Somali and the Forest Spirit is a fantasy story set in a world where humans are persecuted and on the verge of extinction. It follows the journey of a human girl named Somali and her mechanical guardian, a golem. This fantasy world features characters from a variety of races. Here, we'll introduce some of the characters' races.
Featured Race #1: Humans
The race of the main character, Somali, is also persecuted and on the verge of extinction in this world. Humans are considered exclusive creatures who cannot survive without rejecting other species. In the past, there have been cases where humans killed others simply because they were different species, even though they were able to communicate and had no hostility toward them. However, because other species began to understand the human race, they were persecuted, enslaved, or treated as a rare food source. Human rights do not exist in this world.
There are only a few survivors
Somali and her companions occasionally encounter humans on their journey, but everyone, including herself, is forced to live in hiding, hiding their faces and living in secluded areas. If discovered, they are enslaved, and even those related to humans by blood are subject to persecution.
Appearing Species #2: Golems
Mechanical guardians of the forest. They act solely to protect the forest, fulfilling their mission with no emotion and pure rationality. They can also communicate with plants and animals, and are known to be merciless towards those who disturb the forest. However, they appear to have the ability to learn emotions, and some individuals develop emotions, such as Somali's father figure, the Golem.
Highly Functional Golem
Not only does it have the ability to communicate with plants and animals, but it can also perfectly discern the ingredients of anything it sees, even if it's trying to grab a fake. Furthermore, because it's mechanically controlled, it's incredibly dexterous, demonstrating acrobatic food serving and apparently even cooking and concocting medicines with the right recipe.
Appearing Species #3: Little Oni
Even among the oni tribe, they are small and lack strength, but are highly intelligent. Even as adults, they are only as tall as a child, but still seem to possess a certain degree of physical ability. Shizuno, a little oni who becomes an understanding friend and travels with the protagonists, is skilled at sourcing ingredients from plants and nature and compounding medicines.
Appearing Species #4: Oni
Yabashira is a large and powerful species among the oni tribe, but they are less intelligent than the lesser oni. Their large size and strength make them intimidating, but that doesn't mean they're violent. One of the characters, Yabashira, becomes a friend and companion to the protagonists, becoming a friend and companion to them. Despite his appearance, he's skilled at making sweets and is also very strong.
Featured Species #5: The Scarlet Sugarilla Tribe
Tall, fluffy-furred bird-men with spurs. They are the species of Kikira, who meets Somali on her journey and becomes her first friend. They are a gentle and dexterous tribe, and Kikira's parents run a restaurant. Kikira herself is also dexterous, showing off her special skill of drawing. However, they are not a tribe suited to combat, and are timid and a bit of a show-off.
Appearing Species #6: Werewolf
A wolf-like beastman, his intimidating appearance can bring children to tears. However, despite his brusque and frightening appearance, Musrika, the werewolf Somali and her friends encounter, is actually kind to children. A member of the Underground Management Association, he is responsible for monitoring the underground of the Cave Town. He is also acquainted with Kikira, who sneaked in there some time ago.
Appearing Race #7: Witches
While they look almost identical to humans, they can use magic that humans cannot. However, their lifespans are longer than humans, with some witches living up to 150 years old. Witches with particularly strong magical powers seem to live even longer. Their job is to run and manage libraries to preserve history and knowledge. Perhaps due to their racial characteristics, they also enjoy making things.
They caused the decline of humanity
In fact, over the course of history, they were the race that caused the decline of the human race. This began when Isolda, the current director of the library, quickly published the memoirs of the human race that had been passed down from generation to generation. The book of the experiences of the former witch Feodora was stolen and released to the public. As a result, various races learned of the characteristics of the human race, ultimately leading to the extermination of humans.
Featured Race #8: Harapuia
Also known as Harpies, these bird-like creatures possess bird feathers in various parts of their bodies. They have spurs, human hands, and wings on their backs. While these wings are usually inconspicuous, they can unfurl their beautiful feathers when they choose. Harapuia Uzoi is on a journey to cure the illness of Haitora, a member of the Falcohor tribe, and encounters Somali and Golem along the way.
Appearing Species #9: The Falcohor Tribe
A bird-man with a face resembling a plague mask. Haitora's tribe continues their journey with Uzoi, but in reality, they are humans wearing plague masks. Once, their village was attacked, and he and his family barely escaped, finding Uzoi's mother there. Believing that the only way to escape persecution was to transform into a monster, he killed Uzoi's mother and ate her flesh. However, his wife and child, who ate the flesh, were cursed and died. Haitora, who remained behind, was also consumed by the curse. It's unclear whether the Falcohor tribe actually exists.
[Somali and the Forest Spirit] Summary of the Races Featured
Somali and the Forest Spirit features a variety of races, but among them, humans are persecuted, enslaved, and treated like a delicacy. The setting is brutal and harsh for humanity, but Somali and the golems' desperate struggle to survive makes them even more memorable. This heartwarming yet ultimately harsh story of humans experiencing various experiences in a world that's harsh for them is truly memorable. There's plenty to see, so I highly recommend watching the anime version of Somali and the Forest Spirit!
