Greed, the insatiable homunculus, meets his final end in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood episode 58, “Sacrifices.” This pivotal episode sees the culmination of his complex arc, marked by his rebellious streak against Father and his eventual reconciliation with Ling Yao.
The Fall of Greed: A Detailed Breakdown
Greed’s story is one of self-discovery and ultimately, redemption, though not in the traditional sense. He wasn’t seeking forgiveness for his actions; he was seeking to possess everything. This desire drove his actions throughout the series, leading him to clash with the Elric brothers and ultimately, to his final confrontation.
The Prelude to Destruction
Prior to episode 58, Greed’s body had already undergone significant trauma. He had been forcibly absorbed back into Father in episode 38, losing the individuality he had fought so hard to maintain. However, thanks to Ling Yao’s desperate desire for power and his willingness to host Greed, the homunculus was reborn. This new Greed, however, was significantly different. The influence of Ling Yao tempered his insatiable desires, leading to an internal conflict between the homunculus and his host.
The Sacrifice in Episode 58
Episode 58 sees the culmination of Father’s plan to achieve godhood. He needs to absorb the remaining homunculi to complete his transformation. As Father attempts to regain Greed, Ling fights back, driven by his loyalty to his comrades. Greed, realizing the futility of his rebellion and acknowledging Ling’s inherent goodness and the genuine friendships he’s formed, experiences a fundamental shift in his understanding of what he truly desired. He recognizes that he never truly wanted things but rather the camaraderie and loyalty he found with Ling and his friends.
In a final act of defiance and ultimately, a paradoxical form of self-sacrifice, Greed willingly cooperates with Father, but uses his Ultimate Shield to turn Father unstable from the inside out. He essentially destabilizes Father’s composition, allowing the Elric brothers a crucial opportunity to exploit his weakness. This act, born from his desire to protect Ling and his newfound comrades, leads to his absorption back into Father and his ultimate demise. As he fades, he remarks that he finally got what he wanted: friends.
Understanding Greed’s Complex Character Arc
Greed is arguably one of the most fascinating and morally ambiguous characters in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. His motivations are complex, and his journey from a self-serving homunculus to a reluctant hero is filled with internal conflict and surprising acts of loyalty.
More Than Just Lust for Possessions
While his initial portrayal paints him as simply driven by a lust for possessions, a deeper exploration reveals a more nuanced character. Greed’s desire for “everything” is not solely materialistic. He seeks experiences, connections, and ultimately, a sense of belonging. His initial band of chimeras was his attempt to create that, even if through forced loyalty. Ling’s influence, however, showed him a more authentic path to genuine connection.
The Ling Yao Factor
The fusion with Ling Yao is arguably the defining moment in Greed’s character arc. Ling’s unwavering moral compass and strong sense of loyalty begin to chip away at Greed’s self-serving nature. The internal conflict between the two is palpable, and it forces Greed to confront the true meaning of his desires. The resulting internal struggle shows a gradual evolution of his character that leads to his eventual sacrifice.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Greed’s Death
Here are frequently asked questions about Greed’s death and his role in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood:
FAQ 1: Was Greed’s Death Truly a Sacrifice?
Yes, definitively. While Greed was ultimately reabsorbed into Father, his willingness to use his Ultimate Shield against his master, knowing it would lead to his own demise, was a deliberate act of self-sacrifice. He prioritized the well-being of Ling and his allies over his own existence.
FAQ 2: Did Ling Yao Survive Greed’s Death?
Yes, Ling Yao survives Greed’s death. He remains as Emperor of Xing and continues to play a crucial role in the fight against Father. Ling retains the memories of his time shared with Greed, forever changed by their complex relationship.
FAQ 3: Why Did Greed Help Father in the End?
Greed didn’t genuinely help Father. He appeared to cooperate, but his intention was to exploit a critical weakness by turning Father unstable from within, facilitating the Elric’s final attack.
FAQ 4: Was Greed’s Death Sad?
Yes, many fans find Greed’s death to be a deeply emotional moment. Despite his initial portrayal as a villain, his character development and his final act of sacrifice resonated with viewers, making his demise a poignant loss.
FAQ 5: Could Greed Have Survived?
Realistically, no. Father’s ultimate goal was to absorb all the homunculi, and Greed, being a significant source of power, was always a target. Furthermore, Greed’s unique ability to shift between serving his own desires and potentially opposing Father made him too unpredictable and dangerous to keep around.
FAQ 6: How Did Greed’s Ultimate Shield Weaken Father?
Greed’s Ultimate Shield manipulates the carbon atoms in his body to create an impenetrable defense. By using this ability internally against Father, who relied on a specific and carefully constructed alchemical composition, Greed disrupted Father’s internal structure, rendering him vulnerable.
FAQ 7: What Were Greed’s Last Words?
Greed’s last words were a reflection on his life and his understanding of true desire. He said, “I finally got it. It wasn’t money…or women…or power…Greed wanted for…friends.”
FAQ 8: How Did Greed Regain His Memories After Being Reabsorbed?
When Father ejected Greed to merge with Ling Yao, a fragment of Greed’s consciousness, including his memories, remained. This fragment gradually resurfaced as Greed and Ling coexisted within the same body, leading to the complex and compelling character we see in the later episodes.
FAQ 9: How Did Greed’s Philosophy Differ From the Other Homunculi?
Unlike the other homunculi, who were fiercely loyal to Father and embodied their respective sins without question, Greed rebelled against Father and challenged the very notion of blind obedience. He questioned his own desires and ultimately found meaning outside of Father’s control, setting him apart as a unique and independent entity.
FAQ 10: Did Edward Elric Play a Role in Greed’s Death?
Indirectly, yes. While Edward didn’t directly kill Greed, his persistent opposition to Father and his dedication to protecting his friends created the circumstances that allowed Greed to make his final, sacrificial choice. Edward’s unwavering morality influenced Ling, who in turn, influenced Greed.
FAQ 11: Does Greed Appear in the Original Fullmetal Alchemist Anime?
Yes, Greed appears in the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, but his character arc and ultimate fate differ significantly from Brotherhood. In the original series, Greed is killed by Wrath/King Bradley in episode 35. His character development and redemptive arc are less pronounced compared to Brotherhood.
FAQ 12: What Made Greed So Popular Among Fans?
Greed’s popularity stems from his complex and relatable character arc. He starts as a seemingly straightforward antagonist, but his interactions with Ling Yao and his eventual rebellion against Father reveal a deeper, more nuanced personality. His internal struggle, his moments of unexpected compassion, and his ultimate sacrifice resonate with fans who appreciate morally ambiguous characters and stories of redemption.