Ling Yao

Young prince of Xing

A member of Xing's royalty and a young prince seeking immortality. An exceptional martial artist who pursues power and longevity.

Quotes

  • To take the world, one must become strong.
  • Life is short, but that's why it's worth adventuring.
  • If you want to live long, you have to survive.
  • Weakness is unforgivable; strength is justice.
  • I still have things I must accomplish.

Trivia

  • Author Hiromu Arakawa carefully crafted the character's martial arts setting considering his high combat ability.
  • Voice actress Romi Park skillfully portrays the calm yet ambitious character.
  • Xing's culture and speech patterns are heavily influenced by Chinese culture.
  • Ling Yao is highly popular as one of the few adult male main characters in the series.
  • His pursuit of immortality is one of the story's key themes.

Alternate names

Ling Yao Yao Prince Ling

Tags

Fullmetal Alchemist Ling Yao Xing Royalty Immortality Prince Alchemist Anime Character

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A young man with long black hair tied back and a bearded face. Slim yet muscular build, with sharp eyes as a characteristic feature.
Height
Approximately 180cm
Eye color
Black
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Long black hair
  • Beard
  • Handsome features
  • Muscular build
Iconic items
  • Alchemist gloves
  • Xingese attire
  • Weapons (staff, etc.)
  • Royal seal

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cunning
Detailed personality
Calm and composed, calculating, and unafraid of cruel decisions when necessary. However, strong ambitions and insecurities lie beneath the surface. He craves longevity and acts to protect his position.
Keywords
  • Ambitious
  • Calm
  • Cunning
  • Resilient
  • Devoted
Motto
Strength is the meaning of life
Talents
  • Exceptional martial arts
  • Charisma
  • Strategic thinking
  • Superior physical abilities
  • Cunning negotiation skills
Skills
  • Swordsmanship
  • Alchemical knowledge
  • Leadership
  • Espionage
  • Linguistic ability
Motivation
Inheriting the throne of Xing and obtaining immortality
Habits
Frequently uses polite language and is courteous, but also has a sarcastic side.
Favorite foods
Chinese food, Spicy food
Favorite colors
Black, Red
Hobbies
Martial arts training
Disliked situations
Weakness, Betrayal

History

Backstory
Born as one of Xing's royalty, he has survived in a court filled with political maneuvers and conspiracies. He traveled to Amestris seeking the secret of longevity, pursuing the Philosopher's Stone and methods of immortality. During his journey, he encountered Edward Elric and others, and occasionally fought alongside them.
Debut date
July 12, 2003
Work title
Fullmetal Alchemist
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Around Volume 7

Journey to Amestris

Significant event
Journey to Amestris
Description
Travels to the distant land of Amestris from his homeland in search of immortality.

Struggle for the Philosopher's Stone

Significant event
Struggle for the Philosopher's Stone
Description
Intersects with the Elric brothers amid the pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone secrets.

Body possession experiment

Significant event
Body possession experiment
Description
Has his body taken over by Greed (Gilbert F. Alphonse), but grows stronger through the process.

Relationships

Yan Li

Ling Yao's grandfather and Emperor of Xing.

Ling Xifan

Sibling

Younger brother. A competitor for the throne and a good rival.

Edward Elric

Rival

Through conflicts over the Philosopher's Stone secrets, they come to recognize each other.

Roy Mustang

Ally

Scenes where they cooperate against common enemies.

Xing Royalty

Xing Royalty: unknown

Prince Ling's entourage

Prince Ling's entourage: leader

Media appearances

Fullmetal Alchemist

Manga / Supporting

Serialization started in 2003

Fullmetal Alchemist FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST

Anime / Supporting

2009 TV series

Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa

Movie / Supporting

2005

Voice cast and creators

Romi Park

Voice actor
Romi Park
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime version

J. Michael Tatum

Voice actor
J. Michael Tatum
Language
English
Version or series
English dub

Hiromu Arakawa

Creator name
Hiromu Arakawa
Role
Original author

Hiromu Arakawa

Creator name
Hiromu Arakawa
Role
Character designer

Square Enix

Creator name
Square Enix
Role
Publisher

Bones

Creator name
Bones
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

Ling Yao Figure

Item name
Ling Yao Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Ling Yao Keychain

Item name
Ling Yao Keychain
Category
Accessory
Availability
Regular

Find Ling Yao goods