The Slave from Xerxes: A Foundation of Alchemy and Tragedy
Early Life and Transformation
Before the renowned alchemist, the seemingly ageless wanderer, there was a humble slave. His name was never stated in the anime, but he came from Xerxes, a desert kingdom shrouded in mystery and now lost to the sands of time. This detail is crucial because it marks the beginning of his extraordinary journey and the genesis of his connection to the forces that would shape his destiny. He wasn’t born an alchemist, not naturally gifted with the power to transmute, but he was at the right place at the wrong time, chosen as a key player in a plot that would change the world.
His encounter with the Dwarf in the Flask, a being of immense knowledge and malevolent intent, proved to be a turning point. The Dwarf in the Flask, later revealed as “Father,” was a creature of vast intellect and ambition, seeking to transcend the limitations of his existence. He recognized the potential in the young slave, seeing him as a conduit to his own desires. The Dwarf in the Flask taught him the very fundamentals of alchemy, using the slave as a vessel for his experiments.
The Destruction of Xerxes
This alliance, forced by circumstances, led to the catastrophic destruction of Xerxes. The Dwarf in the Flask, exploiting the slave’s innocence and naivety, used the entire population of Xerxes as fuel for a transmutation circle. It was a ritual of immense power, capable of creating a Philosopher’s Stone, an object that could break the rules of alchemy and grant immortality. This brutal act transformed the slave into a being of incredible power, effectively making him immortal. He became the first living Philosopher’s Stone, the one who contained the soul of Xerxes as well.
The destruction of Xerxes is not merely a historical event; it is the pivotal event that defines Hohenheim’s character. It is the source of his guilt, his trauma, and his unwavering dedication to preventing similar tragedies. The ruins of Xerxes, scattered and forgotten, stand as a stark reminder of the price of forbidden knowledge and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. The loss fuels his quest to right the wrongs of the past and atone for his role in the destruction of Xerxes.
Endless Years, Endless Searching: The Burden of Immortality
The Burden of Immortality
Becoming immortal, however, was not the gift he thought it would be. While bestowed with near limitless lifespan, the gift of immortality was paired with a heavy burden. Centuries of existence brought a crushing weight of isolation. He witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, the ebb and flow of human history, and the relentless march of time, all while remaining unchanged. Friends and loved ones came and went, leaving him alone in the face of ever-changing world. The isolation was a constant companion, a hollow echo in his timeless existence.
Travels and Knowledge
He traveled extensively, exploring the world, seeking knowledge, and understanding the nature of alchemy and the forces that governed the universe. He delved into the mysteries of the Philosopher’s Stone, understanding both its power and the inherent dangers of its use. It was a journey of self-discovery, but also a desperate search for purpose, for meaning in a life that seemed devoid of direction.
His travels led him to amass a wealth of knowledge. He came to understand the inner workings of alchemy, the intricacies of transmutation, and the true cost of the Philosopher’s Stone. He grasped the nature of the Homunculi, artificial beings born from the Philosopher’s Stone, and understood their connection to the Dwarf in the Flask, his old acquaintance. This knowledge would become a crucial weapon in his future confrontation. He knew the sacrifices, the lives, the blood needed to create the Philosopher’s Stone. This knowledge was both a burden and his driving force to stop further abuse of that power.
A Father’s Love, A Father’s Absence: Family and Sacrifice
Meeting Trisha and Family
Despite his eternal life, the defining aspect of Hohenheim’s character is his relationship with his sons, Edward and Alphonse Elric. They are his legacy, the reason for his actions, and the embodiment of his hopes for the future.
He met Trisha Elric, a kind and loving woman, in the town of Resembool. He found a semblance of normalcy, of connection, in the small family they built together. He loved Trisha and treasured the bond they shared. He stayed by her side and gave her and his sons Edward and Alphonse the love he had long been without. That bond led to the birth of his two sons, Edward and Alphonse. However, the allure of his long-term goals and his deep connection to the Homunculi’s plots led him to make the difficult decision to leave his family, a choice that would haunt him.
Impact on Edward and Alphonse
Hohenheim’s departure was not a betrayal; it was an act of selflessness. He understood the impending danger, the looming threat of the Dwarf in the Flask. To protect his family, he made the agonizing decision to leave them, to remain in the shadows and work from afar. His absence was a sacrifice, a painful separation designed to ensure the survival and happiness of his sons. He knew that Edward and Alphonse’s adventurous nature could lead to confrontation with the very forces that he was trying to prevent from taking advantage of them.
Motivations for Leaving
He consistently monitored the lives of his sons, providing subtle guidance and protection from the shadows. He let them make their own choices and walk their own paths, but he was always there, ready to intervene if necessary. His actions are guided by a profound sense of responsibility, a determination to shield his sons from the horrors he had witnessed and the dangers he knew were inevitable.
The Confrontation and The Final Act: A Fight for Balance
The Plan
His long-term plan involved a carefully orchestrated series of events designed to defeat Father. He was not a man of rash decisions. He had a plan. He gathered information, sought allies, and prepared for the inevitable confrontation. This plan was to use the combined power of the Philosopher’s Stones. His decades of research and planning culminated in the final battle against the Dwarf in the Flask, now known as “Father.”
The Role in the Final Battle
He plays a crucial, if understated, role in the final conflict. He used his own Philosopher’s Stone and his vast knowledge of alchemy to create the necessary openings for Edward and his allies to strike the final blow. He was a strategic advisor and a powerful force, his skill and experience proving invaluable to the team.
The Sacrifice and Closure
Hohenheim sacrifices himself, along with the souls within his Philosopher’s Stone, to weaken the weakened Father. The sacrifice was a necessary act. In the final moments, as Father is defeated, Hohenheim’s life draws to a close. He knew that his time was up and that his soul would be gone with the defeat of the Homunculus.
His death is not merely an end; it is a release. He is released from the burden of immortality. It is a final act of selflessness, a culmination of his long journey to protect his family and right the wrongs of the past. He dies with a smile, finally at peace.
Themes and Echoes: The Enduring Legacy
Loneliness and Isolation
One of the most prominent is the theme of isolation. His immortality left him apart from others for centuries. He was perpetually separated from the flow of life, a witness to the fleeting nature of human existence. This loneliness is the foundation of his actions, his motivations.
Redemption and Sacrifice
Redemption and sacrifice are interwoven throughout the narrative. He spent centuries trying to atone for his past sins. He ultimately sacrifices his life to save others.
Fatherhood and Legacy
Fatherhood and legacy are central to his character. He is defined by his relationship with Edward and Alphonse. His actions are motivated by his desire to protect them, to give them a better future.
Immortality
Hohenheim’s use of the Philosopher’s Stone exemplifies the corrupting nature of power and the inherent dangers of tampering with forces beyond human understanding.
Conclusion: An Eternal Impact
Van Hohenheim stands as one of the most compelling and complex characters in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. His journey from a Xerxes slave to a hero reflects the intricate themes of the anime. He made great sacrifices to protect his children and give them a better life.
He represents the enduring power of love, the importance of redemption, and the consequences of both knowledge and power. His life is a testament to the potential for change and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Van Hohenheim’s choices and actions leave a lasting impression on the world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and the lessons from his story continue to resonate with audiences. His legacy is not just one of great alchemy, but one of profound sacrifice and undying love.
