The basement in "Attack on Titan" holds immense significance throughout the story. It represents a long-standing mystery and a turning point in the narrative. Here's the significance of the basement:
Hidden Truth: The basement is introduced early in the series as the location where Eren's father, Grisha Yeager, kept crucial information about the world outside the Walls. The basement holds the key to uncovering the truth about the Titans, the history of humanity, and the events that led to the current state of affairs.
Goal and Motivation: The existence of the basement becomes a driving force for Eren and his companions. It represents their ultimate goal, as they believe that the answers hidden within will provide vital knowledge and a way to fight against the Titans and secure humanity's survival.
Mystery and Intrigue: The basement serves as a central mystery, as it is continuously alluded to but remains elusive for a significant portion of the story. This mystery creates anticipation and suspense among both the characters and the audience, generating a desire to uncover the truth.
Turning Point: When Eren and his allies finally reach the basement, it marks a major turning point in the story. The truth revealed within the basement alters the characters' understanding of the world, its history, and their own identities. It reshapes their perspectives and motives, leading to new conflicts and revelations.
Expansion of the Narrative: The basement's significance goes beyond the initial mystery it represents. The revelations found within the basement expand the scope of the story, introducing new factions, histories, and conflicts that extend beyond the confines of the Walls.
Critical Plot Points: The basement's importance is tied to various critical plot points, including the history of the Eldian Empire, the Marleyan government, the true nature of the Titans, and the origins of the Titan powers. These revelations reshape the characters' understanding of the world and their roles within it.