The Roots of Envy's Hatred in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a critically acclaimed anime series that explores complex moral and ethical debates. Central to the narrative are the Homunculi, deformed creatures with unique characteristics and backstories. Envy, with his perpetual sneer and acidic nature, is one of the most intriguing characters. This article delves into the profound reasons behind his hatred towards humans, as depicted in the series.

Introduction to Envy in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Envy, also known as Gluttony, is one of the seven Homunculi created by Father to carry out his nefarious plans. Within the Homunculi, Envy stands out for his distinctive features and his complex emotional spectrum. His intelligence and manipulation skills are unparalleled among his siblings, making him a formidable opponent and a pivotal character in the series.

The Nature of Envy

Envy, being a creation of the homuncular father, was designed to be the master manipulator. However, his creation was flawed, resulting in feelings of jealousy and resentment. These emotions were not merely psychological; they were bisected by his physical shape and the segregation from the other Homunculi.

Envy's Jealousy

one of the fundamental reasons for Envy's hatred is his envy. The series reveals that Envy's resentment towards humans stems from his perception of human relationships. Unlike the other Homunculi, Envy was left out in the cold, not just physically, but also emotionally. His siblings and even his creator treated him like a burden, showcasing their selfishness and disregard for his well-being. This is particularly evident in instances where Envy's siblings and even his father would abandon him for the sake of trivial matters, such as a candy bar, as mentioned in the original excerpt. This behavior patronized him and highlighted the lack of value others placed on him, further fueling his hatred.

Mechanics of Homuncular Creation

Understanding the mechanics behind the Homunculi's creation sheds light on Envy's anger. The series illustrates how each Homunculus was created in a bottle, with the exception of Envy, who was submerged in the flames as a way to create the most powerful one. This unique method of creation left Envy with a deeper sense of mistrust and anger towards the other Homunculi. He felt that he was deprived of the same familial bonds that they enjoyed, making him miserable.

In comparing the Homunculi's creation to that of human alchemy, a stark difference is noticeable. Humans are able to form bonds and experience genuine feelings of love and care. These emotions are not something the Homunculi can fully understand or replicate, leading to a feeling of inadequacy and resentment.

Envy's Character Arc

Envy's arc throughout the series is crucial in understanding his hatred. Near the end of the series, Envy experiences a moment of clarity. He remembers a toad during his childhood that treated him kindly, a rare moment of humanity before his creation. This memory, coupled with his growing affection for Lust and his sense of self-preservation, causes Envy to back away from his hatred. In his final moments, he grudgingly admits that he is envious of how mere humans can stand together and support each other, whereas his siblings and even Father discarded him like a useless piece of trash.

Envy's realization that love and support can be found in human relationships is a turning point in his character. It highlights the contrast between his own miserable existence and the seemingly simple yet profound emotions of human companionship.

The Implications for Alchemy and Sibling Relationships

Envy's story also brings to light the implications of alchemy in the series. Alchemy, when misused, can result in creating beings like the Homunculi, who are devoid of true human emotions and empathy. This concept is carried over to human-to-Homunculus alchemy, where the resulting creature formed with a real human soul suffers a similar fate, highlighting the destructive nature of alchemical ambition.

Iconography and Design

The design of Envy, with his green color, wears a beret, and snarling expression, serves as a visual representation of his envy and manipulation. His iconic form is often used as a visual cue for the audience to identify him in the series.

Conclusion

Envy's hatred towards humans in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is rooted in his envy of human relationships and the genuine emotions that come with them. His character arc spans from bitter hatred to a reluctant acknowledgment of human love and camaraderie. This exploration of his character offers valuable insights into the series' deeper themes of empathy, love, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.