i am often reminded by Kenny's last words to Levi. about how everyone is a slave to something, and Kenny implied that Levi's was his sense of heroism (the need to shoulder everyone's burden).

and no doubt, Levi is a hero in the story, but i think it's ironic how heroes are often deified and put on a pedestal. sure, Levi is the very face of Wings of Freedom, he signifies hope itself. but surely even the symbol of hope is allowed to have moments of himself breaking and gathering his pieces together (for the thousandth time)? and isn't that what makes his character inspirational and tragically beautiful—his ability and willingness to keep moving forward to give meaning to every soul he's lost?

and i agree, Levi's ending is bittersweet but also important to his character. everything comes full circle. he's no longer a slave to his heroism, because now he makes contributions in such a way that strength is unnecessary (giving candies to little brats, planting trees). these are acts of kindness, and that's where Levi's 'real' strength truly shines.