How Did Underfell Papyrus Get His Scar? The Grim Tale Explained

In the dark and twisted world of Underfell, even acts of bravery come with a painful price. Underfell Papyrus’s scar is a permanent reminder of his selfless act of protecting his brother, Sans. According to the initial narrative, Asgore, the ruthless ruler of the Underground, inflicts the scar as a punishment. Asgore, wanting to make an example of defiance, scrapes his fingers across Papyrus’s right eye socket, leaving a lasting mark. This happens after Papyrus bravely intercedes to save Sans’ life when Asgore threatens him. Impressed by Papyrus’s courage and speed, Asgore offers him a place in the Royal Guard in exchange for sparing Sans. Papyrus, without hesitation, accepts the offer, forever bearing the scar as a testament to his loyalty and sacrifice.

Delving Deeper into Underfell Lore

Underfell presents a stark contrast to the original Undertale. Characters are generally more aggressive, and the world is much more hostile. This dark twist extends to the relationships between characters, making Papyrus’s sacrifice all the more impactful. His willingness to endure pain for his brother highlights a deep bond that persists even in this cruel alternate universe. The scar serves not only as a physical reminder of Asgore’s cruelty but also as a symbol of Papyrus’s unwavering devotion to Sans.

Exploring the Complex Dynamics of Underfell

Understanding the context of Underfell is crucial to appreciating the significance of Papyrus’s scar. The constant threat of violence and the characters’ survival instincts shape their interactions. Asgore’s decision to scar Papyrus rather than kill Sans demonstrates a twisted sense of honor or perhaps a strategic move to gain a powerful ally in the Royal Guard. Papyrus’s acceptance of this deal underscores his pragmatic approach to survival and his deep-seated need to protect his brother, even at personal cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Underfell

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Underfell, covering various aspects of this intriguing alternate universe:

1. Why is Underfell Sans always sweating?

   Initially, Sans’s sweat was simply an aesthetic choice. However, the creator of Underfell later canonized it, explaining that Sans sweats because he’s uncomfortably hot under his signature jacket. He clearly prefers cooler attire, and his reaction to wearing Papyrus’s boots implies a desire for more comfort and a slightly different identity.

2. Why does Underfell Sans wear a collar?

   The practical reason for Sans’s collar is that his neck is exceptionally sensitive, and the collar protects it from unwanted touches. Additionally, the creator suggests that the collar adds to his intimidating appearance. The collar is a symbol of control and a deterrent to those who might try to exploit his vulnerability.

3. What happened to Underfell’s creator after Underfell became popular?

   Underfell faced backlash from some who felt it “ruined the game.” Despite this criticism, the creator has continued to develop the AU, and it remains a popular interpretation of Undertale’s characters and world. The success and criticism highlight the passionate and diverse responses within the Undertale fandom. For more on game development and fan culture, resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ are invaluable.

4. What inspired the creator to create Underfell?

   The creator’s interest in villains and villainous themes served as the primary inspiration for Underfell. The desire to explore darker interpretations of beloved characters and a more morally ambiguous world fueled the creation of this popular AU.

5. Why is it called Underfell?

   Underfell is named so because the Tumblr tag “Underhell” was already taken. The simplicity and ominous sound of “Underfell” resonated with the creator’s vision for the AU.

6. What does Underfell Frisk look like?

   Underfell Frisk sports a distinctive look, featuring dark brown boots, black tucked shirt with horizontal blue and pink stripes, brown short khakis, and a dark brown belt with a silver buckle. A bandage on their left knee adds to their rugged appearance.

7. Is Sans stuck smiling in Underfell?

   The constant smile worn by Sans can be interpreted as a poker face, a way to mask his true emotions and intentions in a hostile environment. It’s a survival tactic, allowing him to maintain a facade of indifference or amusement, even when facing danger or distress.

8. Does Sans have half a soul in Underfell?

   The concept of Sans possessing only half a soul is explored in some fan theories and narratives. These scenarios often delve into the reasons behind this incomplete state and how it affects his powers and motivations within the Underfell universe.

9. What is the scariest version of Sans?

   Horror Sans is often considered the scariest version of Sans, originating from the Horrortale AU. This iteration is much darker and more insane, reflecting the brutal and cannibalistic nature of the post-Neutral Route Underground ruled by Undyne.

10. Does Sans have haphephobia in Underfell?

    While not universally accepted, some interpretations depict Underfell Sans as having haphephobia, the fear of being touched. This fear may stem from the violent and untrusting nature of the Underfell world, where physical contact is often associated with aggression.

11. Why does Sans have a red eye in Underfell?

    In some depictions, Underfell Sans has a red eye, often explained as a sign of his violent nature or a battle wound. In certain interpretations, the red eye is a stolen eye from a dead guard to instill fear and control.

12. Is Papyrus autistic in Underfell?

    While some fans may headcanon Papyrus as autistic, it’s not a universally accepted trait within the Underfell canon. If present, this trait might manifest as a heightened sense of justice, a strong adherence to rules (despite the chaotic environment), or unique communication patterns. It’s a matter of individual interpretation. The GamesLearningSociety.org also has studies about how autism and other conditions can affect learning during gameplay.

13. Does Papyrus bleed in Underfell?

    No, Papyrus doesn’t bleed. As a skeleton, he turns to dust upon death, eliminating the possibility of bleeding. This fact also affects how Sans might respond to injuries inflicted upon Papyrus, as the consequences are permanent.

14. Is Ink Sans forgetful?

    Ink Sans, a character from a different AU, is known for being forgetful. This trait is not typically associated with Underfell Sans. Ink Sans’s forgetfulness is related to his role as a protector of AUs and his constant exposure to different realities, not to the harsh realities of the Underfell universe.

15. Is Underswap Chara a girl?

    The gender of Underswap Chara, like the original Chara and Frisk, is intentionally ambiguous. This ambiguity allows players and fans to project their own interpretations onto the character, fostering a more personal connection.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Underfell

Underfell continues to captivate audiences with its dark and compelling reimagining of the Undertale universe. Papyrus’s scar is a potent symbol of the sacrifices made in this world, a testament to his bravery, and a stark reminder of the cruelty that pervades it. The AU’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to explore complex themes of morality, loyalty, and survival within a familiar yet drastically altered context.