Van Hohenheim

A character in Fullmetal Alchemist based on Theophrastus von Hohenheim.

Van Hohenheim is the Elric brothers' estranged father, with a keen knowledge of alchemy processes. He left them and his wife Trisha several years before the start of the series. It is later revealed that Hohenheim is several centuries old and knew Father very well. Originally a slave from the Kingdom of Cselkcess, he was given the name Van Hohenheim by the Homunculus created from his blood, who taught him how to read, write, and perform alchemy.

Reader's Guide

Van Hohenheim serves as the narrative's moral compass and hidden architect, driving the plot through his long-term plan to dismantle Father's ambition. While initially appearing as a mysterious fugitive, his true role is that of a reluctant savior who understands the cost of power better than anyone. He carries within him a Philosopher's Stone made of half of the citizens of Cselkcess. Personality-wise, Hohenheim is defined by deep guilt and stoic determination. He carries the burden of his past sins and the deaths of those around him, yet remains fiercely protective of Edward and Alphonse. After Father's defeat, Hohenheim dies peacefully in front of Trisha's grave. Major plot developments include the revelation that he is several centuries old and knew Father, and his use of shards of his Philosopher's Stone to nullify Father's attempt to transmute the people of Amestris.