紅蓮の弓矢 (guren no yumiya)

The song 'Guren No Yumiya' by Linked Horizon is not just a piece of music; it's an anthem of defiance and determination that has resonated with fans of the anime series 'Attack on Titan' for which it serves as the opening theme. The lyrics, a mix of German and Japanese, set a tone of rebellion and the fight against oppression, mirroring the struggles faced by the characters in the anime.

The opening lines, 'Seid ihr das Essen? Nein, wir sind die Jäger!' translate to 'Are you the prey? No, we are the hunters!' This sets up a dynamic of predator versus prey, which is a central theme of 'Attack on Titan,' where humanity is on the brink of extinction by monstrous beings known as Titans. The song speaks to the spirit of fighting back against seemingly insurmountable odds, a sentiment that is echoed throughout the series. The lyrics 'Fumareta hana no namae mo shirazu ni' which means 'Not even knowing the name of the trampled flowers' suggest a loss of innocence and the harsh realities of the world the characters inhabit.

The song's title, 'Guren No Yumiya,' translates to 'Crimson Bow and Arrow,' symbolizing the fight and the bloodshed that comes with it. The repeated declarations of 'Wir sind die Jäger!' (We are the hunters!) emphasize self-identification as warriors rather than victims. The lyrics also touch on themes of sacrifice and the cost of freedom, with lines like 'Nanika o kaeru koto ga dekiru no wa / Nanika o suteru koto ga dekiru mono,' meaning 'The only ones who can change something are those who can discard something.' This reflects the sacrifices the characters must make to change their fate. The song is a powerful call to arms, urging listeners to embrace their agency and fight for their freedom, much like the characters in 'Attack on Titan' who rise up against the Titans.