Many would agree that, perhaps, this “law” certainly makes sense. Thus, Equivalent Exchange is applied to actions. However, in Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward and Alphonse (Ed and Al) take Equivalent Exchange further and (in a most philosophical manner) seek to apply it as a moral code: a principle to be followed in the face of every complexity and endeavor a person could work through and towards. The Law of Equivalent Exchange relates directly to alchemy it is seemingly a scientific principle of the alchemical arts. In order to obtain something, something of equal value must be lost.įor instance, a transmutation cannot be performed if no matter is placed within the transmutation circle the circle must be “given” the matter it will transform. Put simply, the Law of Equivalent Exchange states that: The second is the Law of Natural Providence, which means that if you are transmuting something made of steel, you can only produce something with the characteristics similar to steel for instance, you couldn’t transmute steel and create water.īoth of these laws form the basis for the Law of Equivalent Exchange. The Law of Mass Conservation, as it applies to alchemy, means that the amount of matter going into the transmutation will equal the amount of matter once the transmutation is finished. One of them is the Law of Mass Conservation, a law that exists in the real world, outside of the universe created by Arakawa. However, there are two “laws” that apply to alchemy, and ultimately to Equivalent Exchange. In other words, the three basic actions are Comprehension, Deconstruction and Reconstruction. He or she forms something new from the broken down matter.He or she must first use the alchemical power/transmutation circle to break down the matter.The alchemist must understand the atomic or molecular structure of the matter in question.Next, three basic actions must be performed by the alchemist: Once the transmutation circle is drawn, the matter or objects that the alchemist will use in his transmutation are placed within the circle. The transmutation circle enables both the “alchemical power” of the earth and all matter to be harnessed and a manifestation of the alchemist’s transmutation to be formed. Alchemy in Arakawa’s world is performed by first drawing a “transmutation circle”. It’s not like the alchemy performed by the “pre-chemists” of Medieval times–although there is obviously a heavy relationship between the alchemy of history and alchemy of Arakawa’s world. Actually, it’s a mixture of science, art, and magic. Alchemy and the Law of Equivalent Exchange Edward and Alphonse Elric activating a transmutation circleĪlchemy is the type of “magic” used by “alchemists” in Fullmetal Alchemist. One of the most prominent philosophical themes/questions that Fullmetal Alchemist focuses on is that of Equivalent Exchange, or rather, as it is called most officially, “The Law of Equivalent Exchange”. Hiromu Arakawa has created both a world and a group of characters that take on moral dilemmas and complex, ethically-blurry situations from a philosophical dimension. It’s so philosophical in a way that touches the hearts of its viewers, encouraging and even enjoining them to contemplate the actions or principles of the main characters. On that last remark of reason #3, we find why so many people appreciate Fullmetal Alchemist. Not only are the scientific explanations, well, scientific, but even philosophical. An incredibly realistic world, with scientific explanations for the “magic” upon which the series heavily focuses on. An exciting, elaborate plot, filled with complicated military strategies and rebellion, as well as a world of magic that could present a plot twist at any moment.ģ. It’s hard not to feel for the characters in all of their struggles, hopes, triumphs, and defeats.Ģ. Introductionįullmetal Alchemist, created by Hiromu Arakawa, is a great manga and anime for a few reasons:ġ. And if you already know the story of FMA, feel free to skip to the section entitled “The Truth”. Note: this will contain LOTS of spoilers.
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