In the first episode of Fullmetal Alchemist, titled “Those Who Challenge the Sun”, the story introduces the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who are talented young alchemists in the fictional world of Amestris. The episode sets the stage for their journey and the series’ central themes.
The episode begins with a flashback showing the brothers’ tragic past. Their father abandoned their family and their mother Trisha became seriously ill and died. This event led the brothers to alchemy in an attempt to bring their mother back to life. However, their forbidden ritual resulted in a catastrophic failure in which Edward lost his left leg and Alphonse lost his entire body. In a desperate move, Edward sacrificed his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to the armor, thus saving his brother’s life.
The current events of the episode follow Edward and Alphonse as they become skilled state alchemists in the US Army. Known as the “Full Metal Alchemist”, Edward is particularly talented, and his automail limbs, made by his childhood friend Winry Rockbell, allow him to perform alchemy without a physical transmutation ring.
Edward and Alphonse’s mission involves capturing an evil alchemist named Isaac McDougal, who has used his powers to freeze the city of Central. Through their meeting with McDougal, it is revealed that he is motivated by his belief that alchemy should be used to help and protect people, rather than being monopolized by the military and government.
During the confrontation, Edward and Alphonse manage to defeat McDougal and prevent him from causing further damage. However, the episode ends with a deeper realization for the brothers: they are determined to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful alchemical artifact, to restore their own bodies and right their past mistakes.
“Those Who Challenge the Sun” introduces the central themes of a series of sacrifices, the consequences of seeking power without understanding its true nature, and the moral complexities of alchemy in a world dominated by political and military forces. This episode showcases the strong bond between Edward and Alphonse, as well as their desire to uncover the secrets of alchemy and the Philosopher’s Stone to achieve their personal goals.