The History of the Philosopher’s Stone in Fullmetal Alchemist

When it comes to anime, the shōnen genre is consistently the most popular. Shows like Naruto and One Piece are considered timeless classics, and newer series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Gachiakuta are also hugely popular right now. However, many fans consider Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the 2009 anime based on Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist manga, to be the greatest anime of all time.

When a risky experiment fails, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric set out on a perilous adventure to get back what they’ve lost. Their search focuses on the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, an item said to hold the key to their success. But the Stone has a troubling past, and discovering it could alter the brothers’ journey forever.

What Is a Philosopher’s Stone?

A Catalyst That Can Break Away From the Laws of Alchemy

Image via BONES

Growing up in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, I’ve always known alchemy was a part of everyday life. It’s basically a blend of science and magic – the power to take things apart and put them back together in different ways. Anyone can learn it, but it takes study and understanding, especially when it comes to drawing those complex transmutation circles needed for even basic experiments. If you practice consistently, you can really become a skilled alchemist. Some, like Roy Mustang, choose to use their abilities in the military, becoming State Alchemists. Others, like Izumi Curtis, prefer to stay independent, not wanting to get involved with the government’s way of doing things.

Alchemists learn from the start that there are strict rules, the most important being to never try to turn a human being into something else. However, legend speaks of an ancient artifact – the Philosopher’s Stone – that can break even the fundamental laws of alchemy and even defy the consequences imposed by a higher power. This stone, a red crystal, seems to perform incredible alchemical feats. Some say it can even bring people back to life shortly after they die, though very few have ever seen this happen.

The Origins and Legacy of the Philosopher’s Stone

Everything Began With the Dwarf in the Flask

Centuries ago, the civilization of Xerxes was renowned for its progress in alchemy and philosophy. However, tragedy struck when they discovered a mysterious, shadowy entity called the Dwarf in the Flask – a being seemingly filled with incredible knowledge. This entity came to life through an experiment involving human blood, taken from a young slave by the King’s most gifted alchemist. Surprisingly, this same slave would discover the Dwarf in the Flask and become its pupil, learning not only alchemy, but also how to read and write. Years later, now known as Van Hohenheim, he was freed and began working as an assistant to an alchemist.

The Dwarf in the Flask still had plans for Van Hohenheim. Now that the original Homunculus was assisting the aging King, Hohenheim’s knowledge was requested to help the King achieve immortality. After years of preparation, the ritual began, which the King thought would enhance his power. Instead, it transferred the souls of others into Van Hohenheim, turning him into a living Philosopher’s Stone and granting him immortality. Meanwhile, the Dwarf in the Flask escaped his glass prison and took on a human form that looked just like Van Hohenheim. Forced to roam the earth, Van Hohenheim unwittingly allowed the first Homunculus – now calling himself “Father” – to create the seven other Homunculi and begin his most ambitious scheme.

How Does the Philosopher’s Stone Relate to the Elric Brothers?

The Duo Wish To Use It To Restore Their Original Bodies

I remember hearing the story of Edward and Alphonse, two brothers who were devastated by their mother’s death. They turned to alchemy, hoping against all odds to bring her back. Everyone knew human transmutation was dangerous and forbidden, but they believed they could succeed where others had failed. It was a terrible mistake. Instead of their mother, they created something…monstrous. And the cost was immense. Edward lost a leg, and Alphonse lost his entire body. Even in that agonizing moment, Edward didn’t hesitate; he sacrificed an arm to try and save his brother’s soul.

After Al’s soul became bound to a suit of armor, Ed received automail – steel replacements for his lost arms and legs. Once recovered, Ed decided to become a State Alchemist, even though he didn’t trust the government. Becoming an alchemist would give him access to information unavailable to the public, information he hoped would restore his brother’s body. Driven by this goal, the brothers embarked on a journey to reclaim what they’d lost.

Early in the 2009 anime series, Ed and Al find the research notes of Dr. Tim Marcoh and split the work of translating them. What they discover is disturbing: creating a Philosopher’s Stone requires human sacrifice – similar to how Father used the souls of an entire city to transform Van Hohenheim, the Elrics’ father, into a living being. This revelation leaves the brothers unsure of how to proceed.

Driven by their lingering curiosity, the brothers uncover the secrets of the ruined Laboratory 5, learning about the experiments conducted by the Homunculi Envy and Lust. This marks their initial, dangerous confrontation with these enemies and ultimately leads them to seek guidance from their teacher, Izumi Curtis. Though they realize attempting to create a Philosopher’s Stone themselves was wrong, they remain determined to find a way to help others.

2026-01-16 16:35