Mikasa Ackerman has been Eren's ally since the beginning of the Attack On Titan series. Having felt indebted to him for defeating human traffickers, she remained his most stolid guardian and romantic interest for most of the narrative.

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It may come as some surprise that Mikasa held Eren back just as much as she helped him. By identifying the instances where she encouraged him to pursue his dreams and the times she restrained him from them, we can better appreciate the nuances of her character and how her priorities have shifted over time.

Warning: This article will contain manga spoilers.

10 HELD EREN BACK: Mikasa Prevented Eren From Returning To Shiganshina Immediately

AOT titan attack

Immediately after Eren recovered from the brutal titan assault of Shiganshina, he wanted payback. Still haunted by the memories of his mother's death, he clamored for a chance at revenge against those who had taken everything from him regardless of the odds.

However, Mikasa knocked sense into him and explained that going back would have been a suicide mission. Her reservations made sense, given that the Attack Titan was overwhelmed by pure titans during his first appearance at the battle for Trost.

9 HELPED EREN: Mikasa Helped Eren & The Scouts Defeat Reiner

Mikasa launching the missile into Reiner's mouth.

During the second battle for Shiganshina, Mikasa and the Scouts fought Reiner. Although the thunder spears were tremendous assets against the Armored Titan, they needed to be aimed properly in order to have an optimal effect.

Initially, one of the Scouts missed, allegedly dooming the heroes' efforts to dislocate Reiner's jaw. After Hange arrived and connected the final thunder spear, however, Mikasa was able to balance on Reiner's tongue and finish him off. Despite Reiner's decisive loss, Pieck still managed to save him from Jean before he could be sacrificed.

8 HELD EREN BACK: Mikasa Tried To Hover Over Eren At The Battle For Trost

Mikasa Eren headbutt

The battle for Trost was supposed to be the first real mission the cadet corps had. Despite the extensive training the heroes underwent beforehand, Mikasa was still insistent on following Eren to ensure his safety.

As expected, he was irritated at this and told her to go where she was needed due to her remarkable talents. If Mikasa had ignored his instruction and followed him anyway, Eren may not have learned about his titan form until much later.

7 HELPED EREN: Mikasa Helped Levi Save Eren From Annie

annie vs eren aot

The battle between Eren and Annie was as swift as it was brutal. While the Attack Titan had learned much of his counterpart's moves through training with her at the cadet corps, his inability to harden proved to be a fatal flaw.

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After Eren was devoured, Mikasa and Levi both jumped at the chance to rescue him. Although the latter hurt his leg when retrieving Eren, they still managed to return him safely behind the walls of Paradis. Moreover, both Scouts gained a relatively strong idea of who the Female Titan actually was.

6 HELD EREN BACK: Mikasa Almost Got Eren Executed During His Trial

levi beats up eren AOT

During Eren's trial, Levi needed to illustrate that Eren could be controlled and used for Paradis. To this end, Levi started to brutally beat Eren as a bizarre test of restraint.

Enraged at her paramour's mistreatment, Mikasa attempted to attack Levi for his unconscionable methods. If Armin hadn't been there to restrain and reassure her, there would have been enough evidence for both Eren and Mikasa to be executed by the military police.

5 HELPED EREN: Mikasa Distracted Lara Tybur While Eren Found Her Weakness

The War Hammer Titan looks over their shoulder.

While Eren managed to get the jump on Lara Tybur, she quickly turned the battle back in her favor. Unlike other titans, her body wasn't stored on the nape of the neck and could therefore not be destroyed conventionally.

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After Mikasa arrived at Liberio, Eren ordered her to keep Lara busy so that he could identify her weakness. Together, they discovered that the War Hammer's user was connected to a tether on her heel. Once the line was cut, the Marleyan could no longer fight back.

4 HELD EREN BACK: Mikasa Fought The Yeagerists & Killed Floch

Mikasa kills Floch

After realizing Eren's intentions for the Rumbling, Mikasa felt morally obligated to stop him. Alongside Reiner, Annie, and what was left of the Marleyan military, she stormed the Yeagerist base and procured the resources to pursue the wall titans.

Not only did Mikasa play a strong role in dismantling the enemy forces, but she was also directly responsible for killing Floch himself. Considering how significant of a role he played in enforcing Eren's will on the island, Floch's death set his master's vision back considerably.

3 HELPED EREN: Mikasa Fought Off Pieck During The Battle For Paradis

Mikasa fighting Pieck AOT manga

Before turning against him, Mikasa was a huge asset to Eren at the battle for Paradis. After the cart titan shot a massive hole in Zeke's chest, Mikasa realized that her beloved would be next if she failed to take action.

Having scaled the walls, she confronted Pieck and her mounted soldiers in a deadly skirmish. However, their duel would be interrupted when Eren finally made contact with his half brother and started the Rumbling. At that point, the Marleyans' desperate offensive became entirely futile.

2 HELD EREN BACK: Mikasa Decapitated Eren & Took His Head

Attack on Titan — Mikasa kissing Eren

As Eren and his army of wall titans closed in on the last vestiges of humanity, Mikasa finally mustered the courage to do what she felt was necessary. Armin provided an ideal distraction while she created an opening in his mouth with a thunder spear.

By the time Mikasa got to Eren, he was a gaunt face connected to a gnarled spine. She stole a final kiss before cutting off his head. Her actions finally put an end to the Rumbling, though that would ultimately doom the entire Eldian race many years in the future.

1 HELPED EREN: Mikasa Helped Saved Eren From Kenny Ackerman

eren captured by reiss AOT

Rod Reiss used the military police in order to capture Eren and Historia. His goal was to sacrifice Eren to Historia, thereby putting the Founding Titan back in the hands of the royal family.

However, the Scouts learned of the corrupt monarch's location and stormed his bunker. Mikasa was among the most adamant to retrieve him due to their personal relationship and cut down dozens of enemy soldiers. Although Rod Reiss still transformed into a monster, she was overwhelmed with relief that Eren was safe.

NEXT: Attack On Titan: 10 Scout Regiment Members With The Most Kills, Ranked