What or Who Did the Elric Brothers Actually Transmute During Their Human Transmutation Attempt?

In the anime series Fullmetal Alchemist, the Elric Brothers, Edward and Alphonse, attempt a forbidden and complex alchemical operation: human transmutation. The goal was to resurrect their deceased mother, a deeply emotional pursuit that violated one of the most fundamental laws of alchemy: 'To gain something, something of equal value must be given.'

Human transmutation is explicitly prohibited because it requires trading a human life for the one you wish to bring back, which defies the intrinsic value of existence. When the Elric Brothers attempt this forbidden operation, they do not succeed in restoring their mother to life. Instead, they create a grotesque, lifeless creature that superficially resembles their mother but lacks her essence and soul. This creature houses Alphonse's soul, which was separated from his body during the failed transmutation. Consequently, Edward loses his left leg and Alphonse his entire body, leading to Edward's decision to sacrifice his right arm to bind Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. The tragic outcome of this operation drives the Elric Brothers' quest for redemption and their search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore what they lost.

Consequences of the Failed Transmutation

The failed human transmutation has profound and transformative consequences for both the Elric Brothers. Edward loses his left leg, Alphonse his entire body, and Alphonse's soul is separated and contained within a suit of armor. The creature resulting from the transmutation, resembling their mother but devoid of her essence, becomes a pawn in their ongoing journey.

The brother's misfortune also leads to a significant internal conflict and emotional trauma. Edward's sacrifice to save Alphonse reflects the depth of their brotherly bond and the moral complexities of their actions. The narrative underscores the gravity of their choices and the soul-deep scars they carry.

Hamunqulai and the Post-Transmutation Consequences

Interestingly, according to the 2003 version of Fullmetal Alchemist, every failed human transmutation results in the birth of a Hamunqulai, a creature that is partly human and partly beast. In their failed attempt to bring back their mother, the Elric Brothers created a Hamunqulai who resembles their deceased mother. The Hamunqulai, Sloth, serves as a constant reminder of their failure and the sacrifices they made.

Later in the series, Edward asks Alphonse what happened when they performed the transmutation. Alphonse reveals that he saw Edward lying on the floor, crying, after the forbidden act. Edward confirms that they transmuted Alphonse during the process. The transmutation backfired, resulting in the formation of a black creature, a sign of their failure and the severe consequences of breaking alchemical laws.

Search for Redemption and the Philosopher's Stone

After the failed human transmutation, the Elric Brothers embark on a quest to restore their lost limbs and Alphonse's body using the Philosopher's Stone, a powerful, mythical substance in alchemy that can grant wishes and heal severe injuries. This journey is a raw exploration of the moral and emotional turmoil that results from their actions and the unyielding pursuit of justice and truth.

The quest for the Philosopher's Stone represents the brothers' struggle with the laws of alchemy, redemption, and the indelible marks left by their past mistakes. Their journey serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of playing god and the price of such transgressions.

Conclusion

The Elric Brothers' human transmutation attempt in Fullmetal Alchemist is a pivotal event that shapes the story's narrative and thematic depth. It exemplifies the consequences of defying alchemical laws and the profound impact it has on the characters. The failure to bring their mother back and the subsequent creation of a Hamunqulai symbolize the complex and often dark outcomes of their actions. The journey towards redemption through the Philosopher's Stone serves as a metaphor for the broader themes of moral responsibility and the quest for justice in the series.