Soma Asman Kadar
Soma Asman Kadar |
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Kanji: | ソーマ・アスマン・カダール |
Rōmaji: | Sōma Asuman Kadāru |
Base of Operation: | Phantomhive townhouse, London Weston College (former) |
Species | Human |
Previous Affiliation: | Scarlet Fox |
Occupation: | Prince of Bengal |
Voice Actors | |
Japanese Voice: | Shinnosuke Tachibana |
English Voice: | Christopher Ayres (until Book of Murder) Abi Kumar (Public School Arc onward) |
First appearance | |
Manga Debut: | Volume 3, Chapter 14 |
Anime Debut: | Season 1, Episode 13 |
Prince Soma Asman Kadar (ソーマ・アスマン・カダール, Sōma Asuman Kadāru), often referred to simply as Soma, is a character in the anime and manga series Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji). He is the prince of Bengal and the 26th child of the Raja of Bengal. Known for his lively personality and royal demeanor, Soma travels to England in pursuit of his trusted caretaker, Mina, and becomes an ally to Ciel Phantomhive.
Appearance
Appearance in manga
Soma is a young man of Indian descent, recognized for his distinctive appearance. He has gold eyes and wavy, shoulder-length plum-colored hair, with a portion of his hair clipped into a ponytail for added style. Soma’s fashion reflects his cultural heritage, as he typically wears a long, densely embroidered sherwani, which is a traditional, ornate tunic. His outfit is complemented by plain, tight-fitting churidars, a type of trousers, and white slippers.
Soma accessorizes with large, gold earrings that catch the eye, as well as a decorative gold bindi on his forehead, which is a cultural symbol in many South Asian traditions. He also wears a scarf knotted at his hips, adding a unique flair to his outfit. At times, he drapes an off-white shawl over his shoulders, which was originally held in place by a gold-plated ruby brooch. Soma, however, has given away this brooch at one point, further showcasing his generous and free-spirited nature.
Personality
Soma is a warm and sociable individual, known for his cheerful and outgoing nature. He genuinely enjoys the company of others, particularly Ciel Phantomhive, whom he considers a close friend. However, Soma has a distinct fear of Sebastian Michaelis, which sets him apart from his usual carefree demeanor.
Initially, Soma’s personality was marked by self-absorption, childishness, and naivety. He often blamed others for his problems and struggled with confronting emotional issues directly. For example, although he was able to perceive Agni’s unease, he failed to address it, allowing the tension to build. However, after a significant turning point involving Mina, Soma matures. He becomes more introspective and is determined to improve himself, striving to be more considerate of others’ feelings and to offer support where needed.
Soma is also a deeply generous person. He and Agni regularly distribute curry buns to the less fortunate, demonstrating his desire to help those in need. His bond with Agni is one of profound emotional significance; Soma sees Agni as the one constant person who has always supported him, even during difficult times when Agni may not be physically present.
In addition to his kind and generous spirit, Soma is also a skilled fighter. He has training in traditional Indian martial arts, specifically Kalaripayattu and Silambam, making him both physically capable and disciplined. This combination of fighting skills and emotional growth underscores Soma’s development from a naïve, self-centered youth into a more mature and compassionate individual.
History
Soma’s early life was marked by loneliness and neglect. As one of at least twenty-six children, he struggled to gain attention from his father, who was more interested in his older siblings. Soma’s mother, preoccupied with seeking her husband’s attention, was not emotionally available to him. In this environment, Soma found solace in the companionship of his servant Mina, who acted as an older sister to him. Mina’s cheerful demeanor and dedication to caring for him made her a vital figure in Soma’s life.
When Soma mistakenly believed that Mina was taken away to England, he resolved to follow her there in an attempt to bring her back. His desire to reunite with Mina played a key role in his decision to leave India and set off on his journey.
Before leaving India, Soma encountered a man named Arshad, whose strength and potential had caught his attention. Arshad was to be executed for his crimes, but Soma intervened, deciding to spare him. Soma appointed Arshad as his sparring partner, despite objections from his attendants, who reminded him that Arshad had committed grave offenses. In an act of compassion and to offer Arshad a fresh start, Soma cut Arshad’s hair and renamed him “Agni,” signifying the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Through these experiences, Soma’s sense of loyalty, generosity, and desire to protect those he cares about began to take shape. He valued the connections he made with those like Mina and Agni, and these relationships influenced his growth as both a person and a leader.
Relationships
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Ciel Phantomhive
Soma initially views Ciel as a peer and ally, though their vastly different personalities often clash. Over time, he comes to respect Ciel’s intelligence and resilience, despite their frequent disagreements. -
Sebastian Michaelis
Soma is in awe of Sebastian’s perfection, often seeking his approval or assistance. However, Sebastian’s sharp wit and subtle sarcasm often leave Soma flustered. -
Agni
Soma shares a deep and loyal friendship with Agni, who acts as both his protector and mentor. Agni’s unwavering dedication to Soma provides emotional grounding and growth for the young prince.
Trivia
Legacy
Prince Soma Asman Kadar’s character brings humor, warmth, and cultural diversity to Black Butler. His journey from a sheltered and naive prince to a more understanding and compassionate individual highlights themes of growth, loyalty, and friendship. Soma’s dynamic personality and his relationships with characters like Agni, Ciel, and Sebastian make him a memorable and enjoyable figure in the series.