Pride, the arrogant and ruthless Homunculus, meets his definitive end in episode 63, “The Other Side of the Gate” of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. His defeat is a culmination of a strategic alliance between multiple characters and underscores the themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the rejection of blind ambition prevalent throughout the series. This episode marks a pivotal moment in the final stages of the battle against Father, as Pride’s power significantly diminished contributes to the overall shift in momentum towards the protagonists.
The Climactic Confrontation and Pride’s Demise
The death of Pride is not a simple, straightforward event. It is a gradual weakening and eventual transformation, precipitated by a series of calculated moves by Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, and their allies.
Trapped in the Darkness
Pride’s strength lies in his ability to absorb and control shadows, using them to see, attack, and consume. However, his power is severely hampered when exposed to intense light or contained in environments devoid of shadows. Alphonse’s strategic use of Kimblee’s red stone, which emits a powerful light, plays a critical role in weakening Pride’s control. Additionally, Alphonse manages to trap Pride within his own armor, creating an inescapable prison. This confinement deprives Pride of external shadows, essentially neutralizing his primary offensive and defensive capabilities.
The Sacrifice and Absorption
Key to Pride’s downfall is the act of absorbing Gluttony earlier in the series. This absorption, while seemingly increasing his power, ultimately proves to be a weakness. By consuming Gluttony, Pride inherited not only Gluttony’s insatiable hunger but also the dormant, unstable properties of the failed Gate of Truth fragment contained within Gluttony.
The Rebirth of Selim Bradley
As Pride’s power wanes and his original Homunculus form degrades, he begins to revert to his original state: a fetal, undeveloped being within the vessel of Selim Bradley. With his Homunculus power almost entirely depleted, Edward and Alphonse witness the diminished Selim Bradley, now a helpless child. Colonel Mustang, who witnesses the scene, refrains from killing the infant, ultimately leaving the decision to Selim’s adoptive parents. This act of mercy highlights the distinction between seeking justice and perpetuating violence, a central theme of the series. Pride effectively dies, but Selim Bradley, stripped of his Homunculus powers and arrogance, is given a second chance at life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pride’s Death
This section delves into common questions surrounding Pride’s death and its significance within the context of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
1. How did Alphonse manage to trap Pride inside his armor?
Alphonse used alchemy to create a contained space within his armor, reinforced with the light from Kimblee’s red stone. He carefully manipulated the alchemy circle, ensuring that Pride would be fully enclosed and unable to escape. The light effectively cancels out Pride’s shadow manipulation abilities within the armor.
2. Why didn’t Colonel Mustang kill Selim Bradley when he had the chance?
Mustang recognized that the infant Selim was no longer Pride. Stripped of his Homunculus powers and arrogance, he was just a child. Killing him would have been an act of revenge, perpetuating the cycle of violence. Mustang, having vowed to rebuild Amestris, chose to show mercy and allow Selim to be raised by his adoptive parents.
3. What role did Kimblee’s red stone play in Pride’s defeat?
Kimblee’s red stone emitted a powerful and sustained light, which directly countered Pride’s shadow manipulation abilities. Pride relies on darkness to see, attack, and defend himself. The intense light significantly weakened him, making him vulnerable to Alphonse’s plan. Kimblee’s volatile personality ironically contributed to the downfall of one of Father’s most trusted lieutenants.
4. Was Pride truly “dead” or just reverted to a weaker form?
Pride, as a Homunculus entity powered by Father’s soul, effectively died. While Selim Bradley continued to exist, he was a normal human child, devoid of the Homunculus powers and memories of Pride. The arrogant, power-hungry entity that was Pride ceased to exist.
5. How powerful was Pride compared to the other Homunculi?
Pride was considered the strongest of the Homunculi, second only to Father. His ability to control shadows granted him immense power and versatility. He could consume other beings, manipulate objects, and even take on their characteristics. His intelligence and strategic mind also made him a formidable opponent.
6. Why was Pride named “Pride”?
Pride’s name reflects his defining characteristic: overwhelming arrogance and a sense of superiority. He considered himself above humans and even other Homunculi, believing he was the most perfect creation. This Hubris is a common theme associated with the Homunculi and their creator, Father.
7. Did Pride have any weaknesses besides light?
Yes, in addition to light, Pride was vulnerable to attacks that targeted his core or interfered with his connection to the shadows. His hubris also made him prone to underestimating his opponents, which often led to strategic errors. The absorption of Gluttony, while initially seeming like a strength, ultimately created a significant vulnerability.
8. What was the significance of Pride being Selim Bradley?
The fact that Pride resided within the body of Selim Bradley, the adopted son of King Bradley (Wrath), added a layer of complexity to his character. It highlighted the deception and manipulation at the heart of Father’s plan, demonstrating how deeply he had infiltrated Amestris’s government and society. It also created a moral dilemma for the Elric brothers and their allies, as they were forced to confront a powerful enemy disguised as an innocent child.
9. How did Pride’s death affect the final battle against Father?
Pride’s death significantly weakened Father’s forces and reduced his overall power. With Pride gone, Father lost one of his most valuable assets, both in terms of raw power and strategic thinking. This loss contributed to the shift in momentum towards the protagonists and ultimately helped them defeat Father.
10. Did Pride ever show any remorse for his actions?
Throughout the series, Pride exhibited no remorse for his actions. He was completely dedicated to Father’s plan and was willing to do anything to achieve his goals, regardless of the cost. He viewed humans as insignificant and expendable, and he felt no guilt about manipulating and killing them.
11. What is the meaning behind Pride’s final scene as a child?
The final scene with Selim Bradley serves as a powerful statement about the potential for redemption. Stripped of his Homunculus powers and arrogance, he has a chance to grow up as a normal child, free from the influence of Father and the sins of his past. It reinforces the series’ theme that even the most villainous individuals can potentially change.
12. How does Pride’s death contribute to the overall themes of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
Pride’s death reinforces several key themes of the series, including the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of brotherhood and sacrifice, and the potential for redemption. His downfall demonstrates that arrogance and power are not invincible, and that even the most formidable enemies can be defeated through strategic thinking, teamwork, and a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. He is the embodiment of the sin of pride, and his ultimate destruction underscores the importance of humility and compassion.