Delving into the Abyss of Madness: Why Belaf’s Sanity Shattered

Belaf’s descent into madness is a complex tapestry woven from loss, guilt, obsession, and the corrupting influence of the Abyss. He was driven insane primarily by the realization that he had consumed Irumyuui’s Children, compounded by his extreme dependency on the replicated Mitty as a food source and the psychological trauma of giving up significant parts of himself for her creation within Iruburu. This cocktail of experiences eroded his sanity, leaving him a broken and tormented soul within the twisted landscape of the sixth layer.

The Core Factors Behind Belaf’s Insanity

Several key elements contributed to Belaf’s mental disintegration:

• Consumption of Irumyuui’s Children: The moment Belaf understood he had consumed Irumyuui’s Children, the shock and guilt were devastating. He was aware that the Mockwater influenced him at the time, but the knowledge of his actions triggered a profound mental breakdown. This act contradicted any semblance of morality he may have once possessed.

• Obsessive Craving for Mitty’s Immortality: Belaf’s intense fascination with the original Mitty’s immortality led him to offer significant portions of his body for the replica’s creation within Iruburu. This wasn’t merely an act of sacrifice; it was a manifestation of deep-seated obsession and a willingness to mutilate himself for the sake of proximity to immortality. The cost of this transformation, both physically and psychologically, was substantial.

• Dependence on Mitty as a Food Source: The reliance on the replicated Mitty as his main source of sustenance further deteriorated his mental state. This act is deeply disturbing, highlighting a profound perversion of normal relationships and boundaries. The constant consumption of Mitty served as a perpetual reminder of his depravity and the extent of his obsession.

• The Influence of the Abyss and Iruburu: The environment of the sixth layer, particularly the distorted reality within Iruburu, played a significant role. The Abyss’s influence warps the minds of those who dwell within it, amplifying existing traumas and driving individuals to extremes. Iruburu, a city born from twisted wishes and sacrifices, served as a perfect breeding ground for Belaf’s madness to flourish.

• Loss and Self-Loathing: Belaf’s willingness to mutilate himself, coupled with the subsequent acts of consuming Irumyuui’s Children and the replicated Mitty, underscores a deep sense of self-loathing. This self-loathing likely predates the events within Iruburu and was exacerbated by the unique horrors of the Abyss.

The Descent: A Detailed Analysis

Belaf’s insanity wasn’t a sudden event but a gradual unraveling triggered by specific experiences:

1. Initial Obsession: The seed of madness was planted with his initial obsession with Mitty’s immortality. This fixation led him to make the extreme decision of sacrificing his body parts, a clear indicator of an already fragile mental state.

2. Transformation and Integration into Iruburu: The physical and psychological transformation required to become a resident of Iruburu further eroded his sense of self. He willingly integrated himself into a community built on distorted desires and gruesome realities.

3. The Consuming Revelation: The realization that he had consumed Irumyuui’s Children served as the breaking point. The guilt and horror associated with this act shattered what little remained of his sanity.

4. Perpetual Torment: The continuous act of consuming the replicated Mitty solidified his madness. This was not simply a means of survival, but a ritualistic act that constantly reminded him of his depravity and cemented his descent into despair.

Why Belaf Is a Tragic Figure

Despite his monstrous actions, Belaf is ultimately a tragic figure. He is a victim of his own obsessions, the corrupting influence of the Abyss, and the twisted realities of Iruburu. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and the devastating consequences of sacrificing one’s humanity in pursuit of the unattainable.

His willingness to give up parts of himself for Mitty’s replication signifies a deep-seated desire for connection, albeit a severely distorted one. His inability to cope with the guilt of his actions underscores a fundamental sense of morality, however twisted. The combination of these elements makes him a complex and disturbing character, one that invites both revulsion and a strange sense of pity.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Belaf

Q1: Why did Belaf eat Mitty?

Belaf was drawn to the original Mitty’s unique immortality. He craved it so intensely that he sacrificed parts of his body to allow for Mitty’s replication into Iruburu. He then used the replicated Mitty as a continuous food source, claiming she never runs out.

Q2: What did Irumyuui really want?

Irumyuui desperately wanted to give birth to many children. She was exiled from her tribe due to infertility and sought to overcome this perceived flaw. Unfortunately, she was under the influence of the pseudowater during her wish, leading to the horrific creation of Iruburu.

Q3: What gender is Belaf?

The author, Akihito Tsukushi, has left Belaf’s gender ambiguous, stating that it is up to the reader to decide. His English voice actor is male, while his Japanese voice actor is female.

Q4: Why was Vueko imprisoned in Made in Abyss?

Vueko was imprisoned for attempting to prevent the founding of Iruburu due to its dark and disturbing origins. She foresaw the horrors that would arise from Irumyuui’s wish.

Q5: What is so disturbing about Made in Abyss?

Made in Abyss is disturbing due to its extreme and graphic violence, particularly against children. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the gruesome realities of the Abyss and the psychological toll it takes on its inhabitants.

Q6: Who suffered the most in Made in Abyss?

Many characters endure immense suffering, including the entire Ganja squad, Irumyuui, Vueko, and Belaf. Each character faces unique and devastating hardships that test their limits.

Q7: Why does Nanachi smell good?

Nanachi possesses an “irresistible fragrance” due to their desire to have a pleasant scent and Mitty’s blessing granting it to them. This is a stark contrast to their former human self, who was described as smelly and repulsive.

Q8: How deep did Bondrewd go?

The manga suggests that Bondrewd explored the sixth layer of the Abyss with Nanachi before returning.

Q9: What happens to Nanachi?

Nanachi escapes Bondrewd’s laboratory with Mitty, cares for her until her death, and then joins Riko and Reg on their journey into the Abyss.

Q10: Why did Faputa destroy the village?

Faputa’s primary goal was to destroy Iruburu and avenge her mother, Irumyuui, for the suffering she endured at the hands of the Ganja squad.

Q11: Is Faputa immune to the curse?

It is implied that Faputa is immune to the curse of the Abyss, similar to Reg.

Q12: How did Reg lose his arm?

Reg’s arm was cut off by the Umbra Hands during experiments conducted by Bondrewd.

Q13: Who kills Mitty?

Reg, at Nanachi’s request, uses his Incinerator to end Mitty’s suffering and grant her a peaceful death.

Q14: What did Belaf do to Nanachi?

Nanachi offered themselves to Belaf in exchange for the copy of Mitty he possessed. Belaf later released them both.

Q15: Is Bondrewd a bad guy?

Bondrewd is a complex and morally ambiguous character. He conducts unethical experiments and shows a disregard for human life, making him the primary antagonist of the series. Knowing that Bondrewd can remain untouched is horrifying as a villain.

Understanding Belaf’s insanity requires delving into the intricate web of trauma, obsession, and the corrupting influence of the Abyss. His story serves as a chilling reminder of the depths to which one can sink when driven by unchecked desires and the devastating consequences of sacrificing one’s humanity. Exploring the themes of sacrifice, morality, and the human condition in narratives like Made in Abyss can foster critical thinking and empathy. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores the educational potential of games and narratives, highlighting the importance of analyzing these complex themes in media.