These other symbols, however, are rarely classified as having anything to do with alchemy and are often just “magic circles” so it is easy to confuse them.Ĭolonel Roy Mustang stitched transmutation circles into his gloves for easy, constant accessĪ transmutation circle in Fullmetal Alchemist can be drawn on or with anything. Many anime have featured symbols similar to transmutation circles, such as the Seal of Orichalchos in Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Duel Monsters, as have sources of western media, such as the symbol of the Deathly Hallows in Harry Potter. More and more complex shapes can be used for more difficult tasks (the pinnacle of this is an octagon), but they also require a much greater knowledge on the part of the alchemist. sewing an entire dress in a second instead of several hours). This shape makes it possible to achieve results much faster than through normal processes (i.e. The square adds Planes, the understanding of time and space. The triangle’s three points are meant to represent mind, matter, and energy understanding the deconstruction and reconstruction process of alchemy (the three stages of transmutation). Other geometric shapes have various meanings. This is believed to have stemmed from the symbol of the Ouroboros (a snake/serpent/dragon eating its own tail). All transmutation circles, as the name implies, contain a circle. Transmutation circles have their roots in medieval times. The first step in performing alchemy is to create a transmutation circle.įullmetal Alchemist's rendition of the famed Ouroboros symbol As long as the alchemist understands the three principles of alchemy and the rule of equivalent exchange, they are prepared. Performing alchemy requires no special equipment. When alchemists attempt to disobey these rules, alchemical energy runs out of control and often results in injury or even death for the user. Transmuted objects must also retain the same base elements (think the periodic table) an alchemist could not slap their hands together and turn a pool of water into a solid block of iron. For example, an alchemist turning a three-pound wrench into a crowbar would find themselves with a three-pound crowbar. Any object altered via alchemy must maintain the same mass. This concept can be broken into two sub-parts, mass and natural providence. Often quoted as, “In order to obtain or create something, something of equal value must be lost or destroyed,” equivalent exchange must be obeyed. In fact, it's the basis behind the entire storyline. These transformations can range from something simple like turning a fork into a spoon or something complex like reshaping an entire building.Įquivalent exchange is the key concept that limits the abilities of alchemists, including the characters of Fullmetal Alehcmist. An alchemist must understand the physical make-up of an object on a molecular or atomic level and use energy to reshape that material into a new form. The three stages of alchemy are comprehension, deconstruction, and reconstruction. Alchemy is a technique that mixes elements of both magic and science in order to manipulate and alter, or “transmute”, matter. A basic transmutation circle using only circles and squaresĮdward Elric frequently transmuted part of his metal automail arm into a blade for battleįullmetal Alchemist revolves around an ancient practice practiced in many cultures.
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