Why does Happy not remember Edolas?
In the popular anime series “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” the character Happy is often portrayed as a seemingly carefree and cheerful soul. However, despite his cheerful demeanor, Happy has a mysterious past that has left him with gaps in his memory. One of the most intriguing aspects of his character is the fact that he does not remember Edolas, a parallel world that plays a significant role in the series. This raises the question: why does Happy not remember Edolas?
The answer to this question lies in the complex narrative structure of “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.” Happy, whose real name is Riza Hawkeye, is a member of the military organization known as the Ishvalan Revolutionary Army. After the Ishvalan Civil War, Riza was separated from her family and was forced to flee to the parallel world of Edolas. It was there that she was raised by the homunculus Envy, who took her in and trained her as a soldier.
However, the transition from the war-torn world of Ishval to the peaceful Edolas was not an easy one for Riza. The psychological impact of the war and her time in Edolas left her with significant emotional scars. In an attempt to cope with her past, Riza developed a persona known as “Happy,” which allowed her to compartmentalize her emotions and maintain a cheerful facade. This persona became so ingrained in her that she began to believe it was her true self.
The reason Happy does not remember Edolas is due to a combination of psychological defense mechanisms and the homunculus’ influence. Envy, who was himself a product of the parallel world, had a vested interest in keeping Riza’s past a secret. By manipulating her memories, Envy ensured that Riza would remain loyal to him and the Ishvalan Revolutionary Army. This manipulation not only erased Riza’s memories of Edolas but also suppressed the pain and trauma associated with her past.
Furthermore, Happy’s amnesia can be attributed to the homunculus’ ability to alter memories. Envy, as a being composed of alchemical energy, had the power to manipulate the fabric of reality, including the memories of those around him. By using this power, Envy was able to erase Riza’s memories of Edolas, ensuring that she would continue to serve the Ishvalan Revolutionary Army without question.
In conclusion, Happy’s inability to remember Edolas is a result of a combination of psychological defense mechanisms and the homunculus’ influence. The complex narrative of “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” has left Happy with a fragmented past, one that she has managed to cope with by adopting the persona of “Happy.” While the reasons behind her amnesia may be rooted in the series’ intricate plot, it is this very amnesia that adds depth to her character and makes her an intriguing figure in the world of alchemy.
