Wrath, the formidable homunculus representing the sin of anger in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, meets his end in episode 62, titled “A Fierce Counterattack.” This pivotal episode marks the culmination of his battles against the forces seeking to overthrow Father and his plan. It’s a brutal and ultimately tragic end for a character defined by his unwavering loyalty and immense power.
The Death of Wrath: A Detailed Account
Episode 62 meticulously portrays Wrath’s final moments. He is engaged in a desperate struggle against a combined force of Briggs soldiers, led by General Olivier Armstrong, and Greed (in the body of Ling Yao). The battle is relentless, showcasing Wrath’s incredible combat prowess and unwavering determination even as he sustains grievous injuries.
Wrath’s Ultimate Goal: His dying wish wasn’t to fulfill Father’s desire or to simply cause destruction. Instead, he wanted to die as a human, after having lived a life devoid of true human connection due to his homunculus nature.
As Wrath is finally overwhelmed, he is struck by several bullets, including a final blow from Buccaneer. Despite his injuries, Wrath continues to fight until his regenerative abilities are exhausted and his Philosopher’s Stone is completely depleted. His last words, delivered with a mix of defiance and acceptance, highlight the unique burden and complexity of his existence. His final thoughts were of wanting to be a human.
The episode’s impact lies not just in the action-packed fight sequence, but also in the emotional resonance of Wrath’s demise. He is presented as a flawed, tragic figure, ultimately a victim of Father’s machinations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wrath’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions relating to King Bradley / Wrath’s demise in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Why Was Wrath So Powerful?
Wrath’s immense power stemmed from being a unique homunculus. Unlike the others who were created using souls of Xerxes’ people, he was created by injecting Father’s Philosopher’s Stone into a human child. This child, who would later become King Bradley, was rigorously trained and subjected to countless trials until he could successfully contain the Stone. This process resulted in a being with superhuman strength, speed, and reflexes, combined with the tactical brilliance and ruthlessness honed through years of military service. His Ultimate Eye gave him the near-perfect ability to predict his enemies moves.
Did Wrath Have Any Regrets?
While seemingly unyielding, Wrath harbored subtle regrets. As alluded to earlier, his desire to die as a human suggests a yearning for the experiences and connections he was denied. He yearned for the same things all humans long for: family, compassion, and love. These are things that the other Homunculi did not feel, as they viewed humans as disposable. He did not view them as such.
How Did Wrath Get His Scar?
Wrath’s distinctive eye patch covers a significant scar. This injury was inflicted during his rigorous training to contain the Philosopher’s Stone. As a child, he had to fight his way through numerous obstacles. After surviving, he was left with a major eye injury.
What Role Did Buccaneer Play in Wrath’s Death?
Buccaneer, a skilled Briggs soldier, played a crucial role in weakening Wrath. His automail arm, equipped with specialized piercing capabilities, allowed him to deliver a significant blow to Wrath’s Philosopher’s Stone, hastening its depletion. His sacrifice bought valuable time for Armstrong and Greed to mount their final assault.
Why Didn’t Wrath Regenerate Faster?
Wrath’s regeneration was limited by the size of his Philosopher’s Stone. As he sustained injuries throughout the battle, his stone slowly depleted, reducing his ability to heal and maintain his superhuman abilities. By the end of the fight, it was completely used up, leaving him vulnerable.
Was Wrath Truly Evil?
This is a complex question. While Wrath served Father and carried out his orders, his motivations were not purely malevolent. He possessed a strong sense of duty and loyalty, albeit misguided. He wasn’t driven by hatred or a desire for destruction in the same way as some of the other homunculi. He genuinely believed in the Amestris plan, even if it meant sacrificing others. The more you look at him, the more it is clear he simply did not know any better.
How Did Wrath Get the Title of Führer King Bradley?
The title was bestowed upon him by Father as part of his plan to control Amestris from within. Bradley was carefully groomed and positioned to rise through the ranks of the military, ultimately becoming Führer and gaining absolute authority over the country. He was chosen due to his exceptional abilities and unwavering obedience, making him the perfect puppet for Father’s agenda.
How Did Wrath’s Abilities Compare to the Other Homunculi?
Wrath’s abilities differed significantly from the other homunculi. He didn’t possess unique powers like Lust’s Ultimate Spear or Gluttony’s portal-like stomach. Instead, his strength lay in his unparalleled combat skills, strategic mind, and superhuman physical capabilities, all enhanced by his Ultimate Eye. He was a master tactician and fighter, making him a formidable opponent in any situation.
What Impact Did Wrath’s Death Have on the Story?
Wrath’s death was a major turning point in the story. It weakened Father’s control over Amestris and demonstrated the homunculi’s vulnerability. It also served as a catalyst for the remaining characters to rally and confront Father in the final battle. His death helped contribute to the overall downfall of Central Command.
How Did Wrath Affect Olivier Armstrong?
Wrath viewed Armstrong as one of the few worthy opponents in Amestris. She, in turn, respected him for his strategic genius and combat abilities, despite their opposing allegiances. His death, while a victory for her, likely held a degree of personal significance, marking the end of a complex and challenging relationship.
Did Wrath Ever Show Any Kindness?
Instances of outright kindness from Wrath are rare. However, his concern for his adopted son, Selim Bradley (Pride), suggests a capacity for affection, even if it was limited and distorted by his homunculus nature. It demonstrates that even the most seemingly cold-hearted individuals may possess glimmers of humanity.
What Is the Significance of Wrath’s Ultimate Eye?
Wrath’s Ultimate Eye was his most powerful asset. It allowed him to perceive and anticipate his opponents’ movements with incredible accuracy, making him nearly unbeatable in combat. The ability to see and react to everything at once was what allowed Wrath to become such a formidable and dangerous foe. It was this ability to see that allowed him to predict enemy movements and make sure to keep himself alive for so long. It was an invaluable tool in his strategic planning and execution.