The Ackerman Clan remains one of the most mysterious bloodlines in Attack On Titan. There are very few members that fans get to see. Kenny, Levi, and Mikasa have all dealt with the positive and negative aspects that come along with being an Ackerman.
The Ackermans are known for their superhuman abilities, but little is known about all the hardships the clan had to go through to get where they are now. The pain and suffering of their ancestors still place a heavy toll on the current generation.
10 Harsh Reality: The Ackermans’ History Has Been Erased
The Ackerman Clan was sworn to secrecy and not allowed to talk about the Eldian Empire’s past. The existence of the clan itself was also lost throughout history as no mention of their name can be found in any public documents.
The current generation of Ackermans has little to no knowledge about themselves or where they came from. Their existence is only found in stories and legends told by the Royal Family.
9 Perk: The Clan Has Enhanced Battle IQ
Quick thinking can make the difference between life and death in the Attack On Titan universe. Intelligence plays a key role when going into battle against Titans. Not only are the Ackermans able to fight Titans with pure strength, but they are also the ones who are trusted to create and execute battle strategies.
These abilities provide them with great leadership skills because they are able to lead by example. When other Survey Corps see them planning for various outcomes in battle, it creates a sense of peace because they believe that they will live to see another day.
8 Harsh reality: they Were Forced To Serve The Royal Family
The Eldian Empire conducted experiments that lead to the accidental creation of the Ackerman bloodline. They were researching Titan science, which led to the existence of the clan. Upon completion of their research, they were forced to protect the Eldian King. There was a lot of pressure put on them to make sure that humanity survived past the Titans era.
Kenny Ackerman had a close relationship with the Royal Family and began working for Uri Reiss, who was the King at one point. Although this seems positive, Kenny planned to betray the Royal Family when he found out they were using him for his strength as an Ackerman.
7 Perk: They Cannot Become Titans
Those who are pureblood Eldians are the only race capable of becoming Titan Shifters. Mikasa and Levi are both half Ackerman, therefore they are immune to the Founding Titan’s powers. Members of the Asian Clan are also not subjects of Ymir, thus Mikasa, who is half Ackerman and half Asian is unable to inherit a Titan.
They do not have to deal with a shortened lifespan or worry about being controlled by the Founding Titan holder. The Ackermans are built to protect humanity from Titans and it would not make sense if they had to endure the fate of turning into a Titan.
6 Harsh Reality: They Were Hunted Down heavily
After the collapse of the Royal Family and the Eldian Empire, the Ackerman Clan was hunted to near extinction. They fled for safety within the walls, but because the King could not control them, he decided that it would be better to have them all killed. The King was scared that the Ackermans would overthrow him and decided that eradication of their bloodline was the only way to protect the Eldians.
Fearing decimation and in order to protect their children, the Ackermans took a vow of silence to never discuss the existence of their clan. The combination of the hunt and the vow is what effectively eradicated the Ackerman clan.
5 Perk: Ackermans Have Superhuman Strength
The experiments that led to the creation of their clan gave them many enhanced abilities, such as superhuman strength. Kenny is known as The Ripper because he was a cold-blooded killer. He uses his strength to kill other people, which allows him to survive. Mikasa can fight and kill a group of Titans on her own and Levi is known as humanity’s strongest soldier.
They were created to withstand Titan attacks and protect humanity. They are innately warriors bred to fight, this alone shows that they are meant to be fighters that surpass both the average person and the average Titan.
4 Harsh Reality: Their Powers Awaken Through Trauma
In order to obtain the Ackerman abilities, each member of the clan must experience severe trauma to awaken their dormant powers. Mikasa awakened her powers in order to protect Eren and herself. The murder of her parents was the moment that changed her life forever. Mikasa’s abilities were triggered by Eren telling her to fight, allowing her to take on the criminals in her home.
The awakening is determined by the fight or flight mode. Their instincts allow them to get stronger, but not without suffering first. If an Ackerman never experiences mental trauma, they will not be able to gain any abilities. The pain and suffering leaves the Ackermans with a past that will impact them forever.
3 Perk: Their Abilities Include Enhanced Speed & Agility
The Ackermans are not only strong but also quick. Their speed and agility surpass that of the average Titan. Levi’s quick reaction skills were able to help him take down a Titan as a child. These skills are also apparent when Mikasa, Kenny, and Levi use ODM gear throughout the series. Their skills are unmatched compared to the average person.
It has also been said that Levi is faster than the Jaw Titan. Their ability to maintain speed and stay agile at all times is a tool that helps keep them alive.
2 Harsh Reality: An Ackerman Has To Die To Pass On Their Powers To The Next Generation
In the Royal Government arc, Kenny explains that the Ackermans’ powers are also inherited. In order for the abilities to pass from one generation to the next, a previous heir must die. Similar to Titan Shifters, their awakening depends on the loss of someone close to them, such as the murder of Mikasa’s parents or the death of Levi’s mother.
The clan’s memories and abilities are also linked to one another’s, which can only be passed on through death. If there is no loss of life, then the powers will not be passed onto the next generation of Ackermans.
1 Perk: Ackermans Cannot Have Their Memories Altered
The existence of the Ackerman Clan comes from the alteration of the Eldian bloodline at a genetic level. The experiments created a group of people that no longer had any ties to the Founding Titan. The Ackermans cannot have their memories erased or changed in any way, allowing them to perceive the world as it is intended to be seen. Thus their judgment and actions are not pre-determined by an external force.
They can think and act through their own willpower and autonomy. They are free to act how they see fit without having to worry that the Founding Titan is controlling their memories behind the scenes.