Somali and the Forest Spirit is a fantasy that depicts the journey of a human girl named Somali and her mechanical forest guardian, Golem. In this world, humans are persecuted and it is not surprising that they would be captured and sold if discovered, but Golem continues his journey in search of a place where Somali can live safely before he becomes unable to move. We would like to introduce the various places the two stop at on their journey.
Somali and Golem's Travels, Part 1: The First Large Town in the Series
This large, thriving town, home to a diverse mix of races, is the first place Somali and Golem visit in the series. While there are many different races, there are no humans to be seen there. Human numbers were greatly reduced in the past war, and now they are treated poorly, often as slaves or food.
A Harsh World for Humans
The people living in this town live happily and peacefully. However, it is common knowledge that humans are not treated seriously, as slaves or food. Even though it is a peaceful and bright town, if you are revealed to be human, you could be killed in the worst case scenario. It may be a scary place for Somali, but that is also common knowledge in this world.
Somali and Golem's Travels, Part 2: Witch's Village
A village inhabited by human-like witches. It's a unique village with a quirky, mystical atmosphere, and the witches will welcome you with wine and sweets when you drop by. It's a fantasy village where fairies coexist, overflowing with magic and knowledge. The witches' livelihood lies in collecting and supplementing history and knowledge, and it seems their purpose in life is to use that knowledge to create various tools and dishes.
Witch's Brand Library
This library houses a wide variety of knowledge. It's said that if you want to know anything, you can find most of the answers here, making it a popular stop for many travelers. While books stored in the library are generally free to be read, taking them outside is prohibited, and breaking any of the rules will result in severe punishment. A select few witches serve as the library's director, and because they possess a great deal of magical power, they are able to live particularly long lives.
Places Somali and Golem Traveled to, Part 3: Ant Hole Town
This is a famous shopping district lined with numerous shops. The streets are as winding as an anthill, and with shops and buildings scattered everywhere, it's said that once you get lost, you'll never get out. Among the shops is a diner run by a family of the Scarlet Sugarilla tribe. Somali befriends Kikira, a Scarlet Sugarilla tribe member, and Golem works part-time at the diner.
Underground Passage Below
Underneath Ant Town is connected to an underground world, home to many rare mushrooms and insects. Because it's a dangerous place, home to giant creatures, children are not allowed to enter. However, children aren't likely to listen to adults, and the Tsuchinoko Group, the Underground Management Association, manages and patrols the area. Flowers do not bloom in Ant Town; they only bloom underground. It's said that if you bring home a Yozakura flower without it withering, your wish will come true.
Somali and Golem's Travels, Part 4: Sakazuki Village
This village serves as a stopover in the Oosuna Desert. The gently sloping terrain from the center offers sweeping views, and the village is lined with hot spring inns and restaurants. Originally a volcanic crater, the terrain created after the eruption provided excellent protection from sandstorms, leading to the village's creation. Here, Somali and Golem meet Uzoi of the Harapuia tribe and Haitora of the Falcohor tribe.
Kosuna Desert and Oosuna Desert
The Kosuna Desert is followed by the Oosuna Desert, and a harsh journey awaits. There are two ways to cross the Kosuna Desert: travel through the underground passages on a vehicle called a trolley, or follow the Drago tribe's guides and spend a whole day crossing the desert. The Kosuna Desert is the easier option, and despite being a desert, it's possible to find food and enjoy a bit of sightseeing. Sakazuki Village is the stopover between the Kosuna Desert and the Oosuna Desert.
Places Somali and Golem Traveled to, Part 5: Kajiruba Town
This town thrives on restaurants, but its greatest feature is its reputation for dentists who can repair worm-eaten teeth, or in other words, cavities. Here, they are called dentists, and only members of the Mizune tribe, with their small bodies, are allowed to perform dental treatments by directly entering the mouth. Somali and Golem reunite with Shizuno, a dwarf, and Yabashira, a demon, whom they previously met but were separated from, and from now on, they will travel together.
Places Somali and Golem Traveled to, Part 6: Arishigi Town
Located in the northern region, this town is known for its poor public safety, pickpocketing is commonplace, and the black market thrives on poaching and the sale of bootlegged goods. During this period, inns become overwhelmed with people, due to a phenomenon known as "snow wading," in which large amounts of snow fall continuously for about a week. Somali and her friends end up renting a hut thanks to the kindness of an innkeeper they meet in town, but...
A town where even the people's hearts are desolate
In fact, the innkeepers knew Somali was human, and introduced her to the hut with the intention of killing her and selling her. However, the land was a lawless area, and the rent would have increased, leaving her on the streets. The plan was foiled by the golem's rampage, but it was a potentially traumatic experience for Somali.
Places Somali and Golem Traveled to, Part 7: Tamakinogama
A floating island famous for its auction market and a city where goods from all over the world are gathered. While bustling, the city is also home to the notorious "Tokowaka Trading Association," which trades in stolen goods, contraband, and even slaves. The guild's illegal activities are rampant worldwide. However, the leader of the Tokowaka Trading Association is surprisingly human!
[Somali and the Forest Spirit] Summary of the Places Somali and Golem Traveled
One of the themes of Somali and the Forest Spirit is the growth Somali and her friends experience as they travel to various places. Each place they travel to is filled with unique encounters and unique features, making for a truly adventurous experience. It makes you feel like you're traveling through a fantasy world, and the anime will make this experience even easier to understand! The Somali and the Forest Spirit anime will begin airing in winter 2020.
