Den

Den (デン) is the Rockbell family pet. Her gender is never directly stated in the original manga, but it was later confirmed to be female in multiple guidebooks.^[1][2] The English versions of the manga and both anime, perhaps not realising Den had been confirmed female, refer to Den as a boy in all instances.^[3][4] She lost her front left leg sometime before the start of the series in a traffic accident while protecting Edward and his friends (which friends is unspecified).^[1][2] As a result, she wears an automail limb in its place.

Den is fiercely loyal and, as such, has been called "Resembool's best bodyguard" by Pinako. Den is also particularly compassionate as shown by the way she attempts to comfort Pinako after Winry leaves home to work at Atelier Garfiel in Rush Valley. Edward Elric once mentioned that Den ate Alphonse Elric's cake, making Al sad. Unfortunately, Den is put largely on edge by Van Hohenheim's strange aura when he arrives at Pinako's house and nearly has to be restrained from attacking him.

In the last chapter, even she is surprised to see Al had regained his body, barking excitedly at the sight of Ed and Al. In a gaiden, she takes Al's helmet so for a family of baby birds.

Trivia

• Arakawa has revealed in some story notes that Den's name originated from a dog she herself once had, a male dog named Densuke. The name is actually a Japanese variety of watermelon, considered to be the most expensive (and tasty) in the world.^[5]

References