"Somali and the Forest Spirit" is a webcomic serialized in "WEB Comic Zenyon." It's set in a fantasy world where humans are persecuted and on the brink of extinction, and each episode is memorable. I'd like to explore and introduce the themes of this work.
First, what is "Somali and the Forest Spirit" about?
Somali and the Forest Spirit is set in a fantasy world where various races coexist and thrive, but humans are persecuted and in danger of extinction. In this harsh world for humans, a certain person was traveling. This person was a golem, a machine meant to guard the forest and exist solely for the purpose of protecting it. Even more unusual, the golem was accompanied by a child. The child's name was Somali, and she was a human. Though they couldn't have looked alike, Somali loved the golem as her father, and the two of them continued their journey together.
The Story of Their Journey
Golem continues his journey, hoping to find a place where Somali can live in peace before his own functions cease, and he encounters many people along the way. During his journey with Somali, Golem awakens to emotions he would never have had otherwise, and Somali also experiences many things and grows as a person.
Theme of Somali and the Forest Spirit, Part 1: A Golem Develops Emotions
Golem is a machine and lacks emotions. His behavior is rational and businesslike, but after becoming Somali's father and seeing her adoration, Golem begins to think of her as his own daughter. Furthermore, he develops emotions, something a mechanical golem shouldn't have. It's similar to how the Terminator gradually awakens to emotions through his interactions with John, and I think one of the main themes is the idea of a machine awakening to emotions.
Theme of Somali and the Forest Spirit Part 2: Somali's Coming of Age
Somali is still a young human child. She's growing up, mischievous, easily gets lost, and greedy, sometimes acting as if she's forgotten that she's a persecuted human species. Nevertheless, Somali meets many different people and experiences many different things as she travels. This certainly leads to Somali's growth, and I believe that Somali's growth is also one of the story's themes.
Theme of Somali and the Forest Spirit, Part 3: Meeting Various People
Somali and the Forest Spirit features a diverse mix of races living together. Naturally, there are characters with different cultures and values, and some who accept Somali without discrimination even after learning she is human. I think one of the elements that makes the story so fascinating is how the diverse characters from all different races think and act.
Theme of Somali and the Forest Spirit, Part 4: The Bond Between Parent and Child Despite Their Different Species
Somali and Golem are not, of course, related by blood. However, Somali still calls Golem "Dad" and thinks of him as her real father, and Golem, in turn, begins to think of her as his real daughter as she lives with Somali. Somali is a "human" who could be targeted by anyone at any time, while Golem is an emotionless machine that may cease to function at any time. The strange bond between these two parents and children, so completely different from the norm, can also be considered one of the film's themes.
[Somali and the Forest Spirit] Summary of Themes
Somali and the Forest Spirit explores themes such as the bond between parent and child across different species, the various encounters they have along the way, the machine awakening to emotions as it forges bonds, and the child's growth in a harsh environment, all while traveling through a harsh environment where humans are persecuted. If you're interested in these themes, I highly recommend watching the anime! Somali and the Forest Spirit will begin airing in winter 2020.
