#Alchemist tattoo meaning series#

The actual appearance of an Ouroboros is a snake or a dragon (with hands) eating itself in an assymmetrical circle.This could be roughly translated as 'he who eats his tail', matching the imagery of a dragon eating its own tail. The word Ouroboros is derived from the Greek words 'ουρά' + 'βορά', tail + prey.Pride's Ouroboros is located on his left eye (same as Wrath in the manga and 2009 anime).Sloth's Ouroboros is located above her left breast, presumably at the heart.

Wrath's Ouroboros is located on the sole of his right foot.

Pride is the only Homunculus without an Ouroboros, instead having a circular mark on his true form's forehead.

Sloth's Ouroboros is located on the back of his right shoulder.

Wrath's Ouroboros is located on his left eye (same as Pride in the 2003 anime).

Greed's Ouroboros is located on the back of his left hand.

Envy's Ouroboros is located on their left thigh.

Gluttony's Ouroboros is located on his tongue.

Lust's Ouroboros is located on her upper sternum, just above her breasts.

Locations of Ouroboros tattoos In all versions of the story

#Alchemist tattoo meaning series#

One could perceive the Ouroboros as a sort of basis for the Transmutation Circles used in the series and it is possible that the Ouroboros may also symbolize a solar eclipse in some belief structures.īefore learning of their identities as Homunculi, Edward referred to the individuals behind the odd circumstances in Amestris as 'Members of the Ouroboros'. Encircled within is a hexagram, which is a symbol often associated with alchemy as well as human creation.

This particular Ouroboros displays a winged serpent with its tail in its mouth, creating a circle with its body. All of the seven main Homunculi in the Fullmetal Alchemist series are presumed to have the mark located somewhere upon their person as if tattooed there, except for Pride in the manga and 2009 anime. The head of the dragon represents the beginning of life, while the tail as it is being bitten represents the end of life, the circular motion shows the perpetual cycle of life and death as the dragon consumes its tail. The circular affinity suggests the eternal cycle of life and death that happens to each. It represents the eternal cycle of life and death or wholeness and infinity. The Ouroboros is a mystical symbol representing a dragon devouring its own tail.