The world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMAB) is a tapestry woven with profound themes, complex characters, and a narrative that consistently challenges the viewer's perceptions of good and evil. At the heart of its most chilling antagonists lies Pride, the eldest and arguably most terrifying of the Homunculi. More than just a villain, Pride is a chilling embodiment of the very sin he represents, a shadow that stretches across Amestris, silently orchestrating Father's grand, sinister design. From the moment we are introduced to Selim Bradley, the innocent, enthusiastic adoptive son of Führer King Bradley, a sense of unease lingers. His childlike demeanor, seemingly harmless fascination with State Alchemists, and genuine admiration for Edward Elric, all serve as a masterful deception. The revelation of his true identity as Pride, the first Homunculus, is a twist that sends shivers down the spine, transforming an unassuming child into a monstrous, ancient being of pure malevolence. This duality—the seemingly innocent boy and the ancient, terrifying shadow—makes Pride an unforgettable antagonist and a cornerstone of FMAB's intricate plot. Pride’s existence traces back to Father, the series' ultimate antagonist, and his journey to purge himself of the Seven Deadly Sins. Among these extracted vices, Pride was the very first to be created, serving as an arrogant reflection of Father's own self-image and superiority complex. Unlike his six siblings—Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Sloth, Greed, and Wrath—who are humanoid and can largely pass as humans, Pride’s true form is a spectacle of cosmic horror: a vast, amorphous mass of shadowy tendrils, eyes, and mouths, resembling Father's original "Dwarf in the Flask" appearance. This terrifying silhouette is a manifestation of pure, unadulterated arrogance, constantly looking down upon all "lesser" beings, including humanity. For centuries, Pride existed, silently observing and manipulating events from within the shadowy confines of a colossal, circular tunnel that Sloth tirelessly dug around the entire perimeter of Amestris. This tunnel served as his primary container, allowing his expansive shadow form to traverse the entire nation. To interact with the world and maintain a facade of normalcy, Pride was given a secondary, more conventional container: the body of a young boy named Selim Bradley. This dual existence, the ancient, all-seeing shadow and the seemingly naive child, allowed Pride to operate with unparalleled stealth and influence, pulling strings from behind the scenes for over 300 years. His ability to perfectly feign innocence, even toward his adoptive mother, speaks volumes about his cunning and manipulative nature. Pride's powers are as unique and terrifying as his true form. He possesses the ability to manipulate shadows with incredible versatility and destructive capability. These aren't just ordinary shadows; they are a direct extension of his true body, capable of piercing, crushing, and consuming anything in their path. Imagine a darkness that isn't merely the absence of light but a living, malevolent entity armed with razor-sharp edges and an insatiable hunger. His shadows are imbued with countless eyes and mouths, allowing him to perceive everything happening within their reach, making him an unparalleled spy and surveillance tool for Father's grand plan. The sheer scale of his power is emphasized by his connection to the Philosophical Stone within him, which grants him enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, stamina, and near-limitless regenerative abilities. Indeed, he is considered the most powerful among the Homunculi, second only to Father himself. His shadowy extensions can elongate rapidly, catching opponents by surprise, and manifest as powerful arms to grab or lift. One of Pride's most disturbing abilities is his capacity to absorb and consume other beings, including fellow Homunculi, thereby assimilating their powers and knowledge. This was chillingly demonstrated when, during a battle, he devoured Gluttony, gaining his heightened sense of smell and the drawback of his insatiable hunger, which Pride, being more intelligent, could control. This act highlights not only his power but also his ruthlessness and lack of true familial bond with his "siblings," viewing them as mere parts of a system rather than kin. However, even Pride, the seemingly all-powerful, has a critical weakness: his reliance on shadows. In absolute darkness or overwhelming light, his shadow body cannot manifest, forcing him to retreat into his container. This vulnerability becomes a crucial factor in his eventual defeat, serving as a symbolic reminder that even the deepest pride can be humbled when stripped of its enabling conditions. Pride's position as Father's firstborn and second-in-command underscores his profound importance in the overarching narrative of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. While initially presented as a minor character, his reveal elevates him to one of the most influential villains in the series. He is not merely a pawn but a direct extension of Father's will and ideology, embodying the very arrogance and disdain for humanity that drives Father's centuries-long scheme. For much of the series, Pride operates from the shadows, literally. He uses his expansive shadow network to monitor Amestris, keeping tabs on key figures like the Elric brothers and observing the progress of the nationwide transmutation circle. His human guise as Selim Bradley allows him to move freely within Central, providing a direct line to Führer King Bradley (Wrath), another Homunculus, and maintaining a facade of innocence that deflects suspicion. This cunning allows him to gather intelligence, relay Father's commands, and subtly influence events without revealing his true, horrifying nature until the opportune moment. As the "Promised Day" approaches, Pride's role becomes increasingly active and terrifying. He steps into the direct line of conflict, actively participating in battles and overseeing crucial stages of Father's plan, including the sacrifice of the chosen alchemists. His unwavering loyalty to Father and his utter contempt for humans make him a formidable and relentless opponent, a constant reminder of the profound evil that the protagonists are up against. As his name suggests, Pride is the living embodiment of arrogance and superiority. He views humans as "short-lived, powerless ants" beneath his notice, a sentiment he shares with Father. This isn't the taunting, volatile arrogance of Envy, but a cold, dismissive contempt born from his ancient existence and immense power. He genuinely believes in his invincibility and intellectual supremacy, rarely questioning his actions or Father's directives. This deep-seated arrogance fuels his cruelty. He shows no compassion, even towards his own "siblings," brutally consuming Gluttony without hesitation when it serves his purpose. He relishes in the suffering of others, often resorting to terror and psychological torture to break his opponents. His calm, almost detached sadism, contrasted with his childlike appearance, creates a profoundly disturbing villain. Interestingly, despite his extreme contempt, there are fleeting moments where Pride's facade as Selim Bradley seems to genuinely affect him. His adoptive mother's selfless act of shielding him from a car, unaware of his true nature, leaves him intrigued and momentarily changes his opinion on humans. He admits to Alphonse, while trapped in the earthen dome, that he grew "truly fond" of her, an admission that hints at a minuscule, almost imperceptible crack in his hardened, prideful exterior. This brief glimpse of something akin to human emotion makes him more complex than a purely one-dimensional villain, though it does little to mitigate his overall malevolence. His ultimate downfall, which stems directly from this arrogance, is a poetic punishment for his sin, as he is reduced to the very "inferior" form he so despises. Pride is involved in some of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's most memorable and intense battles, each showcasing his formidable powers and manipulative intellect. 1. Ambush in the Forest (Pride & Gluttony vs. Edward, Alphonse, Ling/Greed, Darius, and Heinkel): This encounter marks the first major reveal of Pride's true capabilities. He corners Edward's group, demonstrating the terrifying reach and cutting power of his shadows. The fight highlights his ruthless efficiency and his ability to overwhelm multiple opponents. It culminates in his absorption of Gluttony to gain his sense of smell, turning an already desperate situation into a near-hopeless one for the protagonists. 2. The Dome Battle (Pride vs. Alphonse Elric & Van Hohenheim): After the forest ambush, Alphonse sacrifices himself to trap Pride within a massive, airtight dome of transmuted earth. This battle becomes a claustrophobic test of wills, as Pride, stripped of ambient light and thus his expansive shadows, is forced to fight within the confines of his own body and the limited shadows within the dome. It is here that Alphonse, with a philosopher's stone, holds his own against Pride, showcasing remarkable ingenuity and strategic thinking. Hohenheim's intervention to create the dome is a pivotal moment, neutralizing Pride for a crucial period. 3. Final Confrontation at Central Command (Pride vs. Edward Elric & Solf J. Kimblee's lingering soul): Pride's arrogance ultimately leads to his undoing. Weakened by Roy Mustang's forced human transmutation and facing Edward Elric, Pride attempts to ensnare Edward, seeing him as a "virtual brother" due to his connection to Hohenheim and Father. In a shocking twist, Pride tries to take over Edward's body as his new container. However, Edward, with the unexpected assistance of Solf J. Kimblee's lingering soul (which had been absorbed by Pride earlier), manages to infiltrate Pride's core. This internal struggle leads to Pride being overwhelmed and reduced to his original, weak, fetus-like form. These battles are not just showcases of power but also moments of profound character development and thematic revelation. Pride's overconfidence and underestimation of his human foes consistently provide openings for the heroes to exploit, highlighting the very flaw of his namesake sin. Pride, as a character, is a rich vein of thematic symbolism in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. He is not just an antagonist but a living metaphor for the dangers of unchecked arrogance and the fragility of a superiority complex. His very existence mirrors Father's own grand flaw: the belief that he can transcend humanity and become a perfect being, free from the "sins" he cast off. Pride embodies this desire for absolute control and the disdain for human weakness. His shadowy form, covered in eyes, symbolizes his desire for omnipotence and omnipresence, to see and control all. Yet, his dependence on external light for his power ironically ties him to the very world he despises, proving that even ultimate pride is bound by the laws of its environment. Furthermore, Pride's duality as Selim Bradley serves as a poignant commentary on humanity's darker half. The seemingly benign exterior of an ordinary child masking a horrific, ancient monster reflects how evil can hide in plain sight, masquerading as innocence or normalcy. It forces the audience to confront the unsettling idea that true malevolence isn't always overtly monstrous but can lurk beneath a veneer of charm and politeness. His character also serves as a foil to Edward Elric, who, especially at the beginning of the series, exhibits his own form of youthful arrogance and a belief in alchemy's omnipotence. Edward's journey is one of humility and understanding the