Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Set in Germany?

Many fans and viewers of the anime series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMA: B) often wonder if the fictional country Amestris is based on a real country, particularly Germany. This article aims to clarify the setting of FMA: B and address the perceived similarities and differences between Amestris and Germany.

Elements Inspired by Germany and Other Cultures

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood incorporates various elements that parallel real-world historical aspects. For instance, its military structure and alchemical practices bear some resemblance to Germany's scientific advancements and World War I era. However, it's important to note that Amestris is a fictional creation, blending influences from different cultures and historical contexts to create a unique setting for the series.

The Fictional Country Amestris

Dictated by the name and certain details in the series, Amestris, the fictional country in which the story takes place, is somewhat based on Germany, along with influences from other real-world countries like England and Japan. However, this is not a direct one-to-one representation. Amestris is a vast, diverse landscape covering multiple biomes, from arctic tundras in the north to desert areas in the south and east. This fictional nation is comparable to a world that would be formed if all of Europe (minus Russia) were united as one, with an added twist of a circular shape, making it highly unlikely to resemble any real-world continent.

Possible Interpretations

Despite these differences, interpretations of Amestris as an alternate timeline or a parallel universe version of Germany exist. One common belief is that Amestris is an alternate timeline where alchemy is the primary technology, and religious practices differ. Another suggestion is that it is a parallel universe due to the jumbled up cultures and unfamiliar geography. However, these theories face significant challenges given the established canon of the series.

Geography and Mythos

The 2003 anime series implied that Amestris was a parallel-world version of Germany. Yet, this theory is largely unsupported by the original manga and the 2009 Brotherhood adaptation. The discrepancy between the two versions arises from the fact that the 2003 series diverged from the canon before it was fully developed. In contrast, Brotherhood is directly adapted from the manga and does not include the elements that would make Amestris resemble Germany. Instead, it presents a fictional and distinctive land that forms the backdrop for the story of FMA: B.

Conclusion

While Amestris shares some themes and ideas with Germany, it remains firmly rooted in the fictional world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The country of Amestris does not resemble any real-world landmass and has its unique geography and cultural blend. Any similarities to Germany are purely coincidental or inspired by real-world references used to enhance the series' world-building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Amestris based on any real-world country?

While Amestris shares some thematic elements with Germany, it is a fictional country created for the series. The name 'Amestris' has similarities to Germany, but the geography, culture, and history within the country are entirely original.

Q: Can Amestris be considered a parallel universe version of Germany?

The idea that Amestris is a parallel universe version of Germany is often discussed among fans, but it lacks support in the canon of the story. The 2003 anime diverged from the original manga, leading to these theories, but the 2009 Brotherhood series, which is a direct adaptation of the manga, does not support these views.

Q: How does Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood differ from the earlier 2003 anime?

The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime differed from the main manga, especially in the depiction of Amestris. The 2009 Brotherhood series is a more faithful adaptation of the manga and does not include the elements that led to the parallel universe speculation.