Levi Ackerman initially harbored deep animosity towards Erwin Smith primarily because he held Erwin responsible for forcing him and his comrades into the perilous Survey Corps, leading to the tragic deaths of his friends.
The Genesis of Levi's Resentment Towards Erwin
When Levi, along with his companions Furlan Church and Isabel Magnolia, was compelled to join the Survey Corps by Erwin, it set the stage for a profound conflict. This forced enlistment was the root cause of Levi's hatred, as he saw it as an act that directly endangered his close friends.
Key Reasons for Levi's Initial Hatred:
- Forced Recruitment: Levi vehemently blamed Erwin for coercing him and his friends into the Survey Corps, an organization known for its high mortality rate and dangerous missions outside the Walls.
- Death of Comrades: The most significant factor contributing to Levi's hatred was the direct consequence of this forced participation: the deaths of his beloved comrades. He held Erwin directly accountable for their demise, viewing it as a result of Erwin's actions and decisions.
- Personal Inability to Protect: Adding to his resentment towards Erwin was Levi's own profound guilt and self-blame for his inability to protect his friends from the dangers they faced within the Survey Corps. This personal failure amplified his anger directed at Erwin.
Summary of Levi's Grievances
The table below outlines the core aspects of Levi's initial animosity towards Erwin:
| Aspect of Animosity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Forced Enlistment | Levi believed Erwin manipulated him and his friends into joining the Survey Corps, a decision that put them in grave danger. |
| Blame for Fatalities | He directly attributed the deaths of his close companions to Erwin's leadership and the hazardous missions of the Survey Corps. |
| Self-Imposed Guilt | Beyond blaming Erwin, Levi also grappled with his own perceived failure to shield his friends, which intensified his internal turmoil and externalized anger. |
While Levi's perspective was clear, Erwin held a different viewpoint regarding the circumstances and his own responsibilities, though the immediate impact on Levi was one of profound resentment and a desire for vengeance.
