To this day, fans debate whether Levi choosing to save Armin’s life over Erwin was the right decision. But why did Levi choose Armin over Erwin?
Levi decided to choose Armin over Erwin because he wanted Erwin to be free from the hell of the world. He didn’t believe the Scouts had the right to drag Erwin back into the world after he finally had the opportunity to rest.
He explains to Armin that Mikasa and Eren rebelled against him, originally choosing to give the titan serum to Erwin. Ultimately, the decision to save Armin was Levi’s personal choice and he wasn’t influenced by anything else.
Plot Specifics Behind Why Levi Decided to Choose Armin Over Erwin
In chapter #84, Levi is prepared to use a vial of titan serum to save Armin’s life. The serum would transform Armin into a pure titan, giving him the opportunity to devour the captured Colossal Titan user Bertholdt. Any pure titan that consumes a user of the Nine Titans will have their original, human body restored. There’s also the added bonus of using the eaten person’s special titan ability.
Before Levi injects Armin, Floch, a member of the Scouts who participated in the full-on charge against the Beast Titan, appears with Commander Erwin strapped to his back. Erwin is terribly damaged, but clinging on to life. Levi makes the decision to disregard Armin and save Erwin, although Armin was originally chosen first.
An argument ensues between Levi, Mikasa, and Eren. Hange and Floch are forced to hold Eren and Mikasa back after they attack Levi to steal the syringe. The two inevitably give up and accept that they’re outranked when it comes to the decision.
Levi Makes His Choice
Levi alerts the Scouts that he’s giving Erwin the injection and they must back away, or Erwin’s pure titan may accidentally eat them instead. Moments later, a blonde haired titan emerges, devouring Bertholdt. Levi changed his mind and chose Armin following flashbacks of Levi encouraging Erwin to face defeat with his soldiers. A memory of eavesdropping on Eren and Armin discussing the ocean is shown.
In Erwin’s final moments, Levi explains to Floch and Hange his logic behind choosing Armin over the Commander.
Please… forgive him. He had no choice but to become a demon. And we were the ones that wished that upon him. And just when he was finally freed from this hell of a world, we tried to drag him right back into it. We intended to do the same as you, but that’s enough. We must let him rest now.
Levi to Hange and Floch | Chapter #84
Armin Learns of Levi’s Decision
In chapter #85, Armin awakes following his titan power transfer. The remaining nine Scouts following the Shiganshina battle fill him in, explaining that it’s been four hours since the battle ended, and the search for survivors has been to no avail.
The wall surrounding Shiganshina district has been successfully sealed. It’s believed that Reiner, the Beast Titan, and one more enemy successfully escaped. Armin then suddenly remembers Bertholdt’s capture and the ensuing argument over who should receive the one and only vial of titan serum.
Armin then asks the Scouts why he was chosen, as Commander Erwin was seemingly the wiser and more obvious choice.
Levi kicks Eren, saying “I thought I told you to tell him everything.” He then explains to Armin how Mikasa and Eren rebelled against him, causing injuries. That was slightly part of the reason behind Levi’s decision, but not all of it.
Then again, the one who made the final decision to choose you, was me. In fact, my personal feelings led me to choose this place as Erwin’s final resting ground.
Levi discussing his choice | Chapter #85
So there’s the reason. Levi had to choose Armin over Erwin because he didn’t feel the Scouts had the right to bring Erwin back to life after he finally escaped the hell they lived within.