Erwin Smith was the leader of the Scouts who left his mark on Attack on Titan despite limited screen time. He perfectly embodied everything a leader should have: charisma, selflessness, intelligence and confidence. His comrades placed such trust in his abilities that they were willing to die for him.
But Erwin wasn't perfect - he was human. His intellect sometimes failed him, and his selfish desires occasionally surfaced. At times he felt scared and hopeless against a formidable and devastating enemy, but still he soldiered on, aiming for a better world where humans were free of Titan terror. It was Erwin's persistence in spite of his limitations that made him so endearing to his troops, and he earned their respect time and time again.
8 Despite The Dangers Of The Job, Erwin Succeeded In Strengthening His Ranks
Recruitment for the Scouts was especially difficult. Titans were the bringers of destruction, the greatest threat to humanity; most people in Paradis had no interest in getting closer to them. Of all of Erwin's talents, his silver tongue might have been his greatest. With new and fresh-faced soldiers standing before him, Erwin delivered a speech that inspired many.
He stayed honest, acknowledging that some would lose their lives, but assured that their sacrifice would not be in vain because their work would benefit all of humanity. Unsurprisingly, it worked, and the Scouts welcomed soldiers from the top of the class into their ranks.
7 Erwin's Strategic Brilliance Was On Display During The Attack By The Female Titan
One aspect of what made Erwin such a great commander was his ability to formulate successful strategies while minimizing casualties. It was his intellect that gave the Scouts confidence when charging towards Titans.
After figuring out the Scouts had a spy in their ranks, Erwin successfully baited the Titan shifter into action. His new scouting formation drew the Female Titan into the woods, successfully immobilizing her using hundreds of mechanical arrows. Although she later escaped, Erwin proved that humanity had a fighting chance. The Scouts' respect for Erwin grew significantly that day.
6 He Demonstrated His Political Savvy and Saved Eren From Execution
After Eren transformed into a Titan, he was brought before the court to decide his future. To many, Eren's fate was decided the minute it was discovered he could transform. Keeping him alive was too dangerous, his power too unpredictable. And this wasn't just about the survival of humanity - it was about revenge.
With few victories to show for the Scouts' efforts, this was a chance for some to release their frustrations over the Titans, but Erwin had other ideas. By putting Eren under Levi's watch, Erwin convinced the court of Eren's potential as a weapon and guaranteed the safety of the people. If Eren transformed and posed a threat, Levi would simply kill him.
5 Erwin Continued To Fight After Losing An Arm
Attack On Titan is particularly brutal, holding nothing back when it comes to showing a character's death. Humans are swallowed whole, others are seen begging for their lives before they're bitten in half. Erwin came close to meeting a similar fate.
With Eren seemingly captured by the Armored Titan, Erwin intervened, aiding Eren's escape, until another Titan bit his arm off. Such an injury would demoralize most, but Erwin rallied his soldiers and demanded they continue on. This act inspired the Scouts, and Erwin proved himself to be more capable with one arm than most were with two.
4 Erwin Accepted Responsibility For The Scouts' Actions
True to his honest nature, Erwin always accepted responsibility for the Scouts' actions, regardless of whether or not he was personally responsible. After figuring out that Annie Leonhart was the Female Titan, Erwin formulated a plan and intended to capture her in the Stohess District before she could transform.
However, this didn't work out and Eren was forced to fight Annie in a Titan battle. There were significant military and civilian casualties, and Erwin was confronted by the Military Police, who demanded that those responsible be brought to justice. Erwin took full accountability, potentially sacrificing his own life for the mistakes of his Scouts.
3 He Realized A Spy Had Infiltrated The Scouts
Erwin was a master of putting information together and drawing accurate conclusions. When it was learned that Eren could shift, Erwin theorized that the Armored and Colossal Titans had the same ability and were also humans living inside the walls.
After Hange's captured Titans were murdered, Erwin deduced that a soldier was responsible, as only someone who could use ODM gear could kill multiple Titans. He posed the cryptic and iconic question to Eren: "Who do you think the enemy is?" His impressive ability to learn early on that a soldier was working against the Scouts demonstrated Erwin's capabilities and earned the respect of his recruits.
2 He Joined His Soldiers On A Mission He Knew Would Lead To Death
Erwin was unquestionably a formidable leader, and was more often than not the kind to join his soldiers in battle rather than watch from the sidelines. He was seen returning from outside the walls with the Scouts early on, and continued to go on missions with them throughout the story, even when some missions guaranteed casualties that could include him.
With the Beast Titan decimating the Scouts outside of Shiganshina, Erwin needed a distraction to give Levi an opening to attack. So Erwin rallied his team, giving another epic speech that highlighted the importance of a greater cause. Knowing his death would be all but guaranteed, Erwin charged at the Beast Titan and his soldiers followed. Their respect for Erwin translated to unwavering loyalty.
1 He Died An Honorable Death - And Saved Armin's Life
Although he wanted to free humanity from the Titans, Erwin most desired to understand the world. He so badly wanted to find out what was in Grisha Jaeger's basement that he often questioned if his motivations were selfish in nature. Was he sending soldiers to their death just so he could better understand the Titans?
Erwin suffered severe injuries after charging the Beast Titan and being hit by a flying boulder. As he lay dying, Levi tried to inject him with Titan serum, but Erwin knocked it away as he hallucinated about his father. Even when he didn't know it, his final act was a selfless one, as Levi ultimately chose to give the dying Armin the serum instead, saving his life.