Set in a fantasy world where humans are persecuted and driven to the brink of extinction, "Somali and the Forest Spirit" is an anime series set to air in winter 2020. The story follows the journey of Somali, a human girl, and her mindless mechanical golem, who deepen their bond as they travel. This time, we'd like to introduce you to one of the main characters, Golem, the forest guardian who watches over Somali!
This is roughly what Somali and the Forest Guardian is about!
The forest guardian, Golem, is an emotionless machine whose sole mission is to protect the forest. However, for some reason, Golem begins traveling with a human girl, a persecuted and dying out species. Golem names the girl Somali, and despite emotions he doesn't understand, he watches over her as she grows and continues his journey to find her human companions. Somali regards Golem as a father and continues to grow as she travels. As Golem watches over Somali, he gradually begins to develop a heart. However, Golem's time is not long.
A Machine Without a Heart? This is what the forest guardian golem looks like!
The golem is a machine, and naturally lacks a mind. However, because it is driven by its mission to protect its forest, it is a rational, logical character with a mechanical tone and a seemingly cold impression. A perfect example of this is the T-800 from the future in Terminator 2. It becomes a father figure to young John and gradually learns about human emotions and the mind, which perfectly matches the image of a golem.
Golem Gradually Awakens to His Heart
Golem abandons his mission to protect the forest and decides to become Somali's father. However, his basic thinking is still mechanical and rational. He often cannot understand people who act on emotion. However, Golem also acts on these irrational emotions, and is sometimes confused by his own changes. Perhaps Golem is inherently capable of understanding and learning emotions.
Somali Comes First! A Slightly Overprotective Golem
Acting as Somali's guardian and father, Golem puts her first. While he may be a little overprotective, this is perhaps only natural, considering that in a world where a human girl could easily be eaten if discovered, and Somali is unusually curious and will naturally disappear if left alone. He's often at the mercy of Somali's selfish behavior, and when that happens, he often scolds her like a real father.
Just like a real father?
Although Golem is emotionless, he sometimes shows signs of being a doting father, even a doting father. He often imagines his daughter growing up and buys her expensive new clothes, showing his unusually doting side. He also seems to be quite lenient with Somali, who is still growing and eating a lot, by always letting her buy snacks. However, there's no doubt that Somali is in a precarious position, so he does scold her when he needs to.
Is that to be expected of a machine? The Golem is a Dexterous Golem
Because the Golem is a machine, it excels at precision work. Somali, a young girl, needs to earn money along the way to cover her travel expenses, including clothing and food. When the Golem's curiosity leads her to work part-time at a restaurant, she displays acrobatic customer service, a feat only possible with her mechanical control.
Golem is also a skilled cook
Being a machine, Golem is an expert at cooking as long as he can memorize the recipe. Somali, in particular, seems to enjoy Golem's home cooking. Even for Golem, food is already expensive, so cooking for herself is cheaper and more convenient. In addition to cooking, Golem can also make his own medicine if given the recipe. Also, as the guardian of the forest, he seems to have a good knowledge of plants.
Are Golems to be feared? About the Golem's Strength
Golems are spoken of as legendary guardians of the forest. However, legend has it that they are merciless to those who harm the forest, making them feared creatures. However, this golem is nearing its limit, and its body parts are deteriorating, making it unable to withstand intense combat. It was precisely because he realized his own limits that he began his journey to find someone who could protect Somali.
Rampaging Golem
As the Golem begins to deteriorate and its time limit for it to cease functioning approaches, it transforms into a grotesque form that it is not even aware of. When it is injured and Somali is put in danger, it loses its sense of self and goes on a rampage, uncontrollably trying to eliminate the threat before it. It displays unstoppable strength. Afterward, the Golem ends its rampage and wakes up a day later, but it has no idea why it went berserk.
The Golem is the guardian of the forest. Deep knowledge of plants and animals
Golem is the guardian of the forest and has a vast knowledge of plants and animals. He also appears to have the ability to sense the life force of plants and can communicate with animals. During his journey, the forest was nearly destroyed by a forest fire, and the inhabitants recognize him as a special being. They try to force him to stay in order to help rebuild the forest.
Do Golem's abilities also come from plants?
Golems can control plants and transform their bodies into plant-like forms during battle. Furthermore, when they go berserk, they transform into a form that appears to be eroded by plants, suggesting that their abilities are derived from plants. However, since we do not know who created them, why, or what functions they possess, the details remain a mystery.
[Somali and the Forest Spirit] Golem Summary
Although they are mechanical and emotionally impersonal, the golem's increasing doting nature is what makes them so appealing. The existence of a time limit is also a major hint in the story. The image is of a Terminator whose emotions are awakened by the bonds with his family, so if that appeals to you, then definitely check it out. Somali and the Forest Spirit will begin airing in winter 2020.
