The Elric brothers' failure to resurrect their mother in Fullmetal Alchemist serves as a heart-wrenching and pivotal moment that sets off their epic journey. Their valiant attempt is tragically unsuccessful and comes at a steep cost, considering the taboo nature of this act in the world of Alchemy.
While it is evident that the brothers bit off more than they could chew with this human transmutation endeavor, the exact cause of their failure remains unclear. This article explores the reasons behind their unsuccessful attempt to bring their mother back to life, analyzing the key factors that contributed to their devastating outcome.
An Attempt On Human Transmutation
Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young boys who have lost their mother and their absentee father, are deeply affected by the devastating loss. Overwhelmed by grief and desperation, they make the fateful decision to venture into the forbidden realm of human transmutation. Ignoring the fundamental laws of alchemy, they hold on to the belief that they can resurrect their mother through the principle of equivalent exchange. In their reckless pursuit, they disrupt the natural order and unleash a series of events that will forever transform their lives.
Despite being teenage boys consumed by their passion for alchemy, the Elric brothers have yet to earn recognition as state alchemists. Their knowledge and abilities, however, exceed those of their peers, which fuels Edward's confidence in successfully executing the forbidden human transmutation and bringing their mother back to life. Regrettably, their naivety becomes apparent as the experiment swiftly spirals into a catastrophic disaster.
During the process of transmutation,
The Separation of Body And Soul
, with Edward losing his left leg and Alphonse losing his entire body. Witnessing his brother's body dissipate, Ed swiftly engages in a blood seal alchemy to bind Al's soul into a nearby piece of metal armor. This act comes at the cost of sacrificing his right arm. Adding to the distress, their endeavor to resurrect their mother instead births a grotesque creature embodying her disfigured remains. Thankfully, their neighbor, grandma Rockbell, arrives to eliminate the abomination and tend to the wounded Edward.While undertaking one of their journeys, the Elric brothers chance upon an undisclosed laboratory housing an abundance of forsaken records left behind by the former researchers. Astonishingly, it becomes apparent that this very laboratory had been dedicated to the exploration of human transmutation. Armed with this newfound knowledge, they, at last, ascertain the causes behind the unfortunate failure of their own ill-fated endeavor in transmuting a human being.
The Elric brothers' failure can be attributed to the separation of body and soul. In their pursuit of human transmutation, they successfully recreated a physical body. However, they were unaware that the soul's connection to the realm of the living is permanently severed after death. This means that once someone passes away, it is impossible to summon their soul back. The result is merely an empty vessel. Even if the brothers were able to recreate their mother's body, they would be unable to summon her soul and bind it to the vessel. Consequently, the vessel, brought to life through alchemy, becomes a feral and consciousness-less creature. It is an accursed monster that inhabits the disfigured body resembling their deceased mother. Unbeknownst to them, their attempt to reunite with their mother was doomed from the beginning.
How This Horrific Event Affect The Story
Despite their eager longing to resurrect their mother, the Elric brothers are confronted with the harsh reality that the being they create falls far short of their beloved parent. Alchemy adheres to strict principles, and attempting to manipulate life itself carries grave repercussions. The creature born from their unsuccessful transmutation serves as a stark embodiment of the inherent perils of meddling with the natural order, serving as a painful reminder of their inability to bring their mother back.
This failure serves as a profound enlightenment regarding the limitations of alchemy and the ramifications of challenging the laws of nature. There exist certain phenomena that are beyond their comprehension, and now they must bear the consequences of hastily delving into that forbidden realm. Consequently, the failed human transmutation becomes a compelling driving force behind the brothers' subsequent journey to restore their own bodies and attain redemption.
Throughout the narrative, the expedition of the Elric brothers serves as a testament to the significance of embracing, developing, and seeking truth in a universe influenced by the perilous, advantageous, and captivating practice of Alchemy.