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The world is ruled by spirits, goblins and all manner of strange creatures.
Human beings are persecuted, to the very point of extinction.
One day, a golem and a lone human girl meet.
This is a record of the pair; one a member of a ruined race, the other a watchman of the forest. It tells of their travels together, and of the bond between father and daughter.
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”What does it mean to be human?”
A question I was never fond of, it insinuates that to be kind, sad, happy, or even relieved. . having these simplistic, yet complex emotions are what it means to be human. What I am trying to communicate to all of you, is that “being human” isn’t something one should strive towards.
Rather than attempting to relate to the characteristics of what one thinks to be a “human being”, what we should truly focus on is what it really means to be kind, sad, happy, relieved... Why do we feel the way we do and how do those emotions define who we are and what we strive to protect? If there be anything at all. .
I started thinking this way after reading the ‘Ancient Magus Bride’ for the first time, however many years ago. It wasn’t until I reached the end of the first volume that I realized I was far too focused on the humanizing aspect of Elias’ character. I had missed the entire point of the series and was blissfully ignorant. Neither human nor monster, but instead somewhere in-between. Yet, Chise still loved and cherished him dearly.
Understanding and accepting what he was, together for what they were, learned to love. Far too many people try to humanize what isn’t human in these types of stories, because somewhere deep down, though they will never admit it.. they reject what is different from themselves.
Even if we are the only species on earth with “prowess” in all fields, I believe it’s ignorant to believe we are the only species in a seemingly infinite amount of universes that exist. To be completely honest, I am confident that we aren’t alone and that there will come a time when we will have to come to understand something different from ourselves.
Even if I’ll most likely not live to see it, I think it’s important to understand. This is why a story such as ‘Somali and the Forest Spirit’ is so painstakingly beautiful and important to me. Having said these things, let’s talk a little about the series itself. I encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comment section and if you decide to read the series, I would be overjoyed to know what you gained from reading and your overall thoughts on the series as a whole.
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Beings of old, there is little known about Golems. Living for the sole purpose to protect what they’ve created, Golem’s are a noble species indeed. Although, because there is little known about them, they are often feared rather than respected. Lacking in some of the common senses and also that of emotionally “feeling”, most outsiders consider their life to be a lonely one. A lifespan of 1,000 years, they live it rather contently and with purpose.
However, though rare, there do live Golems which stray from the way of living that is most accustomed to them and follow their own path. This is the story of one of those Golems, otherwise known as ‘father’ to a once shackled child who lost her way.
Together, hand in hand, they begin their journey. The daughter, gifting her father with an array of newly discovered emotions... While the father will give to his daughter, Somali, the gift of love and what it feels like to be protected.
In a world where humans are nothing more than a source of entertainment, the Golem comes across Somali while living in the forest. Paying her no mind at first, she pursues him, and without first realizing it, found himself extending his hand to her. Seeing her smile brightly at the smallest of things made the 998 year old Golem feel strange and thus, knowing she wouldn’t surviving long by herself, used it as an excuse to help her.
Embarking on a journey to find other humans, a species long-since thought close to extinction, their father and daughter relationship begins. Though, little does Somali know, her father only has only a little over a year left before swiftly returning to the earth. A race against time itself, he is determined to make sure she will have a place to return to where she will continue to smile forever.. before his life comes to an end. Even so, once he finds a place to live out her days happily, will he so easily say good-bye as he said hello?
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t h o u g h t s
If you are in search for something both soothing and sweet, but with a side of morbidity, this is manga is most likely ordeal. Giving you a feeling of childlike wonder and curiosity, it is surely the key to peace of mind after a long, difficult day.
Firstly, having already shown a quite few images derived from the series, it is no question that the art is gorgeous. Consistent throughout the series, I have no qualms. Most commonly serene, the art can quickly change and exude morbid vibes when matching the darker tones of the series, when need be. This, of course, only heightens the experience and so much of my respect goes towards this series’ artist(s).
Story-wise, the plot is something we’ve all heard before and you have most likely read a stories very similar-sounding. So, if you are a bit hesitant on beginning a type of story you’ve read before, I completely understand. However, I guarantee this series is executed in such a way that it will all seem completely new to you.
Executed brilliantly, both the story and the relationship between Golem and Somali is, in short, simply beautiful. Fleshed out and intriguing, I’ve yet to grow tired of either of them or their interactions. Not only this, but the side-characters introduced are usually just as intriguing.
If I had to choose my favorite aspect of their relationship, I’d have to discuss the unbreakable trust between the two. Not once does Somali, question her father’s judgment and trusts everything to him, even if it’s a little scary for her.
I’m sure to most of you, that might not seem like a big deal. Although, to someone like me, who’s yet to trust someone with anything precious, to be able to rely on someone to such a degree with no worries.. it is an incredibly beautiful thing.
All in all, I highly recommend this manga to everyone. As I wanted to avoid revealing more than needed for this series, I’ve said all I wanted to. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read my blog and I hope you have a great rest of your weekend.