DMG, they both have witnessed each other's skills and have felt their power and influence. At a time, Eren's Corporal, Levi, became someone he both feared and looked up to, always following orders.

However, even if Eren was below him in ranks, Levi always knew of his tactical genius and took the time to hear him out and weigh their options together. Both young men are skilled warriors in their own right, and each knows that.

9 Their Relationship Was Initially Complicated By The Power Imbalance Between Them

Levi Kicking Eren in the courtroom Attack on Titan

From the moment they met, Eren and Levi had a rough start. One of their first encounters was when Levi became interested and visited Eren as he was held captive in a cell. Levi showed him dominance and authority and even though he was not sure about Eren and his role within the Corps after his apparent transformation into the enemy, his interest was still peaked.

Give that Eren was seen as a threat to humans who could potentially devour them all, Levi takes full responsibility and states that if Eren were to stray from his goal, he would have his head. From then on, Eren served under Levi and though they do fight and argue often, they value each other's opinion and tactical choices.

8 Despite Different Backgrounds, They Actually Have A Lot In Common

Both being from different backgrounds and upbringings, Eren, the son of a Doctor from a seemingly loving family, and Levi, an orphaned Ackerman who was raised by his crazed killer Uncle, it seems to be quite difficult for these two young fighters to see eye to eye on most things. However, they have some similarities that would make them compatible enough to be friends.

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Levi's supposed "best" and only friend, Isabel, shares many uncanny similarities to Eren in terms of their personality and ethics, making Levi a good companion to Eren. Also, both Eren and Levi lost their mothers at a relatively young age. These two would do well to try to learn more about one another and share in each other's grief as they fight for the same global cause.

7 Levi Went From Dismissing Eren To Fearing Him

Once Eren possessed the abilities to transform into a Titan and utilize the Founding Titan's powers, all who witnessed his transformation on the Survey Corps, friend and foe alike, feared the unknown. Initially, Levi treated Eren like an animal, kicking and beating him as he stood tied up on the trail for this newly attained, blasphemous Titan power. However, after witnessing Eren's Titan transformation with his one eyes, Levi's mood changed.

There was noticeable fear in his usual stone-cold face and visible sweat on his brow, even though he is named humanity's strongest soldier, with a rumored two hundred solo kills and countless more assists. It was only after he took the time to understand Eren that he took responsibility for Eren, and in a way, to control the beast within him.

6 Levi Became Something Of A Father Figure To Eren

Levi and Eren Argue While Cleaning Attack on Titan

With a lack of a prominent father figure in the lives of both Eren and Levi, it appears that their relationship could be seen as having a parent/child dynamic, with Levi being the parental figure. Eren served under Levi while in the Survey Corps and in doing so, had to follow orders. Some would say that Eren was not the most model cadet, in that he had a strong will to a fault and would question many commands.

However, in the end, he would listen and carry out his captain's orders and strive to meet the expectations put on him. Even though they were in different ranks, Levi was well aware of Eren's abilities and dedication and wanted him to succeed. He has even saved Eren's life on occasion. And Eren, yearning for guidance, would do his best to make Levi proud.

5 Levi Is A Byproduct Of Titan Science To Serve Eren And Other Founding Titans

Something that hasn't been known until fairly recently in the series, is the origin and purpose of the Ackerman clan and their relation to the Titans. Like Mikasa, Levi is an Ackerman, and being so, possesses super-human powers that have awakened inside him.

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It is said that this clan is a byproduct of Titan science and was genetically engineered to kill Titans and protect Eldia's King, holder of the Founding Titan power. Levi holds the power of the Titans without actually being one, since his ancestors were created by experimenting with the subjects of Ymir, who had the ability to transform into Titans from the human form at will.

4 Levi Protects Eren, But Also Controls Him

The Special Operations Squad, under Captain Levi's command, consists of an elite group of fighters hand-picked by Levi himself to protect Eren from being taken by the other Titan Shifters. The original group was all killed in a mission to save Eren from the Female Titan, with Levi being the only survivor.

After this, Connie, Mikasa, Armin, and the other remaining members of the 104th Training Corps became the new squadron under his command to serve the same purpose. Under Levi, Eren— even though he doesn't always agree with his orders— follows him to the utmost. In reality, Levi, as well as the Survey Corps, took legal custody of Eren and control of his Titan abilities.

3 Levi Cannot Kill Any Of The Founding Titans, Including Eren

There is a theory that no Ackerman, even though they are more than capable of doing so, will be able to kill any of the Nine Founding Titans, Eren included. This is due to their deeply ingrained order to protect and follow the owner of the founding Titan power. Eren even tells Mikasa this very same thing in one of the most recent manga chapters.

Being that Levi is also an Ackerman, it is plausible that he too would not be able to kill Eren as well and has been compelled to protect him all this time. To some, this was seen as a hurtful lie to keep Mikasa, Armin, and the others away while Eren carried out "The Rumbling."

2 Levi, Eren, And Mikasa Are Intertwined In A Sort Of "Hate Triangle"

Mikasa attacks Levi

In one of the latest chapters, Eren tells Mikasa that ever since he met her when they were kids, he has hated her. These were very hurtful words and of course, she denied it and cried, as Armin stood up for her against Eren. The idea of Mikasa hating Levi, however, is rather evident since the moment she saw Levi brutally kicking a helpless Eren during his trial. The expression on her face, with Armin holding her back, would make anyone fear for their lives.

If she were to break free at that moment, she would have easily tried to kill Levi. And the idea of Levi hating Eren, well, that is not so evident— but with some analysis, one can speculate that he "disliked" Eren at best, due to his initial suspicion of him. Levi has also called Eren a monster on multiple occasions due to his uncontrollable nature and strength.

1 There Is A Possibility Of Romantic Undertones Between Them

eren levi attack on titan during female titan assault

Throughout the fandom, many ship Levi and Even together. However, given their personalities, it doesn't appear that either one would have the time for such romantic thoughts, given their arduous Titan killing requirements that plague them at every turn. Especially with Eren's personality, one that is fixated on one particular goal of killing all Titans, and Levi, a sort of narcissist who would not give another person the time of day.

Under certain circumstances, and if this ship was canon, most would think that it would be probable that Eren would be the one to fall in love with Levi, as seen in the way they interact with each other.

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