Alchemy Indepth: The Human Transmutation Circle

The world of Fullmetal Alchemist is a highly fascinating one, and it all begins with one central concept: alchemy. Individuals who have the ability to analyze, destroy and recreate objects are called alchemists. There are two rules that and alchemist must follow: transmuting gold and trying to bring someone back from the dead is not allowed. In what had started the entire series, Ed and Al’s attempt in reviving their late mother, lies a complex symbol that plays an important role in their naïve attempt at the taboo called human transmutation. This is none other than the human transmutation circle.

Fig. 1 The human transmutation circle used by Edward Elric in their unsuccessful attempt at reviving their mother.