Somali and the Forest Spirit just debuted its premiere episode on Crunchyroll a week ahead of its Japanese release. While the trailers for the anime series were sure to melt your heart, the episode itself does so even more. Somali and the Forest Spirit follows the adventures of Somali and Golem, the protector of the forest.
Right from the beginning, we get an understanding of a Golem’s job as it protects its respective forest. Golems patrol the forest, working hand in hand with nature and the forest’s inhabitants to ensure its safety. During one of his patrols, the golem stumbles upon a lost child, Somali; who is fairly young, and presumes that the golem is its father. We can only presume that because the golem is to protect everything and everyone in the forest it protects, this would be his reasoning for caring and protecting Somali.
Somali and the golem then stumble upon a city that is inhabited by Demis, homo-erectus creatures. As they cater to Somali and the golem, we learn about the war between the demis and the now-extinct humans, through the revelation that the golem is on a journey with Somali in search of humans. While the depiction of humans in this universe is near close to reality, it is really hard to believe that a war between humans and demis broke out over harsh judgments and disagreements. Especially when the demis reveal that they once consumed human beings. There has to be something greater at play than that.
As for Somali, she is just the cutest little creature, and simply melted my heart. Her innocence and her curiosity and the way she unintentionally brings out the dad in the Golem is just beautiful. They have such good chemistry and deep fondness for each other that it is utterly difficult to let out a giant “awwww” while grasping your chest to stop your heart from completely melting. Nearing the end of the episode we learn that Somali is not of the Minotaur race as the Golem initially revealed to the demis. Which adds credence as to why the golem and Somali are on their journey in search of humans.
It begs to ask, did Somali’s parents die at the hands of a Golem? Did Somali’s parents just abandon her in the forest for other personal reasons? Are humans truly extinct? It will be interesting to see how this season unfolds as the layers peel back on the story.
Overall, Somali and the Forest Spirit just melts your heart from start to finish; OP and ED included. The animation is beautiful, peaceful and relaxing and the soundtrack throughout the episode just adds an extra layer of tranquility to this universe. It’s truly an age of peace and we cannot wait to see more!