Hey guys! So, you're diving into the wild world of Eren and Historia fanfiction, huh? Buckle up, because this is a ride! We're going to explore why this pairing has captured so many imaginations, what makes it tick, and what you can expect to find in the fanfic universe. Let's get started!

Why Eren and Historia?

Eren and Historia's dynamic is a complex one, deeply rooted in the narrative of "Attack on Titan." Both characters undergo significant transformations throughout the series, grappling with immense pressure, identity crises, and the weight of their responsibilities. Eren, initially portrayed as a rage-filled protagonist seeking revenge against the Titans, evolves into a morally ambiguous figure willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people. Historia, on the other hand, starts as a shy and uncertain girl hiding behind a false identity but eventually embraces her true self and becomes the Queen of Paradis. This evolution and their shared experiences create a strong bond and a sense of mutual understanding between them.

Their relationship, though never explicitly romantic in the canon material, is filled with moments of vulnerability and support. For example, Eren's unwavering determination to protect Historia from those who seek to exploit her royal bloodline is a recurring theme. Similarly, Historia's genuine concern for Eren's well-being, especially as he becomes burdened by the power of the Founding Titan, is evident throughout the series. These moments of care and protectiveness, combined with the overall tragic and complex nature of their world, provide fertile ground for fanfiction writers to explore the potential of a deeper connection between them. The absence of explicit romantic confirmation in the original story allows fans to fill in the gaps and imagine the possibilities of their relationship, leading to a diverse and imaginative range of fan-created content.

The appeal of Eren and Historia fanfiction also lies in the thematic richness of their individual storylines. Eren's struggle with freedom, determinism, and the cost of violence resonates deeply with audiences. His internal conflicts and moral compromises provide ample opportunity for fanfic writers to delve into the complexities of his character and explore alternative paths he might have taken. Similarly, Historia's journey from a subservient figure to a strong and independent leader is inspiring and offers a compelling narrative arc for fanfiction writers to build upon. By combining these compelling individual narratives, fanfiction authors can create stories that explore themes of love, sacrifice, duty, and the search for meaning in a world filled with despair.

Diving into the Fanfiction World

So, you're ready to jump into the fanfiction pool? Awesome! Here’s what you can expect:

Common Themes and Tropes

Alternate Universes (AU): Get ready for anything! High school AUs, modern AUs, coffee shop AUs – you name it, it probably exists. These stories take Eren and Historia out of their Titan-filled world and place them in completely different settings, allowing for explorations of their relationship without the constraints of the original plot.

Canon Divergence: These stories take a “what if” approach, changing key events in the original storyline and exploring how those changes would affect Eren and Historia's relationship. What if Historia had revealed her true identity sooner? What if Eren had made different choices regarding the Rumbling? These divergences create exciting new possibilities for their interactions and character development.

Established Relationship: Some fanfics jump right into an already established romantic relationship between Eren and Historia. These stories often focus on the challenges and joys of their relationship, exploring their intimacy, communication, and shared goals.

Pregnancy/Family: Given Historia's pregnancy in the later part of the series, many fanfics explore the themes of parenthood, family, and raising a child in a world fraught with danger. These stories often delve into the emotional complexities of their roles as parents and the sacrifices they make for their child's well-being.

What to Expect in Terms of Content

Okay, let's be real. Fanfiction covers the whole spectrum. You'll find:

Fluff: Pure, sweet, heartwarming stories that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Think gentle moments, tender confessions, and domestic bliss.

Angst: Prepare for the feels! These stories delve into the darker aspects of Eren and Historia's relationship, exploring themes of loss, trauma, and internal conflict. Get your tissues ready.

Smut: Explicit content. If you're not into that, steer clear. But if you are, well, enjoy!

Adventure: Stories that combine romance with action and excitement, often involving battles against Titans or political intrigue. These stories offer a thrilling blend of romance and adventure.

Where to Find These Fanfics

Archive of Our Own (AO3): This is like the Holy Grail of fanfiction. It has a robust tagging system, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. Plus, it's generally well-moderated and user-friendly.

Fanfiction.net: A classic site with a massive archive. It might be a bit harder to navigate than AO3, but it's still a great resource.

Wattpad: Popular with younger readers and writers. You'll find a wide variety of stories here, but the quality can be a bit more variable.

Navigating the Controversies

Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. The Eren and Historia pairing isn't without its controversies. Some fans are very passionate about other pairings (like Eren and Mikasa), and things can get heated. It's important to remember that fanfiction is all about exploring possibilities and having fun. Everyone is entitled to their own preferences, and respectful discussion is key. Just because you enjoy a particular pairing doesn't invalidate anyone else's choices.

Addressing the "Problematic" Label

You might see some people labeling the Eren and Historia pairing as "problematic." This often stems from concerns about their power dynamics (Historia being royalty, Eren being her protector) or perceived age differences (although they are the same age). It's important to consider these criticisms and engage with them thoughtfully. However, it's equally important to remember that fanfiction allows for the exploration of complex and challenging themes. As long as the content is created and consumed responsibly, there's nothing inherently wrong with exploring potentially problematic dynamics.

Respecting Boundaries

This should be a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating: respect the boundaries of the writers and other readers. If a writer doesn't want their work reposted or translated, respect their wishes. If someone expresses discomfort with a particular topic, be mindful of their feelings. The fanfiction community should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Why We Love It (Despite Everything)

So, why do we love Eren and Historia fanfiction? Because it allows us to:

Explore Untapped Potential: The canon material only gives us glimpses of their potential relationship. Fanfiction lets us fill in the gaps and imagine what could have been.

Delve Deeper into Their Characters: Fanfic writers can explore Eren and Historia's inner thoughts, motivations, and vulnerabilities in ways that the original series doesn't always allow.

Create Our Own Endings: Let's face it, the ending of "Attack on Titan" was divisive. Fanfiction allows us to rewrite the ending and give Eren and Historia the happy ending we think they deserve.

Connect with Others: Sharing and discussing fanfiction is a great way to connect with other fans and build community.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned fanfiction reader or just starting out, the world of Eren and Historia fanfiction has something to offer everyone. Just remember to approach it with an open mind, a respectful attitude, and a willingness to explore new and unexpected possibilities. Happy reading!