limitations of human knowledge and power. Pride's defeat by Edward, a human who embraces his limitations and uses ingenuity over raw power, signifies the triumph of human resilience and growth over self-aggrandizing hubris. It's a powerful message that true strength lies not in denying flaws or clinging to perceived superiority, but in acknowledging them and striving for genuine connection and understanding. In a narrative filled with poignant and often brutal ends for the Homunculi, Pride's ultimate fate is unique and deeply symbolic. Unlike most of his siblings who are irrevocably destroyed (Lust burned to ashes, Gluttony absorbed, Sloth overexerted, Envy commits suicide, and Wrath dies in battle), Pride is not truly "killed" in the traditional sense. During his final confrontation with Edward, when his physical form is shattered, Edward plunges into Pride's core and confronts his true self: a tiny, vulnerable, fetus-like entity. Instead of annihilating this core, Edward, in a moment of profound mercy and reflection on his own past arrogance, spares him. This act is incredibly significant. It represents Edward overcoming his own pride and embracing the very essence of human compassion, even for his most heinous foe. The reborn Pride is then seen as a true infant, completely devoid of his former memories, powers, or the malevolent personality of the Homunculus. He is given back to Mrs. Bradley, his adoptive mother, who raises him again, this time as a genuinely innocent human child named Selim. The military keeps an eye on him, but he is depicted as a kind soul, even caring for an injured bird, a stark contrast to his past self. This outcome for Pride is a poetic punishment for his sin. For a being who prided himself on his superiority over short-lived humans and scoffed at their limitations, being reduced to a normal human child—the very form he deemed inferior—is the ultimate humiliation. His loss of memory and identity serves as an erasure of the arrogance that defined him. It signifies a clean slate, a chance for a new life free from the burden of Father's will and the toxic sin he once embodied. It’s a powerful statement from the series: even the most profound darkness can be overcome, and perhaps, with a fresh start, even a manifestation of pure evil can find redemption, not through grand alchemy, but through the simple, loving embrace of humanity. Pride remains one of the most talked-about and chilling villains in the FMAB fandom. His initial reveal as Selim Bradley is consistently cited as one of the most effective plot twists in anime history, often catching even seasoned viewers by surprise. The sheer audacity of hiding such a formidable antagonist in plain sight, masquerading as an innocent child, resonated deeply with audiences. Fans often debate his true nature and motivations. While some argue that his character is less "dynamic" than other Homunculi, primarily serving as Father's obedient servant, his unwavering cruelty and the unique horror of his abilities leave a lasting impression. Many discussions revolve around the thematic brilliance of his character, particularly how his powers (shadow manipulation) and his human guise (a child) perfectly symbolize the sin of pride itself – a lurking, all-encompassing darkness that can corrupt even the seemingly innocent. The symbolism of his defeat and rebirth is also a frequent topic of analysis. The idea that Edward, who wrestled with his own pride, was the one to humble Pride into a vulnerable infant, and that Pride's ultimate "punishment" was to live as a normal human, is seen by many as a powerful and fitting end. It sparks conversations about nature versus nurture, the potential for change, and the enduring power of human connection over the cold, calculated superiority of the Homunculi. Pride's ability to instill genuine terror while maintaining a deceptive appearance ensures his place as one of FMAB's most iconic and deeply unsettling antagonists. Even years after its initial run, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood maintains its position as a masterpiece of anime, and characters like Pride are a significant reason why. His continued captivation stems from several key elements: Firstly, his masterful deception as Selim Bradley is a narrative triumph. The audience is lulled into a false sense of security, making the reveal of his true identity all the more impactful and horrifying. This subversion of expectations is a hallmark of great storytelling. Secondly, his unique and terrifying powers set him apart. The manipulation of shadows, a fundamental element, transforms into a dynamic and visually stunning ability. It’s a power that feels organic to his character and lends itself to incredibly tense and creative battle sequences. Thirdly, his profound thematic relevance ensures his legacy. Pride isn't just a monster; he's a personification of a dangerous human trait that resonates with audiences. His story arc, from towering arrogance to utter humility, offers a powerful reflection on self-importance and the path to genuine growth. Finally, the lingering questions about his reborn form continue to fascinate. Will the new Selim Bradley, raised with love and normalcy, truly escape the shadow of his past? This open-ended conclusion invites speculation and adds another layer of depth to an already complex character, making Pride a standout even among a cast of unforgettable personalities. In conclusion, Pride FMAB stands as a testament to the brilliance of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's character design and narrative depth. He is a villain who embodies his namesake in every chilling facet, leaving an indelible mark on the series and its dedicated fanbase. His journey from ancient shadow to innocent child serves as a powerful, enduring symbol of the true cost of unchecked pride and the redemptive potential found in the embrace of humanity.
