Van Hohenheim

Overview

Van Hohenheim is a character in the manga Fullmetal Alchemist and its adaptations. He is the father of Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric, and the husband of Trisha Elric. Having become a living Philosopher's Stone following the tragic destruction of the ancient kingdom of Xerxes, he possesses near-immortality. Knowledgeable about the secrets surrounding the homunculi and their creator, Father, he wanders the world to prevent a catastrophic conspiracy, making him a central figure in the overall story.

Appearance

Van Hohenheim is a tall, muscular man with golden hair, golden eyes, and a full beard matching his hair color. He wears glasses and usually ties his long hair back into a ponytail. He is often dressed in suits or open-collared shirts.

Personality

On the surface, Hohenheim appears aloof and difficult to approach, but in truth, he is a soft-hearted, highly emotional man who easily sheds tears. Despite viewing his immortal body as monstrous, he harbors a deep love for his family and deeply desires to live a normal human life. Though carrying the burden of centuries of experience and vast wisdom, he also displays a somewhat detached, airheaded demeanor.

Abilities

As a human Philosopher's Stone housing 536,329 souls from the fallen nation of Xerxes, Hohenheim possesses near-immortality and can sustain himself without food or sleep. He is one of the most powerful and knowledgeable alchemists in the story, and his teachings in the east laid the foundation for the art of alkahestry. By holding dialogues with each soul within him and gaining their cooperation, he can draw upon their collective strength in battle.

Background

Originally a nameless slave designated Slave No. 23 in the ancient nation of Xerxes, he was granted a name and vast knowledge by the Dwarf in the Flask, a creature born from his blood. When the homunculus tricked the king into performing a ritual that destroyed Xerxes, Hohenheim was turned into a living Philosopher's Stone. He later traveled east, introducing alchemical knowledge that evolved into alkahestry. Eventually settling in Amestris, he fell in love with Trisha and started a family, but ultimately left them to dismantle Father's dark plot and seek a way to become mortal again.

Relationships

Trisha Elric is his beloved wife, through whom he rediscovered the joy of living as a human. He deeply loves his sons, Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric, though his long absence caused Edward to resent him for many years. Pinako Rockbell is an old drinking companion of his. His relationship with the homunculus known as Father (the Dwarf in the Flask), which was created from his blood, is a complex mixture of shared origins and bitter enmity.

Trivia

In his youth, Hohenheim's face and volatile temper strongly resembled those of his eldest son, Edward. He possesses the astounding accomplishment of having conversed with and remembered the names of all the individual souls residing inside his body. His design and background draw inspiration from historical figures as well as the folklore of the Wandering Jew.