"Somali and the Forest Spirit," an anime adaptation scheduled to air in winter 2020, is a webcomic serialized in "WEB Comic Zenyon." Set in a fantasy world where humans are persecuted, the story follows the journey of a human girl and a mechanical golem, guardian of the forest. I'd like to introduce each episode and synopsis of "Somali and the Forest Spirit."
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 1: The Mechanical Father
An unusual traveler visits a certain town. This unusual visitor is a mechanical golem, guardian of the forest. Golems are supposed to protect the forest and remain active within it until they cease functioning. The mere presence of such a being in a city is surprising, but even more unusual is the fact that the golem is accompanied by a young child. The girl's name is Somali, and Somali and the golem travel together, searching for "humans."
Humans in this world
Humans in this world lost a war in the past, their numbers dwindling, and they were persecuted. Human hunting was commonplace, and they were on the verge of extinction. And while she hides her true identity, Somali is actually a human girl. By some fate, Somali and Golem met, and Golem protected Somali and searched for a safe place for her to live. Somali came to regard Golem as a father.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 2: Shizuno and Yabashira
During their journey, Golem and Somali encounter Shizuno, a goblin, and Yabashira, a demon. Shizuno is a pharmacist, and Yabashira is her assistant. However, their relationship is more like guardian and protégé than master and disciple. Yabashira is Golem's guardian. Shizuno becomes interested in Golem, and Golem learns how to make medicine from Shizuno.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 3: Witches' Village
Somali and Golem have come to the Witches' Village, a place where they're said to be able to find anything they need to know. In the Witches' Village, witches are a race whose sole purpose is to collect and store various knowledge. Somali and Golem visit the Witches' Library to gather clues about humans. After speaking with Hazel and Praline, two witches who work at the library, Golem finds a book that holds clues, but a book-eating fish suddenly appears and eats the only clue.
In Search of the Only Clue
Golem attempts to interview Isolda Nevzolf, the witch who is said to be the only person to have read the book, "The Life of Haraiso," and the current director of the Witches' Library. However, Isolda is ill and has not appeared in public. Golem tries to force his way to meet Isolda, but is blocked by the witches. Seeing this, Isolda invites Somali and Golem in, where they learn the story of an incident that led to the persecution of humans.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 4: Ant Hole Town
Somali and Golem arrive in Ant Hole Town, a bustling shopping district with streets as complex and winding as ant holes. There, they meet Kikira, a child of the Scarlet Sugarilla tribe. Kikira's parents run a restaurant, and Golem ends up working there for a while. Somali and Kikila become friends, and with Kikila's help, Somali explores the underground of Ant Hole Town in search of the "Awakening Flower," said to grant wishes.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 5: Crossing the Desert
Somali and Golem cross the harsh desert with a guide. They arrive at Sakazuki Village, a stopover in the desert. There, they meet Uzoi, a girl from the Harapuia tribe, and Haitora, a member of the Falcohor tribe. Haitora is suffering from a serious illness, and the two continue their journey in an attempt to cure it. However, Haitora had a secret. And it seems it has something to do with Somali, who is also human...
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 6: Reunion
Somali and Golem travel to Kajiruba, the only place in the world where cavities can be treated, and there they reunite with their old friends, Shizuno and Yabashira. It appears Shizuno and Yabashira have come to train in dental treatment techniques. Golem trusts them and asks them to take care of Somali once he has stopped functioning. The golem was clearly in a dilapidated state, and it was unclear when it would cease to function. Shizuno urged the golem not to give up and to find a way.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 7: A Desolate Town
The four of them arrived in the town of Arishigi, a town with the worst law and order, where black markets and criminal activity are commonplace. Naturally, they were harassed and unable to find lodging, but an innkeeper who had witnessed the golems' strength approached them. The innkeeper, who had heard that this region is prone to heavy snowfall at certain times of the year, kindly offered to lend the four of them his spare cabin.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 8: Somali and the Golem's Encounter
When the golem was still guarding the forest, a group of slave traders were traveling through the forest in a carriage, transporting their goods. However, the slave traders had an accident along the way, and almost all of their goods were lost. Somali, a young girl, was the only survivor. The golem warns Somali to leave the forest, but Somali calls the golem "Father" and begins to follow him.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 9: The Human Hunters Attack
The innkeeper kindly lets the four of them stay in his hut, and his wife, Aunt Rosa, is a kind woman who cooks for the four of them and teaches Somali how to knit. However, that night, several men appear at the hut. They are human hunters who have come after Somali. With Aunt Rosa's guidance, Somali and her friends are led to a safe location, but for some reason, they end up trapped along the way. That's understandable, because the person who led the human hunt is...
[Somali and the Forest Spirit] Summary of Each Episode
This article provides a rough synopsis of each episode of Somali and the Forest Spirit. However, this is only a summary of each episode, so I encourage you to watch the episodes yourself to find out for yourself. I expect some of the episodes featured in the anime will be featured, so be sure to check it out!
